While many other squads are making their preparations for this summer’s World Cup, Italy took a baby step forward in the rebuilding process as they look towards Euro 2020. A friendly versus Saudi Arabia was the first for newly-appointed boss Roberto Mancini, a chance to take a glimpse at what the former Manchester City man might have in store for the Azzurri.
A 2-1 victory at the AFG Arena in Switzerland was a positive start to his reign, however the result was low down on the list of priorities as Italy face a long road back to prominence. What was important in this fixture was to take a look at the direction this team might be taking, and that at least, looks to be promising.
Mancini lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, a system that this side were crying out for during the ill-fated spell in charge for Giampiero Ventura that saw Italy fail to qualify for the World Cup. 19-year-old AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma made the starting lineup ahead of Mattia Perin, with Gianluigi Buffon already having announced his international retirement.
Chelsea’s Davide Zappacosta and Domenico Criscito – the latter having played under Mancini at Zenit St. Petersburg last term – flanked centre-backs Leonardo Bonucci and Alessio Romagnoli in a four-man defence, with Juventus full-back Mattia De Sciglio getting a run-out in the second half. In the midfield, Manchester City target Jorginho took up his rightful place in the centre, alongside Alessandro Florenzi and his young AS Roma team-mate Lorenzo Pellegrini.
However it was up-front where Italy looked most dangerous, with Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne and Matteo Politano of Sassuolo flanking striker Mario Balotelli. This match saw a return to the side for the 27-year-old for the first time in four years, the appointment of his former Manchester City boss Mancini of course making this event more likely.
After having scored 33 domestic goals across two seasons with Nice, this call-up was long overdue, and Balotelli responded with an excellent strike from outside the box, finding the back of the net for the first time for his country since scoring versus England in the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. This match was also productive in seeing his counterpart Andrea Belotti on the scoresheet after a disappointing domestic campaign with Torino in 2017/18.
“Balotelli can do better, much better, but I thought he did pretty well in the first half. He scored a goal, which is important for a striker, but of course he can do more,” declared Mancini in his post-match press conference. “The first half went well, as we had 16 shots on goal and 11 corners, but then as fatigue emerged later on, we lost intensity. It’s always good to win, especially after such a long time.”
Tougher tests await for the Azzurri as they face France this Friday and the Netherlands on Monday, June 4th, matches that would not be out of place in this summer’s tournament. This remains a dream ruined for both the Oranje and Italy however, two sides that are incredibly disappointed not to be preparing to head out to Russia.
Azzurri supporters can only take the positives from this side’s tentative moves towards progress, and a final thought from Balotelli puts things firmly into perspective.
“I know it’s late and that you’re already there… but I am convinced that you were up there watching the game with my Dad today!,” the striker posted on Instagram with a picture of the late Italy international Davide Astori. “This goal, even if it might not mean anything, even if it’s no use to anyone, I dedicate it to you. #forzaitalia #thankstoallofyou.”
