Semi-Final: Italy 1-1 Spain

Italy Observations

 

In Possession

• Look to play vertical and direct to the forward line in their 4-1-3-2. Midfield get up to support and compete for 2nd Balls. FBs join attack in opposition half.
• Consistent forward runs in behind the Spain defensive line
• Wide CMs often pulled out into FB slots in spells of settled possession, allowing the FBs to advance to provide wide. Additionally, as #8 played as LCM, when he received on left, he often looked / was able to switch / play diagonally over the top of the Spain backline using his stronger right-foot
• In settled possession, shape often resembled a 2-3-5
• From GKs, Italy continued to attempt their previous build-up pattern of passing out wide to a FB, mainly the RB, then trying to progress in wide areas. But this was often easy for Spain to anticipate and defend
• Attack quickly whenever opportunity e.g. after regains and when space ahead to carry​​

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Out of Possession

• Started 4-3-1-2 high and 4-3-3 low (forward line flattens and wide CMs drop alongside the DM), but switched into a 4-4-2​​

• In high pressure phases:

  • CFs take CBs, AM on DM, wide CMs split between covering FBs and advanced midfielders, DM shifts laterally in central areas, leaving FBs with wingers and CBs 2v1 against Spain CF

  • Wide CMs asked a lot physically in this system, as multiple roles: 1) Protect central areas adn access to Spain advanced CMs initially, 2) Jump out to FBs when in possession, 3) Tuck inside when far-side

  • When the wide CMs jump out to FBs or protect inside, the CBs need to jump to pick up pocket players

• In mid-block phases, Italy players require a lot of communication and concentration, as constantly passing players on in midfield and in defence

• From circa 20 mins onwards, OOP system shifted to more 4-4-2 and M2M when high - 10 (AM) covered Spain LB which left the Spain DM to Italy 15. This meant their CBs were forced to step out and cover pocket players more

• 39:27: 4-4-2 mid-high block in action. Forcing a turnover which led to Italy's penalty

• Low block very effective, with lots of players behind the ball but still applying pressure. Then lots of blocks and work-rate to protect the box

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Players

• #12 (GK) - Christian Lupo

  • No significant notes

  • 28th min: Saved penalty

  • Shootout: Saved two penalties

• #2 (RB) - Giampaolo Bonifazi

  • No significant notes

  • Conceded penalty in 28th min after being beat 1v1 by Spain LW

• #6 (RCB) - Andrea Donato

  • No significant notes

  • 2nd Half: Multiple blocks inside box

• #5 (LCB) - Ludovico Varali

  • No significant notes

  • Opening stages of 1st Half, appeared tentative to jump out and pick up Spain #10 in right half-space, allowing him space to receive

  • Failed to show ability to play short or through pressure, typically forced / went long when pressed

  • 40-45 mins: Won two 1v1 defensive duels with well-timed slide tackles

  • 2nd Half: Multiple blocks inside box

• #3 LB) - Matteo Albini

  • No significant notes

  • 14:14: Underlap and quality cross into box to create a goal scoring opportunity

  • Subbed at HT

• #15 (DM) - Gianluca Okon

  • No significant notes but some impressive individual moments

  • 15:50: Showcased composure, quick feet and body feints under pressure to retain possession when 1v2 and win a freekick

  • 61:30: Received centrally in the middle 3rd, with limited nearby support so carried through opposition pressure (1v3 scenario). Twisting and turning to escape and retain possession, before releasing a forward pass

• #17 (RCM) - Francesco Gasparello

  • No significant notes

  • Right-footed

  • Worked hard for the team OOP. Given specific and demanding OOP role

  • 45-50 mins: Showcased ability to play one-touch passes to retain and progress possession

• #8 (LCM) - Edoardo Biondini (C)

  • Worked hard for the team OOP. Given specific and demanding OOP role

  • 2nd Half: Retained possession and made multiple regains

  • Wins a lot of freekicks from fouls. Often riding pressure when carrying through midfield or on wing

  • Moved to RCM after 65 min sub

• #10 (AM) - Thomas Corigliano

  • Left-footed

  • After 20 mins, moved to RW OOP

  • The above point meant he began receiving the ball wide more upon regains. His dribble from RW led to award of penalty on 39th min

  • Willing to play in tight spaces. Ball manipulation to create himself space to pass or cross, and/or beat opponent

  • Showcased creativity when wider right. Playing backheels and shifting the ball in tight spaces and between opponents

  • 61:46: Created himself separation in right half-space before delivering a dangerous inswinging cross into the box

• #9 (FOR) - Diego Perillo

  • No significant notes

  • Continuously made runs in behind Spain's backline

• #21 (FOR) - Federico Croci

  • Drifted into channels to receive the ball, both to feet and in behind

  • Took set-pieces. Technical ability indicator?

  • Consistently performed OOP responsibilities, getting back to support FB in low block

  • 41st min: Scored penalty to make it 1-0

  • 46th min: Dangerous cross into box from RW after drifting over

• Substitutions:

  • #13: On for #3 at HT. Played LB. 45-55 mins: Won multiple 1v1 defensive duels vs Spain RW (#11)

  • #20: On for #17 at 58 mins. Played LCM

  • #19: On for #21 at 58 mins. Showed turn of pace during 72nd min counterattack. Intelligent use of body to get in opponents running line before rushing shot

  • #7: On for #9 at 73 mins. No notes

  • #16: On for #15 at 89 mins. No notes