In the annals of European football, encounters between Italy and Austria are steeped in a rivalry rich with history, tension, and moments of drama. The two nations share a complex and often fraught relationship, with echoes of Habsburg imperial power lingering in the background. This rivalry, though, is not just defined by historical context but by the footballing battles that have unfolded on the pitch—each match a testament to the toughness and tenacity of both teams.
When Italy met Austria in their opening match of the 1990
World Cup in Rome, it was a contest that nearly derailed the Azzurri’s dream of
glory. Italy, brimming with talent and expectation, found themselves stifled by
Austria's defensive solidity. The Austrians, masters of containment, almost
pulled off a major upset, threatening to halt Italy’s campaign before it had
even begun. But it was in that moment of crisis that Italy’s true mettle was
revealed, as a substitution made by coach Azeglio Vicini turned the tide in
Italy’s favor. Totò Schillaci, introduced in place of the underwhelming
Carnevalli, became the hero of the match, scoring the decisive goal from a
perfectly delivered cross by Gianluca Vialli. Schillaci’s goal would go down in
history, not just as a match-winner but as the beginning of his own legendary
journey in Italia '90.
Euro 2020: A Familiar
Story, A New Hero
More than three decades later, at Wembley in the Round of 16
of Euro 2020, Italy found themselves facing Austria once again. The scenario
was eerily familiar—an encounter that threatened to become a nightmare for the
Azzurri, with the match still goalless as the clock ticked into the final
minutes of normal time. But this time, Italy had a new hero. Federico Chiesa,
introduced as a substitute with just six minutes left in regulation, would
follow in Schillaci’s footsteps, breaking the deadlock in extra time with a
moment of brilliance that would seal Italy’s passage to the quarterfinals.
Austria: A Tough
Opponent
Austria’s resilience in both encounters cannot be
overstated. In both the 1990 World Cup and Euro 2020, they displayed a
defensive discipline that frustrated the more glamorous Azzurri, forcing Italy
to dig deep for a solution. In 1990, Austria’s compact, disciplined defending and
aggressive midfield pressing had Italy on the back foot, as they sought to
break down a side that was determined to stifle their creativity. Likewise, in
Euro 2020, Austria showed that they were not just there to make up the numbers.
Xaver Schlager was a constant, bruising presence in midfield, and the Austrian
backline, though under pressure, held firm for long stretches.
Italy, under Roberto Mancini, had adopted a fluid 4-3-3
system, relying on the marauding runs of their full-backs and the pressing intensity
of their midfield. But against Austria, they were often forced to play without
the mystery that usually defines their attacking play. Early on, Leonardo
Spinazzola was a constant threat on the left, but his efforts were largely
neutralized by Austria’s defensive organization. Despite 11 first-half attempts
at goal, Italy struggled to find the breakthrough, as Austria's deep-lying
defense stifled their creativity.
The Moment of Truth:
Chiesa’s Brilliance
As the second half unfolded, Austria began to grow in
confidence, forcing Italy into mistakes and creating their own chances. The
match was on a knife’s edge when, on 64 minutes, Austria thought they had taken
the lead through a superb header by Marko Arnautovic. However, VAR intervened,
ruling the goal offside, and Italy breathed a collective sigh of relief.
The game wore on, with Austria increasingly asserting
themselves. Marcel Sabitzer was at the heart of their attacking play, linking
up with his teammates and pushing Italy to the limit. As the 90th minute
approached, Italy appeared to be on the brink of a heartbreak, with Austria
threatening to send them packing. But Mancini, composed yet tense on the
touchline, kept his faith in his squad, urging them to push forward.
In the 94th minute, Italy found their saviour in Chiesa.
Picking up the ball on the right flank, he turned sharply, controlled a high
ball with his head and shoulder, and then, with an audacity that belied the
pressure of the moment, unleashed a stunning shot that rocketed past Austrian
goalkeeper Daniel Bachmann and into the far corner of the net. It was a goal of
pure class, one that calmed the nerves of the Italian players and sent a wave of
relief through their ranks.
Pessina’s Seal and
Austria’s Late Response
With Austria reeling from Chiesa’s strike, Italy doubled
their lead just ten minutes later. Matteo Pessina, ever the opportunist,
latched onto a loose ball after a corner and calmly clipped a shot into the
bottom corner, sealing Italy’s progression. Yet, just as it seemed the game was
over, Austria pulled one back through Sasa Kalajdzic, scoring their first goal
against Italy since 2020. It was a brief flicker of hope for Austria, but the
Azzurri held firm, advancing to the quarterfinals with a 2-1 victory.
A New Record and a
Legacy in the Making
The victory over Austria was not just a passage to the next
round—it was also a historical milestone for Italy. By extending their unbeaten
run to 31 matches, Italy broke a record that had stood for 82 years, surpassing
the legendary team of 1939, which had gone four years without defeat under
coach Vittorio Pozzo. That team had won two consecutive World Cups and the
Olympic gold in 1936.
Under Mancini, Italy have embraced a new era of football,
blending youthful exuberance with tactical discipline. Since taking charge in
2018, Mancini has overseen just two defeats, with the last loss coming in a
Nations League match against Portugal in 2018. The Azzurri are now on the cusp
of something truly special, with their unbeaten streak becoming a symbol of
their resilience, unity, and tactical prowess.
Conclusion: A Rivalry
Reaffirmed
The encounters between Italy and Austria, whether in 1990 or 2020, are a microcosm of football’s eternal drama. They remind us that no victory is ever guaranteed, that even the most dominant teams must fight for every inch. For Italy, the battle against Austria was not just a test of skill but of character. They survived, they thrived, and they moved one step closer to glory. In the end, it was not just the goals of Schillaci or Chiesa that defined the match, but the unwavering spirit of a team that refuses to be beaten.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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