The international window threw up this clash of cultures, as Italy travelled to Greece for a match played out in a blue and white palette. Both sides were yet to lose in Group J heading into the match at Athens Olympic Stadium, but this is a new-look Italy under Roberto Mancini that, pre-match, was enjoying a six-game unbeaten run. We headed to Greece for the latest in our ‘Framed’ series hoping our hunch that we'd see goals was right…
Italy have returned to form recently, and heading into their third Euro 2020 qualifier the Azzuri were keen to maintain their 100% winning record that had yielded eight goals in their previous two games against Liechtenstein and Finland. But Greece came into the game also unbeaten in their two Group J qualifiers. However, with the attacking available at Mancini's disposal, you had to fancy the Italians.
Present in Greece to see Italy’s attacking credentials tested against a usually stubborn Greek defence, we were left only partly satisfied as the contest never really got going; Italy barely having to get out of second gear as they cruised to a 0-3 win. Sure, we got our goals, courtesy of Barella, a fine finish from Insigne, and Bonucci, but they didn't have to work all that hard for it. Roberto Mancini's side now top Group J with three wins from three games, scoring 11 goals while they’re yet to concede. They’ll undoubtedly face sterner tests, but Italy are looking in good shape as they look to regain their position at the top table of world football.
Photography by Giacomo Cosua for SoccerBible.
