Northern Ireland v Italy (15/11/2021)

SCOUTING REPORT Andy Greeves takes a closer look at European champions Italy ahead of this evening’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifier. LOWDOWN Italy have enjoyed a memorable 2021 so far. In the summer they triumphed in the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 to become European champions for the second time in their history. The Azzurri (Blues) also continued their world record 37-game unbeaten run during the year. It finally came to an end when Roberto Mancini’s team lost 2-1 to Spain in the UEFA Nations League semi-final in Milan last month. And going in to this international window they were assured of a play-off at the very least for a place at the World Cup finals in Qatar next year. They are battling it out with Switzerland to see who finishes in top spot in European Qualifying Italy’s team selection and formation was almost as consistent as their form throughout UEFA Euro 2020. The Azzurri regularly lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, which observers will have noted converted into more of a 3-2-4-1 shape during the game. This was because the left-sided full back – be it Leonardo Spinazzola or Emerson Palmieri – typically played as a left-sided winger/wing back supporting Italy’s attacks. The right back, who was Giovanni Di Lorenzo for the majority of the tournament , remained deeper and formed a back three when the left back advanced. Group C. TACTICS

Jorginho, who played in every UEFA Euro 2020 match, took up a deep-lying position in midfield and was often accompanied in that area by a fellow midfielder such as Marco Verratti. This enabled the ‘third’ midfielder, often Nicolo Barella, to play in what effectively became a four-man attacking line behind an out-and- Since the appointment of Roberto Mancini as head coach (in 2018) Italy have developed into one of the best possession-based sides in world football . With a technically gifted squad full of players who are comfortable both with the ball at their feet and in picking a pass, only Spain (72.8%) , Germany (62.2%) and the Netherlands (54.8%) boasted more possession than Italy (54.6%) at UEFA Euro 2020. 42% of Italy’s attacks were built down their left side during UEFA Euro 2020 compared with 27% of attacks down the middle and 32% down the right . While opponents would have been prepared for the majority of attacks to come down Italy’s left, stopping forward moves in that area of the field was easier said than done. The fluidity of the Azzurri’s tactical system gave Italy’s midfielders time to drop deep and collect the ball while other players, including the left back, positioned themselves in more advanced positions and were able to create an overload on their opponents’ right flank. Four Italians were named in the UEFA Euro 2020 team of the tournament . Gianluigi Donnarumma got the nod between the sticks and it is hard to find a goalkeeper in better form in world football right now than the Azzurri number one. Leonardo Bonucci was a fine pick at centre half, given his defensive excellence coupled with his ability on the ball . Spinazzola still took his place in the team despite his injury in the quarter-final which ended his tournament prematurely. And Federico Chiesa was also included. Chiesa scored twice during the tournament and his ability to run at opponents and drift into pockets of space caught the eye just as much as his goalscoring. out striker. STRENGTHS

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