Italy face Austria in their European Championship 2020 round 16 at Wembley this weekend, and Roberto Mancini has decided to make the midfielder in the absence of Giorgio Chiellini.
After cruising through the group stage and winning all three of its matches, much has been made of Italy’s exciting and dynamic attacking play. But they have been just as impressive defensively even in the 36-year-old defender’s absence.
Leonardo Bonucci is expected to start in the heart of the defense but the question is who will cooperate with him in Chiellini’s absence? The candidates for deputy are Lazio’s Francesco Acerbi and Inter Alessandro Bastoni.
Acerbi is the oldest in terms of his year as 33, although he has only managed ten more internationals (16) than Bastoni (6) who is 22.
When Chiellini was replaced by Switzerland after suffering an injury, Mancini turned to Acerbi but had already qualified for the knockout stages on their way into their last group game, Bastoni got a start against Wales and he did not disappoint.
Finding the right mix of youth and experience has been the key to Italy’s progress under the former Manchester City boss and depending on who he chooses, it can negatively affect the balance if he gets it wrong.
While both are very competent defenders, both have been the best when placed as part of a back three at club level. Playing as part of a midfield pairing requires a little adjustment in terms of positioning and lack of tempo or mobility is much more easily exposed.
Acerbi was called up when Chiellini was expelled / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images
As Italy inevitably want to put back their opponents, Mancini’s system requires one of his defenders to move forward in midfield as part of their aggressive pressure and in view of this Bastoni would be the better option given his greater athleticism and progressive passing ability.
The dynamics from the midfield have seen the Italian defense well protected so far and on that basis, the coach will feel more comfortable going with Acerbi’s experience. The fact that he was the player he turned to when he lost Chiellini earlier in the tournament indicates that he is a little ahead of the exciting Bastoni in the breeding order and therefore he should get the nod.
