Italy 1-1 Bosnia in Nations League: Sensi responds to Dzeko

Destiny can’t smile at the Nations League debut. It was 1-1 with Poland two years ago, it is 1-1 with Bosnia that finally does not fall in the third game against the Azzurri and rather scares us. Everything in the second half, a pole each (for Italia Insigne) and then the goals: first Dzeko, the best in the field, then Sensi, a slightly deflected shot. It’s not Mancini’s Italy, however, and not just because of the result that interrupts the streak of eleven consecutive hits. Physical condition since September post-Covid and important absences, especially in the middle, where the Jorginho-Verratti double play cannot be waived without consequences. There is no need to do dramas, it is a moment like this for everyone, but the calendar does not wait. And the Netherlands, who beat Poland, are already two points ahead. Losing in Amsterdam would be almost an early farewell to the four finalists.

Is not the same

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On the other hand, it was impossible to demand Italy from the European call-up, Italy who scored nine goals against Armenia. It seemed that Zaniolo was the third mezzala, instead Mancini chooses not to resign (theoretically) to the double director. Except that both Jorginho, who has just arrived, and Verratti injured are missing, so Sensi has to play the central role. In the end, Barella retires to support him, leaving Pellegrini in a more advanced position, but it is not the same. Zaniolo would have done. Losing that close, deep dribble that moves the center of gravity forward, lacks understanding. The ball goes along horizontal lines and Bosnia, which is not naive, lets dribble to close in the center. In fact, Italy never enters the ball and chain. No, once it happens, with Chiesa, but the shot goes out.

Too many high balls

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The bands are missing. Chiesa starts well but it is five minutes of aggression against Kolasinac, then she dies in the continuous, almost exasperated, she waits for the shot, thus facilitating the opponent’s work. In the middle, the giant Sunjic does not use half measures but is effective in closing and in high balls: we give centimeters to centimeters to the rivals and these crosses are difficult to understand. Sensi is no longer a low game creator but a mezzala, as at Inter. He would be better in the role of Verratti, but behind he needed another Jorginho (Tonali or Locatelli). The goal from the edge of the area, if you will, is the confirmation that more is done in the barter area.

Slow possession

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Quite predictable ball possession in the first half, if not for Florenzi and Barella’s commitment and some central shots from Insigne – his only chance in the first half, a nice free kick outside – but Belotti is quite out. off the road. And the Azzurri also have to think about coverage because Bosnia reboots on Dzeko, naturally a central defender, to launch Hodzic who, fortunately, is missing the last touch after a good construction. The one who speaks the same language as the Roman player is Gojak, 10, who starts as a midfielder to become a playmaker, with good movements, but is too satisfied with himself. Not even Bosnia is encouraged by holy fury and, absent Pjanic, sacrifices maneuver at launch.

Show and goals

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In the second half they seem to increase the pace, Bosnia starts better and takes pole with Gojak who “drinks” Florenzi, but Insigne responds with his head, in a beautiful center of Chiesa who enters with a different air. Barella is the fittest, maybe still hot in the Europa League. Then the goals. The first, at 12 ‘, from Bosnia, with blues not impeccable in defense in a corner, and the two best Bosnian protagonists: Sunjic gives the head assist and Dzeko is implacable. At 23 ‘Sensi responds from outside, with a decisive deviation from Sunjic himself. The azzurri insist but a little confused, enter Zaniolo (for Chiesa), Immobile (for Belotti) and Kean (for Pellegrini) but little changes. We were not used to an Italy that struggles to manage, but almost ten months of unemployment are not canceled in 90 ‘.