Italy and Brazil will go into this FIFA Womens World Cup game with different targets. After victories in their first two matches, Italy now need one point to secure the first place. Meanwhile, Brazil’s defeat to Australia means that they now have to beat Italy and very likely (in the likely event of Australia beating Jamaica) have to get a better goal difference which will be quite a difficult task. In this tactical preview, let’s look at how the teams may play and the tactical match-ups between them.
How will Italy weather Brazil’s attacking storm
We saw Brazil deploy two different formations in their two matches: their usual 4-4-2 against a much weaker Jamaica side, and a 4-1-4-1 with the aim of sitting deep and counter against Australia. In this match, I believe they will have to go with the more aggressive 4-4-2, as they need to score as many goals as possible, bearing in mind Australia’s likely easy win over Jamaica.
Against a top side like Australia, we saw both Brazil and Italy happy to concede possession and look for chances in counter-attacks. In this match, Italy with their point advantage in the group will probably be the only team to do so.
Facing Australia, we saw Italy mostly defend in a 4-3-3, but there are a few variations:
They used a 4-3-3/4-1-2-1-2 formation out of possession with the aim to block progression through the centre. Bonansea and Mauro tried to block passing lanes from centre-backs to the double pivot but did not press the centre-backs. Girelli tried to position herself between Australia’s pivot and looked to mark the ball-near midfielder if the ball is close to or on the wings.
Galli and Cernoia added cover behind the first line, with Giugliano the deepest midfielder. Bonansea often tracked the opponent’s right full-back, while on the other side, it would often be central midfielder Galli who stepped out to press the left-back. In these cases, Italy’s formation looked more like a 4-4-2.
