Paulius Kundzelevicius, Author at The Cult of Calcio

To find out the reasons behind the Italy success at Euro 2020, we delved deeper into the tactical nuances of their performances throughout the tournament

Tactical Analysis: Italy’s Possession-Based Football at Euro 2020

July 13, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Azzurri Triumph, Euro 2020, Italian Football, Italy, Tactical Analysis

After the Azzurri missed out on the last World Cup, Roberto Mancini has completely revamped the way Italy play, replacing the old-school catenaccio with an exciting brand of possession-based football. To find out the reasons behind Italy’s success at Euro 2020, we delved deeper into the tactical nuances of the Azzurri’s performances throughout the tournament.

The Best XI of Euro 2020 Group Stage: Belgium Trio Impress

June 25, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Belgium, Czech Republic, Euro 2020, European Championships 2020, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, The Azzurri

The 24-team tournament has entered the last-16 stage, with 8 teams packing their bags after just three games. To sum up the first part of Euro 2020, we take a look at the best XI of the group stage in collaboration with Fotmob based on statistical ratings.

Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal caused a major upsetat Euro 2016 by beating host country France in the Final despite their star's injury

The History of The UEFA Euro: 2016, Portugal Silence Home Crowd

June 13, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, France, Portugal, Serie A

Euro 2016 was the stage for another of those football "underdog tales" though not necessarily from a technical point of view. Led by Cristiano Ronaldo, winners Portugal caused a major upset by beating host country France in the Final, showing how pragmatic football can overcome the challenges posed by more talented teams.

Berardi made a brilliant comeback to the national team after missing out in September due to injury, as he knocked a brace against Malta in the 4-0 victory.

Player Analysis: Domenico Berardi, Italy’s Secret Weapon at Euro 2020

June 12, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Euro 2020, Italy, Player Analysis, Sassuolo, Serie A, The Azzurri

Sassuolo provide a suitable environment for skillful and dynamic attacking players to flourish. One such player who benefits from his team’s model of play is 26-year-old winger Domenico Berardi, who has by now won a starting spot among the Azzurri and could be Italy's secret weapon at Euro 2020.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 2012, Spain Rewrite History with Second Title

June 10, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, France, Italy, Portugal, Serie A, Spain

Spain arrived at Euro 2012 as the reigning European and World Champions. They were on a mission to complete an unprecedented international treble and become the first team to win back-to-back European Championships. A historic journey started by Luis Aragones was now led by Vicente Del Bosque, who took over his duties after the Euro 2008 triumph.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 2008, Spain and the Birth of the Tiki-Taka

June 4, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, Germany, Russia, Serie A, Spain, Turkey

Before Euro 2008, Spain were always considered a talented but fragile side with a sort of inferiority complex when it comes to major tournaments. But an overly gifted generation of players, combined with the breakthrough of the "tiki-taka" style of play, finally helped them conquer their first trophy after a 44-year drought.

We analyzed the Milan latest signing Mike Maignan and discussed whether the Frenchman is good enough to fill Gianluigi Donnarumma’s gloves

Player Analysis: Mike Maignan, the New Milan Goalkeeper

June 4, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius AC Milan, Player Analysis, Serie A

Replacing the outgoing Gianluigi Donnarumma was one of the priorities of Milan’s technical director Paolo Maldini; therefore, we analyzed the Rossoneri’s latest signing and discussed whether Frenchman Mike Maignan is good enough to fill Donnarumma’s gloves.

Euro 2004 could be regarded as one of the most exciting edition of the European Championship ever, given Greece's incredible victory

The History of The UEFA Euro: 2004, “Boring” Greece Stun Europe

June 1, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Czech Republic, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, France, Greece, Portugal, Serie A

In its purest form, the 2004 European Championship in Portugal is considered one of the dullest and least entertaining major football tournaments in history; however, a broader perspective suggests that Euro 2004 could simultaneously be regarded as one of the most exciting ever, given Greece's incredible victory and the story behind it.

The Best XI of 2020-21 Serie A Season: Inter and Milan Players Top Charts

May 29, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius AC Milan, Atalanta, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021, Udinese

A hectic 38-match 2020-21 Serie A season came to an end last Sunday and is considered by many to be one of the most exciting of the last decade. So let's take a final look at the best players from the campaign, lining up our best XI of the 2020-21 Serie A season in collaboration with the FotMob app.

The History of The UEFA Euro: 2000, France Shock Italy to Make History

May 28, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, France, Italy, Portugal, Serie A, Spain

Euro 2000 is considered one of the finest tournaments of all time, largely due to the excitement it generated. Wonderful matches and outstanding individual performances made it an unforgettable tournament - especially for France, who snatched victory from defeat's jaw by shocking Italy with a late golden goal.

For the season finale, we take a look at the best statistical XI of Serie A Round 38 in collaboration with the FotMob app

The Best XI of Serie A Round 38: Kessié Brings Milan to Champions League

May 24, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius AC Milan, Fiorentina, Inter, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2020-2021

In Round 38, all eyes were on the remaining battle for a top four finish, as Milan, Juventus and Napoli were all involved in the race for one of the two remaining Champions League spots. Here we take a look at the best statistical XI of Serie A Round 38 in collaboration with the FotMob app.

Denmark, a team that was not even supposed to be in the tournament, shocked the football world by winning the 1992 European Championship

The History of the UEFA Euro: 1992, The Denmark Fairy Tale

May 21, 2021 Paulius Kundzelevicius Denmark, Euro 2020, Euro Cup History, European Championships 2020, Germany, Netherlands, Serie A, Yugoslavia

Euro 1992 witnessed one of football’s greatest fairy tales. Denmark, a team that was not even supposed to be in the tournament, shocked the world by overcoming football powerhouses as the Netherlands and Germany to win an edition of the European Championship that established a new era for the beautiful game.

Author: Paulius Kundzelevicius