Italy’s Sky Sports and Gazzetta dello Sport, among other media outlets, focused on Italy’s pre-match training for the European Championship knockout stages, revealing that the team plans to change formation to a 3-4-2-1. Spalletti may be looking to defender Gianluca Mancini for the match.
At this European Championship, Italy coach Spalletti has been described by the media as a “transformer” as he has used several different formations in three group matches. Italy won their opening match 2-1 against Albania, lost their second match 1-0 to Spain, and drew their third match 1-1 against Croatia with a last-minute equalizer, narrowly qualifying for the knockout rounds as group runners-up. In the first match, Italy changed formation to a 4-2-3-1 mid-game. In the second match, Italy used a 4-3-3 formation. In the third match, Italy changed formation to a 3-5-2 (media noted it as a 3-1-4-2). Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport have fiercely criticized Spalletti: “The changing formations, it’s hard to see any clear ideas in Italy’s play”.
Italy will face Switzerland in the first round of the knockout stages. According to pre-match training, Italy will change formation again to a 3-4-2-1. If this is the actual starting lineup, it will be the fourth different formation Italy have used in the European Championship.
Italian media point out that this formation change may be forced on the Azzurri. Defender Calafiori will be suspended, so Spalletti will have to find another solution. From pre-match training, it looks like Gianluca Mancini is more likely to start, with a greater chance of playing than Buongiorno (nicknamed “Buongiorno”). This Roma player will partner with the Inter Milan duo of Bastoni and Darmian in a back three. The changes in the midfield and forward line may be to match the adjustments in defense, increasing the defensive coverage from the front line.
Italy will face Switzerland in the Round of 16 on June 30th at 00:00 (GMT). If Italy can advance, they will face the winner of England vs Slovakia in the quarter-finals. 65-year-old Spalletti has been in charge of Italy since taking over, managing the team in 13 matches with a record of 7 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses, scoring 21 goals and conceding 11 goals.
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