UEFA Nations League 2021/22: How Germany earned a point against the new-look Italy – tactical analysis

On Saturday, in an evenly contested match, Italy and Germany drew their first game in this seasons UEFA Nations League.

Germany came into the match in good form. Since Hansi Flick replaced Joachim Loew last summer the team have remained unbeaten winning eight and drawing one.

For Italy, this was now the start of a rebuild. Following their failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup in Qatar, the Azzurri are now focusing solely on being ready to defend their European Championship title at the European Championships in 2024

In a match that will have raised more questions than answers, this tactical analysis will examine the key tactics set by Roberto Mancini and Hansi Flick and the issues they will need to address in the future.

Line Ups and Tactical Approach

This was a new-look Italy side as Roberto Mancini decided to mix things up after Italy’s 3-0 defeat by Argentina in the Finalissima. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was the only player to keep his place in the starting eleven.

Mancini set the team up in their accustomed 4-3-3 formation. Out of possession, their shape varied between a 4-4-2 and 4-1-4-1 keeping a narrow and compact medium block as Germany looked to build their attacks by retaining possession.

Th