Morata Familiarity of Italy Defence Vital in Spain's Pursuit of Victory
While Euro 2016 continues towards the quarter-final stage, rumours of Alvaro Morata’s future rumbles on. Having been bought back by Real Madrid from Juventus to either develop at the Bernabeu or be sold at a higher price, it remains to be seen, but having since impressed in France, there will be no shortage of suitors in the Spaniard’s signature this summer. A host of teams across the continent have been credited with an interest in the 23-year-old and that list is expected to increase should he maintain his good form for the national team.
No player has scored more goals than Morata (3) at the European Championship, which has helped return a WhoScored rating of 7.49; only David Silva (7.65) has gained better of all Spain players. Following an indifferent outing in the tight 1-0 win over Czech Republic - Morata mustered four shots on goal in the victory, yet failed to find a way past Petr Cech - the striker was influential against both Turkey and Croatia, even if Spain fell to defeat against the latter.
His goalscoring impact will be necessary if Spain are to progress to the next round of the competition against one of the finest defences at the competition. They face Italy on Monday evening in a repeat of the Euro 2012 final, where Spain ran out 4-0 victors. However, both teams have undergone significant changes in the last four years. After a disappointing defence of their World Cup crown, Vicente Del Bosque’s side appear closer to top form as they look to defend the European Championship.
Italy, meanwhile, also harbour high hopes of progression. Predicted by many to be the underachievers of the tournament, a 2-0 win over Belgium in their first match set them on their way to the next round of Euro 2016. While the performances have been far from spectacular, the Azzurri have been solid under Antonio Conte, which has helped the team to this stage of the competition.
The solidity is based upon the Juventus defensive trio Conte helped rise to the fore. Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini - Juventus’ own BBC - have established themselves as one of the most resolute defensive trios in football. With teammate Gianluigi Buffon operating as the last line of defence, Italy’s backline is as resolute as they come. Indeed, the Italy defence will be crucial to their progression to the next round of Euro 2016.
Only Germany (0) have conceded fewer goals than Italy (1) at the tournament so far, and that was in the 1-0 defeat to Republic of Ireland, where Conte made two changes to the defence, bringing in Salvatore Sirigu and Angelo Ogbonna for Buffon and Chiellini. Parity is expected to be restored ahead of Monday’s match at the Stade de France. While Spain have the means to put any defence to the sword, Italy have the ability to shut out La Roja.
However, in Morata, Spain boast the ideal frontman required to break open the Italy defence. The young striker has seen the way Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini operate in training for the last two seasons, so can identify their strengths and weaknesses and aim to exploit the defensive trio in Spain’s quest for glory. While he arrived following Conte’s departure as Juventus boss, meaning the defensive drills could well differ from under Max Allegri, Morata’s familiarity with his club teammates is a huge boost to both player and nation.
Should he be presented with the opportunities to hit the back of the net, Morata will duly oblige. Of the 13 players to score two or more goals at Euro 2016 so far, only three have a better conversion rate than the Spaniard (27.3%). Two of those above him in the conversion rate stakes - Robbie Brady and Bogdan Stancu - have both had chances to score from the penalty spot, meaning Morata - whose three goals have all come from open play - has the more impressive return.
He won’t be devoid of chances to add to his notable goal return either. Only a handful of teams are averaging more key passes per game than Spain (15.7) at Euro 2016, while Del Bosque’s side rank third for clear-cut chances created (7) at the competition, despite playing one game fewer than those above them in the ranking. Of course, goalscoring chances against Italy can be expected to be few and far between.
The Azzurri are conceding just 11.3 shots per game at Euro 2016, one of the better returns at the competition, that in part owing to the defensive efficiency of this current crop. While injuries to Marco Verratti and Claudio Marchisio left Italy without much of a chance of success this summer, but the foundation of the side remained in tact and with the trio all familiar with one another’s respective approaches to defending, Italy are a far stronger unit as a result.
Yet this will be the first time at the tournament they face a striker well versed in their approach to the game. Monday’s evening game is set to be a close encounter - a repeat of the 4-0 scoreline in Spain’s favour from the Euro 2012 final is highly unlikely - but the consensus is that Spain’s best route to goal will be through Morata. Conversely, the Italian defence has the know how to deny the former Juventus striker in what could prove to be one of the key tactical battles in the penultimate game of the last-16 stage.
Can Morata get the better of Italy's defence of will Juventus' centre-back trio shut out their former teammate? Let us know in the comments below
