Spain are reportedly considering a false 9 against Italy in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier.
According to Marca, the absence of Diego Costa – Spain’s first-choice striker under Julen Lopetegui – has opened the door to the tactical innovation.
Although Alvaro Morata can play as a centre-forward, the newspaper explains the idea stems from La Roja’s successful implementation of a false 9 in the Euro 2012 Final – when they thrashed the Azzurri 4-0.
Spain are reportedly considering a false 9 against Italy in Saturday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier.
According to Marca, the absence of Diego Costa – Spain’s first-choice striker under Julen Lopetegui – has opened the door to the tactical innovation.
Although Alvaro Morata can play as a centre-forward, the newspaper explains the idea stems from La Roja’s successful implementation of a false 9 in the Euro 2012 Final – when they thrashed the Azzurri 4-0.
On that occasion, Cesc Fabregas played as a striker against the Italian ‘BBC’ of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini.
Furthermore, Barcelona have gone back to using Lionel Messi as a false 9 this season.
David Silva would the likeliest player to lead the line, given he has been Spain’s top scorer since the appointment of Lopetegui last summer with eight goals.
However, Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio could be an option following his prolific start to the season.