Italia! Italia!! Italia!!! To write about Italy gives me joy reminiscing the great moments they have had at previous world cups, but Brazil ...
Italia! Italia!! Italia!!! To write about Italy gives me joy reminiscing the great moments they have had at previous world cups, but Brazil 2014 is reality and it is the present.
With the glittering record Italy boasts of, having won the competition on four occasions. It is not encouraging to know they are not part of the favorites.
Italy set-up this summer is one with unknown young talent who are ready to light up the world. Italy's qualification's was encouraging thou not very convincing.
Back in the streets of Rome and Turin, expectations is high among the faithful’s who still consider their cherished nation as world giants.
STRENGTH
Head coach, Cesare Pandrelli who has given a lot of young talents chances during his tenure, is trying to infuse younger players in the ageing squad, which is a fantastic idea.
The monster figure of Mario Balotelli is a major threat to opponents, the team is strong in all departments but the absence of A.C Milan's playmaker Ricarddo Montolivio due to injury could have effect on the team.
WEAKNESS
Comparing Italy with the favorites at the world cup, you will realize the fact that Italy is a step behind. The Italian league has been put under scrutiny recently due to its low level of competition, the standard of football in Italy is off mark compared to other football powerhouses. This definitely has taken a toll on the quality of the national side.
VERDICT
Mario Balotelli is reported to have said we are not the favorites, but we have players with experience beyond the quarter-finals than England does. This been said, Italy must qualify from group D if they are to pose any real threat.
TEAM LIST
GK - Gianluigi Buffon(Juventus), Salvatore Sirigu(P.S.G), Mattia Perin(Genoa)
DF - Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini(Juventus), Gabriel Paleta(Parma), Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio(A.C Milan), Matteo Dormain(Torino).
MF - Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio(Juventus), Thiago Motta, Marco Veratti(P.S.G), Daniele De Rossi( AS Roma), Antonio Candreva(Lazio), Marco Parolo(Parma), Alberto Aquilani(Fiorentina).
FW - Mario Balotelli(A.C Milan), Antonio Cassano(Parma), Alessio Cerci, Ciro Immobile(Torino), Lorenzo Insigne(Napoli).
