The performances of the Italian national team are viewed critically in their own country. Sports journalist Roberto Maida explains the reasons for this in an interview with Keystone-SDA.
28.06.2024, 05:01
28.06.2024, 14:10
SDA
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Roberto Maida has been writing for the Italian sports newspaper "Corriere dello Sport" since 2005 and is on duty every day at the European Championships in Germany.
- In an interview, Maida says of the Italian national team: "It's no longer the team it used to be."
- The sports journalist does not see Italy as the favorites in the round of 16 against Switzerland. "I wouldn't be surprised if it was decided on penalties," says Maida.
Maida has already been busy at the European Championships: since the start of the tournament, the 48-year-old has reported on a match every day. That makes 13 games in 13 days. These included the games between Italy and Croatia and Switzerland and Germany (both 1:1). Maida has been writing for the "Corriere dello Sport", a daily sports newspaper in Italy, since 2005. In the run-up to the round of 16 clash between Italy and Switzerland, he attended the Swiss press conferences on Wednesday (Remo Freuler) and Thursday (Michel Aebischer) to get a closer look.
Roberto Maida, you were in the stadium for the match between Italy and Croatia and saw Italy equalize in the 98th minute...
"... I have to say right away: Without the late equalizer to make it 1-1 against Croatia, Italy would have been eliminated as one of the two worst third-placed teams in the group. That's why Mattia Zaccagni's goal has something magical about it in retrospect. I'm not saying that the draw was undeserved. Italy fought hard for it."
Not only this fact shows: Italy had more trouble than expected in the group stage.
"The players did what they could. Today's national team is no longer as talented as its predecessors. Italy still wears the azure blue jersey, but it's no longer the team it once was."
Three years ago, Italy were European champions. What has happened since then?
"Yes, they won the title. But how? There were a few 'lucky coincidences' on the way to the title. They won the round of 16 against Austria 2:1 after extra time, although a goal by Arnautovic was disallowed due to a very close offside. They won the semi-final against Spain on penalties after being dominated by their opponents. The win against England in the final was not undeserved, but once again they needed the luck of the penalties. Sometimes there's just something in the air that helps you progress, even if you're not the best team. It's difficult to repeat that, though."
Luciano Spalletti has been the coach of Italy's national team since September 2023. What has changed under him?
"At his clubs, Spalletti's style of play was characterized by ball possession, quick, vertical passes and a lot of player movement. That was rarely seen in the national team. However, he also lacked the time to implement his ideas. After the resignation of Roberto Mancini, which came as a surprise to everyone, Spalletti had to step in and play with a focus on results. After the World Cup in Qatar, we couldn't miss another major tournament."
So the team still needs more time?
"The main focus is already on the 2026 World Cup. Italy currently has some talented players, but they lack experience in big games and tournaments. One example is striker Gianluca Scamacca from Atalanta Bergamo, who has only scored one goal in 19 international matches. Not that he's not good, he's actually very talented. But the Italian jersey has a weight that paralyzes some players. Anyone who plays in azure blue is condemned to win. Even if other teams are much stronger at the moment."
Riccardo Calafiori, who moved from Basel to Bologna last season, had a strong tournament but is suspended against Switzerland. A bitter loss?
"It's certainly a big loss, because he's our playmaker in defense and, among other things, initiated the equalizer against Croatia. However, I think that Italy is well positioned in defense overall and the gap can be closed."
How is the Swiss national team rated in Italy?
"I think that many Italian journalists underestimate the Swiss. Still. I didn't know the team that well either when I saw them play against Germany. In that game I saw a team with character, very well organized and with a lot of tactical understanding. They showed the maturity you need against a nation like Germany. Coach Murat Yakin set the team up perfectly. Switzerland can go far in this knockout phase."
What do you expect from the game against Switzerland?
"Spalletti will prepare his team well for the Swiss and not repeat Julian Nagelsmann's mistakes. You can't play with too much possession against them because they play a strong pressing game. Spalletti compares the Swiss' style of play to that of Atalanta Bergamo: man-to-man, very aggressive, very high. That's why I think Italy will try to succeed with quick counter-attacks. For example, with Mateo Retegui up front, who captures the high balls and passes them on to fast players like Federico Chiesa or Davide Frattesi."
And who will win?
"The Swiss players stress that Italy are the favorites. I don't see it that way. I think it will be a very even game and I wouldn't be surprised if it's decided on penalties."
