Of the 30 games at Euro 2012 so far, the 1-1 draw between these two countries in the first game of Group C was probably the most fascinating in a tactical sense. A back three battled against a false nine – not a formation match-up you see very regularly.
Unfortunately, we’re unlikely to see such...
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Jogi Low tried to change his shape to compete in the centre of midfield, but Italy produced an excellent performance to qualify for the final.
Cesare Prandelli kept his diamond system. Giorgio Chiellini returned at left-back, but Ignazio Abate was unfit, so Federico Balzaretti moved over to an unfamiliar right-back role.
Jogi Low had decisions to...
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Euro 2012 has been a fine tournament, but we’re still waiting for a truly classic match. Could this be it?
There is a good chance. In each of the quarter-finals there was one side looking only to defend, and last night’s semi-final was contested between two cautious sides. But both Germany and Italy want to...
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Italy somehow failed to score despite dominating for 120 minutes, but won the resulting penalty shoot-out.
Cesare Prandelli brought in Riccardo Montolivo to play at the top of the diamond, because of concerns over Thiago Motta’s fitness.
Roy Hodgson made no changes from the XI that narrowly defeated Ukraine in the group stage.
Italy were the better...
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After three one-sided quarter-finals, this should be a much tighter, tenser tactical battle.
Roy Hodgson will name a standard 4-4-2 / 4-4-1-1 formation, and although there’s a chance that a more direct winger could start on the flanks, it’s probable that he’ll stick with the starting XI that overcame Ukraine in the final group game.
Cesare...
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