Interviewed by today’s edition of The Republicthe former Fiorentina and Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo he commented on Italy’s defeat against Spain: “Italy’s great sin? The failure to manage the ball after winning it back. Virtually no phase of the game, given that the Spaniards immediately regained possession, preventing us from breathing. Jorginho’s substitution surrender signal? No, Spalletti just changed the initial plan when he saw that we couldn’t escape the opponent’s pressure.
Do you change with Croatia? Yes, it was the coach himself who spoke about the insufficient physical condition of some players. Against Croatia it won’t be a question of formation, but we will have to choose the men who have the most ability at the moment. And Spalletti more than anyone else knows who I am. How do you beat Croatia? Immediately attacking the ball carrier and starting again at speed, canceling their pressing. If you leave the initiative to Modric, Brozovic and Kovacic are in trouble. Dalic, in addition to this magnificent trio in the middle, can count on physically strong attackers and Gvardiol, a defender who can do everything.
Three-man defense? No, I would use it if we were to find Spain again, to have more solidity. On Monday the difference will not be made by tactics, but by dynamism and mental form. We will have to take the initiative right away.”