Italy made hard work of Armenia in their final World Cup Qualifer on Tuesday evening, only managing a 2-2 draw.
The Azzurri went behind twice and had to rely on Mario Balotelli to give them their final point of the campaign.
In a poor performance from Cesare Prandelli’s men there were few positives, though Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne delighted the home crowd with a superlative display.
However, Davide Astori and Alberto Aquilani will have done their chances of World Cup selection more damage than good.
Did we get the player ratings right? Have your say and leave a comment below.
Federico Marchetti – 5 – Rash
His club form seems to desert him when he put on the Italy jersey, flapped at corners and a massive blunder in the second half gifted Armenia their second goal.
Ignazio Abate – 5.5 – Promise
Got into a couple of good crossing positions but his delivery let him down. The stronger of the two full-backs.
Manuel Pasqual – 5 – Lamentable
We didn’t see anything in attack from the Fiorentina captain and poor marking for Armenia’s second means he has to share the blame with Marchetti.
Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Assured
An assured performance from the Juventus man, as assured as one can get in a defence that was as poor as this. Looked as if he enjoyed being the leader at the back.
Davide Astori – 4.5 – Limited
At fault for Armenia’s opener and at times looked shaky. Not the answer for the Azzurri at the back at all as he struggled to deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Yura Movsisyan.
Andrea Pirlo – 6.5 – Class
Did what he does best kept things ticking over in midfield, though his set piece delivery was not to its usual high standards. Brilliant assist for Balotelli’s equaliser.
Alberto Aquilani – 4.5 – Ghost
Barely noticeable in the first half apart from a blunder which allowed Armenia their opener. At least he didn’t repeat the feat in the second. His inclusion in the Italy eleven, and maybe even the squad, must surely be in question.
Riccardo Montolivo – 6 – Firm
The AC Milan captain put himself about in the midfield and did well when asked to play a little further forward than usual. Floated in and out of the game.
Alessandro Florenzi – 7 – Tireless
Excellent movement to get in front if his man for his goal. Added energy to the Italy midfield and took his club form to the national team. Taken off after an hour, maybe somewhat unfairly.
Lorenzo Insigne – 7.5 – Homecoming
Imperious in the opening period. Hit the post, set up the equaliser and should have got on the scoresheet himself. Always a threat down the left and Italy’s best player on the night.
Pablo Osvaldo – 5 – Inconsistent
Cut a frustrating figure in the opening period. Had enough chances to get a goal, but poor movement, decision-making and finishing cost him. A different player to the one who was on song against Denmark. Hooked very early in the second half.
Substitutes
On 53 mins – Mario Balotelli – 7
Lively when he came on and took his goal very well. Signs of a good understanding with Insigne.
On 60 mins – Antonio Candreva – 5.5
On 72 mins – Giuseppe Rossi – 6
Coach
Cesare Prandelli – 5.5
His selection raised a few eyebrows as he made nine changes from the side that drew with Denmark, which look to have cost Italy top seeding in the World Cup Group Stage Draw. A slow and sluggish midfield selection which didn’t get any better until substitutions were made.
Bit harsh on Alberto Aquilani to be not in squad? Seems to play well at Fiorentina
Where the heck was Verratti??? Whats with this Prandelli guy? How can Aquilani start ahead of a player that is in exceptional form for his club and playing in Champs League matches? Aquilani is barely playing well against the likes of Sassuolo!!! What a joke.
Disagree with your report Italy did not play as bad as you report and there was more glimpses of promise than you report. However both goals were mistakes and very poor defending…