The perception of Italy before the first ball was kicked at EURO 2016 was quite the disservice to both the country and Antonio Conte.
Expectations of the Azzuri were very low prior to the tournament—with many journalists dubbing this the worst Italian side ever and nobody expecting them to go anywhere far in France—instead, the genius and pure tactical adeptness of Chelsea-bound Antonio Conte has led them to outclassing and outplaying Europe’s big guns.
After all, the Italians always embrace the underdog status and this tournament is no different.
Conte is utilising his trademark 3-5-2 with Italy this summer and has only conceded one goal in four games, which was a late goal to the Republic of Ireland where eight key Italian players were rested. That solid defensive record is testament to Conte’s organisation and tactical acumen—some people call it parking the bus, I call it excellent tactical football.
Of course, some of the credit has to go to the brilliant Juventus quartet of Barzagli, Bonucci, Chellini and Gianluigi Buffon. The four veterans have been incredible at the back for Italy in France.
This Euros embodies Antonio Conte as a manager. Italy have a real sense of togetherness in the squad, and he promotes that. Not including Mario Balotelli in the 23-man squad has turned out to be, in hindsight, a smart choice, even if it was heavily questioned pre-tournament. They didn’t need to bring somebody who has made headlines for many of the wrong reasons in the past with attitude problems and erratic play.
Conte was heckled by the Italian media in his decision to bring players such as Eder and Emanuele Giaccherini on the plane to France yet they have made some of the most important contributions. Giacherrini has embodied his manager’s ethos, netting against the Belgians and Eder proved the decisive factor in their second group game against Sweden.
Their 2-0 win over Spain in the knockout stages has been dubbed the greatest tactical performance in this Euros so far, and it’s tough not to agree. Conte kept his side so well-drilled for 90 minutes while also dominating the game for the majority of the tie.
The game against Spain, and the whole tournament really, epitomised Conte as a coach—a rollercoaster of emotions. For the full 90 minutes, he stands on the edge of his touchline, not afraid to ever express his feelings. One second he is encouraging his side and praising them, the next he will be picking a quarrel with them over a trivial matter.
Conte is very unique in that way. If the majority of the Stamford Bridge faithful thought Jose Mourinho was captivating and charismatic, wait until Antonio Conte graces that Chelsea touchline for the first time. If you don’t have the balls, you get kicked out, simple as that!
He is getting the best out of an average crop of players at this Euros, and we will have to see if he can turn water to stone at Chelsea. Our fans should really get excited; we are getting a manager that is a non-stop combination of enthusiasm and tactical ingenuity.
