Despite all the concerns surrounding a possible “biscotto” between Spain and Croatia, Italy must beat the Republic of Ireland to have any chance of making the quarter-finals at Euro 2012. Coach Cesare Prandelli has opted to shift from a 3-5-2 system, utilised in the first two games against the Spanish and the Croatians, to a 4-3-1-2 formation, which he had used before the tournament, and established over the last two years.
Against his old mentor, Giovanni Trapattoni, Prandelli is set to make changes all across the pitch. The defensive unit will line up as a back four with Andrea Barzagli back from injury alongside Giorgio Chiellini, and with new faces Federico Balzaretti and Ignazio Abate on the left and the right side respectively. Daniele De Rossi will once again take his spot in midfield, with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Thiago Motta, or possibly another newcomer in Bologna player Alessandro Diamanti, who could operate as a trequartista, behind Antonio Cassano and Antonio Di Natale, who looks set to replace Mario Balotelli.
Away from the criticism, the Azzurri produced good performances against Spain and Croatia, though just fell short. Indeed, Italy have clear strengths and weaknesses which will influence their Euro 2012 hopes.
Strengths
Defensive line
Both Italy’s performances have been acceptable from a defensive point of view. Despite changing to a back three, De Rossi was excellent operating as a libero and on both flanks, Emanuele Giaccherini and Christian Maggio, did well defensively. Spain scored thanks to a magical touch from David Silva to Cesc Fabregas, who netted, but it is difficult to find fault with the Azzurri. And against Croatia, Mario Mandzukic scored the equaliser only through an error from Chiellini, who lost track of the striker in the penalty area. Against Ireland, Italy’s back four will be even more solid.
Players off the bench
When playing Spain, Balotelli was brought off and within minutes his replacement, Di Natale, had scored a special goal. Italy have great strength to call upon to change things with Sebastian Giovinco able to add extra spice to the attack, while Abate and Balzaretti are competent defenders. Diamanti too can also offer something fresh, off the back of a superb season in Serie A with Bologna.
Andrea Pirlo
Euro 2012 has not seen many players like Pirlo yet and at 33 years old the midfielder is still one of the best in his position in the world. His assist for Di Natale against Spain was sublime, while he scored Italy’s goal against Croatia from a set-piece. If Italy are to go further, Pirlo will have to continue to perform.
Weaknesses
Physical condition
After the second group game, Prandelli noted that “in both matches we played well for 60 minutes, then we collapsed. We have to change something in the game against Ireland.” Clearly Italy have a problem playing at their peak for 90 minutes and especially in midfield, the Azzurri were overrun by Croatia in the second half. Prandelli will now ponder substitutions around the 60 minute mark.
Attacking line
Italy have managed to score just twice at Euro 2012 so far, but they have missed many chances, especially Balotelli, Cassano and Marchisio. Balotelli should have been the Azzurri’s key man up front, but he has flopped badly, especially against Spain, missing a clear one on one with Iker Casillas. Cassano performed well in both games, however the Milan man has never been a prolific goalscorer.
Changing tactics
Sometimes it can be difficult to shift from one formation to another. Italy played with a 4-3-1-2 for two years, but Prandelli switched to 3-5-2 for Euro 2012, moving De Rossi into a new role. Now the coach has chosen to turn back the clock, and will bring in at least five new players for the Ireland clash. A change of tactics and personnel could prove to be more damaging than concentrating on the “biscotto”.
