FORZA

issue 47

Rp. 45.000,-

it’s all about italian football

PLAYER PROFILE

STREET THING

MARIO BALOTELLI MAURO ICARDI KEISUKE HONDA

PISA CONQUER

INTERVIEW

BOOTS SPYING

WALTER MAZZARI MASIMMO ALLGERI ANTONIO CONTE

ADIDAS F-50 YAMAMOTO NIKE MERCURIAL SAFARI

SPOTLIGHT

THE TACTIC

FREEKICK TAKER PENALTY SPECIALIST

TAKA - TIKI CENTENACCIO

T H E

E T E R N A L J A V I E R

C A P T A I N

Z A N E T T I

CONTENT 13

THE ETERNAL CAPTAIN 32 31 12

EARLY LIFE CARRER AT INTER ACHIEVEMENT

PLAYER PROFILE 28 32 35 38

MARIO BALOTELLI MAURO ICARDI KEISUKE HONDA PAUL POGBA

BOOTS SPYING 66 70

ADIDAS F-50 YAMAMOTO NIKE MERCURIAL SAFARI

20 41

4

FORZA

MATCH ANALYSIS 76 78 67 79 89 98 98 67

ROMA VS FIORENTINA JUVENTUS VS CAGLIARI INTER VS LAZIO UDINESE VS SAMPDORIA SIENA VS MILAN BOLOGNA VS SASSULO TORINO VS PALERMO LIVORNO VS CHIEVO

THE TACTIC 79 89 78

TAKA - TIKI CENTENACCIO JAMBORE

24

STREET THING 82 84

JOGA BONITO IN BRAZIL PISA CONQUER

PRESS CONFERENCE 67 56 34 78

WALTER MAZZARI ANONIO CONTE RUDY GRACIA MASIMO ALLEGRI

SPOTLIGHT 92 95 12 45

FREEKICK TAKER PENALTY SPECIALIST GREATEST GOALKEEPER CURVING CORNER

32 33 7

FORZA

5

6

FORZA

FORZA

7

THE

ETERNAL

CAPTAIN

His charisma and leadership is undenieable. His dedication to Inter are very amazing. He has play for Inter Milan for 20 years since he was a rookie

winger back then. But now he is one of the most respeted player in world of football Internationally.

8

FORZA

FORZA

9

cover story

overflowing charisma

Javier Adelmar Zaneti is an

Argentine footballer who plays for Serie A club Internazionale.

Javier Zanetti has been playing for Inter since 1995, taking the captain’s armband from 29 August 1999. Known for his versatility, he is adept on both the left and right wing, having played on both flanks as a fullback as well as a winger. He slots into several midfield positions with ease, particularly as a defensive or central midfielder. Internationally, he holds the record of the most capped player in the history of the Argentine national team and has played in the 1996 Olympic tournament

10

and in two World Cups, in 1998 and 2002.Known as “Pupi” in Argentina, Zanetti was born in Buenos Aires, picking up the nickname “El Tractor” (The Tractor) soon after his move to Italy where his strength, resilience, stamina, and his ability to run past opposing defenders when joining the attack from his right back position earned him reverence. More recently, he plays in the right midfield. He ended a 4-year goal drought when he scored on 5 November 2006. In the national team, he is deployed as a right back but is able to switch between defense and attack.

Zanetti has won five Serie A titles with Inter, having earned the nickname “Il Capitano” (The Captain) among the fans and media

FORZA

cover story

ball battle sampdoria

since taking captaincy at Inter. As of the 2011–12 season, he is the only non- Italian player to captain a Serie A team. He holds the record for the highest all-time appearances by a non- Italian born player for an Italian club and his 851 official matches for the club put him first in Inter’s all-time appearances list.

Zanetti, who plans to retire with Inter and continue to work with the club thereafter, is also noted for his charity work, running a foundation to benefit disadvantaged children in Argentina.

He has been named an ambassador for the SOS Children’s Villages project in Argentina by FIFA, and in 2005, he received the Ambrogino d’Oro award from the Milan townhall for his social initiative. Zanetti is also a Global Ambassador for Special Olympics. The 2010 UEFA Champions League Final on 22 May 2010 was Zanetti’s 700th game with Inter, and the team’s victory on the night ensured that Zanetti marked the occasion by completing a historic treble. He also scored on 20 October 2010 against Tottenham Hotspur to make him the oldest player to score in the UEFA Champions League at the age of 37 years and 71 days. This record has since been surpassed by Filippo Inzaghi and Ryan Giggs.

Early life Javier Adelmar Zanetti was born in Buenos Aires to Violeta Bonnazola and grew up in the harbour area in the Dock Sud district with his parents of Italian origin. He combined schooling and working commitments, helping his bricklayer father in masonry alongside delivering milk, and working in his cousin’s

FORZA

grocery store without neglecting his passion for football. He began playing football on a field in the city suburbs, maintaining the pitch in his spare time.

Zanetti made his debut for Inter on 27 August 1995 against Vicenza in Milan. Throughout his stay with the club, he has won 16 trophies, 15 of which came under his captaincy : the UEFA Cup in 1998 – scoring the second goal in the final with a shot from outside the penalty area – the 2005, 2006, 2010 and 2011 Coppa Italia, the 2005, 2006, 2008 and 2010 Supercoppa Italiana, the 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09 and 2009–10 Scudetti and the 2009–10 UEFA Champions League.

In 2010, Zanetti became the first player to captain an Italian club to a treble of the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and Champions League. Zanetti’s qualities have earned him respect on and off the field. He is sometimes criticised for being too soft-spoken on the pitch, but he makes up for this by being one of Inter’s most consistent, reliable, and trusted players. As such, he was rewarded with the club captaincy, taking over from legendary defender Giuseppe Bergomi. Being a part of the squad for the last 13 seasons and with over 700 appearances, he is currently the team’s longest-tenured player, and the first overall surpassing Bergomi (758) in the all-time list of most capped Inter players. He celebrated his 600th cap for Inter in style with a 1–0 win over newly promoted Lecce.

After the arrival of Maicon at the beginning of the 2006–07

11

cover story

IF YOU CAN’T SUPPORT US WHEN WE LOSE OR DRAW DON’T SUPPORT US WHEN WE WIN season, Zanetti was moved from the right back position into midfield. He ended a four-year goal drought when he scored on 5 November 2006 at a home match against Ascoli, having previously scored on 6 November 2002.

On 27 September 2006, against Bayern Munich, Zanetti played his 500th professional match for Inter and on 22 November 2006, he appeared in his 100th UEFA match against Sporting Clube de Portugal. Zanetti went on an incredible twelve years without being sent off in a match.The first time he was sent off in his career was on 17 February 1999 in a Coppa Italia match against Parma, but he broke his streak when he was sent off in a Serie A match against Udinese on 3 December 2011. These are the only two times he has been sent off during his entire career at Internazionalle Milan. At Inter, Zanetti has had 19 different coaches (list), making him the only player to have played under this many coaches. His current contract with Inter runs until 2014 after he extended his contract at the summer of 2013. The captain has pledged his future to the Nerazzurri, hoping to have a future behind the desk at the club once he retires from playing.

“Inter means a lot to me,” Zanetti said. It was the first team to open the doors of European football. I was very young when I came here and I think not many teams could have had so much

faith and patience with a boy in his early 20s from the very first day like Inter did with me. I will always be grateful for that.

For some reason I have always felt at home here at Inter and this is why I have never thought of leaving. Though Zanetti is more often classified as a defender, he played mostly in midfield during the first half of the 2008–09 season. For the last several weeks of October 2008, with Portuguese coach José Mourinho facing a midfield crisis due to injuries to key midfielders Esteban Cambiasso and Sulley Muntari, he was moved again to the midfield for the matches against Genoa and Fiorentina.

During that period, Mourinho played him in the midfield due to the presence of Maicon, Lúcio, Walter Samuel, and Cristian Chivu in the back four.Inter won the 2010 Champions League Final 2–0 against Bayern Munich on 22 May 2010. This was Zanetti’s 700th appearance for Inter. On 20 October 2010, at 37 years and 71 days, Zanetti became the oldest player to score in the Champions League when he netted in the opening minute of Inter’s 4–3 group stage win over Tottenham Hotspur at the San Siro. This was only his second ever Champions League goal; his first came in December 1998 in a match in a 2–0 win against Sturm Graz. On 19 January 2011, Zanetti overtook Inter

tears of happiness

12

FORZA

cover story

legend Giuseppe Bergomi in Serie A appearances, his 520th match in Serie A, all for Inter. On 11 May 2011, Zanetti made his 1000th appearance as a professional footballer playing for Inter against Roma in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final. On 20 September 2011, Javier Zanetti made the all-time appearance record in a Serie A clash against Novara.

The Argentine defender replaced Giuseppe Bergomi in the Inter record books upon his appearance against Novara. On

FORZA

10 March 2013, Zanetti played in his 600th Serie A match for Inter, a 1–0 loss to Bologna at the San Siro.On 28 April 2013, Zanetti ruptured his Achilles tendon during a league match against Palermo, sparking fears that he might never play again.

However, on 9 November 2013, Zanetti made his return to action at the age of 40 during a match against Livorno at the San Siro.

13

cover story

Competition statistics Serie A: 603 appearances, 12 goals Coppa Italia: 70 appearances, 3 goals Supercoppa Italiana: 7 appearances UEFA Champions League: 105 appearances, 2 goals UEFA Cup: 53 appearances, 3 goals FIFA Club World Cup: 2 appearances, 1 goal FIFA World Cup: 8 appearances, 1 goal FIFA Confederations Cup: 8 appearances Copa America: 22 appearances

Honours Serie A (5): 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10 Coppa Italia (4): 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11 Supercoppa Italiana (4): 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010 UEFA Champions League (1): 2009–10 UEFA Cup (1): 1997–98 FIFA Club World Cup (1): 2010 Copa America (2): Silver 2004, 2007 FIFA Confederations Cup (2): Silver 1995, 2005 Olympic Games (1): Silver 1996 Pan American Games (1): 1995

Individual FIFA 100 Pallone d’Argento: 2002 FIFA FIFPro World XI Nominee (Right-back): 2010 UEFA Team of the Year Nominees (5): 2003, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 Golden Foot award: 2011 (as football legend) “Loyalty and Critics”: 2013 Volut inverum ute, quius

victory in captain heart

14

FORZA

FORZA

15

boots spying

YAMAMOTO A DI DA S A D IZ E R O F - 50

a pair of exelent shoes

YAMAMOTO Now this is how you pull off a

limited edition boot. Introducing the adidas Yamamoto F50 adizero, quite possibly the craziest, most beautifully insane looking boot we’ve ever seen. The long-term partnership between Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto and adidas is re-ignited with a huge bang and one outrageously wild result.

Seven years after the limited edition Tunit YY collection (remember those?) adidas and Yohji Yamamoto have joined forces again to create one of football’s most bizarre yet epic designs. Only 2000 pairs are available globally, making these unique adizeros the ultimate collectors item.

The traditional motif of an open mouth lion is paired with a modern representation of Japan’s sci-fi culture in the form of an internal clockwork assembly. Together they create a spiritual connection between the past and the future. Yep, they’re absolutely mental.

The Yamamoto f50 uses the same technology as the current adizero range and enables players to be faster than ever before.

Precision engineering has played an integral role in every aspect of the boot design and at 165g is one of the lightest boots on the market.

Closely associated with Yohji, the design is inspired by the pair of imperial lion-dogs that stood guard over the gods and emperors of Japan from ancient times. Traditionally, one had an open mouth symbolising truth and truth seekers, the other a closed mouth to signify spiritual wisdom and nirvana. Bet you didn’t know that.

In Yamamoto’s words “I used the open-mouthed guardian saying “ah” as part of a Bhuddist mantra that indicates the beginning of the universe and all human language.” Yamamoto has given the adizero f50 football boots a guardian deity for victory, protecting players on the pitch.

With minimal branding and no three stripes, adidas have given Yamamoto, the man behind the adidas Y3 fashion label, full freedom in terms of the graphical execution on the upper.

Featuring artwork inspire by fellow countryman Taishi Hayashi, the result is nothing short of breathtaking.

16

FORZA

match anaylisis

ROMA VS FIORENTINA TOTAL DOMINATION

brotherhood roma

pjanic control his friend

maicon’s joyfulness

Roma 2-1 Fiorentina Everything down the wings The starting line-ups Roma ended a run of four draws with a victory over Fiorentina in a highly entertaining match. Rudi Garcia’s side was as expected – Adem Ljajic continued to play the Francesco Totti role against his former side, while Dodo was still at left-back in place of Federico Balzaretti.

Vincenzo Montella moved Juan Vargas forward to the left flank having excelled at left-back against Verona in midweek. Manuel Pasqual returned at left-back, with Joaquin making way and

FORZA

Juan Cuadrado switching flanks. Alberto Aquilani returned in place of Matias Vecino in midfield, while David Pizarro was only fit enough for the bench. This game was most interesting for its overall pattern, rather than for the specifics of either side’s play.

Centre-forwards Arguably the most interesting tactical feature of this game was the identity of the two forwards. Just half a decade ago it would be unthinkable to imagine two top-class sides lining up with players like Adem Ljajic and Giuseppe Rossi as the

17

match anaylisis

main attacking threats. Ljajic is naturally a winger or a player who drifts wide from a number ten position – a tricky attacking midfielder that excels in one-against-one situations out wide, regularly dribbling past opponents. Rossi is more of a natural forward, but most natural at playing just off a traditional number nine, or alternatively out wide in a flexible forward trio. He’s just 58 and while he’s quick, his true speciality isn’t his pace in behind the defence.

Granted, perhaps neither would have lead the line if their manager had been able to call upon a full compliment of players – we might have seen Francesco Totti and Mario Gomez at either end. Yet it felt reasonably natural for both Ljajic and Rossi to be spearheading their sides’ strikeforce, and it sums up what forward-thinking managers in charge of technical sides want from their centre-forward: it’s about clever movement and linkup play rather than battling in the air and getting on the end of crosses.

Everything down the flanks It was particularly strange that these two were the centreforwards, because almost all the play came down the flanks – despite the lack of crossing options in the centre.

Maybe this was a result of each side understanding the other wanted to play good passing football, and therefore keeping it tight in midfield. There was little true creativity from this zone, despite Borja Valero and Miralem Pjanic being in good form this season. The six midfielders almost always played simple passes out wide, rather than looking to feed the two centre-forwards.

Roma strong A particularly obvious approach at the start of the game was how deep Fiorentina sat without the ball. This seemed to be a very deliberate tactic, and is interesting because Montella knows

Roma well, and while they’re playing under a new manager in Garcia, they’re essentially returning to the ‘false nine’ system they popularised towards the end of Montella’s playing days at the club. It’s arguable that Roma’s 4-6-0 was exposed most obviously by Manchester United when Ferguson’s sat extremely deep against them in the Champions League, meaning Totti’s drifts into the midfield zone didn’t drag the defenders out, or create space for others to run into. It broadly makes sense, but Fiorentina dropped too deep and invited too much pressure throughout the first 15 minutes.

Wide battles Another interesting approach from Montella was his use of wide players. Juan Cuadrado and Juan Vargas are naturally wingbacks, and while both have attacking capabilities, they’re more defensively aware than you’d expect for wingers in a 4-3-3 system. In fact, it was much more of a 4-1-4-1 for long periods, with Cuadrado and Vargas attempting to contain the runs of the two Brazilian full-backs, Dodo and Maicon.

Both played extremely aggressive roles and forced Fiorentina’s wingers back deep into their own half. It was difficult to know whether Cuadrado and Vargas were being pinned back by Roma’s aggressiveness, or whether Montella had deliberately fielded cautious wide players because he knew his side would be sitting deep as a whole. Either way, the Roma full-backs had the upper hand, and Maicon found himself in the penalty box to open the scoring.

Gervinho The real star of the show was Gervinho, who started on the left but played highest up the pitch, constantly sprinting in behind the Fiorentina defence. He remains one of the most unpredictable players around but was at his best today, constantly taking the ball past opponents, and teeing up

giusupee rossi’s glory

18

FORZA

match anaylisis

Maicon for the opening goal. Roma also very nearly scored the perfect ‘false nine’ goal after 20 minutes. Ljajic picked up the ball between the lines, dragged Stefan Savic forward from the left-sided centre-back position, and Gervinho raced in behind. Somewhat calamitously, he knocked the ball away from himself with his standing foot and produced an air-kick. The only question was why he seemed to switch wings with the extremely ineffectual Alessandro Florenzi. This allowed Nenad Tomovic forward increasingly from right-back, and he set up

Vargas’ equaliser with a cross when Ljajic was briefly defending that side. Tomovic surely wouldn’t have been in that position if Gervinho was sneaking in behind him, and while there’s an ongoing debate about how to nullify the threat of an attacking full-back (use a defensive player to track them, or use an attacking player to pin them back?) it’s less of a question when Gervinho’s playing like this – Tomovic would have been too terrified to advance.

the magnificient goal

FORZA

coach direct his team

19

match anaylisis

gervinho scoring skill

Cuadrado The other dangerous player was Cuadrado down Fiorentina’s right (the Gervinho v Cuadrado clash is one reason to look forward to Ivory Coast v Colombia at the World Cup next summer) and he did something similar, constantly taking on opponents. The difference with Cuadrado, however, is that he’s a winger rather than a forward and goes down the line rather than charging towards goal. Aside from a dangerous one-two with Rossi, he rarely offered a goal threat.

Rossi Fiorentina started the second half much more brightly, part because Rossi was coming deeper and replicating Ljajic’s movement, making it easier for his teammates to find him between the lines. However, the Roman centre-back pairing of Mehdi Benatia and Leandro Castan were very proactive, often coming high out of defence to intercept the ball.

Rossi also showed good movement in the box when the ball was wide – even if he’s not naturally an aerial target – heading over dangerously from a Pasqual cross.

Latter stages There was no obvious change in strategy from Roma in the build-up to the winning goal, on 67 minutes – they simply took

20

FORZA

match anaylisis

celebrate the day

charge of the game with some good midfield passing, and Gervinho became heavily involved again. His good work down the left assisted substitute Mattia Destro for the winner – the forward offered more of a direct goal threat than the man he replaced, Florenzi, and this was simply a good substitution in the sense Florenzi had been extremely quiet.It was surprising Montella waited until 72 minutes to introduce Pizarro – and when he did, he replaced Aquilani rather than Ambrosini, who was clearly exhausted, on a booking, and offers little invention. A couple of minutes later Ambrosini had to depart with cramp, which meant Joaquin came on, Cuadrado went left and Vargas moved into the centre of midfield.For the final five minutes Vargas departed with Ryder Matos, an extra striker,

FORZA

making Fiorentina more like 4-2-4 and while they had moments of pressure late on, this was a rare example of Montella not changing things decisively from the bench.

Conclusion A peculiar game – two technical sides featuring link-up men upfront, but everything going down the flanks, mainly through Gervinho and Cuadrado, two of Europe’s most dangerous dribblers this season. There were a few interesting points here the way Fiorentina’s defensive-minded wide players were forced back, and Gervinho should have been allowed awaWy from his left and right winggers position in midfield.

21

22

FORZA

FORZA

23

the tactics

CENTENACCIO THE AU TH ENTIC ITALIAN TACTIC

world cup champion

Catenaccio

(Italian pronunciation: [ka-te-nacho]) or The Chain is a tactical system in football with a strong emphasis on defense. In Italian, catenaccio means “door-bolt”, which implies a highly organized and effective backline defense focused on nullifying opponents’ attacks and preventing goalscoring opportunities.

History The system was made famous by the Franco-Argentine trainer Helenio Herrera of Internazionale in the 1960s who used it to grind out small-score wins, such as 1–0 or 2–1, over opponents in their games. The Catenaccio was influenced by the verrou (also “doorbolt/chain” in French) system invented by Austrian coach Karl Rappan. As coach of Switzerland in the 1930s and 1940s, Rappan played a defensive sweeper called the verrouilleur, who was highly defensive and was positioned just ahead of the goalkeeper. In the 1950s, Nereo Rocco’s Padova pioneered the system in Italy where it would be used again by the Internazionale team of the early 1960. Rappan’s verrou system, proposed in 1932, when he was coach of Servette, was

24

implemented with four fixed defenders, playing a strict man-toman marking system, plus a playmaker in the middle of the field who played the ball together with two midfield wings.

Rocco’s tactic, often referred to as the “real” Catenaccio, was shown first in 1947 with Triestina: the most common mode of operation was a 1–3–3–3 formation with a strictly defensive team approach. With catenaccio, Triestina finished the Serie A tournament in a surprising second place. Some variations include 1–4–4–1 and 1–4–3–2 formations. The key innovation of Catenaccio was the introduction of the role of a libero (“free”) defender, also called “sweeper”, who was positioned behind a line of three defenders. The sweeper’s role was to recover loose balls, nullify the opponent’s striker and double-mark when necessary. Another important innovation was the counter-attack, mainly based on long passes from the defence. In Herrera’s version in the 1960s, four man-marking defenders were tightly assigned to each opposing attacker while an extra sweeper would pick up any loose ball that escaped the coverage of the defenders. The emphasis of this system in Italian football

FORZA

the tactics spawned the rise of many top Italian defenders who became known for their hard-tackling, ruthless defending.

Defenders such as Claudio Gentile and Gaetano Scirea in the 1970s, Giuseppe Bergomi and Franco Baresi in the 1980s, the famous all-Italian Milan defensive four of Franco Baresi, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Mauro Tassotti of the 1990s and 2006 World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Alessandro Nesta and many others in 2000s formed the backbone of the Italian national team and also played vital roles in the success of their respective Serie A clubs.

However, despite the defensive connotations, Herrera claimed shortly before his death that the system was more attacking than people remembered, saying ‘the problem is that most of the people who copied me copied me wrongly. They forgot to include the attacking principles.

Zona Mista Total Football, invented by Rinus Michels in the 1970s, rendered Herrera’s version of Catenaccio rather obsolete. In Total Football, no player is fixed in his nominal role; anyone can assume in the field the duties of an attacker, a midfielder or a defender, depending on the play. Man-marking alone was insufficient to cope with this fluid system. Coaches began to create a new tactical system that mixed man-marking with zonal defense. In 1972, Michels’ Ajax defeated Inter 2–0 in the European Cup final and Dutch newspapers announced

the “destruction of Catenaccio” at the hands of Total Football.

In 1973, Ajax crushed Cesare Maldini’s Milan 6–0 for the European Super Cup in a match in which the defensive Milan system was destroyed by Ajax.

In pure zonal defense, every midfielder and defender is given a particular zone on the field to cover. When a player moves outside his zone, his teammate expands his zone to cover the unmarked area. However, Catenaccio philosophy called for double-marking when dealing with strong players. Zona Mista (Italian for “mixed zone”) was created by Enzo Bearzot combining the strength of zonal marking with that of Catenaccio.

In Zona Mista (or Il gioco all’Italiana: “The Game in the Italian style”), there are four defenders. A sweeper is free to roam and assist other defenders. A fullback plays in both defensive and advanced position, typically on the left flank. The two stoppers, who started then to be called “centre back”, mark their zones.

In the midfield, there are defensive midfielder, centre midfielder and the playmaker (the number 10) and a winger who covers typically the right flank and sometimes acts as an additional striker. Zona Mista employs two- prong attack. A centre forward plays upfront. A second striker plays wide to the left (a derivation of Catenaccio’s left winger) and drift inside to act as a striker or to cover the playmaker when the playmaker drops into a very deep defensive positioning. Zona Mista came to dominate Italian football in the late 1970s and early 1980s and reached its height with the Italian national team in their victory in the 1982

three stronghold of italy

FORZA

25

the tactics

Catenaccio is often thought to be commonplace in Italian football; however, it is actually used infrequently by Italian Serie A teams, who instead prefer to apply balanced tactics and formations, mostly 4–3–3 or 3–5–2, The Italian national football team with manager Cesare Prandelli also used the 3-5-2 in their first clashes of UEFA Euro 2012 Group C and then switched to the their ‘standard’ 4–4–2 formation UEFA Euro 2012 final.

Italy’s previous coaches, Cesare Maldini and Giovanni Trapattoni, used the Catenaccio at international level, and both failed to reach the top. Italy, under Maldini, lost on penalties at the 1998 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, while Trapattoni lost early in the second round at 2002 FIFA World Cup and lost at the UEFA Euro 2004 during the very first round in the cup.

However, Catenaccio has also had its share of success stories. Trapattoni himself successfully employed it in securing a Portuguese Liga title with Benfica in 2005. German coach Otto Rehhagel also used a similarly defensive approach for his Greece national football team in UEFA Euro 2004, going on to win the tournament despite his team being heavy underdogs.

FIFA World Cup. Classy and skillful Gaetano Scirea was the libero, Fulvio Collovati and tough tackling Claudio Gentile the centre backs, Antonio Cabrini the left wingback. Gabriele Oriali played as a holding midfielder, Marco Tardelli centre midfielder and Giancarlo Antognoni as playmaker.

Dino Zoff also put Catenaccio to good use for Italy, securing a place in the UEFA Euro 2000 final, which Italy only lost on the “golden goal” rule to France. Likewise, Azeglio Vicini led Italy to the 1990 FIFA World Cup semifinal thanks to small wins in six hard- fought defensive games in which Italy produced little but risked even less, totaling only 7 goals for and none against.

Italy would then lose a tight semifinal to Argentina, due in no small part to a similar strategy from Carlos Bilardo, who then

The popularity of Zona Mista, however, eventually led to its undoing as Italian teams became predictable due to “by the late 1970s and early 1980s everybody in Italy was playing it” and “everyone marked man to man” according Italian journalist Ludovico Maradei. Hamburg would expose the predictability of this style against Juventus with a defensive.

Catenaccio today Real Catenaccio is no longer used in the modern football world.

Two major characteristics of this style – the man-to-man marking and the libero (“free”) position – are no longer in use. Highly defensive structures with little attacking intent are often labeled as Catenaccio, but deviates from the original design of the system. Modern teams have all moved away from man-marking defensive schemes in favor of zonal marking systems. Moreover, the sweeper or libero position has virtually disappeared from the modern game since the 1980s because teams favored deploying the extra man in another area of the pitch. Many journalists and coaches have called that style of play a brilliant counter attacking style with very effective. cannavaro amazing header

26

FORZA

the tactics

went on to lose the final to a much more offensive-minded Germany led by Franz Beckenbauer.

Similarly, when Italy was reduced to 10 men in the 50th minute of the 2006 FIFA World Cup 2nd round match against Australia, coach Marcello Lippi changed the Italian’s formation to a defensive orientation which caused the British newspaper The Guardian to note that “the timidity of Italy’s approach had made it seem that Helenio Herrera, the high priest of Catenaccio, had taken possession of the soul of Marcello Lippi.” It should be noted, however, that the ten-man team was playing with a

4–3–2 scheme, just a midfielder away from the regular 4–4–2.

After the 2006 World Cup, the media picked up the fact that modern international football is becoming increasingly defensive: the number of goals scored in that World Cup was only 147 (an average of 2.297 permatch), and the Golden Boot winner Miroslav Klose only scored five goals as opposed to the eight of the previous winner, Ronaldo. Additionally, the 2006 World Cup was the first not to feature any forwards in its official top-three “Best Players”.

balotelli celebration the goal

FORZA

27

press conference

MAZZARI SEVERAL INTERNAL PROBLEM

press conference in stadium

How has the week been?

“The week has been normal, we have practiced well and some players have had some minor problems as you know. But it hasn’t been a week that is different from any other.” Seeing the game against Cagliari, will you prepare the game against Roma differently or have another attachment to the game striking on the counter?

“When you face teams that consider two of three results a success they have another attachment to the game. Football is spectacular but to see great games you need to unblock it quickly. Against Roma it will be a game where one till will want to play the game if we let them do so, something that can’t happen.”

Is Hernanes problem over?

“Hernanes is a generous player, he gives all he has and doesn’t think about the pain when he practices. As he is fatigued it’s hard to say if he is fully recovered since he hasn’t practiced with the team for long which is something he needs to do. He is with the squad and could both start or come on from the bench.

28

Has Icardi done what he needed to get your faith?

“It has never been about faith. It has been about feeling well or not, and if he practiced or not. The last game I gave him a shot for 45 minutes which he played well and he has been practicing well for a couple of weeks now.”

How angry are you over not seeing the Inter you wanted to see?

“When I look back at the games we’ve played I considered what difficulties we’ve created for the opponents and how much they create. If we hadn’t had some lacks of concenentration and were more effective in attack we surely would’ve taken more points.

We have lost many points because of pure bad lack and that’s my only regret for this season. There are still 39 points to play for and I hope that the situations will start going our way from now.”

Has Garcia surprised you?

“I’m not surprised. If a coach is good, has a good team and can make them play with his ideas he will always do well. Then we

FORZA

press conference

have to praise Roma for their mercato. Compared to the last two seasons they have bought players who are ready and this is different from earlier. They are all doing very well.”

Doesn’t it bother you that you can’t show a team with your ideas because of everything that has happened at Inter?

“I have always asked you to be stay attentive on all the details when you talk about a coach and his staffs work. This year many things must be valued. I am happy with the progress I am doing during the weeks with the players. I can see progress even though it doesn’t lead to victories.”

Compared to the first game between the teams, is the distance between you longer and in what way?

“Roma is a team that often keeps clean sheets and that has the best defense in the league. The game against them at home was very strange, we played very well but were down by 0-3 at halftime which means we deserved to lose.

We are sure we can perform well tomorrow, we can’t expect anything because football is always there to prove us wrong.

Against Fiorentina we played well and if we do the same against Roma we can do.

What do you say about the fight against homophobia that has begun?

“I haven’t followed it. I don’t follow the newspapers and don’t want to comment it.”

Does the fact that half the stadium is closed effect you?

“I have told the players that what matters is the eleven vs eleven that step on the field. I don’t know how it will effect the game that half the stadium is closed, we can talk about it tomorrow.”

Is Samuel 100% fit?

“He feels well and has no problems.”

Thohir wants to meet you in June to talk about the project. Will you be calm or do we have to wait for May? “All of this is a part of the relation between the owner and his coaching staff. It’s a normal thing and then it’s better if the president talks about this because his words are the most important one. I agree with him and between us we have talked a lot, but those are private conversations. I don’t want to talk about the future, these games are needed for us to make our decisions. In football it’s hard to plan for the future.”

mazzari direct zanetti

FORZA

29

press conference

explaining the correct way

Do you fear any of Roma’s players more than the other?

“Roma is a great team. They are good at defending and at attacking. They have many strengths and they can play in many different ways. But Zanetti isn’t playing since the 9th of January? What has changed? We who follow Inter since a long time back aren’t used to see him outside of the field.They can also change during the games which is another weapon for them, more than their individually skilled players that are good in attacking the spaces.”

Is there a place for Zanetti and Cambiasso in this Inter?

“I do my choices based on what I see. Surely there is place for them, but we have many players and only eleven of them can play. I’m trying to make the decisions that are best for Inter.”

But Zanetti isn’t playing since the 9th of January? What has changed? Isn’t he ready? Are there better players? We who follow Inter since a long time back aren’t used to see him outside of the field. There are many things that we need to consider. The energy has changed since he is becoming older and he has also been injured. I must value all the players for the

30

coming season and Zanetti is the last of my problems since I have a great relation with him. He is important when he isn’t playing since he helps me charging his teammates.”

Has the goalscoring problem started worrying you?

“I would’ve been worried if we didn’t create many chances. Also last Sunday we had many chances that for some or another reason didn’t result in a goal. For the future I am sure that our type of playing will pay.”

In Firenze Inter played with two strikers for the first time away. Is this a way to continue?

“The two strikers is good if they manage to work for the team.

I had played with all the technical players if I could, but I must value other things.

A team needs balance if it doesn’t want to lose points. If the team manages to play it’s game it would be good, but many times I have thought of other things. Against Genoa I used two strikers as well, but people seem to forget that we scored a lot of goals with Palacio and Alvarez. Alvarez is seen by many as

FORZA

press conference

a second striker, though I’ve made him become a midfielder.

What has been the problem is the mental attachment and the condition of the players.”

Do you think that Inter’s midfield for the future is done at 2/3 seeing as you have Guarin and Hernanes, and that Kuzmanovic most probably won’t be the third player in the future?

“There are still thirteen games left to play and I don’t really think I have to talk about this now do I? It’s not right for me to talk about this before an important game. In June we will plan things with the sporting director.”

Protesting or not protesting, the reactions on your statements always change?

though I’ve made him become a midfielder.

But Zanetti isn’t playing since the 9th of January? What has changed? Isn’t he ready? Are there better players? We who follow Inter since a long time back aren’t used to see him outside of the field.Then I understood that all my words were misunderstood and that’s when I prefered being quiet.”

Our colleagues at Fcinternews.it ask if Jonathan’s words about the closure of the curve doesn’t matter and that away, or home is the same thing: “The last few games I’ve heard the Curva all over the field and they always help us. In this way I’d prefer to play every game at home.”

“If you had followed my statements, you would’ve seen that I’ve always commented the referees objectively. After the game against people seem to forget that we scored a lot of goals with Palacio and Alvarez. Alvarez is seen by many as a second striker,

shouting to victory

FORZA

31

32

FORZA

FORZA

33

spotlight

SERIE A TOP 5 FREEKICK SPECIALIST

pirlo freekick specialist

Serie A

has long been the home of some of the world’s best free-kick specialists. From Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero to present day Francesco Totti and Andrea Pirlo, the league has showcased some of the best strikers of a dead-ball every weekend. Of course, the goal from a direct freekick is one of the most exciting plays in all of football and Serie A definitely has it’s collection of experts combined with men that can put a ball on a silver platter for their teammates. This week Forza Italian Football looks at the top 5 free kick takers currently plying their trade in Serie A.

5. Francesco Diamanti (Bologna) The experienced Bologna man has spent much of his career perfecting his free-kicks.Having returned to Italy from his short

34

spell with West Ham United, Diamanti has reached the peak of his game. His recent inclusion in the Azzurri side reflects his form and influence with his current side Bologna. Normally a creator of goals, Diamanti has put a few away himself this year with seven to his name, with one coming from a direct free-kick.

A crack from over 35-yards against Atalanta saw the ball bulge the back of the net as if shot from a cannon. True the attempt took a useful deflection on it’s way, but the sheer ferocity and direction in which it was hit could only have resulted in a goal.

Diamanti’s style is rather predictable, but still does the job and he will rarely try if the angle is unkind to him. As with most freekick takers, Diamanti becomes more predatory the closer he is to goal, and is very capable of getting the ball up and over the wall. This was seen during his time in England when he scored

FORZA

spotlight

against City; beating current Manchester City and England number one Joe Hart in goal.Always a threat from set-pieces, the 29-year-old will continue to frighten goalkeepers for the rest of his career.

4. Francesco Lodi (Catania) The unsung hero for the Elefanti, Francesco Lodi is quite simply an exceptional free-kick taker. Having joined Catania in 2011, Lodi has gone on to score 10 free-kicks in Serie A. Five of which have come this season, the former Empoli youth graduate has had quite the influence on his side’s fortunes. Capable of scoring from long or close range, he strikes the ball with enough venom to make saving it virtually impossible. Lodi will pick out a corner and send the ball whistling toward it with devastating speed, and since he doesn’t drive it, the ball continues on its path with acute accuracy.

Rarely troubled by the oppositions wall, the moment quickly becomes a two-man battle as goalkeepers struggle to judge the shot direction. The ball has been known to accelerate deceptively or turn rapidly when in flight, which leads the ball into the inner-side of the goal mouth. Most of Lodi’s free-kicks are scored from beyond 25-yards and have been decisive in many of Catania’s games. Were it not for Lodi’s five goals this season. zA true perfectionist, Lodi has spent countless hours after training practicing his trade; even in his youth he would

target distant sign posts! He struggled at the beginning of his career, but now he has settled at Catania, where his abilities are truly appreciated. At 28-years of age he still has his career to think about and it’s unclear whether he’ll make the move to a bigger club. However, it is clear that wherever Lodi plays his football next season, he can be sure to score more fantastic free-kicks.

3. Hernanes (Lazio) Perhaps Lazio’s most consistent performer, Hernanes can’t go a season without scoring from a free-kick at least once. A player with clear natural talent, the Brazilian has been an undisputed starter for Lazio since his arrival in 2010. He has a wonderful unpredictability about his free-kicks, as he is strong using any method. Whether it’s precision, power or when players lay it off to him, Hernanes can be sure to hit his target.This unwillingness to settle for one method produces varying results, but will invariably outsmart the goalkeeper. Hernanes will measure the situation and deliver what he judges to be the most unexpected.

His goal against Pescara, for example, shows Hernanes taking a straight forward, but audacious near post effort that bamboozled keeper Mattia Perin. The confidence he has in himself means he can pull off increasingly challenging shots. This need for challenge drives Hernanes, but can also lead him to over complicate matters. This is something he has begun to address

freekick hernnanez

FORZA

35

spotlight

under coach Vladimir Petkovic. His goal against Udinese saw Hernanes take a simple but effective looping effort that spun into the bottom corner. This illustrated his desire to influence the game from his own set-pieces. With his fantastic all-round offensive abilities, the 27 year-old is by far one of Serie A’s hottest properties

2. Francesco Totti (Roma) Roma’s golden boy needs no further introduction. Following his first senior appearance for Roma back in 1993, Totti has never looked back. Now the all-time top goalscorer for the Giallorossi with 227 goals and the second highest in league history, Totti has made quite the name for himself.

An immensely decorated player, Totti has a reputation for scoring long range goals, including from free-kicks. Perhaps the most diverse dead-ball specialist on the list, Totti is capable of scoring using any contemporary method. Known for driven efforts from great distances, he is also able to gently lift the ball over the wall with relative ease.

In the past Totti has managed a heavy amount of reverse spin on his powered free-kicks, similar to what Roberto Carlos could do with Real Madrid. His ingenuity is second to none and the reputation he has created for himself is well deserved. In his career, Totti has scored 19 free-kicks both direct and indirect,

with one of those coming from a set-piece this season. Roma fans would hope their icon can finish his career with a few more free-kicks for the album

1. Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) One of Italy’s finest set-piece specialists, Andrea Pirlo will always be remembered for his talent over the ball. A graduate of the Brescia youth academy, Pirlo’s career only really took off when he joined AC Milan. Under Carlo Ancelotti, Pirlo became the midfield maestro known to football fans worldwide.

His skill soon became too much for goalkeepers to handle, as he would gracefully stroke the ball effortlessly into the back of the net from any kind of distance. The calm and confidence displayed has made Pirlo arguably the best free- kick taker in Serie A even in the world.

Despite looking less composed over the ball, Pirlo has scored four free-kicks this season with a few taking fortunate deflections or touches. He has begun unnerving goalkeepers with drilled efforts along the ground, whilst he is known almost exclusively for his aerial attempts.While his reputation holds him in good stead, some of the more critical fans would say Pirlo has lost the same killer edge from set-pieces he had with Milan.

However none of this could tarnish what has otherwise been an exceptional career in Serie A for Pirlo.

totti victorious kick

36

FORZA

spotlight

abbiati suprised by pirlo

FORZA

37