The All-Around Center Forward

Italy suddenly came out with a Christmas Tree Formation, such a retro formation truly shocked everyone.

It's not that the formation is bad; after all, there's no absolute tactical theory in this world, and the composition of the lineup greatly influences tactical factors.

For example, if the former AC Milan were to bring it out and set up a Christmas Tree Formation, they could still play.

It could even play an unexpected role in special circumstances.

But the problem is that Italy's current midfielders simply can't unleash the true power of the Christmas Tree Formation.

This leads to the formation being somewhat of a mixed bag when it's brought out.

Furthermore, can the defense really hold up?

Bešić silently watched Italy's half of the field, observing their lineup, and after a long while, he slowly exhaled and said, "You are correct!"

Bešić sighed with emotion.

Van Stoyak advocated continuing to press and attack in the second half.

This aligns well with Van Stoyak's tactical philosophy.

Bešić himself is a Head Coach who leans towards conservatism and defense, and Van Stoyak by his side can provide him with some offensive impetus and suggestions.

Previously, he didn't fully agree with Van Stoyak's tactical arrangements, but he still planned to attack for ten minutes and then reconsider.

But looking at the current situation, Italy is courting disaster, and Croatia has a chance to end the match in one fell swoop.

"I can't understand! I really don't understand!"

Italian commentator Aldo Serena was almost going crazy.

What are they doing?

Under what circumstances are they bringing out a retro Christmas Tree Formation?

Is this Italy's ultimate move?

This is an ultimate move to destroy themselves!

Inside Italy's VIP box, the Italian legends were all bewildered.

"Is Prandelli crazy?"

"Why a Christmas Tree?"

"What kind of tactical adjustment is this? This completely breaks our offensive and defensive balance, doesn't it?"

Maldini also completely failed to understand; Prandelli deploying this tactical formation might accelerate Italy's demise.

Of course, the Christmas Tree Formation is indeed an offensive-leaning formation.

But this offense relies on four strong number 10s!

However, for the current Italy, apart from Pirlo, all other number 10s are considered low-tier.

On the other hand, for Croatia, Suker, Modrić, and Rakitić, these three number 10s are high-tier.

This isn't about a numerical difference in players, but a genuine difference in ability.

Once Croatia manages to suppress the midfield, Italy will be finished.

But it's not without hope!

This is also a do-or-die choice; once they gain the advantage in midfield, once their offense becomes fluid, they will continuously threaten Croatia's goal, and even use offense to mitigate defensive pressure.

But… this hope is too slim!

"Believe in them!" Maldini said in a deep voice, his expression not looking good.

"We can only believe in them; even if we want to question, that can wait until after the match. Right now, we can only believe in them and encourage them!"

Maldini was also unsure in his heart.

But all he could do at the moment was to believe; there was no other way.

Italy's morale, on the other hand, was high, especially among the forwards like Balotelli; they finally had a chance to attack.

In the first half, the incredibly low, almost non-existent, touch rate and number of attacks made them feel incredibly frustrated.

And in the second half, after the tactical change, they could bring a more impactful game.

Balotelli certainly has issues in his head, but that doesn't mean he's willing to lose the match.

In fact, between a frustrating loss and taking a gamble, he would definitely choose the latter.

Pirlo and De Rossi's expressions were incredibly solemn.

They had indeed practiced the Christmas Tree Formation!

But this was mostly in qualifiers and friendly matches.

As a classic tactic pioneered by Ancelotti in Serie A, this set of tactics was naturally included in the Italy National Team's tactical library.

With core players like Pirlo, Prandelli also had a certain confidence in achieving results.

What's more, in their practice sessions, the results were good.

"Italy played this tactic in the qualifiers and friendly matches, and it worked well!"

"That's right! Otherwise, they wouldn't dare to bring it out!"

Suker and Mandžukić stood on the field waiting for the kickoff, chatting.

Mandžukić turned his head to Suker.

"You know this tactic best, do we need to defend?"

Suker's answer was simple and clear.

"Defend what?! Go get 'em!"

The practice in qualifiers and friendly matches had little substantial effect.

If it's being brought out urgently, it's probably Prandelli trying to cover up or reverse the tactical failure of the first half, and he was also forced into a corner, which is why he brought out this half-baked product.

This tactic might be useful in qualifiers or friendly matches.

Because the intensity of the matches and the ability of the opponents were not too strong, which gave them a false sense of 'we can do it'.

But once they encounter a team like Croatia, which is incredibly stable in both offense and defense, once their balance is disrupted, Italy will just have to wait to be severely beaten.

Suker took a deep breath.

Croatia's tactics haven't changed!

This means the coaching staff also intends to use offense to completely stifle the match.

And the first step is to control the rhythm of the midfield.

Beep!

The whistle blew.

Finally, after much anticipation, the second half of the 2012 European Cup semi-final began.

"Go, go, go!"

Balotelli roared and excitedly rushed forward.

"Too fast, come back!"

Pirlo roared; as someone familiar with the Christmas Tree Formation, he knew very well that the Christmas Tree isn't about high pressing, but about drawing lines of Italian defensive chains from the front to counteract the opponent's impact.

However, Balotelli was clearly a bit disobedient.

He had been frustrated for so long, and now he certainly couldn't settle down anymore.

Balotelli rushed up, and the other forwards also rushed forward headlong.

Even the midfielders were forced to raise their positions to avoid a disconnect between the front and midfield.

"Idiot!"

Pirlo said angrily.

De Rossi said even more indignantly, "I told you, this guy has the worst discipline!"

As Suker ran a few steps forward, he saw Italy's formation pressing forward.

"They try to push up?" Suker was quite enlightened.

He immediately moved inward towards the center.

With Suker moving inward, Modrić and Rakitić naturally dropped back to help receive the ball in the backfield.

After the two major midfielders dropped back, Croatia had no pressure in their own half for passing and receiving, and they easily cleared the ball.

"Damn it! What are you doing! Too far forward, drop back a bit! Drop back a bit!"

Italy Head Coach Prandelli shouted anxiously.

With this positioning, once Suker breaks through, Italy's defense will be finished.

Balotelli was still making a fuss.

"Quick, steal it! Quick, steal it!"

Hearing the annoying voice, Pirlo finally couldn't help but turn his head and shout, "I'm warning you! Shut your mouth!"

Balotelli immediately shut up.

Pirlo's status in the Italy National Team is unusual; after other veteran leaders successively retired, Pirlo and Buffon are the only two remaining leaders in Italy's locker room.

Even if Balotelli received special treatment, angering Pirlo would still bring him bad luck.

Moreover, these were secondary concerns.

The key was that Pirlo wouldn't pass him the ball, which would greatly trouble Balotelli, so he was unhappy but still decided to shut up.

Suker moved forward while dropping back to observe his teammates' passes.

He returned to his familiar left-side movement.

And Italy's midfield also leaned towards Suker's side, especially their full-back Abate, who nervously watched Suker.

Abate is the same age as Suker.

He is a genuine AC Milan youth academy product.

But he did not experience the glory of the Milan Dynasty.

After joining the first team in 2003, he was quickly loaned out for training, and this departure lasted for a full six years.

It wasn't until the summer of 2009, when Suker left AC Milan, that he was called back by the club, donning the red and black jersey again, and was able to play at San Siro, fulfilling his long-held wish.

During his loan spell, he watched Suker play from the bench.

He also competed against Suker on the field, and among the full-backs Suker had torn apart, Abate's name was definitely there.

And after returning to Milan, the club and the locker room were also filled with Suker's presence.

In the two years before Suker left Milan, many people reminisced about Suker.

This remembrance meant Suker's locker was not allowed to be used for a full year, remaining empty.

It wasn't until Pato had yet to become a core player that Milan finally handed over the No. 10 jersey and Suker's locker to Pato, as a form of inheritance.

Therefore, even though Suker was the same age as Abate, in Abate's view, Suker was definitely a respectable and formidable opponent.

"Suker is here!"

Pirlo roared.

Abate focused his gaze on Suker, not daring to be careless in the slightest.

Suker received the ball and immediately turned, and Abate quickly closed in.

Just then, Suker looked up towards the center.

Abate was wary, still not daring to make a tackle.

Suker sharply cut back, and Abate quickly retreated, once again blocking Suker's path forward.

"Kept up?"

Suker was a little surprised.

But then Suker's foot pushed the ball horizontally again.

Suker's changes of direction were not just once; relying on his powerful explosiveness and agile body, Suker's continuous changes of direction were no less than Kaka, the ankle breaker.

With just the second change of direction, Abate failed to keep up.

Suker gained half a step, while accelerating, and suddenly darted out.

"Suker cuts inside!"

Krauhić roared.

At this moment, Suker was sprinting horizontally along the edge of the penalty area, with Mandžukić and Perisic pressing on the defensive line to prevent them from interfering with Suker.

At this moment, Italy's defensive line was in a dilemma, neither advancing nor retreating.

Bang!

Just then, a figure flashed past Suker's eyes, using a fierce tackle to directly clear the ball to the backfield, and defender Bonucci immediately reacted, clearing it with a big kick.

Suker lightly jumped up, avoiding the slide tackle.

De Rossi got up from the ground, his eyes filled with wariness and fierceness.

"I won't let you pass!"

Suker understood, but did not respond.

"Nice tackle!"

Pirlo gave a thumbs up.

De Rossi nodded, appearing relaxed on the surface, but his heart was incredibly tense.

He had sprinted back and made a desperate tackle.

If Suker had fallen down in that dangerous position, it might have been a penalty.

Fortunately, Suker didn't do that, but jumped up and avoided his tackle.

But De Rossi knew that this kind of defense was lucky; after this time, Suker would definitely be more cautious next time.

Must equalize the score as soon as possible!

De Rossi felt a sense of urgency, turning his head to look at the front field.

Forwards! Come on!

At the same time, Italy's counterattack finally came through, with Balotelli quickly driving down the flank with his dribbling.

But he didn't cross in front of the goal; instead, he chose a reverse triangle chip pass.

The ball landed near the edge of the penalty area, and the onrushing Montolivo took a volley shot.

Ding!

Croatia's goal post trembled.

The ball hit the goalpost squarely and bounced out.

"So dangerous!"

Krauhić was startled.

This volley shot wasn't struck well enough, but Italy's counterattack still came through.

"Lads, you need to be more rigorous; you can't give Italy any chance to breathe!"

Krauhić felt a sense of urgency.

Winning this match would secure a ticket to the final.

Actually, in the 2008 European Cup, Suker and others were still too young, so Croatia didn't dream of winning the European Cup.

At that time, Croatia was already satisfied with reaching the semi-finals.

Who would have thought that Croatia could go all the way and directly win the European Cup.

But this year is different!

Suker's batch of players have all entered their peak, and Croatia's performance in the matches so far has been exceptionally outstanding.

Compared to 2008, Croatia has more of a championship look.

Therefore, even if the National Team didn't say so, they set their sights on retaining the European Cup.

Krauhić nervously looked at the field; although he knew Croatia had some advantages, Italy was also a traditional European powerhouse, and they couldn't afford to be careless in the slightest.

Modrić retreated a bit deeper.

After Italy's counterattack, their morale was obviously higher.

This also made Italy's desire on the offensive end even stronger.

He noticed that the entire front line was pressing forward, even Italy's front line was pushing the midfield forward to raise their position, which also forced the defensive line to raise their position.

As a result, the originally dense formation was stretched out.

At the same time, some passing lanes appeared.

Modrić turned his head to look at Suker.

As he expected, Suker was already roving in the center and on the left wing.

Suker's running directions were all weak points in Italy's defense, constantly trying to draw the attention of Italy's defenders.

Switch to the right wing to attack?

Modrić secretly shook his head.

Perisic was indeed a good player, but his trust in Perisic was not enough.

At this moment, no matter how difficult it was, he wanted to pass the ball to Suker.

Once the ball was passed over, there was no need to create offensive space for Suker; he could solve the battle himself!

Thinking of this, Modrić began to frequently receive and switch the ball, while turning his head left and right, repeatedly confirming Rakitić's position.

Rakitić was to be his pivot point for passing to Suker.

After several passes, Rakitić also understood that Modrić's passes were very targeted; these Italian players couldn't see it, but as a long-time midfield partner, Rakitić knew very well what Modrić wanted to do.

At this, Rakitić immediately retreated a few steps, moving closer to Modrić.

Swish!

The ball was indeed passed over.

Rakitić received the ball sideways, immediately confirming Suker's position, but he didn't pass.

"Go for it yourself!"

Modrić roared.

Rakitić immediately turned to face the attacking direction and started to dribble.

Seeing Rakitić rushing over, Italy's midfield defense, after retreating a few steps, had nowhere left to retreat.

"Press up!"

Pirlo immediately roared.

They had to dispossess Rakitić of the ball.

At the same time, they also blocked the passing channel to the left.

In short, they wouldn't let Rakitić pass to Suker.

Just then, Rakitić looked at the impending encirclement, with no direction to break through, and instead poked the ball forward with his toe.

It was still a central axis push.

But the difference was that this time Mandžukić actively dropped back.

Mandžukić's dropping back to receive the ball caused Italy's two central defenders to narrow inwards, creating space in the flank area.

Mandžukić received the ball with his back to the goal, almost out of muscle memory, he nudged the ball with the side of his right instep.

The ball was nudged to the left flank area, rolling diagonally forward.

Swish!!

Suker made a ninety-degree turn and suddenly accelerated.

Abate reached out, trying to stop Suker.

But this time, Suker was at full speed; as he accelerated, he also reached out and pushed Abate's hand away.

Abate stumbled, and when he looked up, Suker had already darted into the left flank area.

"Suker!! He's in!!"

Krauhić exclaimed.

Suker appeared in a dangerous area this time, which was already within Suker's shooting range.

At this moment, the entire Donbass Arena was filled with gasps and cheers.

All fifty thousand-plus fans almost simultaneously stood up, craning their necks to look at Italy's penalty area.

Italian commentator Aldo Serena's voice paused, he clenched his fists, and his hair stood on end.

Watching the television, his pupils contracted under the intense stimulation, and his heart pounded.

"God bless!"

Aldo Serena could only pray to God at this moment.

At this moment, Suker raised his left foot.

Looking at the screen, Aldo Serena suddenly jumped up: "It's a feint!"

But Bonucci still rushed up to block.

And Suker indeed cut back, directly pulling the ball to his right foot, and at the same time, poked a shot, and the ball went into the goal along the near post.

At this moment, Aldo Serena seemed to lose all strength, slumping down.

His mouth was bitter, his expression pained.

But he still had to speak into the microphone.

"Don't mind it! Don't give up! We... still have a chance!"

In the 56th minute of the second half, Suker poked the ball into the net, Croatia 2:0 Italy.