Now it's our turn. Italy is ready to make its debut in this European Championship against the most difficult opponent in the group (at 21 pm), Belgium second in the Fifa Ranking (for a period it was even first) and pointed out by many as a candidate for the final victory . Once again, in short, the underdogs are against us but this, in hindsight, could also be good news.
Historically, in fact, the Azzurri have always known how to exalt themselves in difficulties, be they of an environmental nature (Spain 82 and Germany 2006) or technical (Euro 2012). On closer inspection, this is also the main characteristic of Antonio Conte, so far very good at working as an outsider rather than a favourite.
“It's a moment in which we have to be an anvil and not a hammer – admitted the coach. – However, this does not mean that we feel like sacrificial victims: only the pitch will give the verdict”. Lots of respect but no fear, here is the mantra on which the coach has worked in these two years, in an attempt to limit an objective gap (it goes without saying that there are much more talented national teams than ours) to play it on equal terms with everyone .
In short, the opposite of what Marc Wilmots did, coach of the best Belgium ever and forced to turn off enthusiasm to avoid the risk of presumption. “We'll try to live up to expectations but don't underestimate Italy – he explained at the press conference. – The Azzurri know how to be very dangerous in difficult situations, they have quality players and a warrior coach. We will have to be compact and aware of what awaits us”.
So that of Lyon started as a triple, in a completely renovated and sold out Stade de Gerland in every order of place. Mistakes are not allowed, especially in a tournament that is proving to be balanced and hard-fought in every match. “The only thing I want is to have no regrets – Captain Buffon thought. – Our best players will have to express themselves at their best, and it will also be essential that the youngsters don't feel fear".
There is great curiosity about the athletic level of the Azzurri, "cooked to perfection" by Conte in these weeks of retreat that some have defined as almost incredible. The coach has prepared the match in an optimal way, so there will be no room for improvisation but only for a tried and tested score. Italy's 3-5-2 will see Buffon in goal, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini in defence, Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Giaccarini and Darmian in midfield, Eder and Pellè in attack.
Only the bench therefore for El Shaarawy, Florenzi and Zaza, in the ballot until the end for a starting shirt and forced instead to start from the rear. Everything has also been decided for Wilmots, whose problems mainly concern the backlog: indeed Kompany's absence weighs heavily and forces the coach to give up one of his best players.
In front of Courtois there will be Alderweireld, Danayer, Vermaelen and Vertonghen, with Nainggolan and Witsel in the midfield, Hazard, De Bruyne and Mertens in the trocar and the lone striker Lukaku in attack. Eleven "Diavoli Rossi" of great value, two of which (Courtois and Hazard) are close to meeting Conte in a few weeks with the Chelsea shirt. However, the coach will only think about this in the future, because before the London blue there is an Italian blue to bring forward as far as possible.
