Just saw the result. I turned off before penalties.
-I thought Prandelli did brilliant tbh. Montolivo did as well as possible in that role. Everyone stop pretending Giovinco and Diamanti are trequartistas. They (Giovinco especially) wouldn't have the legs, strength and willingness to do the defensive work.
-Balo over ADN is 50/50 but Balo did everything you'd want from a CF (except the goal). ADN is more a poacher that represents the older style.
-Cassano was down but really, no-one else could play his role of holding the ball in those areas so what can you do.
-Abate was strong and even put some nice crosses. Nocerino was a good sub because it allowed us to maintain control and not allow England to get running.
Overall, Italy could've started playing this style 10+ years ago. The benefit is that referees now are pretty much likely to support the team that is pro-active. Sure it was only England, but the willingness to boss the game for 120mins is something I've never seen from Italy in my life.
And Pirlo, no words. First he trolls England before the game, then bosses it, then does a 'Psychological mind-fuk penalty' to switch the momentum. Freak.
-I thought Prandelli did brilliant tbh. Montolivo did as well as possible in that role. Everyone stop pretending Giovinco and Diamanti are trequartistas. They (Giovinco especially) wouldn't have the legs, strength and willingness to do the defensive work.
-Balo over ADN is 50/50 but Balo did everything you'd want from a CF (except the goal). ADN is more a poacher that represents the older style.
-Cassano was down but really, no-one else could play his role of holding the ball in those areas so what can you do.
-Abate was strong and even put some nice crosses. Nocerino was a good sub because it allowed us to maintain control and not allow England to get running.
Overall, Italy could've started playing this style 10+ years ago. The benefit is that referees now are pretty much likely to support the team that is pro-active. Sure it was only England, but the willingness to boss the game for 120mins is something I've never seen from Italy in my life.
And Pirlo, no words. First he trolls England before the game, then bosses it, then does a 'Psychological mind-fuk penalty' to switch the momentum. Freak.
