Italy have defeated Belgium 2-0, and can you hear that? That deafening silence? That’s the rest of Europe coming to terms with the fact that Italy are once again a team to be reckoned with at a major tournament.
Unlike four years ago when it was renaissance man Andrea Pirlo who guided Italy to the final of Euro 2012, there are no star men in midfield or attack. In fact Italy’s attack is the weakest it has been in a generation. Instead it is the defense, it is Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci whose greatness you cannot deny. It’s fitting, really, considering that what you cannot deny is their ability to deny.
Belgium entered this game as the second-ranked team in the world by FIFA, and Barzagli, Chiellini, and Bonucci made that ranking look like a joke. There were two opportunities where Belgium threatened: a counter that ended with Romalu Lukaku chipping wide and a free header from Divock Origi. That was it. Every other time Belgium pressed, Italy’s three center-backs were there to shut it down, and they did so about with such precision and composure that the rest of Italy was inspired.
Bonucci created Italy’s opening goal from the midway line. Standing there, he surveyed the field and put a 50-yard pass right on Emanuele Giaccherini’s foot. Giaccherini didn’t have the best game, but he took his chance calmly and slotted it away in two touches.
This was a masterclass by Italy. Yes, they struggled to counter-attack at times. But what Italy did well — play on the wing, keep Belgium penned in, manage the game — Italy did well consistently and with unity. This looked like a match between a team and a collection of individuals. Belgium grew more and more into the game, but Italy was never taken out of their element.
When it came time to kill off the game, Italy made what they had failed to make work so often, work. It was a counter attack and it was catalyzed by Ciro Immobile, who looked fantastic after being subbed on. Immobile drove up the field, patiently made the best, most simple play, and his teammates followed suit.
By the time Pelle was celebrating his immaculate volley (I bet he hardly felt the ball hit his boot) the message was clear: Italy is here, and they came to win.
This formula of defense, composure and unity is the same one that Italy rode to their World Cup title in 2006. After today, you wouldn’t want to bet against them recreating that success at Euro 2016.
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