The Renaissance of Italian Football: Roberto Mancini’s Masterpiece

 

Italy’s footballing history, adorned with four World Cup triumphs, is synonymous with defensive solidity and tactical discipline. Yet, the narrative took a tragic turn in 2017 when the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades. That failure marked not just the end of an era but also the beginning of a seismic shift in Italian football, spearheaded by Roberto Mancini.

The Depths of Despair

The ignominy of missing the 2018 World Cup was a national calamity. Despite dominating possession and peppering Sweden’s defence with shots, Italy’s inability to break through in the playoff second leg at San Siro was emblematic of a team bereft of creativity and belief. The haunting images of Gianluigi Buffon’s tears and Daniele De Rossi’s frustration symbolized the end of a proud but outdated system.

Change was imperative. In May 2018, Mancini, a man with a rich pedigree as both a player and manager, was entrusted with rebuilding the team. The task was monumental: to transform a fractured squad into a cohesive unit capable of reclaiming Italy’s place among football’s elite.

The Architect of Change

Mancini’s credentials as a winner were unquestionable. As a player, he was the linchpin of Sampdoria’s golden era, forming a lethal partnership with Gianluca Vialli, the “Goal Twins.” His managerial career, highlighted by leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title, showcased his tactical acumen and ability to inspire.

But the challenge with Italy was unique. Mancini inherited a team in disarray, lacking confidence and identity. His approach was methodical, focusing on three pillars: tactical innovation, youth development, and instilling a collective mindset.

Tactical Revolution

Italy’s traditional identity was rooted in the catenaccio—a conservative, defense-first approach. Mancini discarded this philosophy, opting for a proactive 4-3-3 system that emphasized possession, pressing, and fluid attacking play.

At the heart of this transformation were Jorginho and Marco Verratti, orchestrating from midfield, while dynamic wide players like Federico Chiesa and Lorenzo Insigne provided flair and creativity. The experienced defensive duo of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini offered stability, allowing the attacking players to express themselves freely.

Mancini’s Italy played with a newfound swagger, dominating games with their technical proficiency and tactical intelligence. The shift was not just about strategy but also mentality. “We try to play on the front foot,” Mancini emphasized, signalling a departure from the cautious pragmatism of the past.

Investing in Youth

Mancini’s faith in young players was pivotal. Federico Chiesa, Nicolo Barella, and Manuel Locatelli emerged as key figures, their performances belying their age and inexperience. This infusion of youth not only rejuvenated the squad but also created a sense of unity and purpose. Mancini’s belief in his players was unwavering; he often remarked that he had “26 starters,” emphasizing the collective over individual brilliance.

The Road to Redemption

The transformation bore fruit as Italy breezed through Euro 2020 qualification, winning all 10 matches. The tournament itself was a testament to Mancini’s vision. Italy combined resilience with artistry, adapting to different challenges with remarkable versatility.

In the final against England at Wembley, Italy faced an early setback but displayed composure and tactical flexibility. Mancini’s substitutions, including the introduction of Bryan Cristante and Federico Bernardeschi, were instrumental in turning the tide. Italy’s equalizer, a scrappy but vital goal, epitomized their tenacity. In the penalty shootout, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics sealed a 3-2 victory, delivering Italy their first European Championship since 1968.

The Mancini Effect

Mancini’s impact transcends tactics. He fostered a familial atmosphere within the squad, evident in their celebrations honouring injured teammate Leonardo Spinazzola. The players’ camaraderie and shared purpose were palpable, a stark contrast to the disjointed team of 2017.

Under Mancini, Italy not only regained their place among football’s elite but also redefined their identity. The blend of youthful exuberance and experienced leadership, coupled with a modern, attacking philosophy, has made them a formidable force.

A Legacy Rewritten

Roberto Mancini’s Italy is more than a football team; it is a symbol of resilience and reinvention. From the depths of despair in 2017 to the pinnacle of European football in 2021, the journey has been one of transformation and triumph.

Mancini promised a new era, and he delivered. The Azzurri are not just back—they are better, bolder, and more beautiful than ever. As the echoes of their victory at Wembley fade, one thing is clear: Italy, under Mancini, has rediscovered its soul.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

Italy Triumphs Over England in a Penalty Shootout to Claim European Glory

 

 

England’s pursuit of their maiden European Championship ended in familiar heartbreak, succumbing to the lottery of a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium. Luke Shaw’s stunning second-minute volley had set Gareth Southgate’s men on a path toward a historic triumph. Yet, as the match unfolded, Italy's relentless control of possession bore fruit when Leonardo Bonucci equalized in the second half, capitalizing on Marco Verratti’s effort that Jordan Pickford had heroically deflected onto the post.

Extra time, resolved nothing, forcing the drama of penalties. For Italy, only Andrea Belotti and, surprisingly, Jorginho faltered. England, however, saw Marcus Rashford strike the post, while Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were thwarted by Gianluigi Donnarumma. Saka’s miss sealed Italy’s 3-2 shootout victory, marking a remarkable turnaround for the Azzurri, who had failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

“You have to feel the disappointment because opportunities like this are so rare,” Southgate reflected. “But when they look back, they should be incredibly proud.” Italy’s Roberto Mancini, meanwhile, lauded his team’s resilience: “We have created something that will endure, a legacy of hard work and unity.”

Italy’s Fluidity in Possession

Mancini’s Italy operated in a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, spearheaded by Federico Chiesa, Lorenzo Insigne, and Ciro Immobile. England countered with a defensive 5-2-3, seeking to stifle Italy’s creativity. Jorginho, often the metronome of Italy’s midfield, found himself under intense pressure, prompting Marco Verratti to drop deeper to orchestrate play. This adjustment allowed Nicolò Barella to push forward, linking effectively with Chiesa, whose incisive runs down the right constantly troubled England’s defence.

Italy’s tactical versatility shone as Insigne drifted into central spaces, while Emerson Palmieri advanced on the left to provide width. Leonardo Bonucci’s precise long passes frequently targeted Emerson, bypassing England’s compact midfield. When England pressed higher, Italy transitioned into a back three, with Immobile retreating into midfield to facilitate fluid passing, albeit at the cost of a central striking presence.

England’s Defensive Resilience and Counterattacks

England’s initial 3-4-3 setup emphasized defensive solidity and rapid transitions. Luke Shaw’s early goal epitomized this approach: Harry Kane dropped deep to link play, freeing Kieran Trippier to deliver a pinpoint cross that Shaw volleyed home with aplomb. Trippier and Shaw continued to stretch Italy’s defence, while Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling probed the inside channels.

Kane’s movements between the lines disrupted Italy’s midfield, offering England an outlet to bypass the aggressive pressing of Jorginho and Verratti. However, Italy’s dominance in possession often forced England into a reactive stance, relying on direct balls and second-ball recoveries to mount attacks. While Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice contributed industriously, England struggled to sustain pressure in the final third, with promising runs from Sterling and Mount frequently lacking decisive end products.

The Turning Point: Italy’s Adaptations

Italy’s equalizer stemmed from sustained pressure and tactical adjustments. With Bryan Cristante and Domenico Berardi introduced, Insigne adopted a deeper, more central role, and Chiesa switched to the left. This shift created diagonal runs that unsettled England’s backline, culminating in the corner from which Bonucci scored.

As Chiesa’s influence waned following his substitution, Italy leaned on Berardi’s pace and Andrea Belotti’s physicality to spearhead counterattacks. Manuel Locatelli’s introduction provided fresh legs in midfield, ensuring Italy retained a foothold despite England’s growing assertiveness.

England’s Tactical Reorganization

After Italy’s equalizer, Southgate reshaped his side into a 4-3-3, introducing Bukayo Saka and Jordan Henderson. This change aimed to exploit Italy’s high press by advancing central defenders into midfield and utilizing wide players to stretch the opposition. Saka and Sterling’s width drew Italy’s full-backs out, creating space for incisive drives toward goal.

Jack Grealish’s late cameo added creativity, with Sterling moving to the right and Saka operating centrally. While England advanced effectively into the final third, they lacked the precision to breach Italy’s experienced low block.

Conclusion: Triumph and Heartbreak

Italy’s victory was a testament to their adaptability, technical proficiency, and mental resilience. For England, the defeat underscored the fine margins of elite football. Southgate’s team demonstrated tactical maturity and unity but fell short in the critical moments.

This final, rich in tactical intrigue and emotional intensity, will be remembered as a clash of styles and philosophies. For Italy, it marked a glorious renaissance; for England, it was a bittersweet chapter in their quest for silverware.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Clash of Titans: Maracana Witness Brazil Lose to Argentina

The Maracanã, an iconic cauldron of football fervour, bore witness to a historic moment as Argentina ended a 28-year drought to clinch their first Copa América title since 1993. The victory was not merely a triumph on the scoreboard but a statement of resilience, strategy, and unyielding determination against their greatest rivals, Brazil.

The Long Wait Ends

La Albiceleste had endured heartbreak in four finals since their last Copa América win, three of which were lost in agonizing penalty shootouts. But this time, a solitary, sublime goal from Ángel Di María in the first half ensured that Argentina’s agonizing wait came to a poetic end. Di María’s perfectly timed run and deft lob over Ederson epitomized precision and composure, qualities that eluded Brazil on this fateful night.

For Lionel Messi, the talismanic captain, the victory was especially poignant. At 34, he finally lifted his first major international trophy, silencing critics and cementing his legacy as one of football’s greatest. As coach Lionel Scaloni aptly remarked, “He did not throw in the towel, and he succeeded. We are talking about the best footballer of all time.”

Tactical Nuances: Argentina’s Blueprint for Victory

Scaloni’s tactical acumen was on full display as Argentina set up in a flexible 4-4-2 formation. Di María and Giovani Lo Celso operated as wide midfielders, while Messi and Lautaro Martínez formed a dynamic front two. A key feature of Argentina’s approach was their adaptability. Left-back Marcos Acuña pushed forward to create a back three in possession, allowing Lo Celso to drift into central midfield. This fluidity enabled Messi to exploit spaces in the right inside channel, while Di María maintained width on the right flank.

The decisive goal was emblematic of this tactical versatility. Rodrigo De Paul’s pinpoint long ball found Di María’s diagonal run, bypassing Brazil’s defensive line. The finish, a delicate lob over Ederson, underscored the clinical edge Argentina brought to the contest.

Defensively, Argentina’s mid-block proved impenetrable. Lo Celso’s central positioning alongside De Paul and Leandro Paredes ensured compactness, while Di María diligently tracked Brazil’s left-sided advances. This disciplined structure stifled Brazil’s creativity, forcing them into wide areas where their attacks often fizzled out.

Brazil’s Struggles: A Tale of Missed Opportunities

Brazil, under head coach Tite, adopted a 4-3-3 formation with Neymar, Everton, and Richarlison spearheading the attack. Early on, Fred’s deeper role alongside Casemiro allowed left-back Renan Lodi to push forward, creating space for Neymar to drift inside. However, this strategy lacked urgency and precision, allowing Argentina to maintain their defensive shape.

The defending champions’ build-up play was ponderous, often hampered by a cautious approach that prioritized defensive cover over incisive passing. Casemiro and Fred’s conservative positioning limited their ability to support forward moves, leaving Richarlison isolated against a resolute Argentine defence. Crosses into the box posed little threat, as Argentina’s back line comfortably dealt with aerial challenges.

Second-Half Adjustments: Brazil’s Desperation

Trailing at halftime, Tite introduced Roberto Firmino to inject energy into Brazil’s attack. Firmino’s presence as a central striker allowed Richarlison and Everton to operate wider, while Neymar moved into a freer inside-left role. This adjustment briefly unsettled Argentina, as Neymar’s incisive passing began to create openings.

However, Argentina’s response was swift and effective. Scaloni introduced Nicolás Tagliafico at left-back, enabling Acuña to push higher and maintain an attacking structure. Guido Rodríguez replaced Paredes in midfield, forming a double pivot with De Paul to shield the defence. These changes reinforced Argentina’s compactness and nullified Brazil’s late surge.

The Emotional Finale

As the clock ticked down, Brazil’s desperation grew. Full-backs surged forward, and midfielders narrowed to support Neymar and Firmino. Yet, Argentina’s low block held firm, anchored by Emi Martínez, whose assured presence in goal denied Brazil’s few clear-cut chances.

Messi, despite a subdued individual performance, played a pivotal role in counter-attacks, using his dribbling prowess to relieve pressure and orchestrate brief spells of possession. His wider positioning in the second half offered Argentina an outlet, ensuring they remained a threat even as they defended deep.

A Victory Beyond the Scoreline

Argentina’s 1-0 triumph was more than a footballing achievement; it was a cathartic release for a nation starved of international success. For Messi, it was the culmination of years of perseverance and heartache. For Brazil, the defeat was a humbling reminder of the margins that define greatness in football.

In the end, the Maracanã witnessed not just a game but a narrative of redemption, resilience, and rivalry. Argentina’s victory, etched in the annals of football history, will forever symbolize the enduring magic of the beautiful game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar

A Nation's Redemption: England Breaks the 55-Year Jinx

 

For 55 long years, England's football faithful had endured a narrative of near misses and heartbreaks. Every semifinal exit etched another chapter of anguish into the nation's collective memory. Yet, Gareth Southgate's men, bearing the weight of a nation's hopes, have rewritten history by securing a place in the final of a major footballing tournament. Awaiting them stands Italy—a clash destined to define a generation.

The Semifinal Showdown: England vs. Denmark

Wembley Stadium hosted an encounter steeped in drama and redemption. Denmark, whose inspirational run had captured the hearts of neutrals worldwide, arrived as more than just sentimental favourites. They had defied the odds, galvanized by their resurgence following the harrowing events in Copenhagen. Kasper Hjulmand's side played with freedom and flair, invoking memories of their 1992 European triumph. Yet, fate had other plans.

England, still carrying the scars of past disappointments, entered with cautious optimism. Southgate’s tactical conservatism was evident in his decision to reinstate Bukayo Saka, recovering from injury, while maintaining the core that dismantled Ukraine in the quarterfinals. Meanwhile, Denmark’s unchanged lineup reflected Hjulmand’s trust in his players, particularly the dynamic duo of Damsgaard and Dolberg.

The Game Unfolds

From the opening whistle, England sought to dictate play, pressing high and probing through the flanks. Luke Shaw and Mason Mount combined effectively, while Harry Kane orchestrated from deep. Despite their dominance, England's early forays faltered against Kasper Schmeichel, who seemed determined to channel the spirit of his father’s legendary Euro '92 performances.

Denmark, resilient and composed, struck first through a moment of brilliance. Mikkel Damsgaard’s 25-yard free-kick was poetry in motion—curling over the wall with enough dip to elude Jordan Pickford's grasp. Wembley fell silent, save for the jubilant Danish supporters. For Pickford, who had just broken Gordon Banks’ record for the longest clean sheet streak by an England goalkeeper, it was a cruel twist.

England's response was swift. Saka’s incisive run down the right culminated in a cross that Simon Kjær inadvertently diverted into his own net while under pressure from Raheem Sterling. The equalizer, though fortuitous, was the product of relentless pressure—a hallmark of Southgate's England.

Denmark's Defiance and England's Persistence

The second half unfolded as a duel between England’s creativity and Schmeichel’s heroics. Time and again, the Danish goalkeeper thwarted England, diving to deny Maguire’s towering headers and parrying Sterling’s close-range attempts. Denmark’s defensive shape, a disciplined midblock, frustrated England’s intricate buildup play.

As the clock ticked down, tension gripped Wembley. England’s desperation was met with Denmark’s resilience, as players like Højbjerg and Christensen threw themselves into challenges. The game edged into extra time, with penalties looming—a familiar spectre of heartbreak for England.

The Turning Point

Extra time brought the moment that would define the match. Sterling, weaving into the box, went down under a challenge from Maehle. Referee Danny Makkelie pointed to the spot, triggering a VAR review. Replays revealed minimal contact, sparking debate about the legitimacy of the penalty. Yet, the decision stood.

Kane stepped up, his penalty saved by Schmeichel. But the rebound fell kindly, and the England captain made no mistake on the second attempt. It was a goal born of determination and fortune, encapsulating England’s journey in the tournament.

A Date with Destiny

Denmark departed with heads held high, their campaign a testament to resilience and unity. For England, the victory marked the exorcism of decades-old demons. They had finally stepped beyond the semifinal curse.

Now, the stage is set for a titanic final against Italy. Roberto Mancini's men, unbeaten in 33 matches, promise to test every fibre of England’s resolve. Yet, with the Wembley crowd behind them and history within reach, Southgate's boys stand on the precipice of immortality.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Brazil will meet Argentina in the final

Colombia had almost pulled the rabbit out of the hat but the night belonged to Argentina whose goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez dished out a heroic show and deny the neighbours. Brazil will meet Argentina in the final at Copa America.

Colombia qualified third from their group behind Brazil and Peru but managed to get through the quarterfinals thanks to a win on penalties against Uruguay after the match finished 0-0. The Cafeteros were undefeated against Argentina in their last three matches - including beating them in the 2019 Copa America; a streak that dates back to 2018.

It had been 20 years since Colombia have made it to the finals of the tournament when a 1-0 win over Mexico earned them their first title.

Colombia switched from a 4-2-3-1 to a 4-4-2 and made one change in personnel after their penalty shootout victory over Uruguay, as Cuadrado returns to the line-up, displacing Muriel.

Argentina made two changes from their 3-0 win over Ecuador in the quarter-finals, with Acuna dropped for Tagliafico at left-back and Rodriguez in for Paredes in midfield.

Argentina’s authority was evident within four minutes of the game.

Lionel Messi took on and beat three defenders on his way into the Colombian penalty area, dropping his shoulder and squeezing past Mina and Munoz before chipping a cross into the centre of the area for Lautaro Martinez, whose header just misses the inside of the far post.

Three minutes later, Argentina were up and running.

Messi got onto the ball inside the penalty area with his back to goal, before picking his head up and cutting a pass back to Lautaro Martinez, who struck it at the first time of asking and found the back of the net.

The perfect start for the favourites, but Colombia would not bog down easily.

Emi Martinez was called into action immediately after the restart as a low cross from the left finds Cuadrado, who smashed a shot from close range - managing only to hit the goalkeeper in the chest.

It was Colombia’s turn to press high, looking to target Argentina’s right-back as they look to win the ball. It’s coolly done from Molina, who managed to shift his weight and fire a pass out to the left for Tagliafico which relieves the pressure.

A cross into the penalty area looking for Borre was cleared to the edge of the penalty area by Otamendi. Barrios got on the end of the loose ball and hammered a volley through a crowd of bodies, which clipped off the woodwork on its way out.

A Cuadrado corner found Mina, who rose high to make great contact with the ball with his head but the Everton defender can only put his effort off the crossbar and behind for a goal-kick.

Before the break, Messi sent a corner to the edge of the six-yard box for Gonzalez, who managed to get a clean header to the delivery. The striker thought he had scored but the goalkeeper had other plans, stooping low to palm it up above his crossbar.

After the break, Luis Diaz picked up the loose ball on the edge of the penalty area after Chara’s cross was repelled and fired a shot towards goal, forcing a good diving stop from Emiliano Martinez.

In the meantime, Messi was injured who went down under the weight of a challenge by Fabra. The substitute caught the Argentina captain with his studs unintentionally during an attempt to shield the ball. It certainly wasn’t on purpose but it is a painful one. Much to Lionel Scaloni’s relief though, Messi looks able to continue after receiving treatment – a gutsy decision from Messi.

Messi was taken down for the third time in six minutes as Munoz caught the forward’s leg right in front of the referee during a driving run forward.  

Argentina are holding it in midfield, moving Colombia from left to right as they look to weather the storm and fashion a chance of their own. Despite starting off as the better side, the majority of chances in the match have fallen to the Cafeteros.

A quick free-kick hit down the pitch caught Argentina napping, as Diaz latched onto the end of it, barreled into the penalty area ahead of Pezzella and managed to squeeze the ball into the far post with an off-balance shot hit from the byline - It was an absolutely incredible finish from the FC Porto winger.

The assist was clever from Cardona, who recognized the situation and took the set-piece quickly, caught Argentina off-guard.

Angel Di Maria goes charging through an empty midfield and ran down on goal, sidestepping the onrushing David Ospina in the process 30 yards from goal as the keeper was caught in no man’s land. He managed to get past the Napoli goalie and square a pass to Lautaro Martinez, who inexplicably failed to shoot first-time, allowing Mina to get a crucial block on the line.

How the score was still on level terms!

Di Maria’s fancy footwork on the edge of the box opened up some space, allowing an incisive pass to find Messi. The captain turned and fired a shot that goes behind the goalkeeper but off the post and out.

Colombia were off on a counter-attack following Messi’s set-piece, but Diaz is body-checked in the midfield at full-pelt by a backtracking Pezzella.  

With no option for extra-time in Copa America, the match would be decided by penalties.

Argentina won by 3-2.

Emiliano Martinez was the hero as he blocked three spot-kicks, guessing correctly for four out of the five shooters.

In tears, Martinez said after the match he wanted to face the Brazilians in the final in the Maracana Stadium.

“It is a great team, the favourite. But we have a great coach, we have the best player in the world and we will try to win it,” he said. 

Note: This article has been posted at Cricketsoccer as CSdesk on 07/07/2021 Brazil will meet Argentina in the final

Thank You

Faisal Caesar