Italy’s success in EURO 2024 was a result of Luciano Spalletti’s decision to use a three-man defense. The team had been using this formation during warm-up matches, but it was still surprising when they faced Croatia. The match took place in Leipzig at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT).
Spalletti had previously been expected to maintain the 4-2-3-1 formation used in the first two games against Albania and Spain or to make minor adjustments, like shifting to a 4-1-4-1 formation. However, the coach made a bold decision to completely transform the team by using a 3-5-2 formation against Croatia. This change saw key players like Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui upfront, while other players like Federico Dimarco and Giovanni Di Lorenzo were moved into different roles and Federico Chiesa was benched.
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia, Spalletti explained that experimenting with a three-man defense was not entirely unprecedented, as the team had utilized this formation in warm-up matches leading up to EURO 2024. Italy had previously used a 3-4-2-1 formation in friendly matches against Venezuela and Ecuador, winning both games. Throughout the season, Italy alternated between three-man defense and four-man defense formations, showcasing Spalletti’s tactical flexibility.
Spalletti assumed his role as Italy’s head coach in September 2023 after his predecessor Roberto Mancini unexpectedly resigned. Despite having only 12 games under his belt, Spalletti’s decision to revamp Italy’s tactical approach paid off, leading to success in EURO 2024. The shift to a three-man defense was reflective of Serie A trends, where many teams, including Inter and Atalanta, had found success with this formation. Italy’s tactical revolution under Spalletti marked a significant change that ultimately contributed to their success in the tournament.
Italy’s performance during EURO 2024 can be attributed to their tactical revolution under Luciano Spalletti’s leadership. The coach’s decision to use a three man defense had been successful during warm up matches but still caught everyone off guard when they faced Croatia. Despite being expected to maintain or make minor adjustments from their previous formations used against Albania and Spain, Spalletti boldly decided on an entirely new approach that turned out to be pivotal for Italy’s success in the tournament.
The new strategy involved key players Giacomo Raspadori and Mateo Retegui playing upfront while other players such as Federico Dimarco and Giovanni Di Lorenzo were moved into different roles and Federico Chiesa was benched. This change proved effective as it allowed for more fluid play on offense while still maintaining strong defensive capabilities.
In an interview with Sky Sport Italia following Italy’s victory over Croatia in the quarterfinals of EURO 2024, Spallelli explained that utilizing this particular formation was not entirely new ground for Italy as they had successfully employed it during warm up matches leading up to the tournament.
Spallelli took over as head coach of Italy after Roberto Mancini resigned unexpectedly in September of 2023 just twelve games into his tenure.
Despite being relatively new at the helm of one of Europe’s most talented footballing nations at that time, Spallelli quickly demonstrated his tactical flexibility by adapting between three man defenses and four man defenses throughout the season leading up to EURO 20
