Marco Tardelli praises Italy for 'the strength of their defence', but also warns of their inherent limits.

The midfielder became world-famous in 1982 for his explosive scream after scoring in the final against Germany.

Interviewed by the Gazzetta dello Sport, he said Italy's current style of play is no surprise to him.

Marco Tardelli praises Italy for 'the strength of their defence', but also warns of their inherent limits.

The midfielder became world-famous in 1982 for his explosive scream after scoring in the final against Germany.

Interviewed by the Gazzetta dello Sport, he said Italy's current style of play is no surprise to him.

“I didn't think of how far Italy could go, but I thought they could play the way they're doing,” he said. “Which is all they can do to progress. I didn't think much of big scary Belgium, they have quality players but not a game of great quality.

“Italy are based mostly on the defence, though not only on that. As [Coach Antonio] Conte says, this doesn't mean shutting up shop at the back and countering. It means counting on a certainty that you possess.

“There's nothing wrong with that. A good Coach knows how to evaluate the resources he has and bring out the best from them. And he knows how to organise his team. These are the foundations to go far, unless they become his limits.”

The 61-year-old was asked to elaborate on that cryptic final statement.

“If as little as two or three players don't do exactly what Conte asks them to, then everyone's performance suffers. And this team doesn't have a [Francesco] Totti or an [Alessandro] Del Piero, who can resolve a game on their own.

“The second risk is that of losing one of the defenders from the Juventus block, and that's no small risk. Not least because [Leonardo] Bonucci is the number one playmaker in this team. If he does the right thing, something always comes out of it.

“The game against Ireland? I don't think Conte will have a total turnover. I'm certain one between Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini will play. I don't think Conte would like to take the opposite risk, that of not playing for ten days and losing tension and adrenalin.

“Conte knows what he's doing of course, but that type of adrenalin is something you either have inside you or you don't.”

Italy's Round of 16 will pit them against the runners-up of Group D.

“I hope it's the Czech Republic. But if it comes down to Spain and Croatia, I'd rather have the latter. Playing against Spain is difficult, they always find a way to trouble you.

“And the Croatian defence always runs some risks, not to mention that if [Luka] Modric is absent or unfit, they lose quite a lot.”

Byandrea

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