Italians attack ‘catenaccio’

Published on 26/06/2012 00:00

ENGLAND’S defensive approach to the Euro 2012 quarter-final against Italy was heavily criticised by Gazzetta dello Sport. Italy, historically known for their safety-first tactics, were 4-2 victors on penalties after dominating the match in Kiev and will now face Germany in the semi-finals on Thursday.

Gazzetta likened their tactics to those employed to great effect by Chelsea during their Champions League campaign. “The laws of football could not allow for a triumph of another English ‘catenaccio’ [defensive approach] after that of Chelsea that won the Champions League,” a Gazzetta editorial read.

Turin-based sports newspaper Tuttosport carried a photograph of Italian players celebrating on their front page and, taking a jab at the nickname of England’s squad, ran a headline which read: “We are the lions.”