Tournament favorite and reigning World Champions, Spain, opened their Euro 2012 campaign against Italy in a highly anticipated match at the PGE arena in Gdansk, Poland.

Some eyebrows were raised over Spain’s decision to not select a traditional striker in their lineup, playing in a formation very similar to that of prestigious club side Barcelona. With five of their starting players also plying their trade for Barcelona, Spain looked comfortable early on in the unorthodox formation and controlled the tempo of the game well.

Italy’s formation was also under scrutiny, with Italian manager Cesare Prandelli opting to use midfielder Daniele De Rossi in the rarely used sweeper position. The decision seemed to pay off early in the game as, despite Spain’s domination of possession, the Italian defense held strong against several Spanish attacks.

The first real chance of the game fell to the Italians when Antonio Cassano timed his run perfectly to collect the ball and advance into the Spanish penalty area. Although his low shot beat the diving Iker Casillas, it also drifted just wide of the post. Spain hit back with a chance of their own. After their corner was cleared by the Italian defense, the ball fell to Andres Iniesta outside of the penalty area and the midfielder hit a fierce shot towards the bottom corner of the goal, forcing Gianluigi Buffon into a good save.

As the first half went on, Italy seemed to grow into the game, threatening the Spanish goal on several occasions. Most notable was a stinging volley from Claudio Marchisio that Casillas did well to hold on to. Spain, meanwhile, seemed unable to break down the Italian defense with their Barcelona-esque style of play. The presence of Barcelona players Iniesta, Xavi and Cesc Fabregas in the midfield was seemingly not enough to make up for the lack of a player of the caliber of Lionel Messi.

Spanish manager Vincente del Bosque would not have been pleased with the performance from his side at the half, with the Spaniards lucky to still be drawing 0-0 after Emanuele Giacherinni found Thiago Motta unmarked just eight yards out with a cross. His header was fired straight at Casillas and was not a problem for the Spanish goalkeeper.

Surprisingly, Spain did not bring on any of the three strikers on their bench during the interval, but the World Champions looked more threatening after the break with Fabreas testing Buffon early on. Minutes later, Iniesta seemed destined to score after breaking into the box, only for Buffon to get his fingertips to the ball and tip it wide for a corner.

With the game approaching the hour mark, controversial striker Mario Balotelli had the best opportunity to break the deadlock in the game thus far. Beating Sergio Ramos and progressing into the area unchallenged, he inexplicably held on to the ball for too long and allowed the recovering Ramos to get back and steal the ball from the Italian.

The lead was finally taken by Italy in the minute 60. Andrea Pirlo played a superb through ball for Antonio Di Natale, who was left one on one with Casillas and expertly curled his shot around the outstretched hands of the Spanish number one.

Clearly spurred on by the Italian goal, Spain struck back immediately, leveling the scores just two minutes later. Fabreas picked up a neat pass into the box from David Silva and smashed the ball beyond the reaches of Buffon, ensuring an exciting final 25 minutes.

The two goals certainly livened up the game, with both Fernando Torres and Sebastian Giovinco wasting good chances to give their sides the lead in the aftermath. Ultimately, neither side could find that bit extra to give themselves the three points.

Although Spain was favored going into the match, both sides will likely be content with the draw. Their remaining games, the Republic of Ireland and Croatia will likely pose less of a challenge than their opponents today. Spain and del Bosque will have to analyze whether their decision to play without a traditional striker was the right one before the next match, whilst Prandelli and Italy will be thrilled they defied expectations in avoiding defeat to the Spanish. He will want to see more of the same from his team in training if they are to continue in this form.

Image Courtesy of  Michael Steele

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April 14, 2012 witnessed the death of Italian footballer, Piermario Morosini. The midfielder who was on loan at Serie B side Livorno from his parent club Udinese, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest after just 30 minutes of his side’s league clash against Pescara. Morosini tried in vein to return to his feet but was unable to do so, prompting frantic scenes at the Stadio Adriatico, which saw a defibrillator used on the stricken midfielder, allowing him to leave the pitch, albeit on a stretcher, in a conscious state.

With Livorno leading 2-0, the match was abandoned after his team mates and opposition players remained visibly upset by the ordeal. Morosini was rushed to Santo Spirito hospital, but was announced dead before arriving.

The death of such a talented individual in the footballing community is punishment enough, but even more so when one looks at the life and hardship faced by Piermario Morosini and his family. Before the tender age of 15, Morosini’s mother passed away, with the misery compounded further by the loss of his father two years later, due to heart problems. In 2004, Morosini was forced to deal with the suicide of his handicapped brother, leaving him to look after his other sibling, his younger sister who was also handicapped.

A young man, who for many in football was considered one of the happiest individuals around, Morosini was perceived as a gentleman who never abandoned his smile. He was loved by a community and demonstrated tremendous virtues as a down to earth and visibly blessed man. He admitted he was fortunate, telling a close friend “I do the job that I always wanted to do and I have a girlfriend who loves me, why should I seek anything else?”

A workhorse in the middle of midfield, Morosini was respected immensely by his peers and his coaches. Renowned for his determination, Morosini won 18 caps for the Italy Under 21 side after representing every age group since the age of 16. Morosini was seen as a consistent performer, indispensable on the field and vital in the dressing room. His former Atalanta youth coach Giancarlo Finardi spoke of him fondly. “When I asked [the players] who was going to be captain, they answered ‘Mario’ in unison.”

Football was considered by many to be the fundamental driving force behind Morosini’s success in life. The focus demonstrated throughout his career was thought by many to be a result of the hard times he had been forced to face.

Morosini admitted, ”I have often wondered why it all happened to me, but I can never find an answer and this makes me hurt even more. But life goes on.” The midfielder felt as if he owed a lot to his family, dedicating his career and success to his deceased parents. “I would like to become a good player for them especially because I know what would make them happy.”

The emphasis that football held in his life truly is outstanding. Former team mate Marco Motta optimized his determination and commitment, “He was really a man. He lived through great adversity,” said Motta. “After his father’s death that occurred during the week, many had advised him not to play. On Sunday, calmly, he chose to take his place in midfield. This was symbolic of a person who lived for football. He wanted to realise his dreams, play with the pros and also for his parents. He never lost his smile. I, however, lost a friend.”

Morosini’s death came less than a month after English midfielder Fabrice Muamba ‘died’ for 78 minutes after collapsing in Bolton’s FA Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur. Although Muamba is set to recover after a lengthy stay in hospital, both incidents have helped raise awareness in the sport concerning heart deficiencies.

Udinese captain and former team mate of Morosini, Antonio Di Natale, is now set to look after the former Livorno midfielder’s handicapped sister, with financial support from Udinese in a remarkable gesture of support to a team mate and a friend who was loved by all. Livorno, his final club has expressed their deepest wishes, retiring the number 25 shirt in his honour.

The loss of such a talented and energetic individual is one that will affect many throughout the footballing world. Morosini’s influence throughout his career is undeniable, receiving great honours and commanding respect from all those around him. The condolences demonstrated have been those of emotional goodbyes and thanks for a football player who lived for the game and dedicated his whole life to the well being of others.

Thousands are expected to pay tribute to him at his funeral in Bergamo on Thursday 19th April, in the city where he was born.

May he rest in peace.

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