Italy (Azzurri) in Brazil……..
The second best team in the history of the Fifa World Cup. Italy is right behind Brazil with 4 World Cup wins to their name. They went through their World Cup qualification without suffering a defeat,and secured their place in Brazil with a 6-4-0 (W-D-L) record.
Italy is known in the world of futbol for playing a defensive game. They stick to their strategies, and sometimes win in an unpretty fashion. The traditional giants in the World Cup will be looking to get something they have not got before, winning a world cup outside Europe.
Italy is not entering the 2014 World Cup as a favorite to win. That is good news for fans of Azzurri, they like to surprise the world when they win.
The Venom
‘Nerves!? What is that?’. For a calm and collected striker, who doesn’t let his environment get into his head, look no further than Mario Balotelli. This 6ft 3in striker has enough confidence to share with he other 10 men on the starting line-up.
Balotelli with AC Milan
His height gives focus to long passes in the box, and his strength allows him to receive those ariel passes. He is not the one to come back and help with the creation of play, but his presence up front relieves the playmakers from opposition pressure. The 23 year old striker might still has some growing to do when it comes to his discipline.
Balotelli’s A.C. Milan team mate, Stephan El Shaarawy is another forward to look out for in the 2014 World Cup. A very versatile offensive player, who can supply assist and score while playing as a center-forward, a third striker, or a winger. He has a couple of tricks up his sleeve to dazzle defense.
There is also Giuseppe Rossi, Dani Osvaldo and Alberto Gilardino,
The Control and Support
If there is anyone calm and composed more than Balotelli, it will be Andrea Pirlo. Pirlo makes a midfielders job look easy. He is the fulcrum that gets all the strategic planning into motion. This might be his last World Cup appearance, but we can’t promise that.
Pirlo
Daniele De Rossi is another controlling midfielder in the deck. The Rossi has been a long time servant to the Italian team, and he continues to solidify their midfield work when his on the pitch. His loyalty to his teams can be witness with his hometown team, AS Roma.
There is also Claudio Marchisio, Thiago Motta and Riccardo Montolivo
The Bouncers
When it comes to an Italian team, good defensive work is expected. And yes, there might be a bit of stereotyping going on here.
Giorgio Chiellini is a defensive player who is set to play a major role in the back line. He is strong, fast, and has a good reading of the match. His Juventus team mates, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are players to have an impact the defensive work.Other defensive players to mark are Christian Maggio, Domenico Criscito, and Andrea Ranocchia.
How will the Italians fare?
Well, they are the favorites in a potential group of death. Italy will need to start their campaign on a good note. Meeting England will not be an easy task, but it is imperative that they secure points from that match. Any amount of points they can get, will serve them well when they meet Costa Rica for their second group game.There is the expectation that Costa Rica will have a tough tournament, if Italians can get the maximum points against the Ticos, they will be in a good shape to play Uruguay.
But this is futbol, there will be some drama, suspense and surprises. And that is why we will have to be watching to see if Italy will make their advantage count.
