The loss of Marco Verratti has put a dent in Italy’s Euro 2016 prospects. He would have been one of the first names on the team-sheet for Antonio Conte, who has claimed that his team are outsiders. However, Conte has other players at his disposal, such as Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi, Stefano Sturaro and Marco Parolo. No one can truly replace Italy’s most gifted playmaker, but his best stand-in is expected to be Motta if he is able to overcome his own calf injury concerns.
Who should replace Marco Verratti?
Motta primarily looks to break up play but has occasionally created his own chances. The major concern is that his calf injury limits or denies him match time, which would put further pressure on Italy’s Euro 2016 chances. Whilst Verratti is still a superior choice to Motta, the latter may still be able to play an important role for Italy. He brings composure on the ball, with the ability to pick out a pass. He does also have experience in this tournament and even played in the Euro 2012 final.
Much depends on where Conte decides to play Motta. However with the manager giving Motta the coveted #10 jersey, there is the suggestion that he will be given an attacking role. Ex-Italy manager Cesare Prandelli also chose to deploy him as an attacking midfielder. This limits his effectiveness as he finds more space as a deep lying midfielder. He is perhaps a little too slow to be operating in the final third. Moreover, he is a vital cog in the midfield that ensures that the ball is distributed to all those around him.
If Conte were to select De Rossi, he would fit perfectly alongside Motta, Sturaro or Parolo. Centurion De Rossi is the most experienced Italian midfielder with 103 caps. His defensive capabilities are particularly strong and his positioning aids his centre-backs well. Similarities can be drawn to England’s Eric Dier. Both midfielders are able to sit between centre-backs to cover or provide extra protection against opposing strikers. This often negates crosses as the box is congested. They both have the tenacity to close down players on the edge of the box.
The youngest candidate for the role is Stefano Sturaro, who at 23 years old will be looking to add to his first cap for his country. He is an emerging talent who has really impressed and showed great maturity at Juventus this season. Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri said that “he plays with immense intensity and he has also improved on his technical ability.” Comparisons have been made to Gennaro Gattuso due to his work rate and his ability to read the game. This kind of work rate and especially his pace is vital to Italy’s Euro 2016 chances as the midfielders (Motta and De Rossi) are now beyond 30 and may have lost a step or two. Facing a number of younger midfielders in the tournament, for example, England, could cause the Italians issues by their physical advantage alone. Thus, it’s important that whatever midfield Conte chooses he considers a blend of youth and experience.
A final candidate for the role is Lazio’s Marco Parolo. He is more suited to operating in a more advanced position. His dribbling and passing ability would allow him to create some chances, giving Italy a more attacked minded midfield if selected. In the 3-5-2 that Conte favours, Parolo would be the furthest forward. If Italy’s Euro 2016 prospects are to be preserved, he must be accompanied by two more defensive midfielders such as De Rossi and Motta. Whilst their three starting centre-backs are experienced and talented, they must still be protected by the midfield.
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