Roberto Mancini’s touch is magic, both metaphorically and in his effortless flick as the ball careered towards the dugout. Italy, meanwhile, careered into the last 16, making it three wins out of three against Wales.
There is much to be excited about in this table-topping team, but precisely who is the linchpin is unclear. Ciro Immobile is being tipped for the Golden Boot, Leonardo Spinazzola shone against Switzerland and Domenico Berardi has been but one cog of a formidable front three in the group stages of Euro 2020. All three were rested in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Wales, but in stepped Marco Verratti as the latest Azzurri hero of the hour.
Jorginho, Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli have been dominant so far, the midfield to beat even, but Verratti’s introduction against the Welsh took things up a notch.
No player on the pitch made more touches or tackles, completed more crosses, or created more chances.
For all the Paris Saint-Germain pass-master has struggled with injury, his impact on this tournament should never have been in doubt.
The 28-year-old was making his first appearance at a European Championship and what a debut it was, easing in a polished free-kick to the feet of Matteo Pessina.
“Easing” is the word which typifies almost everything Verratti does. There is a steeliness to his game which is often overlooked – he also won two fouls and conquered two aerial challenges to add to his silky tempo-setting in the middle of the park – but it suggests Italy are set to get even better.
That should be a frightening prospect to their rivals, few of whom have impressed so consistently. France have stumbled against Hungary, England were sent hurtling back down to earth by Scotland, and even Belgium’s lacklustre half in their win over Denmark hinted at a Championship much more open than had been anticipated.
Italy are in the perfect position to capitalise. Verratti, in particular, is among their most suitable “tournament midfielders”, his willingness to press into take-ons as impressive as his visionary reading of the game.
Mancini must take a little credit, here. This is a generation of undoubtedly talented Italian players, but one whom the major tournaments might have passed by under different management. The boss has brought with him a system which suits Verratti down to a tee, a blend of acumen and valour to match a new brand of midfielder.
More from i on Euro 2020
- The football nomad who became a hero for his role in saving Eriksen’s life
- How Ronaldo’s Coca-Cola stunt could change the face of football sponsorship
- In praise of Emma Hayes, the best pundit at Euro 2020 so far
- Eriksen collapse has thrown a spotlight on football’s relentless thirst for more
- How to watch every Euro 2020 match on TV and online in the UK
from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/35JNDjK
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