If you’d told me before the tournament that Italy would conclude the group stages with a 100% record having scored seven times while emerging as the neutral’s favourite, I would’ve presumed that Juventus winger Federico Chiesa had a lot to do with it.
But as a result of Roberto Mancini’s brilliance, Domenico Berardi’s form and slight misfortune on his behalf, Chiesa’s been just another spoke in the wheel. He hasn’t notched a single goal contribution in a mere 119 minutes of action.
Instead, Manuel Locatelli has been the name on the tip of the footballing world’s tongues. Not to mention Mancini’s oh so smooth fashion sense.
Nevertheless, the importance and value Chiesa holds to the Azzurri is distinct.
Taming the Dragons
Following a pair of substitute performances in Italy’s opening two games, Chiesa earned his first start of the tournament against Wales as Mancini made eight changes to the side that thumped Switzerland 3-0 on Matchday 2.
The 23-year-old lined up on the left but swiftly switched flanks with Federico Bernardeschi to operate from the right – where he was stationed for the rest of the bout. He would hold the width down his flank as Mancini adopted an asymmetrical possession structure not too dissimilar to what Andrea Pirlo adopted in Turin last season. Right-back Rafael Toloi shifted infield to create a back three while opposite full-back Emerson advanced, thus facilitating the infield drifts of Bernardeschi.
Chiesa, meanwhile, performed his function with typical persistence. He provided a constant source of width, looked menacing in one-v-one situations and combined smartly with match-winner Matteo Pessina, who interpreted the Nicolo Barella role impressively. Overall, we were treated to glimpses of the star that emerged as Juventus’ protagonist throughout the second half of 2020/21.
The unique ability to beat players from a standing start and frightening electricity he exudes in transition were both manifested in Rome. Wales wing-back Neco Williams was diligent, but mere diligence is often insufficient against the precocious Chiesa.
The Juve star finished the contest with 12 progressive carries (behind only Marco Verratti), five shot-creating actions, three completed dribbles (team-high) and a pair of key passes. Chiesa’s performance saw him earn UEFA’s ‘Star of the Match’ that, admittedly, should’ve gone to the majestic Verratti.
While he would’ve been frustrated not to have found himself on the scoresheet (just one of his four shots were on target), Chiesa nonetheless laid bare the talent that had Calcio salivating last term.
The 23-year-old’s a different option to Domenico Berardi who, while capable of holding the width and beating players one-v-one, will often seek to drift infield, receive between the lines and combine in tight spaces. Chiesa, on the other hand, predominantly looks to attack space and outwit opponents via pure speed when playing off the right.
Nevertheless, boasting a pair of star wingers contrasting in profiles is a luxury for Mancini, and although Berardi has earned the right to be the first-choice, Chiesa offers a tempting, exciting alternative.
The 5-3-2 option
This is an atypical Italian side. Never before have we seen an Azzurri side play with such freedom. However, in the closing stages of their clash with Switzerland, Mancini showed off the sort of flexibility that has defined Italy as a footballing nation. He’s been a strict 4-3-3 man throughout his tenure has Mancini, but this changed in the dying embers of Matchday 2 as a double substitution facilitated a switch to a 5-3-2.
Chiesa was one of those introduced to fulfill the manager’s plan. The Juve man was utilised up top with Ciro Immobile, while Toloi – the other sub – filled in on the right of the back three. Chiesa’s role was one he played with sporadic success at Fiorentina before Beppe Iachini converted him into a wing-back.
Nevertheless, with Italy 2-0 up and at total ease against the tepid Swiss, it’s hard to envisage Mancini deploying this system in a bid to sure things up and keep Switzerland at bay. My theory is that it was introduced as practice/preparation for the knockout phase.
Now, that doesn’t mean the manager’s going to completely abandon his ideals and line his side up in a transition-focused 5-3-2 for the round of 16 clash with Austria. No, it’s a contingency plan and an astute one at that.
Should Italy be required to see out a game, this system will bring about an even sterner block due to its superior coverage of wide areas, while two outlets are accessible instead of just the one in the default 4-5-1 out of possession. Chiesa is one of these outlets and he boasts the ideal profile for the role. Alternate options, namely Berardi, Andrea Belotti, Giacomo Raspadori, and even Lorenzo Insigne don’t possess the same threat in transition as the Juve man.
So, while Chiesa may find himself behind Berardi in the pecking order, his performance on Matchday 3 combined with Mancini’s 5-3-2 contingency plan means the 23-year-old remains an invaluable asset for the Azzurri.
The knockout phase may be where we see him shine.