ITALY NATIONAL TEAM GUIDE
PRO EVOLUTION SOCCER 3 - TEAMS GUIDE
version 3.0 - wowwow (
[email protected])
CONTENTS:
1. WHAT'S NEW
2. ABOUT THIS GUIDE
3. WHY USING ITALY
4. NATIONAL SQUAD SELECTION
5. FORMATION
6. STRATEGY, TIPS, AND SCORING THE GOALS
7. FREE KICK AND CORNER KICK
8. SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES.
9. QUESTIONS
10. CREDITS
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## 1. WHAT'S NEW ##
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December 01, 2003:
- Add a new section: SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES
- Fix some grammar errors and sentences.
January 09, 2004:
- The Chip shot 2 is L1+[], not R2+[] (sorry ^_^)
- Add another trick to "Passing" section
- Edit some parts in "Free Kick" section
- Update "Questions" section
- Edit some sentences.
January 11, 2004:
- The Free Kick section is now complete.
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## 2. ABOUT THIS GUIDE ##
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Some of you might think Italy sucks in the game. But with this guide,
I'll show you how to make Italy be one of the best teams in the game.
My guide will introduce you an offensive Italy team. BTW, I stole the
Inter Milan's current formation for the sake of the team. And because
Italy is my favorite national team, I write this guide carefully.
When you read this guide, I hope you already know how to play the game.
Only know how to pass, dribble, shoot, and just the basics would do
Feel free to use the guide as much as you like :)
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## 3. WHY USING ITALY? ##
#########################
Italy is definitely one of the best soccer teams in the world. Most of
the best defensive players in the world are from Italy, e.g: Cannavaro,
Nesta. Italy's counterattack is extremely fatal for the oppossing team.
And much more...
Unfortunately, Italy in this game, is one of the worst teams. It is
hard to play using Italy. The players are very slow, and the teamwork
is horrible. So you can imagine it if you play against France. Don't worry
because this guide shows you how to tune up the Italy's performance.
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## 4. NATIONAL SQUAD SELECTION ##
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Go to edit mode > edit player > register player > national team selection
Choose any player as you see fit for your squad.
My Dream Team is like this:
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## GOALKEEPER ##
################
Buffon - The best goalkeeper in the game
Toldo - One of the best goalkeepers in the game
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## DEFENDER ##
################
Cannavaro - Very fast. Has the best intercept ability in
the game. Can score goals.
Nesta - Can control defensive line. Good intercept ability.
The best defender in the game. (IMHO, Stam is much
better than him)
Adani - Good balance, defense, and heading ability. Slow.
Materazzi - Better than Adani in intercept ability.
Ferrari - Very fast. Good balance as well. Low response :(
Coco - Good speed and dribbling skills. Low response.
Panucci - Good speed and dribbling skills. Low defense,
response, and balance.
################
## MIDFIELDER ##
################
Totti - Great balance, dribbling, passing, shoot, etc. One
of the best playmakers.
Gattuso - Good defense, passing, and intercept ability. Low
teamwork skills. Insane stamina!!!
Tommasi - Good defense, passing and intercept ability. Insane
stamina!!!
Perotta - Good defense, teamwork, and passing. Low response.
Pirlo - Good in passing and controlling balance in the team.
Can play as a winger :)
Zambrotta - Italy's best winger. Can play as a side back as well.
Good dribbling and passing.
Doni - This man is almost as good as Totti. Unfortunately,
it's hard to find him on the pitch. But he is good
when everyone is injured. Can operate as a winger.
Fiore - Good defense, passing, and playmaking. He is slow :(
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## FORWARD ##
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Vieri - Has the best balance in the game, high accuracy
in shoot, good heading and passing skills, too.
Amazing.
Di Vaio - Great dribbling and good passing skills. High accuracy
and reaction. Can create a major problem to opponent's
defensive line :)
Filippo Inzaghi - Very fast and probably has the best positioning skills
in the game. Can escape the offside trap easily. he has
good shooting accuracy and he is a good diver. You'll love
this man. Has quick reaction as well.
Simone Inzaghi - Super Pippo's brother. Imagine using two Inzaghi in
the match. You can create havoc in the goal area. Just
kidding. Use him if Pippo (Filippo) is injured.
Del Piero - Good dribbling skills and has the best teamwork in the
Italy's team. He probably has the best short pass in
the game. I usually play him as a midfielder when
Totti is injured.
Delvecchio - Good heading skills. Good speed. Use him as Vieri's
subtitute.
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## 5. FORMATION ##
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When you play soccer, you always want to possess the ball as much as you
can. Ball possession is the key to win every game.
In the previous games. 3-5-2B is the best formation for Italy. It
provides balance and ball possession very nice. Now, in this game,
using this formation is probably a suicide attempt. That's because of
one reason: TEAMWORK. Italy had lost Maldini, and in this game, the
designer gave a very low teamwork skill for each player in the squad
just because they lose to S. Korea!!! Poor Italy. Now, Italy has
teamwork that is similar to Brazil's. But if you know how to
dribbling very well, using Brazil is like using an all-stars team
with high teamwork skills. But don't think the result will be the same
if you try to play using Brazil style with Italy.
Now, why teamwork is that important? Teamwork is affecting the ball
possession. Without the ball possession, a beginner player could only
score against 5 stars AI if he/she is lucky.
Actually you could "ask" Maldini to return to the National Squad... but
that's not a challenge. You could win the game using Italy easily. Because
Maldini is a godlike, too. With him in the defensive line, all passing and
play control are running smoothly.
So how to win a 5-star game without Maldini? Well, lucky you, I have tried
all formations and each strategy to find which are best for Italy squad.
Here is the rating for each formation:
4-4-2A Attack is okay. Ball possession is not really good. It's hard to
defend a counterattack with this formation (especially using
Italy)
4-4-2B This is a defensive formation of 4-4-2. Defense is good. But it's
hard to set up an attack. You can only depend on counterattack
with this formation. Ball possession is not good.
4-4-2C A balance formation. Attack and Defense are good. But it's hard
to crack your opponent formation with it. To find your players
on the pitch is a pain with this formation. It's easy for your
opponent to read your tactics.
3-5-2A An attack formation of 3-5-2. Don't use this formation with
Italy. You don't have a fast defensive midfielder. using 2
playmakers is a good idea but what can you do much if your
defense is vulnerable?
3-5-2B Don't use this formation. It is somewhat similar to 3-5-2A.
4-3-3A Counterattack is good. But the ball possession sucks. And
depending too much on counterattack is useless. You have
problem with the defense because of your slow DMF.
4-3-3B Defense and counterattack are okay. Hard to possess the ball
with this formation.
4-3-3C Ah a balance formation of 4-3-3. Finally, a good formation
for Italy. Attack, Defense, and Ball possession become better.
Good for counterattack. But you don't want to use this
if there is another formation that is thousand times
better than this.
4-5-1A Play using 1 striker eh? Defense is good. But it's hard to
set up an attack with only 1 player in the front. You have
to rely on your midfielders to score a lot.
4-5-1B A defensive formation of 4-5-1...
3-4-3A Don't use this. Your DMF is slow. You can attack but you can't
defend against a counterattack.
3-4-3B A defensive formation of 3-4-3. This is okay. But, it's easy
for your opponent to read how you play. You must depend on
counterattack.
3-4-3C This is the formation you must use. It provides balance between
attack and defense. Ball possession is great. Attack is thousand
times better. Defense is okay. At least, It's easy to intercept
your opponent now. Counterattack is amazing. Your opponent has
no times to hold his breath :)
Below is how my formation looks like:
GK: Buffon
DF: Nesta
Adani Cannavaro
MF: Tommasi
Zambrotta Coco
Totti
FW: F. Inzaghi Di Vaio
Vieri
Replace Adani with a fast defender like Ferrari if your opponent use an
agile striker or winger on the right side... or simply swap Nesta and
Adani position.
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## CHANGE POSITION ##
#####################
- Tommasi and Totti to DMF
- Zambrotta to RMF
- Coco to LMF
- F. Inzaghi and Di Vaio to CF. They work well as WF.
You can set the position in Formation > Formation Settings > Select Position
#################################
## ATTACK AND DEFENSE ATTITUDE ##
#################################
- Set the attack attitude of the defenders (Adani, Nesta, Cannavaro)
to be more defensive (Arrows face back)
- Set the attack attitude of the strikers (Inzaghi, Vieri, Di Vaio)
to be more aggresive (Arrows face forward)
- Set the defensive attitude for the strikers to LOW and the other
players' defensive attitude to NORMAL
You can set the attack and defense attitudes in Formation > Individual >
Attack (or Defense)
##############################################
## 6. STRATEGY, TIPS, AND SCORING THE GOALS ##
##############################################
##############
## STRATEGY ##
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I usually use center attack, right attack, and left attack, plus center
back overlap or Formation A. In formation A, I create another defensive
formation which is good to intercept opponent's ball to waste their
opportunities. You can set this in Strategy.
Set the team's defensive-line, back-line, counter-attack, and zone-press
to B. This, at least, will help you to possess the ball more than your
opponent. You can set this in Formation > Team > List Settings
##########
## TIPS ##
##########
Now you might think this formation sucks for changing Totti's
position to DMF. I know you would say this. But with Totti become DMF,
IMHO, it is probably the best idea for the sake of the team. Totti could
easily intercept the ball coming to the defensive line, Totti could
easily fix the unbalance play of the team. He could also score. If
your winger or forward are holding the ball and you see Totti do a late
running into the box, immediately pass the ball to him and shoot!!!
and you could see how powerful he is in the game!!
Use Totti precisely. If you can't dribble to make more spaces, pass
the ball to the wingers or Tommasi. Never attempt to solo run
using him. You won't make it in level 5 difficulty unless you are lucky.
Some playmakers like Zidane and Ronaldinho are threats to him. And always
pass the ball to the unmarked player. Play one-two with Vieri/Di Vaio
or any winger is also a good choice to escape from a group of 2-3
defenders.
Vieri has the best balance in the game. use his heading as a bridge
to pass the ball from corner or wing to the other strikers. He could
torn the net from outside as well from inside. If you see the opening
and he's on it, don't waste the chance. He could score using his head
easily. He is the best player in the game to set a one-two pass for
your other players.
Inzaghi has good reaction and running ability. If you see the opening
where he could run without intercepted, pass a through ball to him and
make him solo-run to the goal area to score. Use him as a bridge for
oncoming corner pass is also a good idea. He can score using his head
as well.
Di Vaio has an amazing dribbling ability. You could use him to confuse
the defender by dribbling inside and outside of the penalty box.
But don't do that too much, because if you get intercepted, you could
be troubled by the counterattack. If you see any player in the
opening area then pass the ball to them to score. He is a good runner,
too, but is not as good as Inzaghi bros.
Coco and Zambrotta are also the key players to serve the 3 strikers. Use
air long pass to center the ball.
Tomassi/Gattuso might be handy when Totti is surrounding by the
defenders. Pass the ball to them if any player is surrounded and find
some space by pass the ball back to the strikers or winger. If
your opponent is holding the ball, try to slow your opponent's pressure
using them to allow the defenders return to their position. Always use
them and the two wingers as your first defensive line. (Use square carefully
to make the other player to steal your opponent's ball while you make
them busy).
Never use the Center Full Back (CBT) to intercept the ball on the wing.
Always use a winger or DMF to press your opponent's winger.
Use CBT only to intercept the ball inside the box unless you know what you
are doing.
Use Cannavaro to haunt the penalty box by using CB
Overlapping strategy!! He could score easily from outside
of the box. That's why I told you he is a godlike player :)
And always clear the ball from your penalty area whenever you can.
Learn to side-step when dribbling!! It is important for the sake
of the team.
Always check your players' performance. Replace the unstable players (the
one with gray arrow facing down)
Recommended substitution:
- Pirlo, Cassano -> Totti
- Fiore, Doni -> Zambrotta, Coco
- Del Piero -> Coco, Totti, Di Vaio
- S. Inzaghi -> F. Inzaghi
- Delvecchio -> Vieri
- Materazzi -> Nesta
- Ferrari -> F. Cannavaro, Adani
- Panucci -> Adani
- Gattuso, Perotta -> Tomassi
#######################
## SCORING THE GOALS ##
#######################
Right now you might wonder how i score. Usually with this formation,
I score using heading or volley. Sometimes a scissor kick might works.
If i get a ball from corner and I see Vieri or any striker who accepts it
is not in a good position to score, I pass the ball to other player (by
heading) to score or to keep the ball for creating an opening or chances.
A fake one-two pass might be useful to create confusion in the opponent's
defensive line, which sometimes could create an opening for you to run
through the defenders or shoot from outside.
Many of the goals I did are came from the counterattack. if your defender
successfully steal the ball from the opponent, clear the ball by send it
to the strikers using air long pass. You have Vieri. Use him to serve the
oncoming ball to other players. I usually give the ball to the Inzaghi
bros or Di Vaio since they are the only good runners in the team.
If I find it's hard to crack the defensive line. I try to send the ball
back to the defensive line to make my opponent become aggressive to steal
the ball. If my opponent bites it, then I send the ball back to the front/
strikers for a quick counter attack. Be careful, because if the ball is
intercepted in the process, you are in a deep, deep trouble.
Italy's best sharpshooters in the game:
- Vieri
- Cannavarro
- Del Piero
- Totti
- Tommasi
- Zambrotta
Sharpshooter is a player who is good at scoring from outside of the box.
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## FACTS ##
###########
- When I use this formation, all the strikers have no difficulties in
scoring.
- Usually my opener (1st goal) scored by Di Vaio or Totti.
- My best record against 5 stars France (with a defensive formation)
was 3 - 0 (not bad, eh?)
- Other players who love to score with this formation: Del Piero,
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, and Tommasi. It's good to watch a midfielder
or a defender could score a goal, isn't it?
- I always able to level the score (up to 2 goals) if AI leads the
match.
Update on December 01, 2003: (This is the last update to this section)
- I finally lose to Czech (2 - 0) on the final match when I play the
International Cup without saving the progress. However I wasted
14-17 shoots. What a bad luck :)
##################################
## 7. FREE KICK AND CORNER KICK ##
##################################
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## FREE KICK ##
###############
Free kick is hard to score in the game. This section will show you
some free kick tricks that I use everytime I play. If there is any
part doesn't work... swap the free kick taker.
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## CURLING BALL ##
##################
Hold R2 and down, then press square to shoot, and immediately hold analog
stick (L3) to the right or left to curl the ball. If you are lucky, the
goalkeeper might be stunned by your free kick and does nothing to intercept
the ball. Half of the bar is enough. It might turned into a deadly pass.
This curling ball trick only works with a player who has low shoot power.
#################################
## PASSING TRICK (range < 20m) ##
#################################
Aim near the right hand post, between players' shoulders. Then Hold
UP-Button and tap circle (Do not charge your power bar!!!). Has
possibility of 9/10 to score!! Try to practice it a lot!! Use player
with low passing speed like Del Piero. Even a goalkeeper like Toldo
has no difficulty to score a goal with this trick!!!
Some players will automatically curl the ball a bit.
Note: You can replace the UP-button with DOWN-button too...
######################
## DIRECT FREE KICK ##
######################
To score a direct Free kick easily, Hold R2 and up, press Square until
you reach about half of the bar.
############################
## GROUND LONG PASS TRICK ##
############################
If you are on the left wing or right wing of the goal area, use ground
long pass to create confusion in the goal area. And use any player who
accepts the ball to shoot.
This can be done by holding DOWN-button and press circle until you reach
the maximum length of the bar. Use player like Totti.
-----------------------------End of Free Kick-------------------------
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## CORNER KICK ##
#################
On corner kick, use Totti or Del Piero. Half of the bar is good enough.
Hold right or left to curl the ball after you pass.
##############################
## 8. SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES ##
##############################
Actually some skills are provided in the manual, but it's hard to find
which one is the best.
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## SHOOT ##
###########
Chip Shot 1: Press [] and immediately press R1. This is my favorite style of
scoring.
Timing is hard. Do the practice, because this is very useful.
Only use this when the goalkeeper is close to you. Can be done
inside the box. Cool!!!
Chip Shot 2: Hold L1 and press [].
This is good for 1-1 if the goalkeeper is running towards you.
But don't do this inside the box or you will waste the
opportunity.
###############
## DRIBBLING ##
###############
Side step: While dribbling using R2, press right or left of the direction
the footballer is facing.
This is the most useful move for winger and playmaker. Good
for 1-1.
Fake shot: Press [], and immediately press X and any direction you
want to move to.
Good for 1-1. You may find side step is much better for 1-1 and easier
to execute.
Pivot: While dribbling (without L1/R1/R2), rotate your right analog stick
(R3) 360 degrees.
This is another coolest skill. Timing is extremely hard. Once you
master, you can escape from any defender easily. Extremely useful for
a winger.
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## PASSING ##
#############
Air Thru' Ball: Hold L1 and press TRIANGLE
To most players, this is useless, hard to timing, etc.
To tell you the truth, this is the most deadliest passing skill in
the game. Use it to cross the ball when you control a winger.
The foot the player use is important. For example, Roberto
Carlos is a left-footed player. If you put him on the right
flank, you don't want to use this technique, because it won't be
accurate, except he has BOTH FOOT FEINT skill. (I think)
With this, It is easier to volley the ball and doing a scissor
kick. Sometimes, this technique can cost your opponent an own goal
especially if they use line-defensive on Team Settings... Nice!!
Don't use it on Counter Attack.
Early Crossing Lv. 2: Hold L1 and tap O twice while running on the wing.
Another extremely useful passing skill. And now, Ronaldo
could score a header easily!! Use it only on Counter Attack
situation.
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## 9. QUESTIONS ##
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Q: Where is the "National Team Selection".
A: This is the biggest mistake in my guide because i forgot to explain how
to unlock it. To have the "National Team Selection" listed under "Register
Player" in Edit Mode, you need to get "Free Transfer" bonus from PES3 Shop
in PES3 Main Option. It costs you 10,000 PES points.
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## 10. CREDITS ##
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GameFAQS - for posting my Guide :)
And you.
