Traditionally contenders at any World Cup, confidence is again high that Italy’s class of 2014 can emulate legendary teams of the past. Lewis Rutledge assesses how the Azzurri are shaping up.
Monday 9 June 2014 13:41, UK
Italy claimed the most recent of their four World Cup triumphs in 2006 and are among the traditional contenders in the running once again after bouncing back from a dismal tournament as defending champions four years ago, when they bowed out in the group phase without winning a match.
Cesare Prandelli then took the reins and steered the Azzurri impressively to the final of Euro 2012, knocking out England and Germany en route before being outclassed by Spain. Qualification for Brazil was achieved with the minimum of fuss as Italy came through their group unbeaten, even if their performances were unlikely to strike fear into their World Cup rivals.
A third-placed finish at last summer’s Confederations Cup showed that Italy remain a major force and provided their players with valuable experience of Brazilian conditions. The nucleus of the squad from 2012 remains intact and Italy have been attractive to watch under Prandelli. The solid defence remains but the Azzurri also possess technically gifted midfielders and some talented strikers, including the unpredictable Mario Balotelli. However, whether there is enough in the way of star power to claim a fifth world title is doubtful and much will depend on the form of talismanic midfielder Andrea Pirlo.
Italy’s Group D fixtures
Coach: Cesare Prandelli
A disciplinarian with a code of ethics, Prandelli will not stand for any of his players stepping out of line. He was appointed by Italy after a successful stint with Fiorentina and has enhanced his reputation with his record so far at international level. Prandelli has worked hard to get Italy playing at a quicker tempo after recognising the importance of having good athletes in such an extreme environment as Brazil, while he has shown great flexibility with the formations he has selected. He admits that Italy may not be among the favourites for glory but still feels they have a chance, saying: “We are no more the best but we can beat the best."
Star man: Andrea Pirlo
Pirlo has been central to Italy’s hopes for more than a decade, racking up over 100 appearances in an illustrious international career. There have been no signs of his influence fading with age, and the 34-year-old midfielder will again be the player most respected by opposing sides in Brazil due to his ability to dictate a game with his majestic array of passing. Whether long or short, straight or diagonal, Pirlo is a master at not just helping Italy control possession but also carving out chances for his team-mates. He demonstrated his calm character when he tormented England at Euro 2012 and is fresh from inspiring Juventus to a third straight Serie A title.
Tournament best: Winners 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006
Squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain).
Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Gabriel Paletta (Parma)
Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), Marco Parolo (Parma), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain);
Strikers: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)
British based players: None.
Sky Bet odds: 20/1
A new-look Italy travel to Brazil full of confidence and, with the days of relying on their catenaccio style defence firmly behind them, replication of their 2006 victory may not be too far away. Odds of 20/1 to be crowned champions at the Maracana on July 13 are sure to attract punters, with attractive odds of 8/1 for the Azzurri to make the semi-final also offering value. After a woeful display in South Africa four years ago, Cesare Prandelli’s men may need a result against England in the heat of Manaus in their tournament opener to settle the nerves, and are 7/5 to do just that.
