Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti hailed “organised” Italy, but is flummoxed by Belgium’s treatment of Radja Nainggolan.
The Giallorossi tactician gave his view on Euro 2016 to Sky Sport Italia after the Azzurri won Group E.
“This qualification to the Round of 16 was deserved and collective, as Antonio Conte managed to create a wonderful group that works together,” said Spalletti.
Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti hailed “organised” Italy, but is flummoxed by Belgium’s treatment of Radja Nainggolan.
The Giallorossi tactician gave his view on Euro 2016 to Sky Sport Italia after the Azzurri won Group E.
“This qualification to the Round of 16 was deserved and collective, as Antonio Conte managed to create a wonderful group that works together,” said Spalletti.
“It is evident that he studies his opponents carefully. The victory over Belgium was very impressive, while against Sweden they showed the same defensive solidity that Italy are famous for.
“You can tell the enthusiasm, conviction and courage emanating from the players. Just look at how they all celebrate a goal from one of their teammates, ignoring the choices of the Coach, because they all feel involved in the end result.
“Despite what people say or want to make Italy seem, perhaps we are the most organised team in Euro 2016. We allowed both Belgium and Sweden very little, as the Coach studied them carefully. We play as a team and practice everything in training.”
The performance in the 1-0 victory over Sweden was certainly less scintillating, decided by a late Eder goal.
“Italy played in a less modern style then, acting more as a back five and not using the fifth player to attack the opposition full-back. They were nonetheless very solid and Daniele De Rossi did very well in midfield, as he always cleans up that patch to avoid the defensive line being breached.
“Aside from the goal, Eder pressed for the entire 90 minutes and did it more than Graziano Pellè. The other nations might have more superstars, but they don’t play as a collective the way we do and in my view that’s an advantage that can take us pretty far.”
Belgium finally showed what they can do with a 3-0 win over the Republic of Ireland, but Nainggolan was initially benched.
“I do not understand how Belgium play,” confessed Spalletti. “Why use Marouane Fellaini as a striker, as with those legs he can’t make the most of his physicality or pace up there.
“From that position Radja can put the ball in the net, finalise moves and press everyone until he returns to the midfield role. In the same move he can be involved two or three times, pressing to win back the ball and then running forward to ensure he’s ready to accept the pass.
“This is a quality the player has and it ought to be used to the full. With Fellaini you have to lift the ball and I do not agree with the idea of just throwing crosses into the box. I prefer passing on the edge of the area, as that forces the opposition defenders to come forward to close you down and inevitably opens up a gap.
“When you are too static in attack, the opposition defence is given reference points and can see it all coming. Speaking to all centre-backs, they all say the same thing.”
Which teams most impressed Spalletti at Euro 2016?
“I like Croatia and their three trequartisti, much like Germany with high full-backs and a block to defend counters. The player I enjoyed the most was Milan Badelj in front of the defence for Croatia, along with Luka Modric. I think that a lot of forward play starts from there.
“For Italy, Andrea Barzagli provided many continual vertical passes and starting moves from right in front of the defence is a very important factor.
“I expected more from France in terms of style and quality.”