Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho believes Spain boss Vicente Del Bosque’s decision to play without a striker against Italy was a mistake.
Although there were moments of promise from attacking midfielders Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and David Silva, La Roja seemed to lack a threatening focal point upfront, a feature Mourinho feels cost the Spanish three points in their first match.
“It’s not good to keep on passing between Xavi, Iniesta and Fabregas without creating a big threat on Buffon’s goal,” he said to Al Jazeera.
“Yes there was a big effort from Spanish midfielders but without a striker the team was sterile.”
The Portuguese had better things to say about Italy’s performance, singling out Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo as the player making the Azzurri tick.
“Italy made a good start for their campaign. They played with big discipline in the defense,” Mourinho stated.
“I think Italy can go too far in this tournament. Spain failed to stop Pirlo, and when the latter plays comfortable he makes a lot of problems.”