Italy went through with a 1-1 draw against Croatia in the 98th minute with a goal from Zaccagni. There was so much curiosity to see Mateo Retegui owner on the international field in a crucial match for going through to the next round. A probative test to measure the level of the tip of the Genoa after a good but not exciting championship (7 goals, one from the penalty spot), with the mitigating factors of settling in and the injury.
The overall negative performance of the Azzurri did not help the work of the attackers. Italy with the 3-5-2 designed by Spalletti started timidly against Croatia’s dribble, albeit in “moviola” format. Even after Modric’s 1-0, who redeemed the penalty that was saved by Donnarumma in record time, Italy played in a confused way. More liveliness after the entrances of Chiesa, Fagioli and Zaccagni.
In a “swampy” match with a national team that is not very fluid and blocked by technical but above all mental limitations with the specters of elimination, even Retegui didn’t shine despite demonstrating in the first half that they know how to position themselves well in the area.
The good things in the box are both in the first half and close to each other. In the 21st minute Retegui hits a good header above Gvardiol, who still manages to deflect it for a corner. Two minutes later, he receives well in the area and shoots, but is blocked by a Croatia defender. After that, many counters and many runs to press. It weighs not having pushed in the beautiful ball put in by Chiesa from the right, which neither he nor Scamacca managed to push in.
A test overall sufficient for self-sacrifice and sacrifice rather than quality, taking into account the team’s difficulties. An assessment confirmed by the national and international media.
As far as print media is concerned, La Gazzetta dello Sport he judged with the 6 Retegui’s performance (“receives three balls and hits three times”). Sky Sports is of the same opinion, 6 combined with the adjective “useful”. Slightly below sufficiency Eurosportwhich judges the performance with a 5.5. Here the spirit is always praised but the player’s technical limitations are highlighted. Broadening our gaze, on the website of BBC users can evaluate players’ performances for a certain time limit. Retegui was rated with an average of 5.64.
