Arrigo Sacchi believes Carlo Ancelotti taught a lesson to Italian football with Real Madrid‘s 3-1 win over Manchester City: ‘Pressing is fundamental.’
The Italian tactician has become the first to reach five Champions League finals and could be the first to lift the trophy four times.
Arrigo Sacchi analysed Madrid’s victory at the Bernabeu in a column published in today’s printed edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport newspaper.
‘Ancelotti won against City as he had done against PSG and Chelsea, with a comeback inspired by substitutions,’ said the ex-Italy and Milan coach.
‘He replaced some champions with youths that make enthusiasm their most important quality. He subbed off all the midfielders in the second half: Casemiro, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Even Karim Benzema in extra time.
‘He gambled on the freshness of Rodrygo, Marco Asensio and Eduardo Camavinga. He turned the game around thanks to Rodrygo, who scored a decisive brace when Manchester City seemed to have secured a place in the Final.
‘Every goal came from pressing, possible thanks to the energy of young players and quick counter-attacks.’
Sacchi believes there is a lesson that Italian clubs should learn. ‘That’s what our teams must do to pursue success in Europe. Pressing gives courage and scares the opponents, forcing them to do something they can’t do well: defend.
‘Foreign clubs are much better attacking rather than defending. Manchester City proved it over the two legs. Therefore, we must press them to win. Unfortunately, every Italian club uses one or even two extra men at the back, often to man-mark just one opposing striker. Like this, they lose a man in midfield and miss the chance to dominate games.’
Roma have qualified for the Conference League Final by beating Leicester City 1-0 in the second-leg semi-final last night. However, all Serie A clubs have been eliminated before the Champions League quarter-finals for the second successive season.
To make things worse, Italy have missed out on a second successive World Cup for the second time in a row, sparking debates on where Italian football must improve to return to greatness.
Arrigo Sacchi: “Italia, vai a scuola da Carlo: vince con i giovani” #Real https://t.co/C8TaSpFdJ9
— La Gazzetta dello Sport (@Gazzetta_it) May 6, 2022
It’s time to say goodbye to the beloved “catenaccio ” and grow!
Tell that to the dummy Allegri who’s coached our top team for ages and never learns anything
Sacchi is Rangnick in disguise all theoretical. He had Italian golden generations in his hand when Serie A dominates European club competition in early-mid 90’s..zola,baggio, mancini, Signori,Maldini, Costacurta , Ferrara, Vialli, Ravanelli, Bergomi and yet did nothing. 1994? all baggio.