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| Celebrations as the Azzurri advance to the Semi-Finals of EURO 2012 |
From a seething display of a domination in possession, the creation of some truly remarkable scoring changes to a shored up back line which couldn't be penetrated; the Azzurri looked like a completely new and invigorated team.
When the draw was originally announced, I cringed like many of you. The prospect of Italy v England in a Quarter Final would surely be an ominous task. Season after season, Champions League after Champions League we are bombarded with the claim by the English media that England and her footballing products are superior to the world over. We have all heard the reports "On paper England has the best team...They just can't play together." The media frenzy always surrounding this team elevates it and its players to the level of the Greek gods on Olympus. Whenever a major tournament roles around the roar from the media and the English supporters always grow to a fever pitch. That fever pitch becomes suddenly silenced when their team inevitably crashes out of a tournament.
England's road to the Azzurri began with a 1-1 draw with France; where although the English were outplayed; they remained very much in the game. This was followed by another odd performance against Sweden where they managed to squeak out a 3-2 result in a game that was far more even then their opener. Their third match a drubbing of co-hosts Ukraine. Although the English media's outlook of their national team began with muted optimism; it would soon reach fever pitch following their victory over Sweden. That fever pitch quickly became euphoric celebration once they beat Ukraine and moved into the Quarterfinals.
With their new manager in toe (Hodgson); the media's expectations of grandeur at EURO 2012 had reached their usual inaudible heights. In just about every tournament I can remember; prior to the commencement of the tournament; it would be pitched that the English had more than a shot at winning the whole thing. I remember prior to WORLD CUP 2002; I purchased the computer game FIFA WORLD CUP 2002. When loading the game; prior to a match; you would see on the screen the combating teams and their starting lineups with stars allocated to their key players. The Azzurri with talents like Del Piero, Totti, Maldini, Cannavaro, Vieri; had about 6 stars affixed to their starting lineup (yes, more than Brazil). I can still recall a ridiculous site; with all 11 English players having stars affixed to their names. The media hype for this team has transcended common sense on more than one occasion.
Although I do give the English credit; in every tournament in recent memory; they haven't been drastically outplayed by their opponent. Whether they met their end against Argentina, Brazil or Portugal; England has always been at least 50% in the game and within shouting distance of pushing themselves through with just a little more luck and a little less hype.
Today was different. I don't want to harp on England as a team; I thought they did an admirable job under the circumstances. But I do, for the record want to say; the Azzurri dominated this game in such a way that I don't think anyone expected. The fact that we couldn't score added a dimension of nervousness to the match. But truly with a little more luck on our side; Italy could have turned this match into a very humbling experience for a very flamboyant and over presumptuous media.
Enough about the Media... Let's chat about the match.
C. Prandelli came out tonight with very little media attention focused on the Azzurri. As luck would have it; drawing the English in the Quarterfinals would veer the media spotlight away from Prandelli and Co and onto their rivals. The Azzurri for the first time in this tournament seemed to have, oddly enough, dodged the media spotlight.
Our starting back line was a little concerning on paper. Chiellini coming into this match was hurt and would be unavailable; leaving Abate - Barzagli - Bonucci - Balzaretti charged with the task of ensuring we would not concede to the English.
In midfield; we had a question mark on Motta's fitness and thus Prandelli decided to leave the former Inter mid on the bench in place of a very questionable Montolivo. The other three choices were obvious with DeRossi, Pirlo and Marchisio all getting the usual nod for this match.
Following our victory against Ireland, Prandelli decided to return to the tandem of Cassano and Balotelli up front. Which was in effect the right choice based on their performances in that match and then again tonight.
This quarterfinal began in a way that the other three quarterfinals weren't able to produce; immediate chances on both ends of the pitch. De Rossi dinging the post with a long distance shot; followed by an odd chance on Buffon who seemed to deflect the ball with his left arm from a close range opportunity. The English would take the next 5-10 minutes and pressure the Azzurri as they probed our back line looking for opportunities and gapping holes. Although I missed this portion of the match; it did seem the Azzurri were just getting into the rhythm of the match at this point and trying to find their legs. Once we were able to withstand a little English pressure; the Azzurri and namely Pirlo began to settle into their usual positions and began a series of plays that were reminiscent of Spain.
We began to retain possession; probed the English defence with runs; Balotelli had an incredible opportunity thanks to Pirlo with a scissor kick off a lobbed pass; followed up by a bicycle kick which just sailed over the bar. Cassano carried the ball deep and into the zone with his great dribbling abilities. England looked either content or incapable of moving the ball out of their third of the park. Both Terry and Lescott played to their maximum potential; they had their hands full the entire match with Balotelli, Cassano and a little later Diamanti. Pirlo's passes were for the most part precise as he orchestrated the great renaissance from the middle of the park. De Rossi also had some of the most opportunistic moments to score; not only did he zing one off the bar four minutes in; but later on in the match; he was wide open in front of Heart and punted the ball just past the mark.
Highlights from the Match
Two moments in the second half would send a fateful sign to Tifosi around the world; indicating that although we maintained 60-65% possession during the match; perhaps tonight was not our night. In one scenario; Balotelli was clear on goal; took a shot which was deflected by Heart to Montolivo who sent it wide. Following a substitution; Nocerino did manage to get a header past Heart and into the net; only to be called offside. It looked for a moment the gods would not favour the Azzurri tonight. Following 30 minutes of extra time and sustained Italian pressure; the English managed to hang on for the dreadful Penalty Shootout. Missed it? Watch the video below.
Watch the Penalty Shootout Here
With the final shot; Diamanti scored sending the Azzurri into the Semi-Finals and the English home. This match was incredible not only for the determination of the Azzurri; but for the seesaw of emotions which were felt. At times I was relieved by such a tenacious display; while at other times I was nervous that the Azzurri would concede a dumb goal on an English counter attack. Either way we are through.
Player Ratings
BUFFON 8.5 Didn't have much to do in this match. But when he did; he did great. Heck, he stopped a penalty and showed class all the way. During the penalties you looked a Joe Heart trying to psych out the penalty takers by flaring his eyes, sticking his tongue out, smiling, talking and jumping around. But Buffon just showed up and did his job. He looked great.
ABATE 7.5 Got forward often. His runs looked menacing and very dangerous at times. He had one or two lapses at the back. But fret not; he will be up to the task against Lahm. He also out played his English counterpart severely tonight.
Barzagli 7.5 It's good to have him back. I am the first to admit; I don't like him all that much. But tonight he showed me his quality in marshalling the back line around. I thought he'd be undone by English pace; but looked even quicker than they at times. Lost a few ariel battles.
Bonucci 7.5 Had good clearances; lost a few ariel battles; but overall had a steady night.
Balzaretti 7.5 I like the tandem developing between he and Cassano. Both move the ball well at the top of the pitch and along the line. Although he got caught venturing too far forward at times; he did boss the left side of the pitch.
Marchisio 7 Had a tidy night in winning the ball. Really he should be more present; but perhaps he is a player in the mould of Xavi Hernandes and is basically there to move things along and win battles when necessary.
Pirlo 9 Aside from a few stray passes; he earned his merit today. He's having a great tournament overall; but tonight was his coming out party. He bossed the midfield, sent seething passes through to Balotelli and was the ring master of every Italian attack. His penalty was cheeky and utter class.
Montolivo 7 Aside from Pirlo it seemed as though our second channel for passes were from Montolivo. I do reckon had we subbed him for Nocerino or Diamanti; we could have likely sealed England's fate earlier in the match. However, resting De Rossi might have been a little foresight by Prandelli.
De Rossi 8.5 Had glorious chances; all of the missing the mark. Played a ferocious match with a lot of grit. He reminds me more and more of a Fabio Cannavaro at his peak.
Cassano 7 Not his finest match. Although he did very well in stretching the English defence. Was happy to play in behind Balotelli.
Balotelli 8 He was extremely dangerous. Needs to build a little more composure and he will score a lot of goals. Won battles tonight, held the ball, beat the Lescott and Terry wall numerous times just couldn't bury the ball in the back of the net. Could have had 4 goals tonight but instead he smashed home his penalty and looked bloody relieved he didn't miss.
Diamanti 8 I really like this crazy little guy. Sent some good balls into the box; took shots; his corner kicks were more precise than pirlo's from the right side; that cross which curled in and hit the bar was oh so close. But needless to say he won the game for the Azzurri
Maggio 7 Did play well tonight. Came in for Abate; worked well with Diamanti and Pirlo, sent in some good crosses and earned a yellow card for nothing. Will miss Germany on Thursday.
Nocerino 7 Had a goal called back. disrupted plays in the midfield.
Prandelli 8.5 Although I didn't agree with his subs; in hindsight there's a reason he's the manager and I'm not. They did seem to be the right calls with an eye on Germany.
Final Thoughts
Although today does bring cause for celebration. I think it's always important that even in victory we must remain focused on the ultimate goal - Winning Euro 2012. Although we did, severely outplay England; I do admire the English for their never quit attitude. They have put together a team that really demonstrated great defensive skills. Whether it was Hodgson or Capello who is responsible for their defensive organization, is not of consequence. I look forward to our exhibition match against them in August.
In the meantime, we take what we've learned here and hopefully continue to build momentum. Our next match will be anything but easy. We will be pitted against a German team that has been heavily favoured to prevail in this tournament; not to mention Germany is the youngest team at this EURO 2012 and already many on this team one major tournament under their belt. Whereas our group have been basically assembled over the last two years... Although they are anchored by some of the best players in the world. At the moment Germany does seem to have a leg up on us in experience at the major tournaments. Although tonight's harrowing match would have gone a long way to building experience for many of our younger players.
I am quite fond of how Prandelli has turned our team into a cohesive unit. It really does seem each of these players are friends both on and off the pitch. Further, it is apparent that the discussions we have with each other are of a constructive nature and not the usual complaining between teammates.
Thursday's match will require our very best composure and determination. We will be pitted against one of the best perceived teams in the world. While Group B on paper was labelled the group of death; Germany really did have an easy trip through. In the Quarterfinals they were positioned against a Greek team that never really did gain traction in this tournament and provided little opposition to the Germans. Germany's last game was on Friday which means they will have had 6 days of relaxation in comparison to the 3 Italy will have had come thursday. Going to the brink with England and UEFA's unequal scheduling may prove difficult to overcome for the Azzurri on Thursday. To overcome this fatigue, Prandelli should begin to resort to the minimally tested players on the squad. I would not have objection to Motta returning, Nocerino getting the nod over Montolivo, Giovinco over Cassano and/or Borini over Balotelli. I think resorting to the latter later in the game will keep him fresh for a Finals which could be around the corner.
