Good first. The real one of course, because if last Thursday it was just a friendly match this time there were heavy points up for grabs and Italy took them all with the hunger of those who could not wait for anything else. Forget the controversies of the past years when at the beginning of September, we punctually criticized our national team for their lack of anger and for their poor athletic condition. Apologies, because now that there is a new coach (and what coach!) everyone wants to show the desire for blue. Mind you, that seen in Norway was not a glittering Italy and there is still a lot to do to get back to expressing ourselves on levels more in keeping with our coat of arms, but the first official release of the Conte era deserves a good 7 and not only for the 0-2 (and the result could have been much rounder) against the mediocre team of Hogmo. In fact, humility, a spirit of sacrifice and love for the blue shirt were seen: in short, everything that was missing in Brazil. “I'm happy with the availability given to me by everyone – the coach's first words at the press conference. – There were seven new players on the pitch compared to the World Cup match against Uruguay: the message is that only those who deserve it play”. Yes, and it was also received very well. Despite all the flaws of the case, daughters of a new form that not everyone knows and some rather heavy absences, Italy played a very good match. In particular, he convinced the approach and it is no coincidence that the blue advantage came after just 16 minutes. The stamp was put by Zaza, albeit with the collaboration of Nordtveit, and this too does not seem accidental at all.
The Sassuolo striker, called up in place of Balotelli, thus crowned a dream week by gaining the well-deserved limelight. After the goal, a lot of field management, some good initiatives on the wings (more De Sciglio than Darmian), intelligent movements of the strikers, some good geometry of the Bonucci-De Rossi axis, a defense without worries. Against more prestigious opponents it will take longer but for Norway it was more than enough. Then, in the second half, after slowing down the pace a bit, the Azzurri doubled up with Bonucci, served perfectly by the newcomer Pasqual and the match really went downhill (62'). With the Norwegians unbalanced, the prairies opened up and Italy didn't find any other goals only because Zaza first hit the crossbar (77') and then saw a straight shot from Forren (80') rejected on the line. In short, a more than positive first, without those thrills that too often accompany the Azzurri's tests. “It wasn't easy – Conte specified, however. – We hadn't won in Norway for a very long time and I'm sure everyone will struggle here. We need to improve from the point of view of ball possession, it's obvious that there is room for growth, but we were good." Happy yes, but in his own way. Why the coach didn't spare a dig at those who weren't there, read Mario Balotelli. “My Italy is hungry, not fame – he explained. – I don't need famous people but football players who can lift the earth and make the pitch turn up again, as they say in the jargon”. More sweat and less ridges, more Giaccarini and less Balotelli. This is Conte's Italy, like it or not. But the feeling is that everyone likes it, and quite a lot.
