The Italians have always gone for the catenaccio defense, especially when they have a lead -- it saps the opponent's energy and leaves them open to a counterattack. I thought they were getting over it after the last WC when they showed a much more sparkling attack, but it seems like they'll never give it up. Yes, it's boring -- one of the reasons I can't bring myself to really support them, despite having brilliant players like Pirlo -- but one can't deny that it's effective.
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