The Conte Thread

[Captain Ahmed 528]

 Tactical masterclass at Euro 2016 to whet Chelsea’s appetite

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Incoming Chelsea boss Antonio Conte dished out a tactical masterclass as Italy defeated Belgium 2-0 at Euro 2016, whetting Blues fans’ appetite.With 18 goals scored in 10 matches and no scoreless draws, Le rendez-vous Euro 2016 has thus far not disappointed. Day four of the competition probably produced the best game yet in terms of quality with Antonio Conte’s Italy dismantling tournament favorite Belgium.

Italy’s sum is greater than its parts

If the names Vieri, Baggio, Del Piero, and Totti mean anything to you, then you realize that this Italian side isn’t like the Italy of old.With Southampton’s Graziano Pelle leading its line (a player who recorded a meager 11 goals in 30 games for Southampton last season) and without Andrea Pirlo or Marco Verratti to pull the strings in midfield and inject exquisite technical skills, the Azzurri were forecasted by many bookmakers to play second fiddle to a star-studded Belgian team, in the so-called group of death.But instead, it was Antonio Conte’s men who asserted themselves and seemed to know, down to a man, exactly what they wanted to do when they took the field in Lyon Monday night.It was reported that the London-bound tactician had erected panels around the team’s training ground and that he had even restricted media access to practice sessions in order to preserve an element of surprise.And surprise he did.From the initial kick-off, the Azzurri’s “chameleon” formation created many problems for Marc Wilmots’ team, and they only grew more confident as the game went on. It quickly became obvious that Belgium could not find answers to cope with their fluidity.“We don’t stay rooted in one formation,” Conte said on Sunday before the game, “We play in different systems both when attacking and defending, so we have got this chameleon-like formation because we have all these tactical formations in mind.”At times, during their 2-0 victory over Belgium, the four-time World Champions seemed to play in no system at all, so seamless the transitions from a 3-5-2 to a 5-3-2 or 3-3-4 were.Anchored in that solid Juventus back three, Conte was able to offset the absence of Pirlo by using their best passer, Leonardo Bonucci, to pick out some sumptuous passes. He did just that in the 32nd minute when he expertly found former Sunderland misfit Emmanuele Giaccherini for Italy’s first goal.With the two wing-backs, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Candreva, pushing upfield when in possession and occupying the Belgian wingers, Bonucci was given way too much time while standing in the center circle to pick out the run of the diminutive midfielder.Based on that goal alone and on the 45% of possession that Italy enjoyed, Marc Wilmots’ comments about Italy only counter-attacking and not playing real football are laughable.As talented as Eden Hazard and company are, they simply looked ill-equipped and were outplayed by a very well-drilled and creative Italian team. Wilmots ought to focus on finding a way to inject some cohesion and passion into his squad if they are to get out of the group stages.Besides an early long-distance shot on goal, Chelsea target Radja Nainggolan was almost a non-factor in the center of the park. The Roma midfielder, known for his tenacious and fearless tackling, played neatly when neatness could avail him nothing against an energetic and passionate Italian outfit. He found himself substituted in 62nd minute for Dries Mertens who created several chances after coming on.Eden Hazard lacked aggression as he did so many times for the Blues last season and seemed weighed down by that bright captain’s armband. And Romelu Lukaku missed a chance to impress the man who would be responsible from bringing him back to Stamford Bridge, as his touch let him down numerous times during the match.

Perhaps his most glaring miss was the one which sailed wide of goal in the 53rd minute when a through-ball from Kevin De Bruyne virtually put him one-on-one with Gigi Buffon. Pelle, on the other end, held the ball up expertly and linked up with Eder very well.Chelsea fans shouldn’t be surprised if Pelle’s name gets linked with the Blues during the transfer market. A towering figure with great knock-down ability and strength, the Southampton striker was rewarded for his selflessness in stoppage time when he expertly converted a side volley to put the game out of reach.

Chelsea outlook

As a Chelsea supporter, this match was a win-win. Belgium is the team in the tournament that has the most ties to the club with two current players (Hazard and Thibaut Courtois), two former players (De Bruyne and Lukaku), and three potential signings (Lukaku, Nainggolan and Batshuayi), so in a way their loss could be a concern.But the tactical masterclass put on display by Antonio Conte should put many hearts to rest. With a team considered sub-par by the Italians themselves, Chelsea’s incoming manager put on an A-grade performance filled with passion, intelligence, intensity and intent. Mr Conte, you have our attention.

The Pride of London

 

[Zenza001 60]

7 hours ago, Superblue_1986 said:

Cool, and it also makes me a little less concerned with the transfer activity for the club.

People are having kittens at the moment because we've yet to splash £30-40m on a player, however (correct me if I'm wrong) I'm sure Conte never spent more than £15m on a player at Juventus and brought some real top drawer players during his time.

I can possibly see one or two 'lesser' signings that people aren't overly thrilled about, but they will work within the framework that Conte wants to create. You only have to look at Belgium currently and England a decade ago to know that a hugely talented pool of players doesn't necessarily make a great team.

Antonio has built from scratch the defense of Juventus relying completely on a player like Barzagli. He has completely evolved Chiellini and Bonucci game making them excellent defenders. It also managed to improve Marchisio and if the defense of Juventus today is so competitive it is only thanks to Antonio. It has also managed to integrate perfectly even Simone Pepe and has always given confidence to the people who put heart and will as Giaccherini Matri quagliarella. The extraordinary ability of Antonio is to always keep the tension and concentration at the highest level, when Juventus made of 102 points record was all his own merit. Its main job is to make 100% of its players and will do anything to make it happen. Players need to follow him but must put heart, must believe with him. The speeches that made  at the team before the matches were legendary in Turin

[Fernando 6,585]

 

‘Special’ Antonio Conte praised for masterminding Italy’s win over Belgium

• Italy players give the credit to Chelsea’s manager-in-waiting 
• ‘I’ve played under a lot of good managers but he is one of the best there is’

https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/14/italy-antonio-conte-euro-2016-belgium-chelsea

[kmk108 1,186]

Conte was great yesterday, but let's not forget, this Italian team is all in. They all want to win and they all have the drive. They are all bought into what Conte wants. It will be completely different here if our players don't completely buy into Conte.

[Adnane 1,101]

Furthermore, it's way easier for players to buy into their fellow countryman's needs when they are playing for their national team. Make no mistake, the man has clearly got charisma and could influence the very best to play his way and for the team, I just think we should avoid getting carried away since national teams competitions and domestic leagues (  Champions league eventually ) are two distinct things. 

But indeed, yesterday was a good night to be an optimistic Chelsea fan, let's hope we have a decent window and the manager settles in pretty quickly.

[BeniiBlue 0]

whats our opinions on conte and our loan players ? i think realistically we have 2-3 youngsters that are read to be in the squad. and how do we feel about cuadrado ? i feel like with a good preseason under his belt with conte and can be vital for the squad especially because of his work rate down the channel which is super important if conte decides to stick to a 3 back line.

 

[J.F. 1,484]

https://twitter.com/Italy_arab/status/742818795069313024/video/1

 

Conte screaming "I will kill you all" after Lukaku chance. I love this guy already. Forza Italia!

[Captain Ahmed 528]

Capooo_One

 

[Blue-in-me-Veins 4,067]

 

Conte has asked Carlo Cudicini to be part of his backroom staff! 

[kellzfresh 7,229]

1 hour ago, Blue-in-me-Veins said:

 

Conte has asked Carlo Cudicini to be part of his backroom staff! 

Fantastic if true 

[kmk108 1,186]

2 hours ago, Blue-in-me-Veins said:

 

Conte has asked Carlo Cudicini to be part of his backroom staff! 

Wasn't there a rumor that someone would be brought in to work specifically with Courtois?

[Reddish-Blue 2,512]

On 6/15/2016 at 9:56 AM, kmk108 said:

Conte was great yesterday, but let's not forget, this Italian team is all in. They all want to win and they all have the drive. They are all bought into what Conte wants. It will be completely different here if our players don't completely buy into Conte.

If 'certain' players don't buy in to Conte's plan, then we should look to offload them. 

[kmk108 1,186]

5 minutes ago, Reddish-Blue said:

If 'certain' players don't buy in to Conte's plan, then we should look to offload them. 

That's the ideal, but I have yet to see the club take this stance.

[pHaRaOn 2,131]

 

[Blue_Fox_ 2,086]

Hazard already around December will want another siesta.

[obiwan92 217]

Another great tactical win for the great Antonio Conte.

[Blue_Fox_ 2,086]

12 minutes ago, obiwan92 said:

Another great tactical win for the great Antonio Conte.

He got it wrong with the selection. Wasn't as great, tactically speaking, as the first match.
He should have started Zaza, he likes to press and as seen in the second half the Swedish defence panics as soon as you press them.
He should have rested Candreva, at least in the second half, playing the winger/rb is one of the most taxing roles in his system, I really hope he will rest him against Ireland.
He should have started Motta from the get go, De Rossi has had a tendency to lay deeper, almost in the defence line, and as seen in the second half we need to play higher up the pitch.
But yes, great win we are through the group stage and forward we go.
Forza Azzurri!

[LAM09 7,063]

Two wins out of two, qualified with a game to spare and haven't conceded. Makes for good reading so far.

Yet to lose a competitive game with Italy.

[Jase 43,479]

1 hour ago, obiwan92 said:

Another great tactical win for the great Antonio Conte.

Now now, there's no need to declare every Italy win as a tactical masterclass from Conte.

[Tomo 21,751]

2 hours ago, Blue_Fox_ said:

He got it wrong with the selection. Wasn't as great, tactically speaking, as the first match.
He should have started Zaza, he likes to press and as seen in the second half the Swedish defence panics as soon as you press them.
He should have rested Candreva, at least in the second half, playing the winger/rb is one of the most taxing roles in his system, I really hope he will rest him against Ireland.
He should have started Motta from the get go, De Rossi has had a tendency to lay deeper, almost in the defence line, and as seen in the second half we need to play higher up the pitch.
But yes, great win we are through the group stage and forward we go.
Forza Azzurri!

By my maths unless Republic win vs Belgium, you will have top slot secured.

Given the average age of the squad and the key players on yellows I reckon Conte should rest the entire lineup vs Republic if top spot is secured.