Scouting Italy

Italy head to Brazil hoping to make amends after a dismal performance as reigning champions at the 2010 World Cup, in which they failed to register a single win, finishing bottom of a group which featured Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. The draw for the 2014 World Cup was not as kind to Italy on paper as the 2010 draw seemed to be. The Italians were thrust into Group D against an Edison Cavani and Luis Suarez-led Uruguay, an England side with an array of promising talent and the potentially tricky Costa Rica.

This article will examine the Italian 30-man squad for the World Cup and highlight the potential key performers for the Azzurri.

The Road to Qualification

Italy progressed through their qualifying period undefeated, although they hardly swept a group of Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta aside.

The Azzurri registered 6 wins, 4 draws with 19 goals scored and 9 conceded, amassing 4 clean sheets.

Top Scorers: Balotelli 5, Osvaldo 4, De Rossi 2

Top Assisters: Pirlo 4, Candreva 2

The Italians also took part in the 2013 Confederations Cup, losing to Spain in the semi-finals after an epic penalty shoot-out. Only Mario Balotelli scored more than one goal in the tournament. Andrea Pirlo also provided one goal and one assist – modest numbers but their displays in the tournament underlined just how vital they remain to the Italians.

The Squad

There were few surprises amongst Cesare Prandelli’s 30-man squad. The main omissions were Dani Osvaldo, who registered four goals in the qualifying campaign, and Emanuele Giaccherini, who played a key role in the 2013 Confederations Cup; no doubt as a result of their average Premier League campaigns. In a rather embarrassing episode, Alberto Gilardino didn’t make the squad despite his Genoa team congratulating him for doing so on Twitter hours before Prandelli’s announcement. The surprise inclusion was Hellas Verona’s Brazilian midfielder-come-defender Romulo, the latest “Oriundi” in the Italy team, due to the versatility he offers.

The Coach

Former Fiorentina tactician, Cesare Prandelli, stated his primary aim when taking over in 2010: he was to get Italians back in love with La Nazionale. Under his reign they are more entertaining to watch, while his “Code of Ethics’ highlights how he views the side as an example for the country.

Prandelli has used several different systems during his tenure and while some applaud his versatility, others wonder whether it’s time to finally decide on a shape. Whilst a 3-5-2 proved effective and mirrors the Juventus model, Prandelli seems determined to push through a 4-3-3 or a 4-3-2-1, although finding the players to suit these systems has been tricky.

The midfield remains too dependent on Andrea Pirlo, while young forwards like Ciro Immobile, Mattia Destro and Lorenzo Insigne have been standing by to get their chance.

Interestingly, Prandelli has stated the belief that his team will need athletes, rather than purely technically gifted ball-players, to succeed in hot and humid conditions in Brazil.

The Likely Lads

Followers of football all around the world will recognise the name of Gianluigi Buffon. The highest capped player in Azzurri history with 139 appearances, he remains a mainstay between the sticks. Buffon will be essential to Italy for his leadership and experience, although this may be reflected in his price across the Fantasy games. Salvatore Sirigu of Paris St Germain will provide back-up in case of any injury.

At the back, Giorgio Chiellini is Italy’s best defender and will start in the heart of the rearguard. Chiellini’s statistics in relation to recovered balls will make him a key asset, particulary if the official Uefa game retains its current set of rules.

Chiellini will play alongside either Leonardo Bonucci or Andrea Barzagli, with the former likely to be the preferred choice.

England fans need no introduction to Andrea Pirlo following his performance in the Euro 2012 quarter-final. The midfield maestro continues to carry the full weight of Italian expectation on his shoulders, and will dictate the play in the centre of the park. Pirlo amassed four assists and a goal in qualifying and with free-kicks and corner duties in his locker, he is set to be a key player in many a Fantasy manager’s squad.

Up front, Mario Balotelli’s form will be decisive for Italy. He has power, pace, long-range ballistic prowess and strong aerial ability. However, as followers of the Premier League will know, he is also temperamental, lazy, petulant and prone to disappearing in matches or earning an early bath. A chaotic Milan campaign hasn’t helped the 23-year-old find his stability, although Balotelli has registered 14 goals in 29 appearances. In the right mood he can turn a game; demonstrated by his sensational brace in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany. The qualifying statistics also highlight both sides of Super Mario, with five goals, an assist and a red card in 373 minutes of football. Prandelli clearly has a soft spot for the “Rossoneri” marksman and Balotelli will lead the line in Brazil.

The Cheeky Punts

The rise of Mattia De Sciglio has been remarkable. The 21-year-old Milan right-footed full back is capable of playing on either side and has been capped nine times, making his debut in March 2013, including starting four of five matches in the Confederations Cup. De Sciglio is mature beyond his years and will become a mainstay in the Italy team for years to come. He will likely come in cheaper than Ignazio Abate on the other flank and offers the potential for returns at both ends of the pitch.

Lazio fans were outraged when the club sold Hernanes to Inter, however Antonio Candreva has stepped up to the mark to be the lead creative player for the “Biancocelesti”, enjoying a particularly strong end to the season in which he netted five goals in the final eight games. A versatile player, Candreva has played five different positions for Lazio this season and is known for his pace, stamina, passing and technique, all of which will be crucial in the heat of Manaus. Candreva will likely play behind the two strikers or on the wing, depending on the formation Prandelli adopts.

If it weren’t for fitness issues Guiseppe Rossi would be a strong Fantasy asset to consider. The Fiorentina striker started off this Serie A season with 14 goals in 18 games, before his latest knee injury. Rossi’s comfort in playing off a frontman as well as being the sole forward made him invaluable to the Azzurri and, even with the long-term knee injury, Prandelli has more than once said that he would wait until “the very end” before ruling him out of his squad. Rossi returned in the Coppa Italia Final and scored on his Serie A comeback against Sassuolo on May 6. Fitness permitting, Rossi is the preferred option to start up front with Balotelli in a 4-3-1-2.

The likely Starting Line-up Buffon, Abate, Chiellini, Bonucci, De Sciglio, De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchiso/Montolivo Candreva/Montolivo, Rossi,Balotelli

If Rossi fails to make it, Prandelli may continue with two up front, replacing Rossi with either Cassano or Destro. However, with Cassano unlikely to be able to manage a full game and Destro’s occasionally suspect temperament and inexperience at the top level, it is likely that Prandelli will switch to a 4-3-3. This would boost Antonio Candreva’s stock as it cement his start, as in a 4-3-1-2 he may be sacrificed for the more defensive Montolivo.

A 4-3-3 would also provide the opportunity for one of Immobile, Insigne or Cerci to nail down a starting role. Immobile – Serie A’s top goal scorer with 22 goals – and Insigne – the Napoli wide-man who scored two goals in the Coppa Italia final – provide more explosive and exciting options, although Cerci brings greater experience. When the squad is trimmed to 23 we will have more indication as to how Prandelli views his striking options.

Conclusion

There is a lot of potential in this Italy squad and, despite the difficult group, it may be difficult to ignore their key assets. Candreva may become a decent bargain if classified as a midfielder with a relatively budget friendly price. There could also be a potential gem if either Immobile or Insigne, should they gain starting roles.