Both the Azzurri and Croatia came into this game unchanged and in full confidence after their recent performances against Spain and the Republic of Ireland. Italy’s first half performance was comfortable – with the midfield trio of Pirlo, Marchisio and Thiago Motta running the show and the front line of Balotelli – Cassano were provided [...]

The kings of two footballing philosophies locked horns in the opening Group C game of Euro 2012: Catenaccio and Tiki-Taka; Italy and Spain. The Catenaccio philosophy is one associated with a highly organised and effective defensive tactic that focuses on taming the opponent’s attacks and in turn preventing any credible goal scoring opportunities. In Catenaccio, [...]

A volte tornano: sometimes they return – a popular italian phrase that typifies italian football. In recent years the italian fans have witnessed everything: players going on strike, allegations surrounding corruption, champions stripped of a title then relegated and a national team that can only be described as spectacularly inconsistent. Yet, despite the apparent ‘great [...]