Italy, from Lippi’s magical nights to the European title to defend: the Berlin mission begins

ISERLOHN — The final reminiscence of the Nationwide group in a serious match in Germania it is sweeter than the air of Westphalia in mid-June, pungent inside and outside of metaphor. Berlin 2006 cancelled Stuttgart 1974. Nonetheless Buffonwho performed 18 years in the past and is now the putative father of the present heirs, says that it’s higher to maintain sure nights in your reminiscence, in order to not endure the backlash.

Debut with Albania tonight

Al debut on this European Championshiptonight with Albania, the Azzurri arrive as reigning champions, but in addition after the defeat of a World seen by spectators. Shoulder padscoach for 10 video games, has the age of a veteran and the passion of a neophyte: “We’re the protagonists of the dream of each Italian baby who went out after college with a ball underneath his arm and who got here residence within the night with grazed knees. For our fellow countrymen we’re heroes, we’re giants. And heroes aren’t afraid of a soccer match, particularly with sixty million followers, who I ask to play with us”. The Italian observe and area group weren’t afraid: the comparability, prompted by Radiorai, doesn’t displease the coach: “I watched as many video games as I may and I used to be struck by the need to instantly search for a tricolour flag to placed on my shoulders, after the outcome”.

It is too early to lift the flag in your shoulders. Since Italy, 4 instances world champion and a pair of instances European champion, started to stumble on the World Cup (2010 and 2014 out within the group stage) and even on the brink (2018 and 2022 not even certified), the European Championship is the match of redemption: it virtually received the title Prandelli in 2012, he went out on penalties within the quarter-finals Conte in 2016, took the cup to Wembley three years in the past Manciniearlier than the 2022 fall in Palermo with Macedonia.

Dortmund, the stadium of Lippi’s triumph within the semi-final

Within the stage of apotheosis of Lippithe World Cup semi-final received with the Germans, the Italians of Germany will nonetheless be a minority. The legendary Yellow Wall of Borussia ought to be tinged with crimson. There are a lot of Albanian immigrants, together with Kosovars, in Dortmund and the remainder will arrive from Albania, Italy, Europe and even America: they are going to already transfer joyfully from Möllerbrücke, the bridge over the railway. However the impediment, for the Nationwide group, is just not a lot environmental as technical. Albania of Sylvinho which has 10 Serie A gamers in its squad – and may depend on two bold assistants such because the Argentine unfold Messi and the Brazilian’s underwear Doriva Spalletti’s footballer at Sampdoria – should be crushed, firstly of a slippery group: the primary two qualify, putting among the many 4 finest third-placed groups is the lifeboat.

Gianni De Biasi, the interview: “Albania modified my life, however in Dortmund I assist Italy”

by Marco Azzi

June 14, 2024

How Spalletti’s Nationwide Staff Will Play

Spalletti rejects minimalism. Since September he has formed a nationwide group that assaults primarily and is aware of the best way to oscillate with ease between three and four-man defensive strains. Which on this case is the possible place to begin for the offensive section with the 3-2-5, revised and corrected in comparison with the Mancini period. However inside the script, the actors depend. The combination is ​​between expertise (the European champions Donnarumma captain, Barella recovered, Chiesa, Jorginho, Di Lorenzo and Bastoni, plus Pellegrini absent in 2021 attributable to harm), thirst for affirmation (Dimarco, Frattesi, Scamacca) and an important alternative (Calafiori).

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The Bologna defender, at 22 years outdated, may observe within the footsteps of two different skills launched on the final minute, Cabrini to Argentina ’78 and Schillaci to Italy ’90: «He and Buongiorno have expertise». The query can be tactical: Calafioricome Sticks promoted to defensive director, he has the toes of a midfielder for the fast switch of the ball in the direction of the opponent’s half of the sector, occupied by too many gamers. Scamacca might be lurking with the constraint of operating as a lot as potential and by no means thoughts if every so often he might be empty: “Attacking the aim 20 instances, you’ll be able to obtain 10 balls”. And you’ll debut properly on the European Championship.