I think he's exhausted and it became evident in 2nd half. Just like Milan game in which he had a poor game.
Someone said that he's going to get subbed but DC got off instead for Vidal.
I noticed he held the ball a little longer at times. Probably looking for movements but there wasn't any space, except for the left side where Vidal/Giachherini operates, which was also Pirlo's favourite spot for putting passes when the clock's ticking.
Probably happened when he's already exhausted, he had good passes in the first half. One positive thing that I almost forgot to mention is how he developed this 'quick pass without looking' move. It happened a few times in the first half successfully, and probably tried to do so when he's trying to chip it to Pepe (I believe this is the one that you're referring to) but failed.
I think this is Conte's signature and it could be one of the few hints of why Marchisio and Giaccherini are favoured. Both can do this thing well while I suspect Krasic can't (I remember he can't do this with Licht in today's game), Giaccherini did this successfully a few times too with Matri. I think they're getting better at this type of linked-up play, and it'll be useful in the future.
Marchisio has this annoying habit. He gets a simple low pass and then he chips it back to the passer. The high ball makes play more difficult and slows it down.
This is the story of his career for me. He just doesn't have the body/athleticism/endurance to play this position. He gets run down quick and then everything goes to shit.
Watching Marchisio for the last few seasons has highlighted something about him. Out of our entire squad, judging by the no risk passes he goes for (and missed many), the lack of decisive anything in a game, he clearly has the weakest mentality. He needs men around him to lead him as he clearly still has the mindset of a boy.
Remember when people looking for a quality of his to praise stressed his consistency? Then, failing that, it became his versatility (at the same time excusing poor performances because of "being played out of position)? Then leadership? This guy only shows up if everyone else already has.
Remember when people looking for a quality of his to praise stressed his consistency? Then, failing that, it became his versatility (at the same time excusing poor performances because of "being played out of position)? Then leadership? This guy only shows up if everyone else already has.
Watching Marchisio for the last few seasons has highlighted something about him. Out of our entire squad, judging by the no risk passes he goes for (and missed many), the lack of decisive anything in a game, he clearly has the weakest mentality. He needs men around him to lead him as he clearly still has the mindset of a boy.