Belgium vs Italy was billed as an intriguing and exciting matchup from the moment the two teams were drawn against each other and it certainly lived up to the hype. A thoroughly engaging tactical battle, there was never a constant flurry of chances in the kind of end to end matches that usually excite us, but it had enough of drama, intrigue and good football on show nevertheless.
The Italians triumphed to the surprise of many, and put in the kind of astute well drilled tactical performance that we always know they’re capable of. Conte’s impact on this contest was there for all to see, and he sent out a team that knew their jobs perfectly well. If anybody still had any doubts about his talents as a manager, he gave the perfect master-class of his skill as a manager yesterday.
Conte vs Wilmots: A Mismatch?
After his prolonged success at Juve and his appointment by Chelsea, Conte’s pedigree really isn’t in much doubt. He’s considered one of the top managers in world football and did no harm to his reputation last night, thoroughly outfoxing his rival.
Italy were much more than the sum of their parts, consistently moving together as a team and always making sure the player with the ball had several options. Compare this to a Belgium setup that looked lacklustre and didn’t seem to have any ideas of what to do with the ball. There was a moment in the match when Eden Hazard shook off a couple of defenders with ease but just had no one making a run to play the ball to and got robbed off possession.
It only showed how massively underprepared and tactically naïve Wilmots was. His change in system in an attempt to mirror Italy’s playing style came too late and he certainly needs to read matches better if Belgium are to fulfil their potential in this tournament.
Conte on the other hand showed that he knew Belgium’s setup well and what exactly he wanted from each one of his players. The unity and resilience of the Azzurri was on show as well, the way the whole squad got up to celebrate after each goal illustrated how the players are focused and united, and will give their all for the national team. Conte was very particular about choosing men rather than players in the build-up to this tournament. Something he has stressed on throughout his tenure as Italy coach, going as far as to regularly overlook talented players that he thinks do not have the mental fortitude and discipline that he demands.
On last night’s evidence, it seems his decisions have been vindicated but there’s still a long way to go in this tournament. Conte will be overjoyed with the win against the Belgians though, and he knows that if they can replicate this form and energy they can be one of the contenders for going all the way.
Tactical notes from the game
Conte tried his best to protect the Italian camps preparation for this match by implementing security measures at his training facilities but the media seemed to know about his setup for this match anyway. Italy morphed seamlessly into a 3-3-4 with the ball and a 4-4-2 without. There are several clips available online in which you can see the whole team moving together from above, and it really is inspiring to watch.
Matteo Darmian and Antonio Candreva (playing as the wing-backs) might not have had standout games in a sense; they were both fairly wasteful with the ball in good situations, but the running they did was invaluable. They pressed high up the match relentlessly in the first half, falling a little deeper as the game went on and won the ball back in good situations several times.
Giaccherini, a part of the three in the centre of the midfield was a livewire, making runs into the box and blocking Belgian shots in equal measure. His run and finish for the goal was gorgeous. Daniele De Rossi and Marco Parolo (the other two of the three man midfield) were less impressive, although they’re very good players on their day. But, again it is a testament to Conte that Italy’s system was so tight that they didn’t need to be at their best.
Eder and Graziano Pelle (the two forwards), were also fairly sloppy. Eder in particular wasted several moves and didn’t make the most of the free role he had. Pelle wasted a few chances as well but the fine volley he smashed into the Belgian net towards the end will give him a lot of confidence. Crucially though, they led the pressing from the front and harried the Belgian defenders and midfielders into playing quick passes.
Conte’s impact on Italy’s playing style against Belgium couldn’t be clearer. If anything he was doing it with inferior players than the ones he had at Juventus. The energy and hustle of the wing backs, the pressing of the centre forwards in tandem with one dropping a little deeper, the 3 man defence and the energetic and industrious midfield, all directly out of Conte’s playbook.
Italy need to avoid getting complacent
It’s easy for the Italians to get carried away. The players have been heavily criticized for the lacking the commitment when wearing the Azzurri jersey, and even the manager has been grilled on his decisions to leave several talented players back home.
A convincing win against one of the tournament favourites should fill them up with confidence, but not complacency. Conte rightly said that this win doesn’t mean anything yet, and ominously reminded the fans of the fact that the Italians had quite vibrantly won their opening game in the 2014 World Cup against a prestigious opponent as well, only to tumble out of the group.
The Juve block are priceless
Compared to the amount of time players spend with their clubs, it’s not surprising that they find it hard to adjust to their national teams. In a time like this, having a back four (including the goalkeeper Buffon) that have played together for years is infinitely valuable. Their understanding and organization in defence is perhaps the best in the world and expect it to show throughout the tournament, even though they will need an able midfield in front to protect them.
The Juve block, i.e. Buffon, Barzagli, Chiellini and Bonucci shattered the Serie A record for most minutes without conceding a goal, and if the Italians can retain their marvellous organization and discipline for the rest of Euro 2016, they could have several more shut-outs. Conte is indeed reaping the rewards for bringing these players together in his time at Juve.
Conte was perfectly prepared
All in all, Conte did a magnificent job in sending out players that perfectly stifled the Belgians. Eden Hazard and Kevin De Bruyne aren’t easy players to contain and can rip open the best defences on their day, but both players looked subdued, especially De Bruyne. The upcoming games against teams that might sit back though will be a crucial test of the Italians’ versatility, and if Conte continues to live up to the challenge, Italy could be in for the long haul at Euro 2016.
