Failing to make the World Cup for the first time in decades, the shocking result for Italy means only one thing: take stock and make changes.
Italy was held to a 0-0 draw by Sweden at San Siro this week. The draw meant that the team was knocked out of the World Cup playoff, following a 1-0 defeat in Sweden.
Having failed to qualify for World Cup for the first time in 60 years, the Azzurri will now rebuild its squad. The outcome against Sweden was a clear indication that this team needs urgent attention.
Courtesy: USA Today
Gian Piero Ventura, the sacked Italian manager, has become the scapegoat. Yes, sometimes it’s unfair to point to the manager when things go wrong. But, in this case, it’s hard to point in any other direction.
Before the series began, there were reports that Ventura would be under scrutiny if his side failed to qualify. In my view, though, Ventura was the wrong appointment in the first place. His CV wasn’t sufficient to land this high-profile job and he didn’t have the personality to handle big players.
In his 36 years of coaching, Napoli was the biggest club Ventura had ever managed. Then, Ventura abandoned the 4-3-3 formation–which I think was the right choice considering the players at his disposal–and opted for a 4-2-4 formation that just didn’t work.
Ventura focused mainly on high work-rate and defensive discipline rather than on attacking football. That approach didn’t work against Sweden. Yes, Italy had the majority of possessions, but those possessions didn’t lead to positive outcomes.
In the end, Ventura’s tactics finally spelled doom for the Italians.
Among other things, brilliant touches in the opposition box failed to break down a stubborn Swedish defence. And, as the game progressed, the Swedes dropped further back, which congested the last third of the pitch.
There also were rumours that senior players had lost faith in Ventura. For example, Daniele De Rossi was caught on camera arguing with the members of the Italian backroom staff. He was told to warm up and reacted angrily to show frustration. And, after Azzurri’s fate was confirmed, De Rossi–along with Buffon, Chiellini and Barzagli–announced their retirement from international football.
There’s no doubt Ventura’s spell as Italian coach has been a painful one. He’s an excellent club coach, but coaching a national team is a very tough job to handle.
Is Conte the best choice?
(photo, Live Sports News)
The big question now is who will step into Ventura’s shoes? I think the Italian FA has several major options. Ancellotti, Conte, and Spalletti are big personalities who likely will fancy a high-profile job.
No matter who comes next, it’s clear that the next coach will face a big task. Italy has young players who will need to step up. The likes of Donnarumma, Florenzi, Jorginho, El Sharaawy, and Belloti should form the nucleus of Italy’s next squad.
But there’s one thing for sure: it was a traumatic night for Italian football at San Siro. The only alternative now is to rebuild.
