Tournament favorites Italy will debut in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup with a match against CONCACAF champions Mexico on June 16. Let’s take a closer look at how the two teams might fare against each other.
Goalkeeping
Two of the world’s best goalkeepers will battle it out on Sunday: Jesus Corona and Gianluigi Buffon for Mexico and Italy, respectively. If Mexico’s CONCACAF games are any indication, the country’s hopes rest heavily on Corona and Guillermo Ochoa’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Buffon has Michael Agazzi, Federico Marchetti, and Salvatore Sirigu to back him up.
Defense
Mexico’s defense is decent and organized, but the likes of Carlos Salcido and Hector Moreno will have to go beyond the decent level if they want to keep up with Italy’s Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini. Italy’s defense may not be as strong as it was in 2006, but it’s still pretty solid.
Midfield
Italy’s over-reliance on Andrea Pirlo could prove to be their undoing against Mexico’s Pablo Barrera and Andres Guardado. Otherwise, both teams are evenly matched in the midfield area.
Forward
Javier Hernandez and Aldo de Nigris might be able to halt Mexico’s offensive struggles for this crucial match. On the other hand, the combined efforts of “Super Mario” Balotelli, Stephen El Shaarawy, Alberto Gilardino, and Sebastian Giovinco could overwhelm them.
Overall
If Mexico is unable to overcome its offensive weaknesses despite having Hernandez and de Nigris on board, it can at least concentrate on building up its defense against the debatably superior team that is Italy.
Prediction: Draw or Italy Win
Photo Credit: Celso Flores
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