A tense Serie A night at the Dall’Ara saw Bologna’s assertive positional play and midfield control collide with Juventus’ patient, risk-managed approach under Luciano Spalletti. Bologna dictated rhythm for long spells, Juventus’ compact mid-block, selective pressing and sharper occupation of decisive zones gradually tilted the balance. The 1–0 victory reflected not so much sustained superiority, […]
Upon his return to the Maradona, Luciano Spalletti entered with a Napoli tattoo on his forearm whilst sitting in the Juventus dugout. Though returning to the place where he produced his best work, Juve drew no offensive inspiration as Napoli appeared to have moved on. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided […]
Three defeats in six away games, the Champions needed a result away to a fellow challenger to send a message. It was not pretty in Rome, but that is the fashion that Antonio Conte does not mind abiding by, as long as he is the victor. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We […]
Derby Della Madonnina means enough to AC Milan and Inter Milan without any added stakes, but the implications of this showdown in the title race raised the meaning of the match even higher. The stats signaled that the eventual winners were a little lucky to walk away with all three points, but their rivals remain […]
The pressure is on for Antonio Conte and newly-appointed Rafaelle Palladino, to repair their fractured frameworks. Three goals before half-time gave Napoli a new lease of life in their 3-4-3 system, but will this change sustain results? Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Traditionally, international breaks are used for clubs to wind down […]
After a decade in Bergamo, Gasperini joined Roma at an interesting point in his career. Two decades of coaching, still relevant. Over nine hundred Serie A points, still wanting more. They have started in excellent form, but will his tactical framework provide the Scudetto that both club and coach have longed for? Written by Joel Parker. […]
After a fast start from Como, Napoli got back into the match as a more even game state grew. Despite both teams finding advantages against one another, creativity fell far short of ever breaking the deadlock after an early penalty save. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. When coaches face their former players […]
A sixth 1-1 draw has been recorded by Atalanta Bergamo this season. In this game, they controlled the proceedings after an early AC Milan lead, but a more balanced game state was found in the second half after an unplanned Allegri change. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. Much like the workers of […]
Acknowledgement is the first step in recovery. Another defeat could have ramped up the pressure on Antonio Conte, but a win over Internazionale has got Napoli back in pole position: amidst David Neres starting upfront, and the rewards reaped by Scott McTominay and Frank Anguissa. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We […]
Gian Piero Gasperini may have helped revitalise Italian football over the course of a decade, but the result against one of his former employers remains the same. AS Roma may have controlled the ball, but Internazionale exploited their opponent through some tried-and-tested methods. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make […]