Et is an image that you still have to get used to – and of course the sound too: no more Giorgio Chiellini, who first revels in the anthem and then all the more fervently gives the lead singer, the long-time captain had dated last week retired from the Squadra Azzurra, aged 37.
Otherwise, the Italians of the current vintage are not yet loaded with history and stories. But that didn’t make them a comfortable opponent for the German national soccer team on Saturday night in Bologna.
For a short time, the first defeat in the service of national coach Hansi Flick threatened when Lorenzo Pellegrini put the Italians in the lead in the 70th minute. But because the Germans managed a quick response through Joshua Kimmich (73rd), this game did not find a winner. The 1-1 was okay, great football art was not to be seen on either side in Bologna, rather the art of mutual consolidation.
Lawn provides entertainment
The audience’s best friend was the grass, which caused some to slip and thus get something rolling in the direction of the goal. From a German point of view, which, as is well known, is aimed at a World Cup success, it was a bit little in the end.
And so in the end the Italians, who did not qualify for Qatar, enjoyed an atmospheric evening in the Stadio Renato dall’Ara, which breathed something of the lightness of earlier football days in this open round.
You didn’t have to try hard to see it as a counterpoint to the fuss that is made in German stadiums to heat up the atmosphere when “The Team” is playing.
Italy difficult to calculate
On Tuesday (8.45 p.m. FAZ live ticker for the Nations League and on RTL) the game continues against England in Munich. Gareth Southgate’s team started the Nations League with a 0-1 draw in Hungary on Saturday. Until then, Flick will take a close look at how his players are in shape, at least Saturday was sweaty. It was a wonderful summer day in Bologna, but also with temperatures just over 30 degrees and quite humid.
The national coach himself said the day before the game that he didn’t know exactly who would be seen in the blue shirts. From the team that had recently lost the “Finalissima”, the duel between the European champions and the South American champions, 0:3 against Argentina, goalkeeper Donnarumma was the only one back in the starting XI.
Roberto Mancini takes a thorough approach to the rebuilding project. Flick had also oracled that this does not necessarily have to be an advantage. And after the first 45 minutes without a goal, you could at least say: The Germans really didn’t get off easy that evening.
Scamacca hits the post
Flick’s team started very powerfully against the ball, and the two or three early pressing moments, which brought ball wins in interesting areas, should have pleased the national coach. It could also be said that the Germans were in control for a while, but first of all there wasn’t much to be gained from it going forward. And secondly, the Italians were able to free themselves better and better and became braver on their way to the goal.
