Italy’s trip to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa didn’t go quite as planned for the defending world champions.
Marcelo Lippi’s Azzurri emulated the 1998 World Cup champions France at the 2002 tournament by being eliminated in the group stages and going out with a whimper.
The Italians finished dead last in the group and their 3-2 loss to Slovakia in the last game led to the disgraceful and distasteful comments of one television commentator, Peter Drury: “Farewell Lippi, farewell Cannavaro. Your career has been terminated!”
Since then Italy have taken major strides in the past four years. The 2010 debacle is now behind them as is their previous defensive mentality. Revitalising a fallen giant is never easy, but Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has done just that by picking the best and most inform players he has had at his disposal. He will need the best out of those players this summer in Brazil as the road to the World Cup Final in Rio de Janeiro is littered with road blocks.
Coach: Cesare Prandelli
Prandelli’s work with the Azzurri cannot be overstated. His importance to the Italian national team has been reaffirmed by the Italian football association (FIGC) extending his contract by a further two years. This will keep him in charge of the team until after Euro 2016.
Prandelli’s flexibility and tactical nuances led Italy to the of Euro 2012 final. That tournament saw the Azzurri return to the limelight of world football. Euro 2012 saw Italy dominate a German side that was predicted to win the tournament, though the jubilation that followed was extinguished – momentarily – by a four goal loss to Spain in which Italy were undermanned and exhausted. Despite that loss, hopes have still been high in the Italy camp as there is belief that Prandelli is not only the right man for the job; but he is the man to deliver the Azzurri their fifth World Cup trophy.
Key player: Mario Balotelli
It’s true that everything the Italians do goes through Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Since his move to Turin a few years ago, Pirlo has been a player reborn for both club and country. While Pirlo will be an important player for the Azzurri in Brazil, the team’s key player for the 2014 World Cup has to be AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
Balotelli’s Milan form in 2013/14 was sub-par as the striker finished thirteenth in Serie A’s final goal scoring chart. It seemed the striker was sulking on the sidelines and in tears just as much as he was putting the ball into the back of the net.
Yet, Prandelli has continually stuck by the former Inter player and Balotelli’s five goals in 12 national team games in 2013/14 equates to a goal every 2.4 matches. A stat very similar to his goal average with the Rossoneri during the same time.
Balotelli may not be the most inform striker coming into the tournament, but will most likely get the start ahead of Serie A’s Capocannoniere winner and recent Borussia Dortmund signing Ciro Immobile.
Regardless if that is the right or wrong move, Balotelli must score goals for Italy if the Azzurri are to advance into the quarter-finals and beyond. Balotelli must cultivate all of his potential into on field production. The striker will continually be the focal point of the Azzurri attack and if he is shutdown by opposing defences or loses his cool under pressure, the Italians could suffer mightily.
One to watch: Alessio Cerci
While Alessio Cerci is known within Serie A circles, the Torino winger doesn’t have quite the name – if any – outside the peninsula. Cerci has tallied 18 assists and 21 goals over the last two seasons with the Granata and was the man tasked with supplying the goals for the previously mentioned Immobile.
If played beside Balotelli as a second striker or out on the wing, the two could combine to make a deadly combination in Brazil. However just the same, Cerci could be used as a super-sub like Alessandro Diamanti at Euro 2012.
Cerci is untested at this level of football, gaining most of his limited experience as a substitute. Based on form, however, the lively winger could help to propel the Azzurri’s attack to great heights in Brazil if given the opportunity.
How far can they go?
Italy should have limited difficulty getting past the group stages. While England will give Italy a tough game, the Azzurri have more quality and tactical fluidity than Roy Hodgson’s side. Other than the heat, Uruguay should be Italy’s most difficult opponent at this stage. Once into the knockout round, Italy will face one of either Greece, Japan, Colombia or Ivory Coast. Teams that aren’t unbeatable with the talent at Prandelli’s disposal.
A quarter-final showdown with Brazil, Spain or the Dutch could be up next, and if the Azzurri can get to that stage, anything is possible at the World Cup.
A semi-final appearance and a chance to play for third place would not only signify a successful tournament, but it would continue Prandelli’s development of the national team. It would also make the 2010 World Cup a distant memory.
Prediction: Semi-final
While Brazil and Spain are the current favourites, Italy are slightly behind them. Italy could even be considered an underdog team, much like in 2006. And when Italy are not considered favourites, it tends to work in their favour. However, the combination of heat and a forward line that could be hit or miss on the day should prevent Italy from making it to the final.
Follow Drew Farmer on Twitter @CalcioFarmer
