An interesting start to the group stage saw the Azzurri unexpectedly top Group E with an extremely bipolar three games. With Spain to come in the round of 16, Italy are left to wonder what is next for their fledging side.
Going into the tournament, Antonio Conte’s side were heavily doubted by critics over their credentials. With a seemingly ‘poor’ squad missing the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Marco Verratti to injury, coupled with the omissions of Andrea Pirlo, Sebastian Giovinco and Giacomo Bonaventura among many others, left their chances of providing any form of impact to be immediately minimised. After shockingly defeating Belgium 2-0 on matchday one the tide turned astronomically though, after the stubborn Italian defence was rock-solid. An uneasy win against Sweden sealed their passage to the knockout stage and their place as Group winners, before ultimately losing to Ireland with a largely rotated starting XI. Heading into the round of 16 and a rematch of the Euro 2012 Final, it leaves us to evaluate the rights and wrongs of the beginning to their campaign in France.
Defence still as solid as ever
If one thing has been a success, it has been the defence.
Italy enter the round of 16 with only one goal conceded and it came with a makeshift defence without the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon. The presence of a Juventini backline of Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini – with Buffon as ‘portiere’ – is fundamental to the entire team’s setup. The midfield has been just as impenetrable, with Daniele De Rossi, Marco Parolo and Emanuele Giaccherini tirelessly working to provide a shield for their back three.
The left-hand side, however, is an issue as Matteo Darmian, Alessandro Florenzi and Mattia De Sciglio have all been trialled without taking any of our breaths away. A big question mark heading into the game against Spain will be who does start in this role.
Yet the overall solidity of the Italian back three has been unbelievably impressive and is the key for any form of progress beyond the round of 16.
No player made more defensive actions (13) in the opening round of #EURO2016 fixtures than Giorgio Chiellini. #ITA pic.twitter.com/x07RToNpej
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 15, 2016
Midfield lacking same dynamism
The midfield may be solid defensively, but their attacking play is coming under intense scrutiny.
De Rossi has offered little going forward and has been yet to impress as he has in previous tournaments. Parolo, on the other hand, has looked like a potent threat especially after hitting the crossbar against Sweden. Giaccherini managed to get on the score-sheet against Belgium, but for large periods has been rather anonymous. With their backups, Thiago Motta, Stefano Sturaro and Florenzi also adding little potency, the doubts over the line’s overall quality are beginning to form cracks.
As Spain can boast such world-class players in their midfield trio, it will be interesting to see how Italy are able to repel this.
Attack still too stagnant
The Italian attack, arguably the weakest point of the entire squad, still lacks a pure focal point.
Graziano Pelle and Eder have both scored in this tournament, but have only at best shown glimpses of being truly dangerous. Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile both have been impressive off the bench in their cameo’s, but in their starting debuts failed to set the world alight.
This is gaping hole for Conte to fill, but with Pelle and Eder rested against Ireland, expect them to rejoin the starting XI on Monday night.
Minimal time thus far; but key to progress – Insigne and SES
Two names not yet mentioned are Lorenzo Insigne and Stephan El Sharaawy.
These two are almost the absolute opposite of ‘stagnant’, however, we only have seen the duo play such limited minutes as bit part players off the bench against Ireland. Why is that? There is no logical explanation yet, but what we saw from them was extremely promising nonetheless. Insigne within minutes hit the post after a superb bit of individual brilliance, while El Sharaawy in his ten minutes was able to create a shooting chance and looked ready to cause problems for a largely stubborn Ireland defence.
These two probably will not start against Spain, but if brought on, expect the duo to make quite a profound impact.
Keep the faith in Conte
Antonio Conte has been doubted and he will continue to be for the rest of the tournament.
With a largely defensive setup saw the Azzurri play without much attacking flair in their first three group games. Conte has still managed to get results though and going into the game against Spain he has his side topping Group E with three goals scored and one conceded. The fact is, Conte has this side winning. They will play their same style against Spain as they have all tournament. Once again, frustrating oppositions into submission.
This side does not care about playing ‘flashy’ football. They are here to win and that is what they will do at any cost.
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