Team Preview – Italy
Nickname: Vivo Azzurri/Azzurro (Live Blue).
FIFA Ranking: 9 (May 2014).
Official hash tag: #VivoAzzurro.
Captain: Gianluigi Buffon.
Manager: Cesare Prandelli. After recently signing a contract extension with the Azzuro to remain at the helm until 2016, the pressure is on Prandelli to deliver success and silverware. Positive showings at Euro 2012 and throughout Italy’s Brazil 2014 qualifying campaign indicate that Prandelli’s mission to revive the stature of Italian football is on course. It is likely Prandelli will use his three known formations throughout the tournament:3-5-2, 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, 4-3-3 looking the most likely formation to begin against England.
Star Player: Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo’s CV says it all. Beginning his National Team career in 2002, Pirlo has been the conductor of Italy’s central midfield and an inspiration for the National Team’s current football generation. His passing, creativity and timing of the game is second to none. Pirlo is also known for his long range set pieces which could play a vital role in Italy’s 2014 campaign. A World Cup winner (Germany, 2006), INDIVIDUAL FIFPro World XI (2006), U-21 European Championship (Slovakia, 2004) and club silverware which includes two UEFA Champions League and Italian Serie A Championship medals, not many can argue Andrea Pirlo’s importance to the Azzurro.
Who to look out for: Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Mario Balotelli; Three key cogs in the national team. Buffon is the captain and world class goalkeeper that always delivers for his national team. Chiellini, like Buffon; is a steady hand and provides consistent cover for his goalkeeper. Both men have had great seasons domestically with their club side Juventus. Buffon and Chiellini are expected to be consistent and reliable in Brazil. Then there is Balotelli, who undoubtedly has the talent to be a match and trophy winner for the Azzurro. Although, Mario’s domestic season has been up and down. His previous performances with Italy have shown highlights but never the full masterpiece. Who knows which Balotelli shows up for Italy in Brazil, although Italians are desperately hoping the cool, calm and match winning ‘Super Mario’ striker shows up.
The draw: England, Costa Rica and Uruguay (Group D). Italy begin their World Cup Campaign against England in Manaus, on the 14th of June. Italy then play Costa Rica in Recife, on the 20th June and complete their group stage against Uruguay in Natal on the 24th of June. Group D is certainly not a one way ticket to the round of 16 for Italy, but they are expected to progress alongside either England or Uruguay.
Prediction: Semi-Finalists. Italy has the squad and history to at least make the semi-finals. Although, it is still anyone’s guess to see how far they will progress. Prandelli has preached the importance of composure and focus in Group D, given how it could go any way. Anything less then the quarter-finals would be a failure.
FTSAUS Fact: Italy are rumoured to cut Marco Verratti from its 23 to take to Brazil. The young midfield prodigy is expected to ‘replace Pirlo’ in the central midfield for the Azzurro following the World Cup. Verratti’s agent has been on the front foot pleading with Prandelli to take his client to Brazil. Who knows what will happen? I am sure the Socceroos would take Marco to Brazil if they could!
Previous World Cup best appearance: 2006 World Cup Winners (four World Cups in all).
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