Three games left and we will know the winner of EURO 2020. In this article we zoom in on the offensive patterns and habits of the four semi-finalists, who have all demonstrated they have mastered more than one way to create chances. Written by Ahmed Walid. During the group stages, doubts were raised about three […]
Belgium were handed their wake up call after it was too late. Issues in the middle of their 5-2-3 shape were exploited by the Italians, who attacked with fluency and panache, from out wide to inside. The renaissance under Roberto Mancini continued in inevitable style, as the semi-finals now beckon. Tactical analysis and match report […]
Italy’s streak of comfortable outings was put to a grinding halt as they were given their toughest test of EURO 2020. Franco Foda’s Austria side strained the Italians early on with well-structured possessional control. And as Italy eventually grew into proceedings, the stubborn Austrian defense made Italy work extra-time to break through. Even then, Austria […]
What a difference two weeks can make. Coming into EURO 2020 under the tag of dark horses, Italy’s group stage displays have raised the expectations of what this team can achieve to a new level. As the odds stack up against Austria, this preview looks to explore some of the issues this side will have […]
Everyone remembers that Trezeguet goal in the Euro 2000 final, but prior to the left footed finish there was a brilliant solo move from Robert Pires who assisted the winner. Gliding past Demetrio Albertini, before pinning Fabio Cannavaro to the ground with a fake dribble inside then going outside to cross the ball. Written by […]
Italy made it back-to-back impressive showings as they handily dealt with Switzerland. The Italians were not fazed by the Swiss pressure, regularly cutting through. Their numbers in the attacking third were tough to deal with, both centrally and on the flanks, while clinical play, led by a Locatelli brace, ensured they cruised to victory. Tactical […]
A poignant rendition of Nessun Dorma set the scene for EURO 2020, evoking memories of fabled Italian teams past. But back in the here and now, the Azzurri made sure that they did not disappoint. Their 3-2-4-1 shape on the ball, along with a dogged rearguard, ground down the Turks, rolling back the years to […]
Roberto Mancini, tasked with rebuilding the Azzurri after their disastrous World Cup qualification failure, leads his men to challenge for the European crown. In contrast to the usual ways of an Italian side, they will look to harness the midfield and creative attacking talents at their disposal via a measured, possession-based approach. This may need […]
Unable to solve tactical questions posed by Italy on the left flank through Lorenzo Insigne and Leonardo Spinazzola, the Netherlands were the worst team for the full ninety minutes. Italy’s smart setup took the home side by surprise and, subsequently, the Netherlands didn’t manage to turn it around with some tactical manoeuvres. Tactical analysis and […]
Against Bosnia-Herzegovina’s low defensive block, Italy had to find a way to score without losing balance in the defensive transition phase. Italy’s head coach Roberto Mancini gave the keys of the offense to Lorenzo Insigne but saw his team unable to maximize the potential of the rest of the forwards. The tactical adjustments in the […]