What we have learned from Antonio Conte’s Italy In his first matches in charge, Antonio Conte led Italy to consecutive 2-0 wins against the Netherlands and Norway, respectively. The Azzurri take on Azerbaijan and Malta in their next two Euro 2016 qualifiers.Conte’s 3-5-2 represents an entirely different system to that of predecessor Cesare Prandelli. Prandelli focused on possession, with his squad branding the nickname ‘Tikitalia’. Conte demands results and seems to have already made a mark on his current squad.Here is what we have noticed about Conte’s Italy so far:Not much creativity? No problem, results matterIn the previous two matches, Italy did not have too many clear-cut opportunities to score. There was not much link up play neither between forwards Simone Zaza and Ciro Immobile nor between the midfield and strike duo.Fans expecting the role of a fantasista and beautiful play from this new Italy side will be disappointed. Conte cares about getting results more than anything.Conte takes this side one step further. His responsibility is qualifying for the next two tournaments and making good showings. Unlike his predecessor, he is not deeply concerned with the neutral’s outlook of Italy’s play, a code of ethics or training in Camorra owned fields.Prandelli would have applauded a draw in Italy’s away opener against Norway and framed it as a “great accomplishment”. Prandelli famously drew away to both Armenia and Denmark before World Cup seeds were finalised. A single win out of the two would have prompted a seed for the Azzurri. Instead they failed and missed out on one for the first time since 1978.The important takeaway is that the side made the most of their hard work to secure victories to boost confidence after a disappointing World Cup.DefenceIt’s been noted that Italy’s defence in recent years has appeared shaky and does not weigh up to the legendary sides of the past. The introduction of three at the back has prompted a change for the Azzurri. Prandelli rarely used the system, although the majority of his selections being Juventus players, were well acquainted with it.The previous two matches however saw the defence play well as a unit. There were no noticeable errors made, as was the case in some fixtures under Prandelli. Albeit judging from a friendly match and playing against Norway, the back three looked competent and strong.Not only does Leonardo Bonucci command from the centre of the defence, but he also aids in Italy’s buildup with long balls to the wings. Bonucci was his side’s highest passer against the Netherlands, completing 95 passes and boasting 92% accuracy.Player selectionsConte is a firm believer in calling players based on form, rather than down to the name on the back of their jerseys. He stated, “The pitch will decide, I will select players based on merit.” And he has done just that, his point explicitly illustrated in the selections of Graziano Pellè and Daniele Rugani.Pellè has started off his adventure with Southampton brilliantly, with four goals to his name in seven matches. Rugani has impressed in his first season in Serie A with Empoli. Mario Balotelli on the other hand, did not make the cut this time around.Speaking in a recent interview, Conte stated:It’s always good to have new players coming through. Pellè deserves this call up, he is a protagonist in his league and we want to see him from close range too. He will have to prove that he can be part of this squad. Rugani has developed very well, I have already coached him when I was at Juventus. His call up is also a message to the other U21 players too.Rugani, however, was just called up to Italy’s U21 side to cover for the injured Alessio Romagnoli.Regarding Balotelli, Conte stated:We are monitoring him. . . I only call players up, I don’t exclude them.Conte knows there will be a spot for Balotelli as well as other Azzurri hopefuls if their form impresses the ex-Juventus boss.Final thoughtsItaly go into both fixtures looking to comfortably garner full points. Conte has changed Italy’s mentality and the players will work hard to impress their boss for another starting place against Malta.Italy (probable): Buffon; Ranocchia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Candreva (or Darmian), Marchisio, Pirlo, Florenzi, Pasqual; Immobile, Zaza
Posted on: Fri, 10 Oct 2014 10:21:08 +0000
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