Leonardo Bonucci notes the Dutch tactical transformation ‘means they respect and fear’ Italy after a 1-1 draw.
Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal was cancelled out by Donny van de Beek, but Frank de Boer surprised many by abandoning the 4-3-3 formation for a 5-3-2.
“This means they respect and fear us,” noted Bonucci on RAI Sport.
“Despite their tactical changes, we still created numerous chances, even if it was tougher to pass it around in midfield, as they were man-marking our creative figures Jorginho and Marco Verratti.
Leonardo Bonucci notes the Dutch tactical transformation ‘means they respect and fear’ Italy after a 1-1 draw.
Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal was cancelled out by Donny van de Beek, but Frank de Boer surprised many by abandoning the 4-3-3 formation for a 5-3-2.
“This means they respect and fear us,” noted Bonucci on RAI Sport.
“Despite their tactical changes, we still created numerous chances, even if it was tougher to pass it around in midfield, as they were man-marking our creative figures Jorginho and Marco Verratti.
“It’s just a pity we weren’t able to get all three points, as they would’ve meant a great deal this evening.
“We played very well defensively and worked hard in midfield. Barella combined great passes with a few technical errors, but that can happen with his work-rate and pressing. He provided a great pass for the goal, that’s what he can do.
“This Nazionale has always relied on Barella, Jorginho and Verratti, we have also now found alternatives and that gives us confidence going forward.”
Federico Chiesa is Bonucci’s new Juventus teammate, but had some problems in the trident attack.
“I didn’t see him struggling at all. He did what was asked of him, sometimes when taking men on it works, sometimes it doesn’t,” insisted the defender.
“I realise all the pressure because he joined Juventus and is a big transfer market coup, but he is very young and needs to be allowed to make mistakes along the way, as we all have done.”