Coach Paolo Nicolato explains he has a different view of how to use Wilfried Gnonto compared to Roberto Mancini going into the Under-21 European Championship. ‘I see him as a centre-forward.’
The Azzurrini begin their tournament in Georgia and Romania on Thursday June 22 against France, who are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
They then face Switzerland on June 25 and Norway to complete the group stage on June 28.
It has been said that Nicolato’s team do not have a clear identity, but he insists that is a strength rather than a weakness and makes them more unpredictable for opponents.
“There is a big debate on tactical systems, but I maintain it is not a system that makes you win or lose games. Anyone who thinks like that is 30 years out of date,” Nicolato told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I don’t believe there is a defensive and an attacking tactical system, it’s just shapes that are more or less suited to the players. In 10 qualifying games for the Euros, we played seven with a 4-3-3 formation, one with 4-2-3-1 and two with 3-5-2. In the friendlies, we went 3-5-2.
“A coach must be able to use many different systems, then consider the players at his disposal and the strategy. Football has evolved, it’s more about putting players in a position that will allow them to express their talent.”
Mancini apologised for scrapping his 4-3-3 formation for 3-5-2 in the Nations League semi-final defeat to Spain, but Nicolato is more open to change.
“We started playing 3-5-2 at the Under-21 squad because we didn’t have any wingers available and all our defenders play at club level with three at the back. It wasn’t my own individual choice, I’ve been coaching for 35 years and 30 of those have been with four at the back, but if needed, I can adapt.”
The friendly tests did not impress with the 3-5-2, losing to England and Germany.
Meanwhile, the Azzurrini get Leeds United forward Gnonto back after he started the Nations League third place final against the Netherlands, winning 3-2 this afternoon, but could have a different role for the U21s.
“I see Gnonto as more of a striker, including a centre-forward. He has played as a winger at club level and for Italy, but he doesn’t seem a classic winger to me. If anything, part of two upfront, or a centre-forward in a 4-3-3, because he attacks the space and has that sprint in the final third.”
Moise Kean was meant to be part of the squad, but released due to an unspecified issue that raised question marks over his commitment.
“Putting the team together was easier than I expected, perhaps because they all worked with me before. It’s a group that is happy spending time together and that might not guarantee results, but it certainly increases our chances.”