Ukraine rolled the kickoff backwards, and almost immediately, Moise Kean sprang forward.
That was the trigger.
The moment he accelerated, Italy moved with him.
Behind him, Barella and Raspadori stepped onto Ukraine's double pivot, while Chiesa and Zaccagni squeezed inward from the wings, cutting off the easiest passing lanes.
Further back, Leo edged a few yards higher, careful not to leave the space in front of his centre-backs exposed, while Bastoni and Scalvini held their line right past their box.
The San Siro recognised what it was seeing.
Every forward sprint from Kean was met by another swell of encouragement.
"Go on!"
"Press!"
Blue scarves bounced behind the goal as eighty thousand voices urged Italy forward.
"It's an aggressive start," the commentator observed. "Spalletti's men are hunting in packs."
Ukraine, though, looked ready for it.
In reaction to Italy's press, the ball rarely stayed still.
One touch and two at most.
