Zazzaroni praises traditional Italy after draw with France

Ivan Zazzaroni opened his column in Corriere dello Sport describing the 1-1 draw achieved yesterday by Italy against France at the Stade de France, highlighting that the national team still has an average age of 24.6 years and that there are many reasons to love it.

A traditional defence and a contemporary counter‑attack

Zazzaroni describes Italy as modern but rooted in its ancient characteristics. “The first half was enough for me to rediscover the pleasure of watching something of our own, a performance of pure and traditional Italy, even if with evident touches of contemporaneity,” he wrote.

For Zazzaroni, good defence is the story of our place in the world, an inheritance of wounds on the pitch that we know how to process. Counter‑attack is the natural response, the reaction that defines our style.

Among the protagonists, Zazzaroni praised Sebastiano Esposito, Riccardo Fagioli, Giacomo Frattesi and Kayode, describing them as clear‑headed and full of personality. He also mentioned Bastoni, Vergara and Pio, calling them effective, aggressive and combative.

In terms of focus and spirit of sacrifice, the team was described as splendid. Zazzaroni emphasized that everyone played with clarity and personality, confirming the solidity of the national team.

The commentator concludes that, despite the wounds inflicted on the pitch, the ability to process them remains Italy’s distinctive hallmark. A future of continuity between tradition and modernity therefore appears within reach of the national team.