Player Ratings: Italy 1-0 Bulgaria

Date: 6th September 2013 at 11:50pm
Written by:

buffon italy bulagriaBlood, sweat but fortunately no tears for the Azzurri as they scrambled to an important 1-0 win over Bulgaria in Palermo on Friday evening.

A decent first half performance was almost undone as the away side piled on the pressure in the second half, more through Italian errors than their own good football.

However, the points were secured with Alberto Gilardino’s 38th minute header and Cesare Prandelli’s team has one foot on the plane to Brazil and 2014 World Cup qualification.

Gianluigi Buffon -7.5- Saintly
His three miracle saves were the difference between victory and defeat for La Nazionale this evening.  And people have the cheek to suggest he is on the decline…

Ignazio Abate -6.5- Quality
A confident performance from the AC Milan right back who attacked and defended admirably this evening.  Unfortunate to suffer an injury towards the end which puts his chances of playing on Tuesday at risk.

Leonardo Bonucci -6- Cultured
An excellent first half, maintaining his new ‘defensive Pirlo’ tag by instigating attacks and sending some very accurate long balls forward.  Second half average as was forced to defend for much of it.

Giorgio Chiellini -6- Ordinary
Was given a torrid time for much of the second half and struggled when asked to fill in at left back for the injured Luca Antonelli.  Not a performance the Juve centre back will want to remember for too long.

Luca Antonelli -6.5- Courageous
Just like Abate attacked and defended very well in equal measure.  But, just like Abate suffered a recurrence of an old ankle injury and was carried off in the second half.  Great shame.

Andrea Pirlo -6- Inconsistent
Moments of class and style were uncharacteristically interspersed with mistakes and easy loss of possession.  Much like the match, the Azzurri conductor was great in the first half but average in the second.
gilardino bulgaria italy
Daniele De Rossi -7- Ironman
Completely integral to this national side.  A protective screen in front of the two central defenders allowing others to go forward and a danger to the opponent when he decides to venture in attack himself. The complete midfielder.

Thiago Motta -6- Welcome
A decent return to the side for the PSG midfielder who covered well in the centre of the park.  Inexhaustible energy and a touch of quality that gives the squad depth in this area

Antonio Candreva -6- Frustrating
We saw both sides of the Lazio wide man this evening.  Fundamental in creating the winning goal but annoyingly error strewn for much of the 90 minutes.  If he can play well for the majority of the match, his place in the side would be guaranteed.

Lorenzo Insigne -6- Threatening
A major asset, again in the first half, brave to attack his marker and play some fantastic passes into the area.  Also happy to track back and help his fullback for which he was chastised by Prandelli who wanted him further forward.  But disappeared in the second period.

Alberto Gilardino -7- Decisive
As a lone striker Gilardino does what you expect.  Holds the ball up, plays with his back to goal, earns free kicks and gets on the end of crosses.  Cannot be considered as an alternative to Balotelli or Osvaldo, but more as a strategic option for when things need a change.  In the team to score and he did what was asked.

Cesare Prandelli -6.5
Injuries and suspensions severely hampered the tacticians options but his side earned the points and that was all that mattered.

Clever change of style to suit the personnel resulted in some good football though problems from the Confederations Cup remain.  Notably the speed at which the opponent can find itself on the Italian 18 yard line from counter attacks.  Prandelli must address this problem and urgently.

Subs:
After 62 mins, Davide Astori – 6
After 63 mins, Emanuele Giaccherini – 6.5
After 79 mins, Christian Maggio – No Vote

 

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