Italy secured their place for the 2014 World Cup with this 2-1 defeat of Czech Republic in Turin on Tuesday evening.
Prior to the match the Azzurri captain Gianluigi Buffon was honoured for equalling Fabio Cannavaro’s all-time cap record of 136.
Despite controlling most of the first half the Italians found themselves a goal down after a Czech counter attack resulted in a 19th minute Libor Kozak strike.
Continuing with their control of the game after the restart, it didn’t take long before the Azzurri drew level through Giorgio Chiellini’s 51st minute header.
Just three minutes later Italy took the lead with Mario Balotelli finally managed to get the better of Chelsea goalkeeper Cech when he converted a penalty which he’d won himself.
The odd period of Czech pressure notwithstanding, the Azzurri deserved their win and only ever really looked threatened when subjected to a fast-paced counter attack, something Cesare Prandelli will want to combat before next summer in Brazil.
Gianluigi Buffon – 6
Not much he could have done about the Czech goal. Dealt with everything else well enough.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5
Solid in the challenge and, as usual, attempted to start attacks from defence, with a ball-winning challenge followed by a pinpoint pass cross-field to Giaccherini in the first half a particular highlight.
Daniele De Rossi – 6.5
Consistent no matter where he is played, but you can’t help but feel the Azzurri miss his presence in central midfield. Another solid performance.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5
Concentrated on defending more than ranging forward, with the notable exceptions being for corner kicks wherein the team as a whole seemed more vulnerable to counter attacks. Headed the equaliser from a corner shortly after the restart and looked comfortable in general.
Christian Maggio – 5
Save for a couple of crosses, pretty anonymous for the majority of his time on the pitch.
Riccardo Montolivo (off 86′) – 6.5
Was at his most effective when linking with Pirlo and carrying the ball into the final third. Growing to be more influential in the Italy side.
Andrea Pirlo – 7
Played well in his usual regista role. Still the all-important player for the Azzurri’s system, and the man they all look to pass to. Linked well with Montolivo in the middle and found the right pass more often than not, including a sumptuous cross for Balotelli’s header in the first half.
Manuel Pasqual (off 78′) – 5.5
Worked tirelessly down the left side, without much in the way of creativity. Allowed Kozak to slip inside him when tracking back for goal. Otherwise solid but uninspiring. Involved in a clash of heads during the second half and was stretchered off.
Antonio Candreva – 5.5
Worked hard and tried to drive forward with the ball at times. His hesitation in possession led to counter attack for Czech goal. Largely frustrating but did improve in the second half. Provided the assist for Chiellini’s equaliser.
Emanuele Giaccherini (off 45′) – 7
One of Prandelli’s favourites and continues to improve for the Azzurri. His work rate has never been in doubt, but his increasing confidence when on the ball must be a comfort to his coach. Worked better when drifting wide left than when playing central. Took a couple of knocks and was subbed off at half time.
Mario Balotelli – 7.5
Generally made a nuisance of himself among the Czech defence. Had three good chances to score before the break; lashing the first against the crossbar, blazing another over and having a back-post header denied by Cech. Started second half positively, winning and scoring the penalty which put Italy ahead and into the World Cup. Booked in first half for a late challenge. On another night would have netted a hattrick.
Substitutes
Pablo Osvaldo (on 45′) – 6.5
Provided an extra outlet after the break and looked to be working fairly well with Balotelli at times. Dropped deep often in order to link up the play in the second half.
Angelo Ogbonna (on 78′) – 6
On for the last portion of the game as a replacement for Pasqual following his head knock.
Thiago Motta (on 86′) – N/A
On to see out the game in place of Montolivo.
Coach
Cesare Prandelli – 7
This rating comes mainly from the overall achievement tonight’s result heralded for the Azzurri, rather than the tactics of the coach. Qualifying for the World Cup with two games to spare is worthy of admiration. There are, however, still issues Prandelli must address prior to Brazil, not least the sides apparent susceptibility to the counter attack; something which has been demonstrated in many games recently.
OK, I have had enough with De Rossi in a back three. He had a good game against Spain in the Euro’s but he has not impressed me in that position since that game, OK from what I can recall it has been in two further games…but enough. A good breakaway from CZ last night and well taken but it was De Rossi’s man who got away.
He is a defensive midfielder….and a VERY good one. Round Pegs/Round holes please Snr Prandelli.
I thought that we could have had qualification wrapped up by Half Time with the chances we missed BUT the good news is that we created them in the first place.
We are Brazil bound…. qualification for the WC with two games to go.
Credit where credit is due.
Auguri !!!!!
QUOTE…….”There are, however, still issues Prandelli must address prior to Brazil, not least the sides apparent susceptibility to the counter attack; something which has been demonstrated in many games recently”
100% Correct !