The Rise of the AZZURII

14th November 2017 one of the darkest day in Italian football, Italy fail to qualify for World cup 2018, their first miss in 60 years. 4 years later they will be playing Euro 2021 final and are favorites to lift the trophy. 

This all started after their defeat against Sweden. Italian Federation sacked then coach Gian Piero Ventura who had lost the dressing room and no progress was seen. Italy won their last major title in 2006 the world cup. After then it has been a very difficult road. They lost euros 2008 to Spain in the quarters. Exited the 2010 world cup in group stage itself and they got completely demolished by Spain 2012-euro final and failed to make it out of the group again in 2014 World cup. 

 In all these years the Azzurii had lost their identity. The nation which produced the likes of Paulo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Fabio Cannavaro, Bonnuci, Chiellini and many more top defenders didn’t know how to defend. When one watches Italy’s game, they expect a defensive masterclass followed by quick counter attacks. Italy somehow lost this completely. The defense was shacky, midfield felt non-existent and well there was no attack to start with. To top it all off Italy kept on hiring managers which clearly didn’t suit their style nor did help them get results. Then the miracle happened Robert Mancini was appointed in 2018 and he promised to bring back the glory days. Italy needed a manager who understood the importance of combining youth and experience all while maintaining the philosophy of the team. As much as Italy needed Mancini, Mancini needed a big team too. His last successful spell as manager was at Manchester City in 2013. 

 Italy came to the Euros with a 26-game unbeaten dating back to September 2018(!). But still people believed they would crack under pressure and will have a quick exit in Euros. They defied the odds. Defeated Belgium who were one of the favorites, a solid and young Spanish team and now sit in the final with a 32-game unbeaten streak. There is a serenity in this Italy team which was lacking before, with Mancini knowing not only how to make better decisions but to also how to manage big stars which previous managers failed to do. 

 He started using Insigne and Verratti and made them vital part of the team. One key thing about the team is the use of youth which has proven to be vital. Youngsters such as Spinazzola, Locatelli Barella and many more being the key part. On paper Italy play with a 4-3-3 but offensively it is rather an 3-4-3 with Spinazzola acting as offensive wing back on the left-hand side. Florenzi on the other side drops as a third center back with the center back partnership of Chiellini and Bonnuci who both have combined age of 70. In the attack on right side Barella and Berardi often take the charge with both keep on switching the runs behind the back line often leading to a 2v1 against the opposition left back. With such full back runs Insigne gets plenty of space and time on the ball which can be very deadly for the opposition. Talking about the midfield on paper looks a flat 3-man midfield but in game Locatelli and Jorginho act as double pivot which gives Barella the space to roam free and position himself in the danger area and he has been absolutely sensational. When playing with attacking full backs there is always risk of getting countered but till now Italy have managed it extremely well. In defense they appear as 2-5-3 with Insigne and Immobile pressing the opposition to backline and with 5 men in midfield there is little to no space which forces the opposition to go long which has been marked by the 3 center backs. Mancini has done an extremely well job and has a perfect system in which he gets maximum out of his players. In international football the managers need to have a simple system as they much less time. If you complicate the system or try to implement a new it might fail. But Mancini designed it elegantly. Each player plays almost the same role they play for their respective clubs which makes it very much easier. For example, Jorginho plays as a Pivot for both Chelsea and Italy and he too is having a fantastic season. Barella plays as free flowing attacking Center mid for Inter too. 

 Mancini’s men play with class and energy as high as Italians sing national anthem. They won the Euros defeating England and it was thoroughly deserved. FOOTBALL’S COMING ROME’21