Luciano Spalletti grabbed his first win as Italy’s coach against Ukraine in a Euro 2024 qualifying fixture. Here are the Azzurri’s player ratings from San Siro.
Donnarumma 7 – A big save in the first half was wasted by Dimarco who didn’t clear the ball and gave a goal away. Coped well with boos from the San Siro crowd that got louder throughout the game.
Di Lorenzo 6.5 – The Napoli captain was pretty much everywhere. He cut inside in the build-up, becoming an added central midfielder or even the second centre-back when Bastoni pushed.
Scalvini 7 – Probably the most important game he’s played so far in his career, but he didn’t seem under pressure. Says a lot about his personality.
Bastoni 6.5 – He may play in a three-man defence for Inter, but he will be one of Spalletti’s untouchables in a four-man backline. Excellent with the ball at his feet and tough to beat defensively.
Dimarco 5.5 – Excellent in the build-up. His cross-field passes were efficient and beautiful to see, but he was at fault for Ukraine’s goal. (58’ Biraghi 6 – He had all under control.)
Frattesi 8 – MVP, no doubt about it. His late runs were lethal in the first half. He scored twice and was everywhere in midfield. Beast.
Locatelli 7 – Very composed, in the right place at the right time. He’s no Andrea Pirlo, but he is becoming increasingly confident as a playmaker.
Barella 6.5 – With Frattesi on the pitch, he had more defensive duties, but the best Italian midfielder put in another solid performance. Deservedly among the 30 best players in the world. (84’ Cristante N/A).
Zaniolo 6.5 – He took a while to get in the game, but he got it eventually. The Aston Villa winger cut inside from the right flank and created two chances in the second half. A back-heel assist for Raspa and a shot from outside the box saved by Bushcan. (72’ Orsolini N/A)
Raspadori 5.5 – Spalletti wanted to keep Ukraine’s defenders moving and Raspadori was the perfect man for the job. However, he wasted a few decent opportunities from inside the box. (72’ Retegui N/A)
Zaccagni 6.5 – The Lazio winger started the second consecutive game under Spalletti. He assisted Frattesi for the opener and pressed Ukraine’s defenders continuously. (58’ Gnonto 5.5 – Had a big opportunity to kill off the game, but tried to dribble rather than shoot. Shame.)
Spalletti 7- Looking backwards, he had announced his tactical plan on Monday, saying Italy strikers had spent too much time inside North Macedonia’s box on Saturday and urging the Azzurri to move the ball quickly to ‘create spaces’ against Ukraine. Therefore, he rested Immobile and started Raspadori as a false nine, but also included Frattesi who can be more dangerous than Tonali in the final third. The performance in the first half had Roma 2006 vibes.
Much better performance and think we can build on this with the right combinations and tactics – still way to go but hopefully the right direction
Where are all the haters?
Back in Italy’s hands, but a few huge games still to come.
The Score is not reflective of the play.. italy dominated.. could have been 5-0
Good to win, but it was only the Ukraine!
Those who call critics haters should respond to the valid criticisms instead of waiting for a win like yesterday. The reality is we drew with Macedonia and we narrowly beat Ukraine.
We could do x, we could y, we could do z, but the reality is we don’t have the players to score 4 or 5 goals. We meet one of the top 10 teams and we will get battered.
well…5-1, but point taken. this italy with continued improvements (ie no regress) can and will beat england
i agree we hould of we dont do it we shoot and cant score we dominate we cant finish when we face the bigger guns we aer gonna hits same song dance we are shrinking in size big tall strong strikers give balotteli chance esp england