The legendary AC Milan head coach was full of praise for Cesare Prandelli following their refreshing approach to football, and feels they are on the right track.
Italy surprised many with their approach during these European Championships, with their proactive and direct style of play. It was a move away from the traditional Italian style of play, which laid its foundations primarily on defence, with attacks coming
on the counter.
This had been the case in their World Cup victory in 2006, however, the same style of football failed in the 2010 World Cup, where Marcello Lippi’s outfit crashed out in the group stages.
Cesare Prandelli took over the reins of the national side from Marcello Lippi and bought a new philosophy to the national set up along with him. He sidelined the more experienced players, like http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Di-Natale-c6306, to make room for youngsters like Giuseppe
Rossi, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Claudio-Marchisio-c9312 and many others.
However, Cesare Prandelli took Di Natale to the European Championships following his impressive displays for Udinese over the past two years. Prandelli has been lauded for his use of the resources he has had during these European Championships.
Italy were without the services of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrea-Barzagli-c5669 for the first two matches of the group stages, and Prandelli successfully implemented the 3-5-2 formation to better utilise the squad at his hand. In what was an inspired move, Prandelli shifted Daniele
De Rossi in the position of a centre-back, and the http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Roma-c31603 star was inspirational in his performances for the Azzurri.
However, after Barzagli’s recovery, Prandelli went for the 4-3-1-2 formation which utilised their resources even better. The Italians grew from strength to strength during the competition and were more imposing with each passing game; however, they came
unstuck against the Spaniards at the final hurdle.
Arrigo Sacchi is the technical co-ordinator of the Italian youth setup, from the U-16’s to the U-21’s.
He was quoted to have said:
“Spain caused us problems with their pressing and their positioning on the pitch. They move in harmony on the field of play, but http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 are on the right path. We have to thank the Italian players – they honoured our game.”
Tags: