A few days after the good performance against Sylvinho’s Albania, Italy has stumbled upon the worst evening of Spalletti’s management. Completely harnessed by Spain of De La Fuente, the blue team suffered from every point of view, paying a high price the difference in pace and quality with the Red Furies. Useful material for the continuation of Euro 2024with the very important challenge with the Croatia on the horizon. Here you are what could change on the last day of the group stage.
Upper Spain, Italy not received
From the timid approach, accentuated by Pedri’s very dangerous opening header, to an embarrassing technical difference in the choices and cleanliness of the passes. In the middle, the choices and readings of coach Luciano Spalletti, which were not particularly convincing. To put it mildly. Jorginho’s substitution was understandable, as he was attacked and canceled out by the Spanish midfield in the first 45 minutes, but Cristante was unable to bring balance and physicality to a line that struggled throughout the match, without ever stemming the verve of the Red Furies .
The entry of Cambiaso, preferred to Frattesi in the second half, did not help Di Lorenzo in the merciless confrontation with Nico Williams, who passed the Napoli captain with disarming ease, constantly creating numerical superiority over Spain’s left-footed outfielder. From there, in fact, was born the action that led to Calafiori’s own goal. Petrified legs, dried up ideas. A bad evening, in which there is only the result to save, with minimal waste, and the extraordinary performance of Gigio Donnarummawho currently plays the role of the best goalkeeper in the European Championship.
Everyone against Spalletti on social media: and there are those who joke about Allegri
“Too much Spain, not enough Italy. They had a different leg”word of Spalletti. In a few words the night ofItaly, annihilated by a Spain that appeared superior in every fundamental way, at least in the second match of the Euro 2024 group stage. The Azzurri, however, want to move forward and continue to cultivate a dream that can also pass through days like this. Certainly, we will need to change gear and register quickly.
For some, time would already be overat least according to what we read on social media. “In the end, when we have to face significantly stronger teams, Spalletti puts Chiesa at full-back and Coach in defence – thunders a fan on X -. The difference is that you have to know how to do it: knowing how to defend is not a trivial thing. He thinks football isn’t simple when it actually is.”, he reiterates, recalling a phrase of cheerful memory. And speaking of Massimiliano Allegrirecently released by Juventus, there are those who even propose a sensational change in progress, between irony and reality: “but I say, bet on a Super Max Allegri? At least he wins, even if he plays like shit, but he wins”writes a user.
Spalletti, but not only that. The match did not go unnoticed Giovanni Di Lorenzotaken for a walk by Nico Williams for almost 90 minutes: “Di Lorenzo was worse on the pitch in Spain-Italy, shameful – underlines a Neapolitan fan –. It was a mistake to put him on the field after a miserable season. Footballer without dignity allows himself to ask for transfer as captain after a scandalous year”with clear reference to the market rumors that he would like to join the former Giuntoli’s Juventus.
However, there is no shortage of those who try to throw water on the fire, while still taking action the starting module: “I don’t think there is all the difference seen yesterday between Italy and Spain, even if it is clear that they are stronger. In my opinion, Spalletti is making a mistake similar to that of Pioli with Milan: adapting the players to his ideas and not adapting himself to what he has available – specifies an Italian fan on X –. I remain convinced that the dress of 3-5-2although not dear to the coach, is the best for this national team and that is the path that should be taken”.
How Italy will change against Croatia
One thing is certain: against Dalic’s Croatia it will be a completely different match. After having damnably suffered the possession and the plots of the Red Furies, the great setters of the national chess team will necessarily be attacked. With rationality, of course, but above all with hunger and resourcefulness. This is why they cannot be excluded important changes within Spalletti’s initial chessboard, burned by what happened in Gelsenkirchen.
In order not to undermine the Azzurri’s certainties, the coach might not change the game system, starting from 4-2-3-1 seen in the first two appearances of this European Championship: Frattesi, who was also spared a half against Spain, seems to have the right characteristics to annoy the Croatian midfielder and float between the lines, annoying Modric and his teammates. Fagioli could play together with Barella in place of Jorginho. Pellegrini’s job is at riskwith Zaccagni (or Raspadori) champing at the bit for a starting jersey on the left-handed lane, with Chiesa on the opposite side. Scamacca-Retegui ballot now open. In defense, on the right, Di Lorenzo could catch his breath after the horror evening. Watch out for Darmian.
Here she is probable formation of Italy against Croatia:
ITALY (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Darmian, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Stretcher, Beans; Chiesa, Frattesi, Zaccagni; Scamacca. CT: Spalletti.
