World Cup Group D - Italy profile: Italy head to the world cup finals in Brasil with the soul ambition of winning it. The Azzurri will look to achieve a record equalling fifth tournament success along with hosts Brasil. Cesare Prandellis men will first have to emerge from a tricky group D, with England, Uruguay and Costa Rica. Road to Brasil: Italy sailed through their group B qualifying campaign, that began in early September 2012 in Bulgaria. The Italians topped the group six points clear of second placed Denmark. Winning six of their ten matches, without tasting defeat. Aside from the ease in which Italy qualified however, is the uncharacteristically muddled defence that was witnessed on more than one occasion. A lack of overall quality in the opposition perhaps papered over some cracks in Prandellis side. Mario Balotelli contributed five goals to end as group top goal scorer, while four goals from Pablo Osvaldo wasnt enough to earn the Argentine-born Italian a place at the finals. Previous records: Only Brasil stand above the passionate Italians in terms of international football prestige. Italy have appeared in six finals, winning four of them. Yet not having entered the first world cup in 1930, Italy won on their tournament debut on home ground. And went onto retain the coveted trophy four years later in France. A barren spell then loomed over the Azzurri, as in the next four tournaments they wouldnt even qualify from the group stages. Mexico 1970 was the breakthrough, as Italy made it into the final only to be hammered 4-1 by a Pelé inspired Brasil. After underachieving in Germany, and finishing fourth in Argentina. Italy were crowned champions for a long awaited third time in Spain 1982. Beating West Germany 3-1 in the final held at the Santiago Bernabéu. Disappointment was to follow when Italy again hosted the event in 1990. Under the leadership of Azeglio Vicini, when they succumbed to a semi-final penalty shootout defeat to eventual runners up Argentina. Italian football was thriving by the time the 1994 finals got underway in the United States. As AC Milan won the European cup, and Internazionale the UEFA cup. So it was of no surprise when an Italy side under the influence of Arrigo Sacchi made it into another final. The 94 final will always be remembered for Roberto Baggios infamous penalty miss, that handed Brasil the trophy. Cesare Maldini was next at the helm when the 1998 finals kicked off in France. But again penalties denied Italy from progressing past the quarter finals. Elimination by tournament co-hosts South Korea at the last 16 stage in 2002 was another heroic failure. The next world cup was in Germany, and while at home Serie A was heavily embroiled in corruption and scandal. The national side under Marcelo Lippi were not foreseen in many eyes as favourites. Yet despite this Italy shrugged aside the controversy, to claim their fourth win. After defeating France in the final, and laying to rest their penalty demons in the process. Unfortunately as defending champions in South Africa, Lippis men fell way below par finishing bottom of a world cup group for the very first time. Fixtures: England v Italy June 14 (Arena da Amazônia, Manaus) Italy v Costa Rica June 20 (Arena Pernambuco, Recife) Italy v Uruguay June 24 (Arena das Dunas, Natal) Squad: 23 man squad yet to be finalized* Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu (PSG), Mattia Perin (Genoa) Defenders: Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Gabriel Paletta (Parma), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina). Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (AC Milan), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Thiago Motta (PSG), Marco Verratti (PSG), Marco Parolo (Parma), Rômulo (Hellas Verona), Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina) Forwards: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Mattia Destro (AS Roma). Top players: Mario Balotelli The hugely talented but flawed Milan striker is making his world cup debut this summer. After a less than perfect season domestically, the two sides of Mario Balotelli were often interchanging from weekend to weekend. On one half is an influential goal scorer, capable of dragging his ailing team to victory. And on the other is a petulant child who mopes about the pitch in an unenthusiastic manner. Prandelli is pinning his hopes on the Balotelli of Euro 2012 flourishing in Brasil. Giuseppe Rossi If there were any player deserving of his chance to shine on the grand stage, then it would unquestionably be Giuseppe Rossi. Now playing at Fiorentina, the New Jersey born striker has overcome numerous ligament damage throughout his stuttering career. His quality in and around the box has never been in doubt, this was evident with 16 league goals from 21 starts this season. Rossi is also perhaps the best natural finisher of Prandellis seven chosen forwards, and will likely partner Balotelli as Italys first choice attack. Daniele De Rossi Ever Mr reliable. Daniele De Rossi is one of four players along with Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo, still remaining from the world cup winning side of 2006. De Rossi has just come off the back of an excellent season with Roma. And will provide the defensive rigidity in front of the back line, coupled with his ability to play in various roles around the pitch. He is the complete midfielder, and performed impeccably as a sweeper whilst deputising for the injured Barzagli in the opening match of Euro 2012 against Spain. Star player: Andrea Pirlo He may of just turned 35, but Andrea Pirlo is still a critical component in the Azzurri midfield. With an almost telepathic understanding with others around him, Pirlo is the instigator of many attacking plays. The Juventus playmaker is also a notorious dead ball expert, as his superb freekick against Mexico in the Confederations cup last year proves. Pirlo recently announced that hell hang up his international boots after this summer. Surprise player: Ciro Immobile Just one amongst many wild card players in the Italy squad. Ciro Immobile surprised many becoming Serie A top scorer this season with 22 goals. The 23 year-old has only made one appearence for the national side, but will be hard to ignore as a handful of Europes top clubs will be vying for the Torino mans signature come next season. Coach: Cesare Prandelli Since accepting the role of national team coach in 2010, Cesare Prandelli has never backed away from his philosophy to enforce attacking football to the Azzurri. Giving the Italian side a fresh identity, whilst shaking loose the defensive style implemented over the decades. Some have been openly critical of this ploy, while others have welcomed this refreshing characteristic. Prandelli has built a team designed around playing quick, and stylish football. The plan is certainly heading in the right direction as Italy earned their place in the Euro 2012 final. Only to be well beaten by Spain. Nonetheless the team will surely be stronger in this upcoming world cup, with more accomplished players impressing at international level. Prandelli has also signed a two year extension to his current contract. Probable Line-up: FArticles: FootballSerie AInternationals Editors Pick: Editors PickCategories: #Italy #Prandelli #Rossi #Pirlo #Balotelli #Chiellini #Buffon #Marchisio #DeRossi #Abate #DeSciglio #Buffon
Posted on: Thu, 29 May 2014 13:04:40 +0000