All promoted, none excluded. With only one small drawback, having played almost the entire game in numerical superiority. A nice advantage, it must be said, which, however, undoubtedly "distorted" the course of the race, partially invalidating its tactical outline and difficulty. In any case, Italy's new course started with a thumbs-up and the merits, ça va sans dire, mostly fall on Antonio Conte.
The leader (Tavecchio dixit) got off on the right foot, just as everyone expected (or perhaps it would be better to say hoped) despite his opponent (the Netherlands semi-finalist in the World Cup) and a summer behind him that would be an understatement to define daring. In fact, until 11 August we didn't even have a federal president, let alone a coach. But then came the most awaited choice that brought one of the best Italian coaches to the blue bench. The first was therefore a triumph outright but woe to bask too much on your laurels.
In fact, the difficult part is yet to come because friendlies are one thing, official matches are another. So keep an eye on Norway, which on Tuesday will baptize our debut in the Euro 2016 qualifiers. Certainly not an irresistible opponent, even in the light of the new rules (the European Championship in France will be extended to 24 teams, therefore the top two from each group pass), provided, however, that we start off on the right foot.
The question at this point is only one: which Italy will be Conte's first official? While waiting for some (improbable) revelations at the press conference, we can draw some indications from the San Nicola friendly match. First of all, the form, the highly confirmed 3-5-2, the trademark of Conte's championships for three years. The coach was clear, with this system 5 defenders and attacks with as many men; no multiplication of loaves and fishes, mind you, only backbreaking work by the outsiders.
Here perhaps we will see the real innovations compared to the Prandelli era. In Bari Darmian and De Sciglio played from the start, Candreva and Pasqual in second place, which suggests that the cards are still to be shuffled. Knowing the Conte thought, we will hardly see two full-backs on the field at the same time from the first minute, it is easier for one of the two flanks to always be manned by an offensive winger.
In short, in Oslo we could see Candreva and one of De Sciglio and Pasqual, or Darmian and El Shaarawy. Doubts also about the three in midfield: while waiting for Pirlo, the director would be Verratti but Conte has drawn excellent indications from De Rossi, a median with other characteristics but tremendously effective. That's why the two could also play together, with one of Parolo and Giaccarini completing the department (Marchisio is disqualified). Defense and attack on the other hand seem to be fine. Doubt Chiellini aside (the Juventus bulwark is not well and almost certainly will not be available) the owners should remain those of Bari (Frog, Bonucci and Astori), especially for the returning Buffon between the posts. Same goes for the offensive department: Zaza and Immobile played a great game, it's difficult not to be confirmed. Speeches that are valid between now and Tuesday, then in a month it will be a whole different story.
In fact, with Conte there are no longer pre-established hierarchies, nor places assigned in advance. And this, given the hunger for blue that has hit everyone, seems to be the best innovation.
