Confederations Cup Player Ratings: Uruguay 2-2 Italy AET (2-3 pens)

Italy’s semi final shoot out heart break against Spain served them well in their defeat of a strong Uruguay side in Salvador de Bahia.  The Italians picked up the bronze medal as they beat Oscar Tabarez’s men in a dramatic third and fourth place playoff match.

Cesare Prandelli decided to start some of his fringe players, with mixed success, but the coolness of their spot kick takers and the miraculous Gianluigi Buffon ensured that despite being down to ten men in extra time, his side leaves the Confederations Cup with their heads held high.

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Attentive

Difficult to gauge the performance of Buffon.  A set of great saves in the first half, a miracle double stop from Edinson Cavani in the second period but huge question marks over his flat footed movement for Uruguay’s equaliser.  Stopped three penalties which is no mean feet but the quality of those spot kicks was very poor.  Further signs that age is starting to make a mark on the great keeper.

Mattia De Sciglio – 6.5 – Insatiable

De Sciglio was a constant threat for the whole match.  Attacked the left flank at every opportunity and never seemed to tire.  Must work on his weak left foot to improve delivery but his desire to get forward is a weapon that can be harnessed for the future.  Missed his penalty but showed great courage to take it when others would rather watch from the sidelines.

Christian Maggio – 6 – Mediocre

A performance light years away from that of the Spain game but not of his making.  The Napoli man clearly cannot perform at his best as a right back.  Did not do much wrong but there is more that Maggio can give.  He is a tactical problem.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5 – Tempered

Typical swash buckling effort from the Juventus defender and played well alongside Davide Astori.  Did not concede much given the strike force assembled by Uruguay and dealt well with the dangerous Luis Suarez.

Davide Astori – 7 – Strong

Got his first Azzurri goal in bizarre fashion but added to it with a measured display.  Was always going to have a tough game with the likes of Diego Forlan and Edinson Cavani running at him but the Cagliari centre back looked composed.  Imperative that he moves to a bigger club to progress.

Riccardo Montolivo – 5.5 – Jaded

His sending off was perhaps a bit soft but Montolivo looked a spent player for much of the game.  Failed to get forward in any decisive way and was probably not too unhappy to leave the field early and get a well earned rest.

Daniele De Rossi – 7 – Leader

Magnificent first half from the Roma midfielder and was disappointing to see him substituted in the second half.  Got in the way of every Uruguay attack and the Italian defence looked much tighter with him on the pitch.  Also admirably filled the boots of Andrea Pirlo in the role of regista.

Antonio Candreva – 6 – Sufficient

A good progression from the Spanish match, as Candreva interpreted his midfield position very well.  Confident enough to shoot from long range and still looked strong at the end despite the heat.

Alessandro Diamanti – 7.5 – Frustrating

A man of the match rating for his goal and assist but you are left wondering how much more he can give if only Prandelli could find his best position.  Trequartista, second striker, winger….?  Who knows!  But the Bologna man was the saviour this evening with his dead balls shooting.

Alberto Gilardino – 5.5 – Predictable

Too easy to defend against and not any goal threat at all.  The days of the classic ‘prima punta’ are over and what Italy would have given for a player in the mould of Pablo Osvaldo to replace the injured Mario Balotelli.

Stephan El Shaarawy – 5  – Comatose

An almost too generous rating for the AC Milan forward who looks as though a trip to a psychiatrist is his only hope of getting himself out of this slump.  Was embarrassingly terrible on the pitch, looked as if he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders and needs to go home and forget about football for a few weeks.  Great penalty mind…

Alberto Aquilani – on after 69 minutes – 4.5

A desperate performance from the Fiorentina player.  Gave away the foul for the Cavani equaliser and his disastrous pass forced Montolivo into the foul that saw him receive his marching orders.  The tournament has only served to show that he does not have the ability to make a difference at this level.

Emanuele Giaccherini – on after  83 minutes – No Vote

Leonardo Bonucci -on after 96 minutes -No Vote

Cesare Prandelli – 6

The coach was vindicated in his decision to play Diamanti and would have learnt much from El Shaarawy’s current state of mind, which may benefit the young player.  Some big decisions to make as his side shipped more goals.  Italy’s only clean sheet came when playing with a back three against European and World Champions, Spain, which is quite telling.

However, he clearly does not like playing with a three man defence which is rather baffling given the issue he has with Christian Maggio.

The decision to persevere with Alberto Aquilani is a further cause for concern.