No. 27—Italian Soccer: Milan vs. Catania--Attack Soccer vs. Defense Soccer vs. Again

by Soccer Coach Albert M. Luongo

This match was aired on January 4, 2008 and ended with the score Catania 2, Milan 1. This was another observation for analyzing attack soccer vs. defense soccer. Most of this game was played with Milan on the attack taking many shots on goal while Catania played with a strong defense shored up by midfielders. Catania, however did make at least one defensive mistake that cost them a goal.

While Catania employed a strong defense, they took advantage of the few times that they had to score. In the 19th minute, Spinesi dribbled the ball up to the goal with no defenders except the goalkeeper opposing him. He then easily scored. Their second goal came at the 26-minute mark when Giuseppe Mascara took a long shot just outside of the penalty area. He was off to the right side of the goal, and scored. Only one nearby defender, just sort of in front of him, allowed him a clear shot. Furthermore, there were only three defenders in the area at the time, not enough to adequately protect it. However, Mascara's goal, although unimpeded, was a beautiful shot due to the accuracy needed from that distance to bypass the Milan goalkeeper.

During the 58th minute, Milan’s Palaschi fought off defenders with his hands (they were grabbing him) as he dribbled the ball toward the goal. He found a hole in the defense and scored; showing great concentration. A little later, about the 72rd minute, Catania did the smart thing and substituted in a defender Sabato. At about the 74th minute, Milan’s Gennaro Sardo kicked Catania’s Serginho and was shown the red card. At this point, with only ten players on the field it became much harder for Milan to catch up with Catania, which of course they never did.

Discussion
1. As I always point out, defense soccer is the way to run a soccer team. Most of the time when Milan was attacking, Catania had at least seven players surrounding the defensive area. In contrast, Milan generally employed only three defense players as the midfielders only infrequently dropped back to help out on defense.

2. Why do some players do stupid things like adding an extra kick after the initial foul? Following this incident, a game with relatively few violent fouls became rough. A player getting ejected seriously compromises one’s team and frequently contributes to losing the match, or in this case, reducing the team’s chances of catching up with the opponents. There were approximately 17 fouls in the first half, but at least they were not violent making the game reasonably pleasant to watch.

3. One positive aspect that I would like to point out is the great shielding of the ball by both teams. The Italians like some South American teams do this very well.

4. Not discussed above are panic shots on goal. They take place in almost every game. What I find hard to understand, especially at the professional level, are shots that seem to be aimed at the sun or moon instead of the goal. Players at this level should know enough to practice getting over the ball before making the kick--getting over the ball tends to keep it from rising too high.

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.