Player Ratings: Italy 1-1 Germany

Date: 15th November 2013 at 11:48pm
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abate pirlo criscito italyCesare Prandelli’s Italy played out an entertaining 1-1 draw against old rivals Germany at the San Siro on Friday evening.

An excellent Ignazio Abate left foot strike cancelled out Mats Hummels early header as the Azzurri naively conceded from a corner.  La Nazionale controlled much of the second half though the Germans should have sealed victory with the last kick of the game.

Gianluigi Buffon – 5.5 – Issues

With only one real save to make  from a Leonardo Bonucci back pass, this did not hide the fact that the big keeper failed to reach the Hummels header for the German goal.  A tactical error or a lack or reaction from Buffon?

Ignazio Abate – 7 – Decisive

A great goal to earn his side the draw and some tireless running from the AC Milan right back. His contribution was a marked improvement over previous outings.

Domenico Criscito – 6 – Welcome

A potential problem solved with the return of the Zenit full back after a 13 month lay off.  Defended well and attempted to attack as often as possible.  Some obvious ‘rust’ but more games should fix that.

Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Steady

A decent effort from the big Juventus centre back though nothing more.  The Germans looked very dangerous in central areas and Barzagli failed to dominate the opposing forwards despite his size and strength.

Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Shocking

Instrumental in the Abate strike but almost gifted two goals, one in each half.  Much more comfortable in the opponents half which is a major concern for any Azzurri fan.  Mistakes that are unforgiveable at this level.

abate khedira italy germayAndrea Pirlo – 7 – Classic

If Italy’s architect continues in this fashion, La Nazionale has every chance of success come 2014.  He was a joy to watch, gliding around the field with the ball glued to his foot.  Inexhaustible range of passes.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Improving

A slightly more noticeable performance from the Juve midfielder.  Still seemingly unable to find his favoured position under Prandelli but was much more evident in Italy’s play especially in attack.

Thiago Motta – 6 – Industrious

Plenty of running from the PSG player adding bite and steel in the absence of Daniele De Rossi.  His return to the national team set up is vital in terms of adding quality and depth

Riccardo Montolivo – 6.5 – Intelligent

Best of the rest after Pirlo in the midfield area.  The perfect box to box midfielder and covers an enormous amount of miles. Quality as well as quantity, a key to Prandelli’s side.

Mario Balotelli – 7 – Immense

One of Balotelli’s better performances for a while in a blue shirt.  Started off the game with some great dribbles and was continually fouled by the Germany defenders which signalled how much of a threat he was.  Good to see he did not react to the provocation which capped his good display.

Daniel Osvaldo – 5.5 – Subdued

Some good early off the ball movement but the Southampton hitman failed to leave any mark on the match.  Unhappy to be subbed and unclear whether it was due to potential injury or just from a poor performance.

Antonio Candreva 53 mins – 6

Angelo Ogbonna 71mins – 5.5

Alessio Cerci 81mins – No Vote

Cesare Prandelli – 6.5

An improved display by Italy after the draw with Armenia but defensive frailties are still apparent.  Was it his decision not to put a player on the post for a corner?

Going forward the Azzurri looked confident against one of the world’s best teams which surely is an encouraging sign.

 

One response to “Player Ratings: Italy 1-1 Germany”

  1. Leo says:

    First with Buffon. Is he the Keeper of 2006? No. Is he still the best we have? Yes. Is he still one of the best in the World? Yes. I am not going to jump on the bandwagon of writing him off. No Enzo, not issues with him, just our defence.
    Must take issue with your rating of Ballo. Immense? Really? Had a good game, nothing more. Still goes down too easily and I still think he is capable of a lot more. I was actually very frustrated with him even though he had one of his better games with the Azzurri. You scored him a 7, the same as Pirlo who for me was our MOM ??????
    I was content with the draw because they can easily claim to have been unfortunate with three strikes of the woodwork. We actually controlled good periods of the game but failed to really make a real impact up front until Candreva came on.
    Osvaldo and Ballo? mmmm Not really. Lets see a Ballo and Rossi partnership given a go.
    Set pieces are a worry, either from corners or free kicks and I cannot remember a time when I have felt so nervous regarding our defensive capabilities.
    At the moment we are a good team, reasonably solid but nothing more…. and I believe that our Coach still does not know what his best team or formation is.
    Happy with the result but not jumping up and down with our general performance…better than of late….but still, for me 6.5 from 10. Can do better.