Germany wouldn't have tried to score on that offside call early on, but like Falc said, once they knew they were through and against England, they stopped trying.
1:0 was perfect for Germany. They risked Italy scoring again, then they would be tied with Slovakia on goal difference who would have had advanced with more goals scored.
1-0 would have seen Italy eliminated if the Czech's had won, so no. Unless you think that the Czech's had pre-arranged to lose on purpose which is absurd.
1:0 was perfect when the Danes were up by two goals and Germany had the goal differential against Slovakia. If Italy went up 2:0, Slovakia goes through on goals for. So while it was not a biscotto, in the end, Germany were more than content to end the match as it was.
True, but as I was watching the game, Germany didn't really give the impression of giving up until about the 82nd minute. Before that point they were still trying (especially in the first half). It just seemed obvious with ten minutes to go that they simply shut it down. I know that Italy Azzurri Fan gave a 4000 word comment on all the possibilities, but my eyes glazed over after about 2400 words. Regardless, the game was on the up and up, and Italy outplayed the Germans today.
Bernardeschi's struggles are really mostly when he is strung out wide away from the center of the pitch and away from goal. Playing him on the left side is a waste because when he cuts in, he is on his right foot. Everytime I saw him play as a seconda punta or more centrally, I've seen him shine this year. Good for him. Petagna was not missed today. Yes, he holds up the ball but he lumbers around and does not score. He sometimes is so deliberate that he allows the defense a point of reference. The trident today gave Germany trouble because they didn't know who to mark. Sucks that Berardi and Conti are out. That means Petagna is back unless Di Biagio just goes with Bernardeschi and Chiesa up front and adds an extra midfielder to clog up Spain. Barreca, Rugani, and Caldara were all outstanding today as were Pellegrini, Benassi, and Gagliardini. These guys never play together so it is nice to see them gel. Never count Italia out. If Di Biagio doesn't fck up the formation, I think we can take Spain.
I would love to see Bernardeschi line up with Belotti as a SS in the future. I know we talked about that possibility on another thread, but this game further highlighted his strengths in that position. I thought Conti was the weakest defender today, but Calabria is definitely a step down. I really would just consider playing Chiesa and Berny up top and throw in someone like Locatelli in midfield.
BTW..can't remember who said it, but Chiesa is such a smart player. It's unbelievable how tactically aware he is for 19 years old. Reminds me of his dad a bit.
We have to give credit to the boys. That was a gutsy display. It was the first time this tournament that they worked their asses off to get the result, a result that was well-deserved as we were the better side. Chiesa is impressive. For me, they look better with him on the flank in lieu of Petagna as a center forward.
Denmark weren't up by two goals til the 90th minute. Up until that point all that is required is a Czech equaliser and Italy are out.
http://www.napolicalcionews.it/news...-Uefa-indaghi-su-Italia-Germania---66839.aspx lol I guess the Slovakia coach wasn't too happy with Germany-Italy I think this is ridiculous. The Denmark-Czech game was played at the same time. Czech scores two goals and wins that game, and 1-0 eliminates Italy.
After the fact it looked like a plan but it was only the last 10 minutes that qualification was assured for both teams.
If Germany went all out to draw the match and take first, they risked falling behind 2:0. We know Italy was not going to risk to allow Germany to draw. Both teams took a cautious approach that allowed them to reach their goal. The fact that it was of mutual benefit, that is the game.
Also remember Portugal 1-1 Sweden 2 years ago? They were even way more obvious than us and Germany this time.
Donnarumma; Calabria, Caldara, Rugani, Barreca; Benassi, Gagliardini, Pellegrini, Chiesa; Bernardeschi, Petagna I would have maybe considered going 3 at the back for this one and having Chiesa and Bernardeschi as the 2 forwards. but Di Biagio has gone with a straight forward swap of Calabria in for Conti and Petagna in for Berardi, moving Bernardeschi onto the right wing. Calabria will hopefully not leave as big a hole in defence as Conti does but will still need to get up to attack.
Italy not allowing the Spaniards time on the ball, pressing very high up the pitch. A shot on target already. Very high energy they need a goal b/c they will tire with this approach.