Most people expected two of the sides who have played all out attacking football to make it to the final. Well, ironically, Portugal and Greece, particularly Greece, have gotten to the final playing the way Italy usually tries to play...with tactics and strong defense. These qualities consistently get teams championships, not all out attacking. So stop making fun of Italy, their approach works well with a decent coach and inspired players.
Re: Finals teams boost for Italy Wrong. It didn't work for Italy. Greece plays that way because they have no other choice. They don't have the talent to play attacking football. Italy, OTOH, have the attacking talent to beat anybody they just choose not to use it. And playing defensive has gotten them exactly zero trophies in the last 22 years.
Re: Finals teams boost for Italy Let's hope thats about to change with the new coach, although I hightly doubt it, maybe Italy can at least approach a winning strategy and a change of team players.
Re: Finals teams boost for Italy Italy has won many games and titles playing this way, even before 22 years ago. It works with better coaching and players that play to their ability level. Look at Germany, they made it to the world cup final with defense. However, if Italy had to face Brazil, they would been crushed if they tried to match the pace and attacking style of Brazil. Their only chance to beat some of these best teams in the world is with a more balanced approach to the sport. Germany did not change their style, and they lost, but they also did not have as many talented players as Italy. And when France was having more success, it was because they were emphasizing defense far more than they did in this Euro. Greece doesn't have much defensive talent either, so they are not playing this way because they don't have good attackers. They chose this style of play because their coach thinks it's a valid strategy, and he has been proven right. Italy has just as much talent at the back as they do up front (defenders are never going to be considered superstars to the same degree), so they could play any style they want. But it's not just about concentrating more on defense. It's about paying attention to a part of football that is ignored by many nations...tactics. Greece plays the game more like a chess match which is what Italy tried to do. It does work.
And the fact is Italy probably would have had 7 points if their attackers had finished their shots anywhere near the rate that they do in league play. They may have still tied Denmark, but they surely would have beaten Sweden. 2 wins and a draw is hardly embarassing. Italy's style wasn't the problem, it was the performances of their players and Trap's coaching and subs.