As Italy prepares to face Switzerland in the last 16 of the European Championships, many spectators may find themselves perplexed by the current state of the Italian national team. Defending champions, yet struggling to reclaim their former glory, Italy’s journey into the knockout stages has been anything but straightforward.
Despite their victory in London three years ago
Italy failed to qualify for the World Cups on either side of their triumph. This year, their lackluster performances against Spain and Croatia in the group stages have only underscored their status as underdogs.
This Italian team is unconventional not in style but in conviction.
Roberto Mancini’s 2021 squad had already abandoned the defensive ‘Catenaccio’ system for a more modern approach, emphasizing short passing and high pressing. However, under Luciano Spalletti, the team appears burdened by the weight of its history and the ambitious playing style their coach aims to instill.
Mancini’s team blended positive tactics with individual brilliance, relying on set-piece goals, strong personalities, and star power. Players like Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Marco Verratti, Jorginho, and Federico Chiesa played pivotal roles in their success. Today, many of these stars have left, and those who remain have seen their influence wane.
Spalletti’s squad lacks the individual talent of its predecessor.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and center back Riccardo Calafiori, who debuted for the national team just last month, have been standout performers. Despite the competitive nature of Serie A and the success of Italian clubs in European competitions, the reliance on foreign talent—facilitated by the now-defunct ‘Growth Decree’ tax relief law—has limited the development of domestic players.
With an inexperienced and less talented squad, Spalletti faces the challenge of resetting Italian football culture. He emphasizes playing well over simply winning. His commitment to this philosophy was evident in Italy’s match against Albania, where they recovered from an early setback to complete 750 passes. However, subsequent lackluster performances against Spain and Croatia have exposed the naivety of this idealism.
Italy stands at a crossroads in this tournament.
They find themselves in the less competitive half of the draw, with potential challenges from England and Austria. Yet, their immediate obstacle is Switzerland, a team characterized by experienced players, pragmatic tactics, and a solid defense.
Spalletti faces crucial decisions moving forward.
The shift to a 3-5-2 formation did not yield positive results, but may be necessary given Calafiori’s suspension. Italy’s midfield struggles with possession, but the coach’s instructions to control the game from the middle remain clear.
The coming matches will test Spalletti’s convictions.
Whether he sticks to his philosophy or adapts to the demands of the tournament will determine Italy’s fate. As they prepare for their clash with Switzerland, the nation watches with bated breath, hoping for a resurgence of their footballing fortunes.
“If you can’t accept losing, you can’t win.” -Vince Lombardi (Legendary Football Coach)