Three things Gareth Southgate’s England can learn from Italy’s semi-final victory

Italy v Spain: Match in pictures

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England boss Gareth Southgate will have found a quiet corner of the St George’s Park training base to watch tonight’s Euro 2020 semi-final contest between Italy and Spain.  Though his attention will be firmly set on the Three Lions’ first semi-final fixture at a European Championship in 25 years tomorrow, there were a number of things he could have spotted in preparation for a potential final. 

A hard found contest between two of the biggest European footballing nations, there was very little between the pair on the night with the prize of a place in the final of Euro 2020 on offer. 

After a cagy first half, Federico Chiesa put the Italians in front on the hour mark – often a case of game over for the opposition such is the defensive prowess of Roberto Mancini’s side. 

However, Alvaro Morata finished in surprisingly calm fashion to level things up at 1-1. 

Spain then proceeded to pepper Italy’s goal, but could not find a breakthrough within 90 minutes, the Azzurri displaying their trademark defensive steel and resilience. 

Extra time played out with little to note, before Italy triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout to book their place in the final of Euro 2020. 

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The midfield battle 

Potentially more notable playing against a nation famed for their love of possession, but Italy were particularly careless in the middle of the park when it comes to retaining the ball. 

Dani Olmo got a lot of joy dropping deep and picking off stray passes from Mancini’s midfielders, which will be welcome news for an England side set up to hit teams in transition. 

Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips have both started every game of England’s Euro 2020 campaign thus far, specifically for their knack of pinching opposition passes in the middle of the park before aiming to hit the runners. 

This current Italy midfield is a far cry from the options they had at their disposal when they last reached the final of the tournament in 2012, Southgate’s men may view that area as one to target should they meet at Wembley on Sunday. 

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Lack of efforts 

Given Spain deployed a particularly high line for the entirety of the tie, it is surprising that Italy struggled to make any real form of shooting opportunities. 

It took 44 minutes for Mancini’s side to register their first attempt, which came from their most potent attacking threat for the first period – their left back. 

Emerson rattled the frame of the Spain goal, marking the only effort on goal for the nearly a full half. 

Over the course of 120 minutes of football, Italy registered just six shots on goal,  

England are yet to concede a goal all tournament and have been superb at restricting the quality of chances they allow their opponent to have, meaning they could find it easier than originally anticipated to restrict the Italian’s number of opportunities if they face off in the final. 

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Donnarumma distribution 

It is easy to forget that the former A.C. Milan keeper is still just 22 years of age, such is the length of time he has operated at the highest level. 

However, even with six years of regular Serie A experience Gianluigi Donnarumma is yet to master the art of distribution. 

The PSG-bound goalkeeper put his own side under pressure a number of times with his poor attempts to find an Italy shirt with his feet. 

The Azzurri number one was forced into making a smart save halfway through the first half from Dani Olmo, but the chance stemmed from his own poor clearance. 

Southgate will have surely made a note of that knowing full well that if a similar chance were to fall to the feet of Harry Kane, it would almost certainly end up in the back of the net. 

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