For the first time since Dino Zoff, the national team celebrates the debut of the new coach with a victory. It did so by overcoming a highly prestigious opponent 2-0, Holland, who finished third at the Brazilian World Cup just under two months ago. In short, a good first for Antonio Conte, who last night at San Nicola di Bari – the stadium where he began his career as a coach in Serie B – fielded an unprecedented and convincing formation.
The Apulian coach decides to rely on his dear 3-5-2, with the unprecedented attacking pair Zaza-Immobile, De Rossi at Pirlo, Marchisio and Giaccarini intermediate raiders, Darmian and De Sciglio on the flanks and Frog and Astori deputy to Barzagli and Chiellini. Between the posts, chance for Sirigu.
It was the pair of young forwards who impressed in the first few minutes. The two had never played together in their lives, but for a good half hour they seemed to know each other perfectly. Exchanges in speed, overlaps, insertions, banks, through balls, goals and assists. The whole repertoire.
The first goal comes after just three minutes and bears the signature of the Neapolitan center forward under Borussia Dortmund, capable of stopping the ball and dribbling past a goalkeeper with a single touch, and then depositing it in the empty net. The doubling, just seven minutes later, was scored by Daniele De Rossi from a penalty, after a last man foul by Martin Sindi (expelled) on Immobile, served perfectly by Zaza.
In the second half Conte changes several men, the pace slows down and Italy manages the advantage. A few minutes from the end Van Persie has the opportunity to shorten for the oranges, then the blues come close to making it 3-0 with a dangerous gore from Destro in the small area. But the result doesn't change.
"Winning helps to win", comments the new blue coach. On Tuesday, in Oslo for the first qualifying match for the 2016 European Championships, we'll find out if he's right.
