Match Preview: Italy, Costa Rica in crucial duel Prior to their opening game at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, Costa Rica would have been seen as a no contest for Italy but having downed Uruguay 3-1 in a classical manner last time out, the Central Americans will get some respect as they go head-on against the Azzurri later on Friday. Except if they lose tonight, the Costa Ricans will see themselves occupying top spot in the dreaded Group of death going into the last set of matches in the opening phase. Costa Rica also got off to an excellent start earlier on Saturday, roaring back from a goal down to beat Uruguay 3-1. Los Ticos had not scored more than twice in a World Cup match in 11 attempts, and they came from just four shots on target, all of which were in the second half to beat La Celeste. It was also the first time they had ever beaten Uruguay in nine attempts, and they did it with five at the back and four midfielders. It is unlikely they will be more adventurous against Italy, who recorded the highest pass completion rate (93.2 per cent) of any team at a World Cup since 1966. Italy on their part will want to spare themselves the trouble of waiting till their last game before securing a Round of 16 berth for themselves. Having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over England, the Italians will be keen to continue in like manner in Recife later tonight. Team News Interestingly, head coach Cesare Prandelli will have been boosted by the return to training of goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon. The 36-year-old missed the clash with England because of an ankle complaint, but could return against the Costa Ricans. Full-back Mattia De Sciglio is also thought to be nearing a return to action, but the match may come too soon for the AC Milan defender. As for Costa Rica, Pinto has been tipped to pick the same side that started against Uruguay, which will mean that Arsenals Joel Campbell will operate as a lone centre-forward once again. These two nations have met only once before back in 1994, with the Italians running out 1-0 victors thanks to a goal from Lazio centre- forward Giuseppe Signori. Italy-coach Managers ‘ quotes Were ready. We dont have any more excuses, said Cesar Prandelli. The climate doesnt scare us anymore. The squads scare us — the squads that increase their pace during matches. So tomorrow (Friday), I think were going to be suffering. I really believe that we will suffer, but we have an idea of what were going to be doing on the pitch. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli “At the beginning, some people said that we were the worst and that we wouldn’t even get one point,” said Luis Pinto. “But we think about what we are able to do. Other people said that Spain would play the final against Brazil. That will not happen now. “Yes, we are in the ‘group of death’ and that’s because the four of us are really good. We are thinking about ourselves and what we can do, how we can improve our tactics, our play with the ball, our transitions and our mistakes from the Uruguay game. That is all.” Costa Rica Coach Jorge Luis Pinto Key Battles Mario Balotelli v Oscar Duarte Despite a largely quiet game, AC Milan striker Balotelli showed the world why he is not be taken lightly when Italy played England in their group opener. He not only played a part in their fluent play, but also scored the winner that handed the Azzurri all three points. The striker has shown recent signs of maturing as player on the pitch and delivering performances worthy of his talent. As long as he keeps this up, he will be a major threat for Costa Rica to deal with. Duarte was a relatively unheard of name until he popped up against Uruguay and became a national hero. He put in a really solid performance not only defensively but in all aspects of his game. Joel Campbell v Gianluigi Buffon Italy welcomes back their influential goalkeeper, Buffon for Costa Rica and one player that should put him on his toes his Campbell. The striker sure likes making the most of big stages as one recalls him scoring a wondergoal against Manchester United in the Champions League last season and then hitting the equaliser against Uruguay at the World Cup. His eye for detail and his pace often allow him to get into goalscoring opportunities which is why Buffon will need to make sure that he is always aware or he gets hurt by the Arsenal man on-loan in Greece If Costa Rica want to get anything out of this game, then Campbell will have to get past Buffon many suggests Italy: Buffon; Chiellini, Barzagli, Paletta, Darmian; De Rossi, Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio, Candreva; Balotelli Costa Rica: Navas; Gonzalez, Umana, Duarte, Gamboa; Bolanos, Diaz, Tejeda, Borges; Ruiz; Campbell
Posted on: Fri, 20 Jun 2014 13:26:49 +0000
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