Cesare Prandelli’s men fought out a 2-2 draw against minnows Haiti in Brazil, with what can only be described as a very worrying performance.
The charity match was a hastily arranged affair, to help those that have suffered at the hands of the tsunami tragedy, and did the Azzurri no favours having arrived a mere 24 hours earlier from the peninsula.
However, jet lag cannot be used as an excuse in a display that has now set alarm bells ringing in many tifosi ears and Sunday’s opening Confederations Cup match with Mexico fast approaching.
Lows
Alberto Gilardino
Failed to capitalise against inferior defensive opposition and lacked the dynamism needed to play up front alone. An option in attack, but a poor one.
Alessandro Diamanti
Played out of position in central midfield, but surely given the nature of the opponent should have shone much more. Continuously gave away the ball and conjured none of the skill and trickery we have seen on display when in a Bologna shirt.
Leonardo Bonucci
Poor performance from the Juventus centre back who was slow, clumsy and completely out of sorts. At fault for the equaliser, allowing the Haiti striker to out muscle him for a shot at goal.
Highs
Mattia De Sciglio
The young full back attacked as often as possible and looked as though he wanted to make a point in this match. Lacked a killer pass but then so did the rest of his team mates.
Alberto Aquilani
Stepped in Andrea Pirlo’s boots and the Fiorentina midfielder had a decent game. Looked energetic and confident to attempt things, even if they did not always quite come off.
It was a friendly game not a charity! Good game Haiti!!
Leo Bonucci bothers me. Looked good with an ability to score goals when he first appeared for the National team but he now looks pedestrian. Not sure if he would make the squad next year.
I know that the game was for a good cause but would it not have been better if we just had an internal practice? The stupid thing about this game is that it goes against our FIFA rankings!!!!
Poor result though, whatever way you look at it.
Why am I not getting any enthusiasm for the Confed Cup? Is it just me or does anyone else think that the season needs to stop.
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