It was about 8 years ago when I saw Brazil and Italy face off in a friendly match at the old Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. I saw the game with my Nonno, Uncle Joe, little cousin Rita and my Dad. This was my first experience with real soccer. The fans were dancing and cheering throughout. The game ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Luca Toni goal. I’ll never forget that game.
Although I wasn’t at today’s match, (mainly becuase it took place in Geneva, Switzerland) I can confidently say that this was one of the most entertaining friendlies I have ever seen. These two soccer giants played as if it was an elimination game in the World Cup. Brazil has already qualified for the World Cup since they are the host nation. Italy is in the middle of their qualification and lead the group with 10 points. Today’s game featured a few players making their international debuts and both sides have a lot to be excited about. The game ended in a 2-2 draw.
Italian manager Cesare Prandelli always uses friendlies to give young players a chance to prove themselves and gain experience at the senior level. These games also allow him to tinker with his squad. Mattia De Sciglio and Alessio Cerci both made their debuts for the Azzurri. De Sciglio and Cerci have had two VERY different paths to the senior national team. Cerci is a season veteran for Torino and has never really been given the opportunity to play on the national level. Whereas teammate Mattia De Sciglio has been a revelation for Milan in Serie A this season. At just 20 years old he is already making appearances on the senior level, not to mention statistically, he is the best defender in Serie A. It’s just remarkable.
The starting lineup for Italy was Gianluigi Buffon in goal and wearing the captain’s armband. The defense featured Christian Maggio, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, and Mattia De Sciglio from left to right. The midfield consisted of Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, and Riccardo Montolivo. Upfront was the trident of Emanuele Giaccherini, Mario Balotelli, and Pablo Osvaldo.
There must be something in the water in Turin as Buffon is continuing to get better with age. The score could have easily been 4-0 after 30 minutes had it not been for the captain.
I personally believe Maggio is overrated. One of the fastest defenders, yes, but overrated. He tends to drift too far up the field and gets caught out of position. Youngster Davide Santon of Newcastle didn’t feature in today’s game, but he is making a name for himself for the Azzurri. As Maggio approaches 31 years old expect Santon to become a regular in the squad.
Bonucci and Barzagli are a perfect team. Barzagli is strong and aggressive and Bonucci is fast and positions himself perfectly. No Giorgio Chiellini for Italy as he was out with an ankle injury. When the Juventus defense is representing the Azzurri it makes scoring goals for the opponents that much harder.
Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, and Riccardo Montolivio make up a very balanced midfield. Montolivio replaced Claudio Marchisio in today’s match as he came down with an illness. Pirlo playing the regista sitting deep in the midfield and distributing the ball makes the Italian attack deadly. Montolivo can play that role as well and De Rossi provides the strength in the midfield. They make a great trio in the midfield.
Emanuele Giaccherini is just simply not good enough to be on this team. The Juventus midfielder provides great speed but that’s really about it. It can be frustrating watching him turn the ball over time and time again. He has simply not impressed at the national level.
Mario Balotelli has been on fire since joining AC Milan in January and his performance has carried over to the national team as well. He scored an absolute screamer today from about 25 yards out. Even he said it was one of his best ever goals. His passing was precise and if he lost the ball he was backtracking and regaining possession. Balotelli made Giaccherini look like a super star today. If Super Mario didn’t it could have been a long night for Giaccherini.
Along with Giaccherini, Pablo Osvaldo is simply not good enough for this team. The Argentine born forward has 3 goals in qualifying but will most likely will lose his spot in the starting lineup.
Luca Antonelli came on in the 74th for De Sciglio and played a solid 15 minutes.
Alessandro Diamanti came on for De Rossi in the 80th. He took a free kick that he sent into the 35th row, but other than that an average 10 minutes.
Cerci made his debut and was impressive. He was nervous at first but he regained composure and was great on the right wing. He has a future with the Azzurri.
Andrea Poli came on in the 67th minute. He was supposed to be the next Andrea Pirlo until Marco Verratti took that title. Either way, Poli had an impressive 30 minutes but picked up a yellow card.
Alberto Gilardino has made a return to the national team. A member of the 2006 World Cup squad, his veteran leadership off the bench will help the youngsters.
Stephan El Shaarawy was subbed on at the start of the second half for Osvaldo and made a difference right away. The natural chemistry between him and Balotelli is remarkable. Although he had a few bad touches, he and Balotelli are a force to be reckoned with.
Italy showed a lot of promise and excitement in this match today. The class of the veterans like De Rossi, Pirlo, Buffon, and Gilardino is a perfect balance to help youngsters like El Shaarawy, Poli, Verratti, and De Sciglio grow and gain experience. If Italy play the way they did today they are definitely considered a favorite in Brazil.
Forza Azzurri!!
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