Player Ratings: Spain 1-0 Italy

Date: 6th March 2014 at 12:49am
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spain v italyA slick Spanish side convincingly defeated Italy on Wednesday night, with an impressive display of possession football.

An experimental Azzurri team was left dazed as the World Champions controlled most of the 90 minutes, which will have given coach Cesare Prandelli much to think about as he shapes his squad for Brazil.

Gianluigi Buffon -6.5- Experienced

Back to his best, organising the ten players ahead of him expertly and saving brilliantly when needed.  His age, on this occasion, served his country well but could do little with the Pedro goal.

Christian Maggio -6- Strong

Given the immense pressure offered down the spanish left side, the Napoli full back probably gave his best defensive display in a blue shirt.  Covered the spaces well and tackled cleanly on every occasion.

Domenico Criscito -4.5- Unrecognisable

Terrible in every aspect, the Zenit left back was rightly hauled off at half time.  Poor distribution and his defending would have embarrassed many a Sunday league player.

Gabriel Paletta -7- Exemplary

The Argentine born Parma centre back made the most of his debut and was probably the best thing to come out of this friendly.  Excellent timing in his tackles and nullified the threat of Diego Costa.  On this display, he must go to Brazil.

Andrea Barzagli -6.5- Monstrous

Back to his Euro 2012 best, the Juventus defender was a rock at the heart of the Azzurri back line.  Given the pressure the team sustained, Barzagli did not put a foot wrong and looked at ease alongside Paletta.

Thiago Motta -5- Slack

gabriel paletta italySat in front of the back four but failed to give much protection or spring any counter attacks.  Distributed the ball poorly and suffered the spanish pressing tactic.

Claudio Marchisio -5- Inept

Another non-existent effort by Marchisio, once again failing to give any telling contribution whether in or out of possession.  Could even be blamed for the Spain goal, running into Paletta and leaving Pedro to slot easily past Buffon.

Riccardo Montolivo -5.5- Inconsistent

Good industry in the first 45 minutes but became wasteful in the second half.  Perhaps suffering from his indifferent club form, Montolivo showed glimpses of quality but was outshone by the Spanish midfield.

Antonio Candreva -5.5- Sacrificed

The Lazio wide man was only handed the first half against the Spaniards and spent most of it bailing out left back Criscito.  Failed to have any impact as Italy gave up much of the possession to their opponent.

Alessio Cerci -7- Illuminating

The only shining light in attack in what was a dull Italian forward line.  Hit the post in the first half and was a real threat with his direct dribbling.  A certainty for the World Cup squad.

dani osvaldo italyPablo Osvaldo -5- Weak

Failed to hold the ball up in any great way in the lone striker role and should have done better with a chance in the opening half which he blazed wide of the goal.  Struggled to play on his own in attack.

Cesare Prandelli -6

Italy’s tactician will be able to take away three things from this defeat.  Firstly, he will be pleased with the performance of Gabriel Paletta who looked immediatley comfortable against such quality opposition.  Secondly, Alessio Cerci is undoubtedly one of his most potent forward players and finally, that some of the personnel on show tonight are not anywhere near the level needed if the Azzurri have serious World Cup winning aspirations.

Subs:
After 45 mins, Andrea Pirlo – 6
After 45 mins, Mattia De Sciglio – 6
After 45 mins, Ignazio Abate – 5.5
After 62 mins, Emanuele Giaccherini – 5
After 68 mins, Ciro Immobile – 5
After 68 mins, Mattia Destro – 5

 

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