Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi claims only Lionel Messi is better at taking men on than Jeremie Boga, while Manuel Locatelli ‘dominated Georginio Wijnaldum.’
The Neroverdi have been the surprise package of the Serie A season so far and sit in second place, still unbeaten.
This form has also seen their talents make it to the Italy team, with Locatelli impressing in the Nations League victories over Poland and the Netherlands.
Italy were held to a 1-1 stalemate by the Netherlands and Giancarlo Rinaldi points out the Azzurri are still looking for that somebody to turn control into goals.
There is a curious kind of torture that football sometimes reserves for coaches who once played the game at the highest level. The sport can cruelly provide them with a squad of players which is crying out for the qualities their boss boasted back when they were still lacing up their boots. And how Roberto Mancini would love to give his Azzurri a little dose of one of his greatest gifts - composure.
Roberto Mancini insists the Azzurri can feel proud of their growing reputation. ‘It’s the first time in the history of football that Holland used an extra defender against Italy.’
The Nations League fixture ended 1-1 in Bergamo on Wednesday evening with Lorenzo Pellegrini’s goal cancelled out by Donny van de Beek.
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.
Jorginho identified the tactical changes that allowed the Netherlands to neutralise Italy. ‘They pressed at the right time.’
The Azzurri were held to a 1-1 draw in Bergamo, a far cry from the dominant performance in Amsterdam last month.
“It’s natural to be disappointed when we don’t win, as we give our all to get the victory and it’s tiring, but you cannot win them all,” Jorginho told RAI Sport.
Alessandro Florenzi launched a furious defence of the Italy squad and above all Ciro Immobile. ‘He ought to be treated as a hero.’
The Azzurri were held 1-1 by the Netherlands this evening, dropping off the top of the Nations League group, as they are now a point behind Poland.
Florenzi came off the bench for the final stages in Bergamo, but was determined to stand up for the Nazionale.
Dutch coach Frank de Boer explains his decision to change tactics for the 1-1 draw with Italy. ‘Looked rationally at the opponent and what we can offer in return.’
The Oranje surprised many, including Roberto Mancini, when scrapping the 4-3-3 formation for a 5-3-2.
Lorenzo Pellegrini thanks Nicolò Barella for the assist after Italy’s 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. ‘He did really well to spot me.’
The Azzurri had taken the lead through that goal, but Donny van de Beek snatched an equaliser before half-time.
“I think everyone feels at ease in this squad and that is one of our great strengths. The staff and players did well to create this family feeling.
Gianluigi Donnarumma maintains it was ‘important to remain unbeaten’ after Italy’s 1-1 home draw with the Netherlands.
The goalkeeper was forced into a spectacular fingertip save on Memphis Depay to keep the result at 1-1 in Bergamo.
“We wanted to win and unfortunately we were unable to do it,” Donnarumma told RAI Sport.
Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was pleased with the 1-1 Nations League draw against Italy. ‘We played really good football in spells.’
The Dutch side hadn’t scored a single goal in three games, including a friendly defeat to Mexico, but the 3-5-2 formation really seemed to work for them.
