Italy take on Austria in the round of 16 of Euro 2020 and Richard Hall explains why the Azzurri arrive to the game with mixed feelings.
It could be another magical night for Italy. It might not be under the sky of an Italian summer, but it is reminiscent of one. Perhaps it is because it has not been since Italia ‘90 that the country has expected so much of the national team. Back then, they believed they were the best, and how could they fail, playing on home soil? Today, it is different, this time, it is because they are back from the dead, back from the ‘Apocalypse’. Roberto Mancini has them just where he wants them and the country believes that beating Austria is a real possibility.
If history tells us anything, it is that we can take lessons from it but also that things change drastically in between time. There is no Salvatore Schillaci now, despite what they say about Giacomo Raspodori. Even back in those beautiful summer nights in Rome, the Austrians were a match for Italy.
Just ask Mancini and Gianluca Vialli. That is perhaps why the Italians are caught in two minds. Whilst there is a huge nationalistic fervour and ‘Go Italia Go’, is plastered on the papers, there is also an element of concern. Yesterday, la Gazzetta dello Sport talked about who would be Italy’s penalty takers, whilst the Corriere Dello Sport spouted nonsense about the English referee, out for revenge due to the challenge over the Euro Final destination.
Italy have room to be confident. There has not been a team in the tournament that has impressed as much as the Azzurri thus far. Back to back 3-0 wins over Turkey and Switzerland was then followed up with their B team beating Wales. That means Mancini’s men are going to Wembley with 11 straight wins under their belt.
Questions have been asked whether they can beat the bigger teams, but these are unfounded. Look at England in Italia ‘90, they beat nobody of note and made it to the semi-finals. In all fairness, Italy in that tournament had an easy group and faced no ‘big teams’ until the semi-finals.
Austria will be looked on favourably. An easy win against Goran Pandev’s North Macedonia was followed by a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands. The one stand out performance came against Ukraine when Christoph Baumgartner’s solitary goal gave them the winner. It is this display that Austria will look to emulate as it was organised and gritty. Italy however, will be ready for a war of attrition. Mancini’s men have certainly learned how to be able to break teams down as they often allow teams to attack them and then counter with speed.
Perhaps, the biggest talking point when it comes to squad selection is that Manual Locatelli will not feature. The predicted line up is Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Acerbi, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Berardi, Immobile, Insigne with injuries to Florenzi (calf) and Chiellini (thigh) keeping them out.
Marco Verratti’s inclusion has raised eyebrows as whilst he is a superlative player, Locatelli’s form warrants him a start. Domenico Berardi keeps his place at right-winger. He has chosen this tournament to be on form after scoring 17 goals in Serie A last term. He is much loved in Italy, but also known for lack of ambition and dipping in and out of form for Sassuolo.
The key for Mancini still seems to be Lorenzo Insigne, as when he is happy, he is one of the most entertaining players in Europe. The diminutive Neapolitan is like a locksmith when it comes to rigid defences and Austria’s safe will need cracking, that is for sure. His movement, range of passing and finishing ability arguably could beat Gianfranco Zola’s. ‘Lorenzo Il Magnifico’ is special.
So here we are, Italy awaits the Austrians in the Derby of Sud Tyrol. The country expects, but in all the furore, there is a tinge of worry. The Azzurri are not totally over the Russian campaign and those memories are scorched on the brain.
What will be a success for Italy in this tournament, you may ask? Perhaps it is beating the teams they expect to beat, but in the back of everyone’s mind, they believe they can win this. So Austria is an obstacle they should be able to overcome.