So the last two World Cup winners met last night in Bari and it was 2006 champions Italy who emerged victorious over holders Spain thanks to goals from Riccardo Montolivo and Alberto Aquilani, either side of a Xabi Alonso penalty gave the Azzurri their first win over Spain in 17 years.
Line Ups
: Buffon; Maggio, Ranocchia (Bonucci 77), Chiellini, Criscito; De Rossi (Aquilani 65), Pirlo, Thiago Motta (Marchisio 46); Montolivo (Nocerino 74); Cassano (Balotelli 59), Rossi (Pazzini 59)
: Casillas (Valdes 46); Iraola (Thiago Alcantara 46), Piquè (Sergio Busquets 45), Albiol, Arbeloa; Javi Martinez, Xabi Alonso, Iniesta (Villa 46); Cazorla (Mata 79), Torres (Llorente 14), Silva
Match Report
Alberto Aquilani’s deflected late effort gave Italy a 2-1 win over World Champions Spain in an exciting friendly in Bari.
Italy took the lead after only 11 minutes when Riccardo Montolivo chipped the ball over Iker Casillas to score his first international goal, but Xabi Alonso converted a spot kick late in the first half to make it 1-1.
Thiago Alcantara came on at half time to make his full Spain debut in the city of his birth as the game adopted a rapid end to end pace in the second half.
Fernando Llorente who replaced the injured Torres probably should have made it 2-1 but his effort deflected off a defender and went wide following neat play by the impressive David Silva.
Gianluigi Buffon then saved from Alonso at the second attempt as La Roja continued to dominate and the Juventus ace was on hand again to deny Silva and Juan Mata as Spain searched for a winner.
It wasnt to be for the 2010 World Cup winners as Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani saw his shot deflect off Albiol and go past Victor Valdes.
Italy held on to claim the victory over Spain.
Match Analysis
Their is no better place to start than with Gianluigi Buffon, the Juventus keeper was an important part in the victory over Spain. His second half performance stopped a dominant Spanish side from taking the lead and his hard work paid off when Aquilani scored the winner. His club form along with injuries have restricted Buffon somewhat of late and being injured for last summers World Cup will still be in the back of his mind but one thing is for sure, he is still the number one keeper for Italy.
The starting defensive partnership of Chiellini and Ranocchia read brilliant on paper and rightly so, both have been brilliant for their respective clubs over the past year but their lack of experience playing together and for the national side was evident to see as Spain searched for goals. Plenty of mistakes between the two could have seen a completely different result but it is a matter of time and with their talent it should not take long.
Coach Prandelli suprised many by employing the use of wing backs, on the left hand side Criscito played well and his ability to burst down the flanks saw him almost the furthest forward for Italy at times, much like that of Barcelona’s Dani Alves. His crossing and skill on the ball saw him provide Riccardo Montolivo with the opening goal.
On the right, Maggio had a okay but strange game. Spain seem to be a little bit better down the right flank with David Silva orchestrating alot of attacks but overall not too much bothered Maggio.
Tactically overall, Italy were could from the back with the majority of attacks being started from patient yet sometimes risky football and as it has been proven by Spain themselves, risks do turn in to mistakes but you have to be patient and Italy stuck to that well.
The starting midfield was set up in a diamond formation with Andrea Pirlo holding and Thiago Mota and Danielle De Rossi operating just wide of him.
Goalscorer Montolivo then had a more forward central role that allowed him to roam and act as an all round playmaker. Italy abondoned the wide areas to enable the full backs Maggio and Criscito to get forward whilst they tried to overhaul the dominate Spanish midfield. It worked perfectly and the work-rate of the three central midfielders was brilliant.
In the second half, every member of the midfield changed bar Pirlo, which shows what a unique role and important part he has to play in Prandelli’s plans. He orchestrated the game and in Xavi’s absence for the Spanish made the game his in terms of possession.
Moving to the front two, Antonio Cassano was given the captain’s armband in front of his home town crowd and the much critisced forward put on an impressive show. Partnering Giuseppe Rossi up front, Cassano was a menace to the Spanish defense using his skills and technique.
Both played really well and were replaced for Mario Balotelli and Gianpaolo Pazzini on the hour mark which shows the amount of quality in depth for the national side.
Overall an excellent performance by the Italians, Prandelli must of studied lots of videos on a – how the Spanish midfield operates and B – how teams like Barcelona use their full backs. Both baffled the Spanish and proved more than affective as the Italians looked good on every part of the field.
After Thoughts
– The midfield looks good with plenty of technical ability and the brilliance of Andrea Pirlo siting in the defensive midfield role. Riccardo Montolivo scored but so did Alberto Aquilani and that poises a nice but hard selection headache for Prandelli.
– Balzaretti-Cassani should be the starting left back duo, but Criscito and Maggio did enough to prove they are close to a first team place. Healthy competition.
Player Ratings
1. Buffon – 7
Not tested really before Alonso converted his penalty but stopped a host of chances in the second half from Mata and Llorente. He kept Italy in the game at times.
2. Chiellini – 6
A couple of good challenges and interceptions to stop David Silva were forgotten when he obstructed Llorente in the penalty area, allowing Spain to equalise.
3. Ranocchia – 6
Played well enough to be in with a starting place alongside Chielline but needs a little bit more experience.
4. Maggio – 6
Did well to get down the right as much as he could and worked well with his opposite number Criscito in keeping the Spanish full backs busy. Good performance.
5. Criscito – 8
Nearly put his side into the lead when his shot thundered off the near post from 25 yards. Played a lovely ball through for Montolivo to score the first and continued to get the better of Iraola down the wing throughout the game.
6. Pirlo – 8
Dicatated the game in the absence of Spain’s Xavi and helped overrun the Spanish midfield. Troubled the visitors from the base and was at his best when Italy looked to hit on the break.
7. DeRossi – 6
Gave the ball away too easily as Italy looked to build pressure and was too often at fault but did well to track and press Andres Iniesta
8. Motta – 6
Questions on where and what Motta’s best position is, he looked uncomfortable with the overall pace of the game and was taken off for Marchisio.
9. Montolivo – 7
Granned his first goal and Italy’s first goal of the game with a delightful chip over Iker Casillas. Linked well with Cassano and Rossi.
10. Cassano – 8
Strange he was captain but what a performance, he has his critics but on the odd occasion Antonio Cassano shows the world why he has such a big name. Brilliant on the ball and caused the Spanish defence all sorts of problems.
11. Rossi – 8
Perfect partner for Cassano and had a couple of chance to score, was replaced by Balotelli on the hour mark.
Subs
Nocerino – 6 – Played the last 15 minutes but hardly touched the ball
Pazzini – 6 – Didnt do much apart from play a part in the winning goal. Quiet
Marchisio – 6 – Looked way out of his depth as he replaced Motta
Balotelli – 5 – Great skill, the occasional bit of genius but then the head drops. Worth having on the bench though
Bonucci- 5 – Had 12 or so minutes to impress, hard to do that.
Aquilani – 7 – Replaced De Rossi and looked lively, scoring the winning goal and reminding Liverpool how good he is. Must stay fit.
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