Italy exit in dull fashion

After the heroic comeback against Croatia, there was a belief among the football followers that Italy may reignite their Midas touch in the upcoming matches. The Azzuri switched the momentum against Albania when they were a goal down, lost the momentum against Spain and brought back the Italian style against Croatia. At Berlin, where Italy lifted the World Cup eighteen years ago, wishes for a spirited display were ideal.

Sadly, Italy followed the path of Spain and Portugal who finished their title-defending at the Round of 16 respectively in 2016 and 2021.  

From the start of the match, Italy looked like a team that was out of sorts and ran out of steam after the thriller against Croatia. With every passing minute, Italy gave the impression that it was a campaign that deserved to end because it never really began.

Luciano Spaletti pointed out various reasons for this dull campaign. He has to digest a bit of stick as well - player selection, below-par tactics, endless changes and pivots led to a collapse as the team failed to cope with such things and bear the weight.

The Italian defence constantly pointed at each other for the sloppiness. This scenario does not suit the Azzuri, a striker who didn’t have a single touch in the opposition half until the 48th minute, a midfield that created nothing.

Surprisingly, Italy spent too much time sitting deep and spent large periods of the game simply surviving, like a team trying to nurse a lead rather than a team trying to overturn one. The passing was abysmal. The press lacked intensity and bite.

It seemed, Italy strolled into the wrong wedding.

Switzerland stamped their authority - Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas with the goals on either side of half-time, brought the end to a forgettable campaign and, if this campaign does not shake Italian football then they are all set to miss the World Cup campaign for the third consecutive time. 

Note: Excerpts from the The Guardian

Thank You

Faisal Caesar