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end of a proud but outdated system.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
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