Italy took on England in Manaus in their opening World Cup Group D match which ended in a hard fought 2-1 victory.
The game saw the Azzurri deploy a 4-1-3-1-1 formation and played a very patient style of football. Claudio Marchisio gave La Nazionale a first half lead but Daniel Sturridge equalised soon after.
Mario Balotelli hit the winner in the second half as the Azzurri soaked up huge amounts of English pressure.
Did we get our ratings right? Have your say in the comments below.
Salvatore Sirigu – 7.5 – Assured
Safe and made some important early interventions, given the nature of his inclusion in the team. Had no chance with the equaliser but continued the second half with maximum concentration. Gianluigi Buffon was not missed.
Matteo Darmian – 7.5- Tireless
Excellent in attack, unfortunate the Daniel Sturridge goal came from a counter attack on the right side. But has shown that a new aggressive wide defender has been found for Prandelli. Was inexhaustible.
Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Laboured
He just isn’t a full back. Clumsy on the ball, slow and lumbering. Looked well out of place but not sure the coach had many options given the injury to Mattia de Sciglio. Raheem Sterling twisted him in all sorts of manners to the point where Prandelli brought on Marco Parolo to help him out.
Gabriel Paletta – 7 – Strong
Played well given his rise from mid-table centreback to World Cup starter. Just the odd sliced clearance but suffered like everyone the England pressure. Held firm.
Andrea Barzagli – 7.5 – Towering
Now the obvious leader at centre back and was immense. A brick wall and contained the likes of Wayne Rooney perfectly. Did not make a single mistake on the night.
Andrea Pirlo – 7.5 – Maestro
The captain on the night looked a class above, cool and accurate on the ball. Hardly gave up possession and unlucky to hit the bar in the second half. Ageless.
Daniele De Rossi – 7 – Warrior
Ordered administration for the Roma deep lying midfielder, sitting just ahead of the centre backs and being an early outlet for the ball from Sirigu. Closed up many gaps, especially in the second half, and continually worked for 90 minutes.
Marco Verratti – 6 – Overawed
Looked lost and it’s possible the young regista is going to struggle in the shadow of Pirlo. Not Struggled playing with his back to goal and possibly should now only be used as a vice-Pirlo.
Claudio Marchisio – 8 – Magnificent
Superb goal and his great form continues for Italy which is a welcome sign given he has been so inadequate previous. Key to Italy’s midfield and was as important going forward as he was helping out in defence. Best match in a blue shirt, ever.
Antonio Candreva – 7.5 – Decisive
Unlucky with a shot against the post in the first half but failed to deliver much else. However, assisted Balotelli’s winner with an excellent cross after a great dribble.
Mario Balotelli – 7.5 – Brilliant
A tough job for SuperMario, playing the lone striker role but gave his team options in the final third. Scored the winner and looked the perfect professional footballer. Able to handle not receiving the perfect pass every time without a tantrum.
Subs:
Thiago Motta (57 mins) – 7
Ciro Immobile (73 mins) – 6
Marco Parolo (79 mins) – 7
Cesare Prandelli – 8
The coach deserves huge credit for handling the injuries not only to Buffon and De Sciglio but Riccardo Montolivo too. Chiellini was the only sore point in terms of selection but his options were limited.
Has discovered Darmian as an excellent option at full back and now has harnessed the potential of Marchisio. Verratti is still an issue and we may see a slightly different team against Costa Rica.
But, given the attacking threat offered by England, he set up his defensive positions well, and oh that possession and slow built up play from the back… Bravery beyond belief.
Grazie Mister.
Follow Enzo on Twitter: @enzom_fif
