Spain vs Italy

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Hello and welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter! In this issue, the focus is on the following game analysis:

1. ⚽Spain vs Italy

⚽Spain vs Italy

On Thursday evening in Gelsenkirchen, Spain secured a 1-0 victory over Italy due to an unfortunate own goal by Riccardo Calafiori. This triumph propelled the Spaniards to the top of Group B. Here is a detailed report on a match characterized by tactical finesse and individual brilliance.

Game Analysis:

Starting Lineups: Spain made a single change compared to their last match: Aymeric Laporte replaced Nacho in the central defense. Both teams employed similar tactical approaches: high pressing, quick ball recovery, and dominant possession. The crucial difference, however, was the quality of individual players, where Spain clearly had the upper hand.

Build-Up Play and High Pressing: Both teams initiated their build-up play in the so-called Zone 1 with six players – four defenders and two holding midfielders. If necessary, another midfielder would drop back to provide support.

In the offensive phase, both Spain and Italy pressed with six players, particularly during goal kicks, to disrupt the opponent's build-up and force errors.

Adaptability in Build-Up Play: Spain has historically been known for their short and precise passing game. However, in this match, they displayed greater variability. When Italy pressed high and compact, goalkeeper Unai Simón or one of the defenders would sometimes play long balls to the forwards, particularly to Álvaro Morata, who could hold his own thanks to his physical strength.

Italy's Struggles in Build-Up Play: Italy also aimed for a well-structured build-up but had difficulty executing it cleanly against Spain's effective pressing. The Azzurri frequently lost possession as Spain continually forced errors and applied pressure in Italy's half. This led to numerous simple turnovers by the Italians, who struggled to advance into the second and third zones and failed to put Spain under serious pressure.

Clever Fullbacks: The Spaniards displayed a very efficient game, particularly evident in the performances of fullbacks Marc Cucurella and Dani Carvajal. Both players had an excellent sense of when to join the attack and when to hold back. This allowed them to maintain defensive stability while also contributing to the offensive threat.

Dangerous Wingers: In the wing positions, Spain once again relied on the speedy and skillful Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. These two players consistently posed a threat, creating more space in the middle of the field. This prevented Spain's game from becoming one-dimensional, which had often been the case in previous years.

Midfield Dominance: Spain boasted physical strength in midfield with Fabián Ruiz and Rodri, who stood out for their stature and presence. Pedri complemented them perfectly by intelligently moving into space and delivering precise passes that continually troubled the Italian defense.

Defensive System and Counter-pressing: Both teams defended in a flexible 4-4-2 formation. However, Spain often managed to create numerical superiority near the ball, forcing numerous turnovers from the Italians as a result.

Spain's counter-pressing was also more effective and disciplined, with Marc Cucurella notably standing out for his quick transitions and excellent game understanding.

Spain's Spatial Organization: Spain adjusted their positioning based on Italy's positioning. When they could push Italy deep, they organized themselves into a 3-2-5 formation.

However, typically only one fullback advanced high, while the other provided defensive cover to react quickly in case of a turnover.

Conclusion and Outlook

The victory through an own goal may seem unremarkable at first glance, but it was the result of a tactically and technically convincing performance by Spain. They dominated the game, consistently put Italy under pressure, and capitalized on their opponent's mistakes. With this win, Spain not only secured the top spot in the group but also gained confidence that they will improve their chances in the upcoming matches.

Spain has demonstrated that they can shine not only through possession and technical finesse but also through tactical versatility and efficient pressing. This match showcased their progress towards fulfilling their ambitions in this tournament. The future looks promising for La Roja if they continue to play this way and leverage their individual strengths.

This victory provides Spain with momentum and self-assurance for the challenges ahead. With the right mix of tactics, individual quality, and team spirit, they have the potential to go far in this tournament and possibly reclaim the European crown once again.

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