Group B: Montenegro 0-3 Italy

Italy Observations

In Possession

• Build-Up:

  • Switched between 4-1-3-2 and 4-3-3, with #10 often pulling out to the RW

  • #15 frequently dropped between the CBs to get on the ball, while #13 and #16 interchanged positions on LW

  • Lots of mobility from #8, #10 and #16, with players rotating and making runs beyond to create space and provide forward options (and disrupt the opposition defensive structure)

  • Predominantly progressed in wide areas using countermovement's and balls over the top to exploit the spaces beyond Montenegro's FBs

  • Typical pattern involved a forward player (including #10 on RW) pulling wide or dropping towards the ball to draw a defender (typically a FB with them), a wide CM or FB making a countermovement beyond and a ball over the top from deep (typically from the wide CM or FB) - see examples of this in practice at 02:40, 03:50, 12:20, 16:50​​​​​

• Chance Creation:

  • Italy build-up approach led to a number of chances being created from wide areas - crosses, cutbacks and carries into the box​

  • Other recurring themes were midfield carries directly at the Montenegro defensive line, attempting to either drive the ball directly through or drawing a defender out and exploiting this space to get behind

  • Consistently looked to attack after regains rather than recycle and retain possession​​​

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Out of Possession

• Predominantly 4-1-3-2 mid-block, dropping into a 4-4-2 low with #10 falling into midfield

• Whether high, mid or low, applied pressure on the ball, displaying individual intensity and aggression in duels to regain possession and immediately counterattack​

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Players​

• #12 (GK) - Christian Lupo

  • Left-footed

  • Minimal GK actions required

  #2 (RB) - Giampaolo Bonifazi

  • Energetic. Provided consistent attacking support in the final 3rd, with repeated runs beyond and deliveries into the box

  • A few instances of losing possession when under pressure. Failed to identify passing options ahead of receiving or create separate to open passing angles

  #6 (RCB) - Andrea Donato

  • 19th min: Composure in possession under pressure, successfully Cruyff turned in own defensive 3rd to evade pressure

  • 23:15: adjusted feet inside the box to provide defensive cover for the LCB and block a shot

  #5 (LCB) - Ludovico Varali

  • 19:59: adjusted his position to provide defensive cover for RCB

  • 62:10: anticipation and pace to provide defensive cover behind when defensive line high

• #13 (LB) - Lorenzo Dattilo

  • Provided consistent attacking support on LW, combining with #16 + #21 with overlaps and underlaps

  • 16:50: recognised opportunity to overlap and combine but poor-quality cut-back

  • 17:40: better-quality cut-back following LW attacking combination

  • 29:25: demonstrated ability to use weaker foot, clipping a pass over the defensive line with right foot

  • 1st Half: twice showed good defensive body shape when closing down and blocking forward passing options

  • 48:05: made a well-timed run beyond the defensive line before finding a teammate inside the bo

  • Strong attacking connection with #21 on LW, coordinated movement and positional interchanges

  • Moved to RB following the 56th min substitutions

• #15 (DM) - Gianluca Okon

  • Calm and composed in possession, frequently dropping between the CBs during build-up

  • Comfortable using both feet when receiving and circulating possession

  • Positioning provided support to the backline and allowed the other midfielders greater freedom to rotate and advance

• #8 (RCM) - Edoardo Biondini (C)

  • Box-to-box profile

  • Provided attacking support with channel runs beyond

  • Willing to carry the ball forward

  • Attempt shots from distance (mixed success and decision-making)

• #16 (LCM) - Francesco Ballarin

  • Provided attacking support with channel runs beyond

  • Constantly roamed e.g. started wide left before moving inside. His movement created difficulties for Montenegro's midfield and defence as unsure who should track, therefore created space for himself and teammates in possession

  • Interchanged positions with #13, moving into the LB slot to allow the LB to advance

  • Moved to RCM following the 56th min substitutions

• #10 (AM) - Thomas Corigliano

  • Demonstrated good awareness when receiving between the lines, with the ability to turn and carry the ball forward (see 51:35)

  • Comfortable moving into wide areas, particularly on RW, to support Italy's wide progression

  • Willing to make runs beyond the defensive line

  • Competes for second balls

  • A willing ball carrier, using close control and dribbling to progress rather than relying on pace or power

  • Shared set-piece responsibility with #21

• #9 (FOR) - Diego Perillo

  • Provided a consistent threat with runs beyond the defensive line

  • 06:08: produced a first-time swivel shot inside the box but lifted the effort over the goal

  • Willing to compete physically with the Montenegro CBs

  • At times dropped short to receive to feet, although the quality of his lay-offs was mixed

• #21 (FOR) - Federico Croci

  • Right-footed

  • Frequently moved towards the LW to receive in space and connect with #13 (overlaps and underlaps)

  • Varied movement: came towards the ball and ran beyond the defensive line, making it difficult for opponents to anticipate defensively

  • Showcased technical quality (receiving and small space dribbling) and creativity (backheels, feints, disguise)

  • 10:10: recognised pressure arriving and used a no-touch turn to evade before winning a freekick

  • 48:10: created separation with quick feet inside the box but chose to shoot when a pass was a better option (willingness to take responsibility close to goal)

  • 65:00: anticipated pressure when receiving on the half-turn, protected the ball and won a freekick

  • Shared set-piece responsibility with #10

• Substitutions:

  • #3: On for #2 at 56 mins. Played LB. Left-footed

  • #7: On for #10 at 56 mins. Played AM. Positive first attacking involvement: Received LW, cut inside on stronger right-foot and shot. Small in size & stature. Busy in final 3rd

  • #17: On for #8 at 56 mins. Played LCM. Right-footed. A few mis-controls and ball losses

  • #11: On for #9 at 71 mins. Left-footed. 75th min: weak shot when a pass was the better option. 77:45: showed better decision-making to pass inside the box. Scored Italy's 3-0 goal

  • #20: On for #15 at 81 mins. Assist for 2-0