With everyone writing about how Spain won, I decided to go against the grain and write about why Italy lost.
Italy’s European championship campaign came to an abrupt end with a 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Spain.
Italy was outplayed, outclassed and outmatched by a superior Spanish outfit.
But why was Spain so clinical in their display?
There were three crucial tactical, mental and physical factors, which heavily contributed to Italy’s defeat.
1. Italy relied too much on Andrea Pirlo.
Andrea Pirlo was arguably the most influential player of the 2012 European championship.
His control of Italy’s matches paved the way for Italy to progress deep into the tournament and eliminate heavyweights Germany.
Pirlo’s ability to use time and create space allowed the Italians to threaten opposition defences which led to the Italians finishing the tournament as the country who had the most shots on goal.
But Spain crowded Pirlo.
Spain had three and four defenders pressuring the midfielder to rush decisions and make ineffective passes; turning over possession cheaply.
In order to create space Pirlo had to retreat back to defence to receive the ball from the keeper with little to no contest.
With their playmaker trapped in their red-zone, Italy had to start their attacking raids deep inside their half which robbed them of quality field position to prose any threat in attack.
Italy had to change their game plan as Balotelli and other forwards played much of the game without the ball..
Then, to try and turn any possession into an effective attack in the final third, the Italians had to play long balls to their taller forwards who, once they had possession, had no support and subsequently turned the ball over.
Italy were uncomfortable with this style of play and with such a change in their game plan it made it very difficult to impose their presence on the match-up.
2. The Italians didn’t think Spain would score first.
The defensive lapse in the 14th minute and the player’s faces proved Italy didn’t believe Spain would score first.
Before the final, Italy had scored the first goal in each of their tournament matches.
Throughout the tournament, the Italians relied heavily on their defensive structures to lay the foundations of their game plan.
Although the Italians showed a lot more flair in this campaign, they had only conceded two goals in their preceding five fixtures.
Italy is not good at chasing leads.
With the tournament on the line the Azzuri moved their players forward, leaving Italy vulnerable and exposed to Spanish counter attacks.
The counter attacks were the reason for the last three goals, which made the final score a blowout.
3. Giorgio Chiellini’s Injury
The heart of Italy’s defense looked sluggish from the outset with Chiellini missing the Quarter and semi finals through injury.
Giorgio Chiellini was rushed back from injury to replace Balzaretti who had a solid showing in both qualifying final matches.
With such an important game on the line, was it worth risking Chiellni?
Chiellini’s gamble was a dangerous one, as the 27-year-old was beaten for pace by Fabregas in the box, who brilliantly cut the ball back for David Silva to net a spectacular header.
It was evident from the ensuing play Chiellini was battling a niggling injury and the central defender was substituted mid-way through the first half.
This would prove to be a telling change as their third substitute Thiago Motta succumbed to a hamstring injury.
The injury forced the Italians to play the final 25 minutes with ten men.
Chasing a two-goal deficit against Spain is extremely difficult with eleven men, which makes chasing the lead with ten men nearly impossible.
Chiellini’s injury, Spain’s pressing tactics and Italy’s mentality all played a role in Italy’s defeat but it was Spain’s class which ultimately shone through.
The now back-to back European champions saved their best game until last and with their success etched their names into footballing immortality.
Spain deserved the win but Italy raised a few eyebrows from their success in the campaign.
It’s back to the drawing board for the Azzuri but things are looking up for the Italians.
Forza Italia.
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
I think the false nine tactic from the Spainsh troubled the Italians- they didn't enjoy that in the slightest. I understand what you are saying Dogboy he broke up formations and combinations which would no doubt hurt any sides aspirations of victory.
Dogboy
Guest
I can't believe no one has mentioned formation yet!! While I agree that Italy were mentally and physically tired for the final, and the mood Spain was in they would have beaten anybody. But it also worth mentioning that when Italy employed the very successfully 3-5-2 formation that helped Juve dominate Serie A this season they matched Spain in every department (well, maybe except passing, nobody passes as much as Spain). But then Prandelli opted for a 4-4-2 in the final and we got overwhelmed in the midfield. Perhaps he wasn't confident fielding Chellini in a 3 man defence, but given the entire Italy backline is Juve, perhaps he should have gone for that option. A midfield of Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Nocerino, Diamenti have have given Spain some trouble.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I think you'll find Pirlo was voted MoTM against GER. Source: http://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/season=2012/matches/round=15174/match=2003379/postmatch/report/index.html
Dino
Guest
Well, Germany also did a good job against Pirlo, so I think it was more than just stopping Pirlo
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Well said Bondy, Spain play a very 'Barcelona' type match using the ball beautifully and executing successful passes for long periods to eventually open up weaknesses in opposition defences. The Italian flaws were magnified because of such a clinical display by the Spain. Spain is a dynasty. Immortals.
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Italy were jus playing too finish the game. In all honesty, the damage was done in the first half. Italy have been known to be conservative- they wanted to keep their dignity by keeping the scoreline respectable... how did that end up lol
Bondy
Guest
I think the Spanish did a greater or worser job on Santos in Japan in the Club challenge, a lot of that football this morning was very similar as if Messi was out there, it should be noted as to what they can do with out him remembering the spanish team is predominantly catilin. I didnt think the Italians played to badly, enjoyed the match it was very clinical nice work, congatulations to del Bosque and the spanish team.
k77sujith
Guest
Most of the views here sum it all up with regard to why Italy lost. I still feel Italy should've pressed on despite losing Motta, this being the final. After the 60th minute, seemed like all they were thinking about was the final whistle. Yes, it's a huge risk to attack with ten men against Spain, but you live only once so they should've gone for broke rather than play for pride. Thanks.
jbinnie
Guest
SavassT-. You have just confused every coach in Australia,if not the world by inverting the well known adage that you cite,for, in current football knowledge it is IMPOSSIBLE to "attack" as a group or team if you don't have the ball so I think you will find the "motto" that you are keen to lumber them with will never happen. What they have done is with all round movement and discipline they have created a situation that allows them to move the ball in short,sharp,one or two touch passes that gives them complete control as long as they keep that possession, but, even if that possession is in their own penalty area it still has to be termed that they are in attack mode.Cheers jb
hawker
Guest
France outplayed England in the group stages, I would argue portugal were at least the equal of if not better than spain in the 90 min of the SF
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
ST, tbey have conquered the Euros but South american football is stronger than ever and i believe the dynasty will end at Brazil in 2014. I still think on their day Euro teams can beat Spain- it would have been interesting to see Spain vs. Germany. But according to the rankings Uruguay seems the most likely but if i had money i would put in on Argentina or Brazil
Savvas Tzionis
Guest
It looks like it may take the Final Frontier of South America to fully test Spain. But a few of their key players will be two years older by then. Lets hope Brazil and Argentina are at their best for their 'home' tournament. Lets not forget, this will be the first South American tournament since Argentina 1978!!!!!
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Savvas; Spain have been doing that for a while- and it is no mystery why they are such a powerhouse
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Agree with you 100% Corey; The Germany game finally caught up with the Italians they didn't think they would beat Germany and they did... but forgot to turn up two days later. Well they shut Pirlo and Italy right out of the game. Teams now know how to beat Italy but it's still a mystery how to defeat the Spanish dynasty
Corey
Guest
I thought Italy showed fantastic grit given the circumstances, you always got the feeling watching their celebrations after the german game that maybe they had already played thier final. Agree with you re Pirlo, a great player who simply wasn't allowed to do his job today.
Savvas Tzionis
Guest
Maybe the greatest legacy Spain can leave us is that the team that surpasses them may have to employ, not DEFENSIVE tactics, but an ATTACKING philosophy. Although as much as I loved their football over last 4 years, this years tournament (until the final) was a tad less effervescent. And perhaps even I tired of tika-taka. Anyway, I just had a thought. Spain have used that phrase "The best form of defense is attack" and turned it on its head!! Their motto appeasr to be "The best from of attack is defence". Defence in this case is defending the ball by continuously keeping it!!!!
jbinnie
Guest
Fuss - In one little line in the middle of your statement you have uttered the magical words with which no one will argue. I quote--- "They used their sublime passing skills to create offensive pressure,rather than to simply starve their opponent of supply" unquote. The antithesis in this truth is behind why many people dislike "possession football" as it has become known. I had another "advantage", for this was the first Euro game I had seen & yes Spain were superb,their movement both "off & to", the ball put them on a different level than their opponents for it is this continuous movement that allows them to play their first and second touch passing game to the varied options that they supply for each other. & which constantly turns defenders. I had read much about this "new" Azzurri team but to be honest, the organised defences of their past teams led by Facchetti, Maldini or Baresi would have presented a much more formidable barrier than this team did, in fact the first goal scorer raised the vision of Thoroughbreds v Carthorses as he sprinted past 3 defenders on his way to intercepting a perfectly placed through ball. All in all it was a great display but somewhere there will be a manager taking it all in and calculating how this "machine" can be halted. Will he succeed?,history says a resounding "yes", Cheers jb
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Fussball ist unser leben, what we are experiencing is a dynasty in football. It is a lot like the Maroons of State of Origin in the rugby league. The team is not flashy all the time but they win the big matches. Well Spain could have easily been knocked out in the Euro 2012 semi-finals if the plenty shootout had gone differently. Biut those are the hypotheticals but the fact is Spain are a footballing force and will be hard to topple- although the Italians won over some fans in their campaign but couldn't deliver on the big occasion. Spain were simply amazing
tonysalerno
Roar Guru
Savvas Tzionis it's hard to put your finger on Spain's performance- it was exquisite and awesome; i have not seen i first half display like that since i can remember. Spain are naturally slow starters ( much like the Italians) but once again they found there way to the business end of he tournament and holding up the trophy
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
I'll put my hand up. I have not been convinced by the alleged omnipotence of ESP, but what I saw this morning was truly awesome. So, for me, this is a finale that ESP won. I don't want to take anything away from the team. That 1st half of football was, perhaps, as good an example of perfectly executed technical & tactical football that I've ever seen at international level. And, the 2-0 scoreline was just reward for ESP's dominance. Of course the early loss of Chiellini didn't help the ITA defence, but Balzaretti is no slouch. This was ESP playing football the way I want them to play. They used their sublime passing skills to create offensive pressure, rather than to simply starve the opponent of supply. But, after watching every match played by ESP at Euro2008, ConfedCup2009, WC2010, Euro2012 I know they're not invincible - remember ESP didn't even make the 2009 Confederations Cup Finale b/c USA knocked them out (2-0 final score). And, at WC2010, after SUI beat ESP in the opening match ESP were in real danger of being eliminated from the tournament in their final Group match against a very impressive CHI. Bring on Confederations Cup 2013 ... but lets hope ESP is not drawn in the same group as THA, or the AUS NT's Guinness Book of record entries may be surpassed!