Italy bowed out of the 2014 World Cup as they lost 1-0 to Uruguay in Natal as they played their third and final Group D qualifying match.
The game saw the Azzurri deploy a 3-5-2 formation, but the sending off of Claudio Marchisio defined the match as Uruguay took control in the final period.
Diego Godin hit the winner from a corner as Cesare Prandelli’s men finished third in Group D.
Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.
Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Adequate
Made some crucial saves but had no chance with the goal. Will be disappointed that the side he has captained at two World Cups have fallen at the first hurdle each time.
Mattia de Sciglio – 5.5- Frightened
Failed to make a telling contribution going forward which would have been his main task as a wing back. Did not seem to want to mix it with his opposite number when pushed around. Italy still have yet to find a new Fabio Grosso at left back.
Matteo Darmian – 5.5- Missing
What happened to the Darmian of the England match? A chance to unleash his attacking potential down the right but was never in the final third with any purpose.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Controversial
Certainly got stuck into both Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani and will now be at centre of a biting scandal as he tangled with Suarez. Played well alongside his two Juventus compatriots in a much more sturdy back-line.
Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Solid
Another strong display by the big centre back as Italy conceded very little to their opponents from open play. More comfortable with both Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci as cover for his lack of pace.
Leonardo Bonucci – 5 – Indecisive
Played very well and would have scored much higher but for losing Diego Godin for the goal that sent Italy tumbling out of the World Cup. His mistake will tarnish everything else he did in the 90 minutes as he stood still and watched the Uruguay defender run from the edge of the box and score with his back.
Marco Verratti – 6.5 – Special
By far Italy’s best player until injury cut short his match. Box to box running and showed the kind of ability that reminds fans why Italy are regarded as football giants. Shame there were not more like him on the pitch today.
Andrea Pirlo – 5.5 – Spent
Not the Pirlo that was expected at the start of the tournament and his age was potentially the deciding factor in his performances. Made little difference in midfield, his passing was not of a high standard and was outshone by Verratti.
Claudio Marchisio – 4.5 – Irresponsible
Played OK until crazy moment saw him lift his studs down onto the shin of a Uruguayan. A straight red card left his side with 30 minutes of hard work and stress. An unnecessary challenge right under the ref’s nose which effectively ended the Azzurri campaign.
Ciro Immobile – 5 – Poor
Nothing special from the Serie A top scorer. Looked ill at ease alongside Balotelli and nervous when on the ball. Unable to get away from his marker and certainly not the hit man that Prandelli and had hoped to see after his hattrick against Fluminense.
Mario Balotelli – 5 – Tame
Booked and subbed in his 45 minutes of play. Bad control, bad attitude and a bad performance from Italy’s supposed star man. Patience is wearing thin for fans that expect a Neymar or Lionel Messi style display from the Azzurri icon. Hearing Prandelli scream ‘Mario, aiuta…’ (Mario give them a hand…) is never a good sign. Right now he is just another striker.
Subs:
Marco Parolo (45 mins) – 5.5
Antonio Cassano (70 mins) – 4.5
Thiago Motta (75 mins) – NV
Cesare Prandelli ‘7’ defensively and ‘4.5’ in attack
OK so let us explain the mark. Without a doubt the 3-5-2 made a huge difference defensively as Uruguay made few inroads towards the Azzurri goal and in possession La Nazionale looked comfortable and hard to break down. Certainly a trait of a top team and a 7 is more than merited.
However, going forward the team looked stale, predictable and devoid of ideas especially in the final third. Fernando Muslera was rarely threatened.
Again the decision to bring on Antonio Cassano was indefensible given his display against Costa Rica. Surely a player with pace and trickery playing alone up front would have made more sense to exploit any counter attack or incursions into the enemy box when down to ten men.
Mario Balotelli was a failure and the coach has not been able to utilise the supposed star play to his potential.
For his attacking strategy, Prandelli desereves no more than the 4.5 as his team were toothless, scoring a mere two goals in three games.
Follow Enzo on Twitter: @enzom_fif
