In November 2017, a goalless draw against Sweden in Milan, preceded by a 1-0 defeat to the Scandinavian country in Stockholm, saw Italy fail to qualify for the 2018 World Cup for the first time since 1958.
Many believed this was the end for the Azzurri as a European force.
Their core of stars that had served them incredibly well for the guts of a decade were unable to deliver on the final push.
The vintage Maserati A6 had finally broken down, with the future looking bleak for Italia.
However, a new, more vibrant driver took the wheel.
Roberto Mancini stepped inside the beautiful, blue vehicle, slammed down on the pedal and guided it to one final home stretch before the engine was utterly exhausted.
Despite winning Euro 2020, Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup yet again.
Now, Mancini is currently trying to steer a banjaxed car with just two tires, one wing mirror and half a steering wheel.
Nevertheless, during the current international break, the former Manchester City and Internazionale manager is attempting to plant the seeds for the future of Italian football, having already given several debuts to young, upcoming stars.
Among these debutants is Hellas Verona’s versatile forward Matteo Cancellieri.
This tactical analysis article will be a scout report of the 20-year-old.
This analysis will examine the Italian youngster’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as assess his role within his clubs and countrys tactical framework.
Matteo Cancellieri Player profile
Last weekend, Italy faced another fallen European great in Germany in the UEFA Nations League.
The game ended in a 1-1 stalemate and certainly was not a classic.
However, it will definitely be memorable for Cancellieri who came on for the Arsenal-linked centre-forward Gianluca Scamacca in the 86th minute.
Cancellieri was shifted out to the right in Mancini’s 4-1-4-1 and put in a decent defensive shift as the Azzurri held onto their point despite extensive German pressure in the final ten minutes.
The right-wing is the position that Cancellieri has been utilised the most over the past season.
Cancellieri has played in this deeper right position in 27 percent of his games this season, although right wingback and centre-forward come in a close second with 26 per cent apiece, making him a peculiarly versatile player.
Versatility is predominantly a feature of young players in Germany and the Netherlands.
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