Tactics being prepared for Italian test

John van ‘t Schip is continuing to prepare his tactics for the match on Saturday, with Greece set to play Italy on the road in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.

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Since the players gathered at the start of the week, Van ‘t Schip has been experimenting with a number of different systems. According to the latest reports, the Dutch manager will choose a 4-4-2 formation at the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday, but there is one major issue which is yet to be solved.

Dimitris Kourbelis, who is capable of playing either in the middle of defence or as a holding midfielder, was initially assumed to play as a centre-back against Italy. However, it has subsequently become known that Van ‘t Schip is now considering placing Kourbelis further forward as a defensive midfielder.

Odisseas Vlachodimos will be the starting goalkeeper after the broken finger suffered by AEK representative Vasilis Barkas. Konstantinos Stafylidis and Michalis Bakakis will be the full-backs, while Dimitris Siovas will be partnered in the centre of defence by either Kourbelis, Pantelis Hatzidiakos or Vasilis Lampropoulos.

Carlos Zeca and Andreas Bouchalakis are predicted to be the two defensive midfielders, but if Van ‘t Schip decides to use Kourbelis as a holding midfielder, the former will probably drop to the bench. Manolis Siopis and Konstantinos Galanopoulos are also in contention for a place in the starting 11.

Petros Mantalos and Marios Vrousai will provide the attacking threat from midfield, with Efthymis Koulouris and Anastasios Donis leading the line.

Van ‘t Schip wants his players to not be timid with the ball when they do have it at their feet. Greece will naturally look to catch Italy on the counter in Rome.

Greece must defeat Italy to maintain realistic hope of qualifying for Euro 2020. On the other hand, a victory for the Italians will seal their qualification. Italy currently boast a six-point lead over second-placed Finland in Group J.

by Shaun Nicolaides

Image Source: to10.gr

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