Coming off a strong second half showing against Denmark the Azzurini looked to keep the momentum going against the Czech Republic. Their performance today was anything but that with a 3-1 loss. Since the start of the match Italy looked flat, lackadaisical and quite honestly inferior to the Czech’s.
Give away after give away Italy allowed the Czech’s numerous chances throughout the first-half. The worst of all was Daniele Rugani’s slip up that was reminiscent of Steven Gerrard. There were multiple mental lapses throughout the game for all the players, Andrea Petagna looked flustered as well. Multiple chances inside the box for Andrea to score and he whiffed on them or was just too late to the crosses on the others. If Italy want to even think about advancing they’re going to have to get more clinical with their finishes in the final third.
Davide Calabria looked far too shaky on the left back position giving too many balls away in the middle part of the field and didn’t make too much noise going up the line to try and create for his teammates. Frustration was contagious with the team as a whole. Domenico Berardi was getting angry with some of the opponents and seemed to have lost his cool and focus.
Di Bagio needs to get control of this team and perhaps make some lineup changes for the next game otherwise Italy will be going home as a major disappointment in this tournament. Perhaps starting a player like Chiesa from the start and giving Manuel Locatelli a starting spot or even sub him on at some point there needs to be a change and by potentially putting in some of these young players allows Italy to have a shot to advance to the knock out stages of this prestigious tournament.