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Whenever Italian football is mentioned, one thing immediately springs to mind: great defence. From the introduction of the “Catenaccio” style of play, by Nereo Rocco’s Padova side in the 1950’s, to the rebirth of the “three-at-the-back” by Antonio Conte at Euro 2016, the Italians have been pioneers in the development of defensive football throughout the generations.
Italy have always produced fantastic squads with outstanding defenders forming the base of their success. Starting with Aristide Guarneri and Tarcisio Burgnich in the 1960’s followed by the likes Gaetano Scirea, the great Franco Baresi and Giuseppe Bergomi in the subsequent decades and in more recent times the immortal Paolo Maldini, Ballon D’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro and AC Milan legend Alessandro Nesta, Italian defenders have always been amongst the greatest in the world.
There seems to be something about Italian defenders that puts them above others in their position. Whether that be a greater footballing intelligence and capability to understand the finer nuances of defending or an innate passion and love of simply defending, it’s hard to tell, yet there is without doubt something that puts the Italians ahead of their foreign counterparts when it comes to defending. Maybe it’s something in the water?
Yet at the past summer’s Euros many within the footballing community called the Italian squad “the worst ever”. There was a lack of talent across the squad and many predicted a poor showing from the Italians. However, one thing remained constant, a great defence. Whilst the talent in the attacking areas was certainly lacking compared to previous generations, the defence made up entirely of Juventus defenders was as solid as ever. Leandro Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini formed the “BBC” and formed the base of what proved to be a reasonable campaign for the Italians.
Backed up by their fellow Juventus teammate, Gianluigi Buffon, in goal, the defensive quartet lead the Italians to the quarter-finals after an impressive victory over holders Spain. Their leadership, experience and overall football savviness proved invaluable and the four men drew overwhelming, and absolutely deserved, praise for the impressive performances. Many regard Buffon and the “BBC” as the best backline in world football. But with Barzagli now 35 years of age, Chiellini 32, Bonucci soon to be 30 and, despite still being regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, Buffon is now at the age of 38, the defensive quartet aren’t likely to be around for much longer.
So, what next? Is this the end of the great production line of Italian defenders? Of course not. Three things in life are certain, death, taxes and a great Italian defence. So, who is that will be the heir to the “BBC’s” throne?
Alessio Romagnoli
The burgeoning AC Milan star has played an integral part in Rossoneri’s resurgence this season under new manager Vincenzo Montella. Having begun his career at Roma, Romagnoli moved to Milan in the summer of 2015 for a fee of around £25 million and has since become a key part of the Milan team.
As an elegant, left-footed defender who is also capable of playing as a left full back, Romagnoli has drawn comparisons to his elder Italian counterpart Giorgio Chiellini. Yet, when watching both players the differences are evident, mainly due to the different tactical schemes employed by their respective teams.
Juventus utilise a back three, allowing Chiellini to break forward from the back with the ball, physically driving his team forward. Milan, on the other hand, play with a back four, meaning Romagnoli often plays a lot deeper building attacks with his impressive range of passing from the back.
But as two left-footed centre halves who are comfortable on the ball, the pair clearly share many traits resulting in the comparison. In fact, Romagnoli was called up to the Italian national side, in place of Chiellini, for a recent World Cup Qualifier against Spain. The youngster slotted into the left side of the back three like he’d been playing there his whole life.
His composure and positioning was fantastic, and he played with a maturity well beyond his years. If his career continues on its current trajectory, Romagnoli could well become Italy’s next great defender.
Daniele Rugani
A tall, imposing figure on the pitch, Daniele Rugani’s footballing ability certainly lives up to his physical stature. At 6ft 3” tall the 22-year-old towering centre half is not only a colossus in his own box, he also poses a significant threat in the opposition box with his height and aerial ability. Despite a lack of notable pace, Rugani often uses his intelligence and positional awareness to get the better of his opponents.
When watching Rugani play it’s hard to believe he is as young as he is, he plays with a calmness and coolness that most experienced veterans of the game would be envious of. This emphasized by the fact that he didn’t receive a yellow card until the 52nd game of his professional career. Never rash in the challenge, Rugani’s anticipation is key to his steady style of play.
Like many other Italian defenders, Rugani is extremely comfortable on the ball and can operate easily in a back three, something which he needs to do at Juventus. You could certainly be forgiven for thinking that Rugani would just be regarded as another talented prospect at Juventus, being made to sit and learn his trade behind the aforementioned “BBC”.
However, Rugani has enjoyed a breakout season this year, starting in various Champions league games and also important league games such as the game against Roma where his fantastic display helped the Bianconeri defeat their nearest title rivals, keeping a clean sheet in the process.
Rugani has shown that he is more than just the defender of the future for Juventus, he is much more as his performances have proved. Already a full international, he has represented Italy at all youth levels, often playing alongside Alessio Romagnoli and hopefully for the Italians sake forming an important partnership with the Milan defender that will serve them well for years to come.
Mattia Caldara
Probably the lesser known of the three centre halves, Mattia Caldara has really rose to prominence this season with Atalanta. Atalanta’s form this season has shocked everyone this season and Caldara’s performances have been pivotal to their success.
So much so that the heads of Europe’s top teams have been well and truly turned, with clubs such as Manchester United and Chelsea being linked to the youngster. However, it seems as though it’s Juventus who have been able to prize away Caldara from Atalanta, with numerous reports suggesting a deal has been agreed.
Caldara seems to be keen on the move to Turin saying “I like the way they play and their mentality, always determined to win and get even stronger. Juve are the best side in Serie A.” Clearly, he is interested in a move to Juventus, and he could do much worse than joining fellow young defender Daniele Rugani at the J Stadium. T
he idea of a central defensive partnership between Caldara and Rugani that can be dominant for years in Serie A will have Juventus fans’ mouths watering. It can only be good for the national side as well, two of the brightest young talents in the country developing together, and learning behind the “BBC” for now at least, absorbing their experience and learning to play the Italian way, Italy should be set for the future.
The opportunity to learn from the “BBC” is something that Caldara recognises, saying “Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the defenders we youngsters look up to, as I think they are the best pure defenders in the game.” This shows Caldara acknowledges he still has room for improvement and he remains level-headed despite the massive plaudits he has received this season.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
If Gianluigi Buffon ever decides to retire, Italy may just have a star in the making waiting in the wings to replace him. Gianluigi Donnarumma made his debut for AC Milan at the tender age of just 16, even more remarkable given that he plays in goal.
You’d expect a 16-year-old to lack the physical prowess to stand out on a pitch full of men, especially in goal. Yet Donnarumma is huge.
Despite still being a teenager at 6 foot 5”, he fills the goal and is an imposing figure in between the sticks. He commands his area like a seasoned pro, already a natural leader who is capable of organising his defence at Milan. Donnarumma possesses enormous potential.
Citing Gianluigi Buffon as his idol growing up, Donnarumma has received much from his idol, with Buffon calling him “a top keeper” and Italian goalkeeping legend Dino Zoff has stated that Donnarumma is “predestined to become a great goalkeeper”. Such praise can’t be taken likely and Donnarumma has now received international recognition, becoming the youngest ever goalkeeper to play for Italy.
Despite not being born when Gianluigi Buffon made his debut for the national team, Donnarumma is now breathing down his idols neck in the race to grab the number 1 jersey for the national team. Such are his talents that he could oust Buffon in the near future and perhaps force the legends hand in terms of retirement.
Donnarumma is developing at a rapid rate at AC Milan and is attracting interest from top clubs all over Europe. Whether he stays in Milan and is the catalyst that sparks a revival, helping Milan create a new dynasty alongside fellow Italian youngsters Alessio Romagnoli and Manuel Locatelli or he ends up elsewhere, one thing is certain, Donnarumma has a huge future ahead of him.
People may claim that the defensive style of football that the Italians typically employ is boring. But for me, there is a somewhat romantic element to the way the Italians play the game. It takes a certain intelligence and real understanding of the tactical intricacies of the game to play the Italian way, and somehow, they continuously produce players with ability to do this. Defending is an art after all, and whether it be Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo or Franco Baresi and Paolo Maldini, Italy will always produce the greatest artists.