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Calcio Debate: Are Serie A Teams Too Dependent On Tactics And Stars?

Serie A boasts some of the most talented players in the world, but Adam Scime asks if Italy’s top teams are too dependent on their star players...

Nov 29, 2008 11:46:30 AM

Inter manager José Mourinho makes notes during his side's goalless draw with Torino

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Inter manager José Mourinho makes notes during his side's goalless draw with Torino

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About a month ago, Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini claimed that Inter would struggle without defender Douglas Maicon and Super Swede Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

The statement seemed somewhat obvious, as any team without two of their top players would find it difficult to adapt. However, his words did highlight the fact that, perhaps, too many Serie A sides are dependent on their big stars.

Let’s start with Chiellini’s example of the Nerrazurri. Are Inter too dependent on the unpredictable Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Looking at the evidence from last season, one would have to say yes. Ibra-cadabra produced his magic in Serie A and in the group stage of the Champions League. However, his inconsistency and injury almost ruined Inter’s season. Under Roberto Mancini, the Beneamata nearly threw away the Scudetto to Roma. Ibrahimovic then returned on the final matchday to score a brace against Parma and secure a second straight Scudetto on the pitch.

Another allegation over the years has been Roma’s supposed dependence on captain Francesco Totti. Certainly, one need only look at the Giallorossi’s results this season. Since the return of Roma’s golden boy, the capital club have begun to turn their season around with wins over Chelsea, Lazio, Lecce, and Cluj. Above are two of the greatest examples in Italian football, but of course others do exist, with the Genoa clubs two of the most barefaced illustrations. Genoa constantly rely on goals from ‘Il Principe’ Diego Milito, while Sampdoria seem to follow the form of Antonio Cassano.

Even two historic teams like Juventus and AC Milan need to count on moments of magic. There are numerous instances this season where an Alessandro Del Piero freekick or a Ronaldinho wonder goal have rescued these sides from sticky situations.

Another school of thought, though, is that Serie A sides are more reliant on tactics than they are on players. Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri seems stuck in his favoured 4-4-2 formation, regardless of the situation in a game. Meanwhile, Inter boss Jose Mourinho attempted to bring his 4-3-3 tactics into Serie A, but eventually decided that he had to alter the strategy that had served him so well in the past.

Rossoneri tactician Carlo Ancelotti likes to play with two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker and rarely will vary this shape. Meanwhile, Fiorentina, Lazio, Udinese and Napoli all seem to have their distinct style of play. In the past, Italy has been hailed as home of the “beautiful game,” because of the intense focus on tactics that exists in the peninsula.

However, one must question if this it is to the benefit of Serie A clubs, or to the detriment of the league...

Are Serie A clubs too dependent on star players, or on tactics? Are there certain teams which serve as examples of over-reliance? Are there sides which function so well on the field they do not depend on certain players or formations? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think...

Adam Scime

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