football test

Can Italy become less Italian? Can Lippi become less lippian? Because that’s the only hope I see for Italy to make an impact in this world cup.

How can Italy be less Italian?

Italy historically meant solid defense. There is no surprise that they used this fact to their favor to the extreme, structuring a defensive block in the back and counting on counterattacks. Was it a passive approach? They are the second in the list of the nations that won the world cup most. How passive is that? They knew their strength and invested in it. Smart.

This time, it’s not the case. They still have a decent defense, no doubt. But it’s not Giuseppe Bergomi,Franco Baresi,Ciro Ferrara, and Paolo Maldini era. Not even close. Some slight modifications are needed, and I believe Lippi is aware of that.

Can Lippi become less lippi?

A great coach with self confidence that touch stubbornness. He believe in what he does and barely hesitate when he makes up his mind on a specific system or selection. One thing I believe may not help him: He is too loyal to the secured options he tried before. He gets too settled to a selection to gamble where the gamble is needed. The squad he called for the confederation cup reflects that fact as there are some decent options left at home while the Camoranesis , Grossos, Canavaros, Tonis, and Gattusos where there to struggle. The good news for the world cup is that some more younger players may get their chance. The doubt is how far Lippi may go on that path. Will he build his team around them or just use them to fill the holes? Being a worshiped coach who won a world cup for Italy make him more daring to risk. Knowing that he might not continue with the national team after the world cup is not a good indication for long term planning.


In fact the most luxurious tactical options for Lippi come from the fresh blood he injected to his squad. Criscito and Maggio can play fullbacks (not together though as that may weaken the defense stability), wingbacks or wings. Bocchetti or even Bonucci are good center backs as well and may get a chance (even by hacking Canavaro’s spot beside Chiellini). Montolivo must finally get his chance, while my big bet is on Marchisio to become one of the great discoveries of the world cup. He can play almost everywhere in the midfield.

My favorite selection for Italy in this world cup (even though Lippi is not loyal to a specific system) is a 3-5-2:

                                Gianluigi Buffon
Salvatore Bocchetti, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini
Domenico Criscito, Daniele De Rossi, Christian Maggio
           Riccardo Montolivo, Claudio Marchisio
            Vincenzo Iaquinta, Giampaolo Pazzini
     (or) Antonio Di Natale, Alberto Gilardino

Italy must count on quality midfield in this tournament as its their best bet.  Five players with high work rate in the midfield can make the defense life easier and generate enough scoring chances from the flanks and the middle. Thats the only road map I see for Italy to compete in this tournament.

Italy is not as weak as rumored; they still can create one shock or two. Only if Italy become less Italian and Lippi become less Lippian.