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Italy’s Key Weapon and Achilles’ Heel at 2014 World Cup
Published: June 10, 2014
That has continued under Cesare Prandelli who, despite making a seismic shift from the pragmatic style of his predecessors, has built a formidable team capable of competing with the very best. Italy’s run to the final of Euro 2012 saw them even discover a way to stifle the all-conquering Spanish side in the opening match and comfortably dispatch a highly fancied Germany.
Like any team, they have their strengths and weaknesses, although under the current coach they are somewhat different from those traditionally associated with Italian teams of the past. Where those sides were built on a defensive solidity that was unsurpassed, this new-look Azzurri play a much more modern and attacking style.
Giuseppe Rossi was Serie A’s leading scorer before yet another knee injury ruled him out earlier this year and, as he looks to overcome the absence of the talismanic striker, Prandelli will once again lean heavily on his midfield. That has become the most versatile and quality-laden department of his squad, and has most certainly come to epitomise his version of the Azzurri.
While many look to Andrea Pirlo as the man who makes Italy tick, the key weapon of the side may well be Daniele De Rossi. The Roma midfielder embodies everything positive about this Azzurri, beginning with the tactical flexibility his presence allows, able to switch positions whenever the situation demands a shift.
That was never more evident than in the opening match of Euro 2012 when he slotted into a role in the centre of a three-man back line which held Spain to a credible 1-1 draw. His involvement in the match—analysed in greater detail here—was ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - International Football
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