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 […]

Germany dominated the first half of this game with their aggressive pressing and their ability to exploit the space between Italy’s defense and midfield, earning them a three-goal lead at half-time. A tighter Italian press in the second half saw them come back into the game, but the deficit was insurmountable in the end. Tactical […]

Italy enjoyed a good start with Sandro Tonali’s early goal, and defended diligently in their 5-3-2 shape in the first half. Julian Nagelsmann’s half-time changes made an impact though, and Germany eventually prevailed, aided by an energetic pressing game to limit Italy’s attacking threat. Tactical analysis and match report by Josh Manley. We decided to make […]

Cambiaso and Retegui put the last touches in the net after Italy drew an artistic tableau from the back to the front line. Lorenzo Pelligrini red card was a stab, as it killed his national team momentum, leading to a draw. A stalemate with no one was able to attain chechmate.   Tactical analysis and […]

Luciano Spalletti needed to show direction after a terrible summer. Didier Deschamps brought the guillotine, but Italy’s rebirth into the game could lay the foundation for what they can become. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make this article free to read. If you want to support our work, consider taking […]

Holes can be traditionally found in Swiss cheese, but it was the Italian midfield that adopted such vacant spaces. On either side of Nicolò Fagioli, a versatile attack was able to drop in, connect and build attacks that saw the holders dumped out of the Euros.   Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. […]

The Italians advance to the knockouts, but not in style. Italy crushed an unproductive Croatia in the last seconds, but behind the elation, the cracks are staring back.   Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make all of our EURO 2024 articles free to read. If you want to support […]

Continental royalty wrestled on the grand stage, but only one outfit looked to be in contention for the crown. The fiery and fury of La Roja rallied the charge as Spain sauntered into the knockout stages with a dominant display that acted as a stern signal to the rest of their rivals. Tactical analysis and […]

Being the holders of the competition is not an easy ride, especially when you concede so early in your first game. But after Italy found their feet, the Spallettisms soon followed which Albania had no response to. Tactical analysis and match report by Joel Parker. We decided to make all of our EURO 2024 articles […]