In recent years, several teams have considered deploying a back four composed entirely of centre-backs to bolster physicality on set-pieces and enhance stability during defensive transitions. However, none have dared to utilize four full-backs—a strategy that proved disastrous for Lazio in their recent match against Inter. When Lazio was compelled to adopt this unconventional defensive […]
In the long history of Italian football, no coach has won the Scudetto with three different clubs. On the grounds where Napoli won their last, they struggled to show elements that could take them towards the elite level: yet they keep on winning. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. When Victor Osimhen’s side-footed […]
Lazio look to be one of the surprises of the season. Their schedule has been kind, but in the cooker of a cauldron atmosphere, their players did not melt under pressure. And as one of the main contenders continue to display deficiencies, the title race remains full of twists and turns. Tactical analysis and match […]
Long has Atalanta been building, but could this finally be the year Bergamo finds its bliss? AC Milan found routes through, but Gasperini’s tweak solidified his man-marking scheme once more. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Two Champions League outfits have had big results so far this season, but Atalanta and Milan went […]
Atalanta Bergamo, enjoying their best-ever start to a Serie A campaign, struggled to get out of first gear in Rome, but in the end, they did not need to. Eventually, they found the right dynamics, whereas Roma continued to melt. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. In May, it was a game between […]
In Italy, the 0-0 draw has long been heralded as a symbol of defensive prowess, reminiscent of the valiant resistances demonstrated by Italian soldiers in the past. Yet, this match offers a different narrative. Rather than a testament to the defensive mettle traditionally celebrated, the goalless draw reflects a struggle in offensive creativity. The game […]
Once in Roman colors, Romelu Lukaku scored against his former team to puncture Claudio Ranieri’s return to managing in the capital. One of these teams had established much more control than the other, but this was a game more about the deficiencies in their systems than the advantages that either coach could bring to the […]
In the same way that oil is part of the oil business, stupidity is part of the football business. This Simon Kuper statement perfectly encapsulates Roma’s management under their current owners over the past year. This notion reached its zenith in their recent match against Bologna, where a disheartening defeat cast ominous shadows over Roma’s […]
The game was sold as a six-pointer, but Internazionale and Napoli were incapable of finding their fluency. Although the peaks of Inter are well known, where this Napoli team stands under Antonio Conte remains a mystery. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Three weeks after ending an eleven-year wait for Scudetto victory, Antonio […]
Eight wins had Neapolitans on cloud nine, but Atalanta Bergamo soon brought their opponent back to reality. Allowing them to work into their problems, they benefitted from Napoli’s poor dynamics in the attack whilst being able to move the game in any direction they pleased. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. After Atalanta’s […]