The international break is not a fun time to be a football fan. Friendlies, which have no meaning, and the constant worry of your team’s players getting injured, mean that many fans, like myself, do not like the international breaks. However, they provide a good opportunity to analyze player performances.

Italy faced Venezuela last night in a 2-1 victory, where Genoa striker Mateo Retegui bagged a brace as he bids to be Italy’s starting striker for the upcoming Euros. Retegui has been a spark in a Genoa season that sees them in 12th. The Italian arrived in the summer but has already been linked with a move away to Juventus, a club he was strongly linked to before his move. In the league, he has performed well with 6 goals, but with good overall performances and 4 goals in 5 starts for Italy, he will be looking to cement a spot over fellow Italians Moise Kean and Udinese’s Lorenzo Lucca.

Apart from a strong performance from Retegui, ex-Napoli manager Spalletti’s side has come under criticism for their performance vs the South American side. Italy held possession for most the game but failed to capitalise and only secured the win in the 80th minute. Italy set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation with Cambiaso and Udogie holding the width, and Di Lorenzo (usually a right back) pushing on from center back as well. They eventually switched to a 4-3-3. Italians will hope that Spalletti’s side can kick on as they face Ecuador this weekend. Fans will also be hopeful that their side’s best players avoid injury, with stars like Barella, Pellegrini, Bastoni, and Orsolini all being key in their respective sides’ run-ins to the season.