By Gonzalo Espariz Jul 8, 2006, 15:39 GMT
Berlin - Marcello Lippi and Raymond Domenech might well be capable of giving classes in economic science in any university in the world. Not just because of their academic appearance but by the way they have managed their men to the brink of success.
Neither of the two coaches who will lead their sides out at the World Cup final on Sunday will go down in history as a revolutionary. They did not create a 'Clockwork Orange' like Rinus Michels or introduce the concept of space reduction a-la Arrigo Sacchi.
But more than theorists, Lippi and Domenech are perfecters of the practical. They have maximised the potential of resources at their disposal. German Otto Rehhagel did it for Greece at Euro 2004 and now Italy and France could reap the rewards.
'Italy play according to their style, always looking for the most balanced formation,' said Lippi.
Domenech put it another way: 'Fantasy can only come from a solid base.'
Defence is the key to success for both sides. Central defenders Lilian Thuram and William Gallas have formed an outstanding partnership for Les Bleus.
In the absence of Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, who is yet to be booked, has been a giant at the back for the Azzurri. The young Andrea Barzaglio and the more impetuous Marco Materazzi have performed admirably alongside the Juventus player.
The differences between the teams begin on the defensive sides. While Domenech uses Willy Sagnol and Eric Abidal to protect his central pair, Lippi gives Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso more freedom.
And the two have been fundamental in Italy's success. Grosso won the last-gasp penalty against Australia and scored the opening goal deep into extra-time in the semi-final against Germany.
Zambrotta scored the opener and set-up the other two in the quarters against Ukraine.
Age plays a key role in the mechanics of the more attacking positions for Domenech. Patrick Vieira, 30, and Claude Makelele, 33, protect the back four, allowing Zinedine Zidane, 34, the creative energy to supply Thierry Henry in attack.
On the wings, the more youthful Florent Malouda, 26, and Frank Ribery, 23, run up and down, moving the opposition about.
Lippi, meanwhile, uses different bricks to construct his house. With the dogged Gennaro Gattuso protecting his backs, Andrea Pirlo creates from a much deeper position to Zidane. As with France's wide men, Lippi encourages Simone Perrotta and Camoranesi to do plenty of running but Francesco Totti is more advanced, playing as a second striker to Luca Toni.
Crucially, the coaches have been able to teach their players the ability to read games, to defend leads or to push for the winner at the critical moment. Versatility and adaptability have been the key, something the best-run businesses know so well.
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