Former tactician Fabio Capello has advised Italy to play at a faster pace in their upcoming Euro 2024 round of 16 tie against Switzerland. Capello also backed Luciano Spalletti to give Juventus star Federico Chiesa a starring role, claiming he was the most “international” player available to the Azzurri.
Italy had an unforgettable EURO 2024 campaign.
European champions Italy have had a mediocre start to Euro 2024. They somehow won their first Group B game against Albania 2-1 before losing 1-0 to group leaders Spain. In their final Group B match against Croatia, Italy salvaged a 1-1 draw, with Mattia Zaccagni scoring a much-needed equalizer eight minutes into added time.
Italy, which took second place in Group B with 4 points, will face Switzerland, second place in Group A, in the first leg of the round of 16 of Euro 2024 on Saturday, June 29. Unlike Italy, Switzerland continues its undefeated streak to date with 1 win, 2 draws (5 points).
Fabio Capello would like to see Federico Chiesa play centre-back up front against Switzerland
In his column for La Gazzetta dello Sport, Capello argued that Italy should adopt a faster approach against Switzerland. The former Real Madrid manager added that Chiesa is the right man for the job as he is Italy’s most dynamic player.
Capello wrote:
“Italy, move forward in faith. But faith is not just about the spirit that allowed us to throw ourselves into the box last night to equalize against Croatia in the 98th minute thanks to a goal from Riccardo Calafiori and some magic from Mattia Zaccagni. By faith (in Italian Fede, ed.) I also mean Federico Chiesa, who remains the most international player of our national team.
“Sprints, bursts, changes of pace, high intensity. Modern football is moving in this direction. Look at Spain with Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal. The Juventus forward is the only player in the locker room with these characteristics.“
Capello insisted Italy needed pace and that Serie A’s relatively sedate style of play was hurting them at EURO 2024.
“Federico is often criticized, but this national team needs him and his ability to break the bank with his percussion, dribbling and improvisation, as well as his defensive prowess. And it was even more so in the round of 16 on Saturday afternoon.,” he added.
“Italy will need more speed against Switzerland. So far we have looked too slow with the ball. The biggest responsibility lies with us in Serie A. In the league, we see too many unnecessary horizontal passes, slowing down and slowing down the pace of the game. Not to mention the diving and wasting of time. The bills are then paid by a national team that is not used to playing at a very high intensity than other teams..”
Chiesa was one of Italy’s best players, leading the country to victory at Euro 2021. He scored once against Austria in the round of 16 and against Spain in the semifinals.
