No. 21--Ascoli vs. Fiorentina Italian Soccer: Great Defenses by Midfielders and the Defense

by Soccer Coach Al Luongo

This recent game aired on Dec. 11, 2007. It was full of action, was played during a pouring cold rain and ended in a 1 to 1 tie. At 30 minutes into the game a corner kick was put to the head of Fiorentina’s Per Kroldrup. He sent the ball swiftly into the back of the net. There was no chance for the defense to stop this shot. Fiorentina was the more aggressive as they pressured Ascoli for most of the early part of the game. However though, the game was played mostly in the midfield with Fiorentina having a few more chances at scoring than Ascoli. Both defenses were strong and for the most part disallowed each opposition from making many penetrations into the goal area. This action packed game was performed as both teams made good and bad passes in the midfield; thus keeping the ball mostly in this part of the field for the first 60 minutes. Up to this time, Fiorentina seemed to be more determined and had more control of the ball.

At times during the game, Ascoli seemed to back away and let Fiorentina players win the loose ball, thus giving their opposition more of a chance to make passing buildups for an attack on their own goal. And, it seemed that Fiorentina would easily win the match.

After about 60 minutes into the game, Ascoli seemed to get a burst of energy, became stronger and the game was more evenly matched. At about the 80th minute, Ascoli’s Stefano Guberti kicked a powerful shot with no chance for Fiorentina’s goalkeeper Chistiano Lupatelli. This brought the score to 1 to 1.

The last ten minutes of the game was largely kickball as each team tried to hurry the ball upfield in hopes of a forward player scoring.

An analysis of the game is as follows: The game ended in a low tie score due to the midfield players of both teams being very defensive (aggressive), along with the good defensive techniques of the defense teams. By being defensive, it is meant that the players pressured the opposition when they were without the ball. These aggressive defensive movements made it difficult for both teams to develop good attack buildups, so they were at a minimum. Young players should take note of the Following: It is a fact that being a good soccer midfielder or forward means that it is not only necessary to participate on the offense, but

1. To be undeterred to win the loose ball by soccer-legal means
2. And to pressurize the opponents to win the ball back.

One problem not mentioned above, was one in which the goalkeepers too often kicked the ball up field hoping that the forwards could make something of these long passes (kicks). Long upfield kicks are best kept to a minimum; as most knowledgeable soccer people know, there is somewhat of a 70% or better chance that the ball will be intercepted (note: the interception is only determined after the ball is finally settled).

All of the above information is the author's opinion. This article in no way is meant to degrade, discredit or defame any team or person. Its sole purpose is to improve the skills of young soccer players, coaches and the game itself.