Venue: Salvador
Date: 30 June 2013
The Verdict: Italy finishes 3rd in Confeds Cup (2-1)
Cesar Prandelli shall enter Salvador with high hopes that Gli Azurri will finish third in the 2013 Confederations. And why not? The squad forced the Spaniards into a 120-minute match that ended in a 7-6 penalty score in favor of La Roja.
Although it could have secured a spot in the final, what is more important to Prandelli is his team’s ability to “compete with the best,” and this explains why the Italians have higher winning possibilities than Uruguay.
Prandelli is expected to use the 3-4-2-1 formation, which pressed the Spaniards, but opened plenty of opportunities for them. Italy might take advantage of it to stop unprecedented attacks from Forlan and Cavani. The formation’s weakness, however, is the absence of a powerful striker to complete a strong finish.
With this regard, Alberto Gilardino must step up his game. The latter was Prandelli’s choice to substitute for Mario Balotelli when he was injured during the encounter against Brazil. Gilardino has the experience, knowing that he once held the trophy for Italy in the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Yet, in the event where he fails to rise in the occasion, Prandelli will still have Sebastian Giovinco and of course, Stephan El Shaarawy to secure the goals for them.
Other than Gianluigi Buffon is another veteran that Gli Azurri brings during the Uruguay encounter. With a World Cup title and experience to boot, he is definitely, one of the best goal keepers to depend on, most especially during penalties and free kicks. However, Prandelli might have second doubts on whether Bonucci should take a shot again.
There is no question why Italy is the heavy favorite in the match. The squad put up a great show against Spain that exemplifies not only its potential to grab Confederations Cup title, but also another World Cup trophy.
Photo Credit: Zimbio
0 comments:
Post a Comment