The Italy v Spain or Xavi Vs Pirlo Euro 2012 Final Preview
We'll begin with a quick review of the Euro 2012 Semi Final Result:
Italy 2 Germany 1...and ‘It could have been four, or five’.This was the night that Balotelli finally came of age; where Pirlo was involved with 34% of the Azzurri’s play (received or played a pass) and boasted a 92% pass rate. Cesare Prandelli set his team up in his favoured 4-3-1-2 formation for the third game in succession after beginning the tournament with the controversial …
Italy 1 Spain 1 | Review & Statistically Proving - Were Italy Lucky?
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, it is typical that the role of a sweeper, libero or verrouilleur is given a pivotal role in both defensive organisation and playing the ball …