Perhaps the many who yesterday decided to snub la were right National. The match against Malta, played in a Franchi as cold as winter, brought with it many indications that will probably disturb the coach's sleep Antonio Conte, but at least one substantial good news: the result.
Thanks to the skimpy, as well as irregular, 1 to 0 signed by Graziano Pellè and Croatia's draw in Azerbaijan, Italy leapt to top of the group, ahead of the Croatians and third-placed Norway. In view of Sunday's match against Bulgaria, qualification for Euro 2016, made even easier by the 24-team competition, now seems just a step away.
For the rest, as mentioned, few things worked. The wall of Malta held up without particular worries until the seventieth minute, demonstrating the usual Italian idiosyncrasy towards matches in which we are clearly favourites, while Italy showed a slow and convoluted manoeuvre.
In defense, apart from a non-paying spectator Buffon, the Juventus players Bonucci and Chiellini proved distracted, while Pasqual reminded us that he is still a Fiorentina reserve and the only darmian, especially in the second half, played a match at his level.
The cohabitation between is also bad Pirlo and Verratti, who in the national team never manages to play with the same personality shown in PSG, accompanied by a dull Bertolacci first and then by an at least lively Parolo.
Finally the attack: good performance from the pivot Pellè, beyond the arm goal. Less well Eder and Gabbiadini, who seem little suited to the trident. Much better with Candreva, author of the decisive assist, and the only pure winger of a certain level available to Conte.
