Following the defeat to Germany, Andrea Barzagli spoke about the legacy this Italy side will leave behind and said some sobering words. However, for the first time in a long time, Barzagli got it wrong.
“Nobody will remember anything about this Nazionale that truly gave everything. We really did give it our all but unfortunately what we’re left with is defeat and nothing will remain of all the good things we did.” These were the words of a tearful Andrea Barzagli in his post-match interview following Italy’s heartbreaking defeat to Germany in a penalty shootout. While history only remembers winners, Barzagli, a man who on so many occasions gets it right on the pitch, couldn’t have gotten it more wrong off it.
Going into the tournament, expectations for this Italy side couldn’t be set any lower. According to many, this was the worst Italian side of the last fifty years. In hindsight, looking at this roster player for player, this may very well be true. However, it’s a good thing the game is played on the pitch and what you see on paper means very little. And what happened on the pitch over the last month or so has been nothing short of special. Under the strict guidance of Antonio Conte, Italy shocked the masses and played a truly formidable tournament. After years of disappointment on the international stage, Conte’s Italy demonstrated to the rest of the world that ideas and togetherness trump talent. Over the course of the past month, this group of 23 players epitomized team spirit, pride and what it means to put on the Azzurro blu.
Barzagli cries during his post match interview.
In my heart @andreabarzagli2 this team will never be forgottenhttp://pic.twitter.com/6WvpXfEzYf
— Marco Messina (@Marcocalcio22) July 3, 2016
Despite the clear lack of quality within the side, Italy’s group ethic and hard work saw them prevail over a highly-rated Belgian side and eliminate the current holders Spain. While many, including myself, lamented some of Conte’s decisions to leave home talented players like Berardi, Jorginho and Saponara to name a few, he always knew what he was doing. Even if many hadn’t yet seen it, the strength of the group combined with throwback Italian tactics was the way forward. Given the current crop of talent, it was the only way. To be fair, it got Italy within one penalty kick of eliminating the world champions and the current favourites to take it all. All this while supposedly being the worst Italian side of the last 50 years.
So, Barzagli, when you say no one will remember this group you are plain wrong. No one will forget how Conte moulded a fantastic group out of largely average players. No one will forget how, against all odds, Italy outclassed and completely nullified a Spanish side who could have taken it all. No one will forget how Italy’s defensive displays looked like something out of Serie A’s golden era. And most importantly, not one Azzurri fan will ever forget, and I say this with complete certainty, how each player on this team was ready to go to war for the man next to him 90 minutes at a time. Even in defeat, this Italy side will be remembered.
The post Barzagli You Are Wrong, This Italy Side Will Be Remembered appeared first on IFD.
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