Player Ratings: Italy 1-1 Luxembourg

Date: 4th June 2014 at 11:10pm
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cesare prandelli italyItaly took on Luxembourg in Perugia for their final World Cup warm up match which ended in a disappointing 1-1 draw .

The game, which took place at the Stadio Renato Curi, saw the Azzurri deploy a 4-1-4-1 formation to begin with and dominate the early stages.  Claudio Marchisio gave La Nazionale an early lead but the team failed to capitalise on their good start.

After having hit the post twice in second half, the visitors punished the Italians with a sucker punch in the final moments, as they scored an unlikely equaliser from a corner kick.

Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.

Gianluigi Buffon – 5.5 – Unfortunate

Had little to do and was undone by some poor defending from a set piece for the Luxembourg equaliser. Had little chance with the header but could he have organised his defence somewhat better?

Ignazio Abate – 6  – Timid

Defended well but did not seem to have the confidence to attack the right flank with the same abandon as De Sciglio on the opposite side.  Some errors when in possession and failed to link with Antonio Candreva.  The coach may look to Matteo Darmian, who impressed against the Republic of Ireland a few days earlier, as his first choice right back. Some improvement in second half but no real contribution.

Mattia De Sciglio – 6.5 – Corageous

Took onboard his attacking responsibilities in its most literal sense, operating almost as a winger.  Was probably Italy’s most dangerous player in the first 45 minutes, with just his final ball failing him on too many occasions. Saw less action in second half but still one of his team’s most forceful component.

Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Liability

For a player that has won consecutive league titles with the biggest team in Italy, his concentration levels are unacceptable when turning out for his country. His ability can not be in question given his achievements but the number of loose balls given away by the Juventus centre back will be a source of concern for anyone who believes Italy have a chance of winning the World Cup.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Grizzled

Italy’s last ‘old school’ defender, uncompromising and as likely to make a super tackle as he is to get a red card. Only defender assured of his place in any Italy starting line-up.

Andrea Pirlo – 6 – Adequate

Not as influential as fans would have liked.  Some trademark passes and one good free-kick, but some positional issues whilst Verratti was on the field.  Improved when Cassano came on and Italy had two forwards on the pitch.

IDaniele De Rossi – 6 – Strategic

Sacrificed his attacking tendencies to play the screen in front of both centre backs which allowed the full backs to play as high up the pitch as they do. Interpreted the role well, and is probably just ahead of Thiago Motta who played in similar role against the Irish.

Marco Verratti – 6.5 – Inexhaustible

The pint-sized PSG midfielder continues to impress in a blue shirt.  The complete box-to-box midfielder churned up the kilometres as he assisted both when his team was in and out of possession.  Some exquisite skills and rarely misplaced a pass.  Riccardo Montolivo’s misfortune may just give Verratti a platform to shine.  Some tactical issues with Andrea Pirlo however.

Claudio Marchisio – 7 – Intense

The Juve midfielder looked his old self, finally, in an Azzurri shirt.  Scored an excellent header, bursting from midfield, as well as being useful when the opposition had the ball. Probably best Italian on the field, though that wasn’t hard on a depressing night.

Antonio Candreva – 6 – Inconsistent

Some excellent touches, with a g reat technique, you just know there is so much more to come from the Lazio man if only Prandelli can find it. A difficult first 45 minutes, as he failed to connect with right back Abate and was forced to play more centrally. Hit the woodwork and had a couple more good efforts in the second half. A question mark over whether he will start for Italy in their first group game.

Mario Balotelli – 6 – Frustrated

Was visibly annoyed when substituted, having failed to hit the net.  Did shoot against the bar after a great team move in the second half and seemed more at home when flanked by Cassano.  Did produce the assist for Marchisio’s header and looked to move quite well, but given the strength of the opponent, more was expected of Italy’s premier striker.

Subs:

Antonio Cassano (55 mins) – 6.5

Albert Aquilani (71 mins) – 5

Lorenzo Insigne (76 mins) – No vote

Alessio Cerci (76 mins) – No Vote

Andrea Ranocchia (76 mins) – No Vote

Marco Parolo (86 mins) – No Vote

Cesare Prandelli – 6.5

Perhaps a slightly inflated rating for the coach who could only draw with Luxembourg at home, but we need to look at this game objectively.  Prandelli utilised three formations throughout the 90 minutes, 4-1-4-1 then 4-1-3-2 then 4-3-3, where he should have gleaned some valuable information.

Admitted his team lacked the gloss needed to finish off their opponent but there were some good attacking movement throughout the match especially when Antonio Cassano came on.  Defensively however, his side looked all at sea.  Possession was given up too easily and marking at set pieces was once again very poor.

One other question that Prandelli will need to answer is whether Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo can play in same team?  The injury to Riccardo Montolivo may prove to be more difficult to overcome than previously thought, if these two players cannot co-exist.

But at least the Italian tactician is fully clear on the problems his side have… And there are plenty of those, unfortunately.

Follow Enzo on Twitter: @enzom_fif

 

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