Six pack Mario dictates and lion-hearted Buffon supports! It's Italy vsSpain in Kiev!

Semi-final (UEFA Euro 2012)

Italy beat Germany 2-1

Goal scorers: Mario Balotelli (Italy), Mesut Ozil (Germany)

Italy had to secure a win to uphold their record against Germany, and didn't they do it in grand style? Italy went to Warsaw with a team that had a new set of selection worries. While they lost Ignazio Abate, they got back Giorgio Chiellini who was deployed on the left flank. Italy went unchanged in their strike which had not fired in the last few matches they played. But the confidence of the coach Cesare Prandelli in his regular weapons upfront paid rich dividends to them. 

Germany dominated the possession in the early minutes of the match and took the attack to the Italian penalty area many a time. The presence of mind of the best goalkeeper in the world Gigi Buffon saved them on a few occasions while the presence of the two Andreas (Pirlo and Barzagli) saved them on two other occasions. In their hurry to reach the ball to their strikers to score early, German defence got depleted and that was when both the goals of the match were produced. Mario Balotelli acknowledged his coach who persisted his belief in him despite the poor shows in the early group matches. He scored against Ireland and played the full 120 minutes and scored first for Italy in the shootout against England, and he gave a double delight to the coach, team, and fans in the first half. Though he got an expected yellow card for obdurately displaying his six pack body after scoring the second goal, he wouldn't mind it as only the final is in front of him. Balotelli who generally keeps his position in the front, also switched back to the midfield at times to help the ball to Antonio Cassano and even to do some defending.

The second half saw some expected changes in the German side with Mario Gomez who was unable to convert chances, and Lucas Podolski who was a mere shadow of his past, being replaced. Italy went in unchanged after the break. A few minutes later, Cassano and Balotelli were replaced, and Montolivo a little later. Buffon nullified all the attacks with his men in front. Claudio Marchisio led attacks to the German goal but missed two golden opportunities and Antonio Di Natale one. In the closing minutes of the match, German 'keeper Manuel Neuer came forward and added strength to the attack. Germany won a penalty for Federico Balzaretti's hand ball and the dependable Mesut Ozil put that in the net with elan. But it was all too late for them. Pirlo who worked tirelessly in the midfield deservedly got the Man of the Match award. Italy maintains their unbeaten record against Germany and Prandelli maintains his unbeaten record as Italy coach.

So, isn't it going to be Juventus vs Barcelona in Kiev on Sunday late night? It is much more than that. Italy must win it to wipe out the match fixing scandals back home and Spain must win it to be called Euro champions on either sides of their own World Cup win. But, didn't I predict the possibility of an Italy vs Spain final this time, even before it all started?

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Euro 2012: Final to be a rematch of Group C opener?

History has it that Italy has never lost to Germany in a competitive football match! The Euro 2012 tournament history has it that Italy have won only one of their matches so far, and are still amongst the top four teams! They would want to better that to "the best" in Europe and go back home erasing bad memories of match fixing scandals. Though erasing the scandals wouldn't be on coash Cesare Prandelli's wishlist, he would definitely want to continue with his no-loss record and find a place in the UEFA Euro 2012 final.

As the semi-final is against Germany, this would be Italy's toughest match of this campaign. Germany is in amazing form and they have a lot of finishers in their line-up, something that Italy lacks. But Italy makes that up by not conceding goals, thanks to their leakproof defence and hardworking midifield. Italy played well in both the 3-5-2 and 4-4-2 formations they tried in the other matches and I believe they would go in with a 4-4-2 against Germany too. But this time, Italy has some more injury worries to some of the key players in their formation. My preview is based on the assumption that Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele De Rossi, Ignazio Abate, and Thiago Motta are all fit and available for the semi-final. In case they are not playing, the replacements for them are also given.

Goalie would be Gigi Buffon, arguably the best in the business. Ahead of him would be Andrea Barzagli and Chiellini in central defence. Running down the right flank would be Abate and left flank would be Federico Balzaretti who showed amazing control in previous matches in collecting long balls when the midfielders switched play from the right flank to the left. Powering the diamond in the middle would be Andrea Pirlo, Thiago Motta, Daniele De Rossi, and Claudio Marchisio. In the strike, I would have Antonio Di Natale and Mario Balotelli. As in all matches, Pirlo would hold the keys to unlock the opposition goal line! If Abate is injured, they don't have a proper right back to field as Christian Maggio would sit out this match due to the two yellow cards he picked up. If Abate or Chiellini is to miss the match, I would bring Leonardo Bonucci into the defence. If both Abate and Chiellini miss out, either De Rossi or Angelo Ogbonna would come to fill the vacancy. In case De Rossi is injured or is not moved from the midfield, it would mean that Ogbonna would play his first match of the Euro Cup. If De Rossi does not need to come to the defence but he still misses the match, Antonio Nocerino would take his place in the midfield. But if De Rossi is available in the midifeld but Motta misses out then also Nocerino would be the rescue man to fill the spot. In the worst case of both De Rossi and Motta missing out, along with Nocerino, Alessandro Dimanti would get a starting line-up position. If all is well for Italy, the three substitutes would be Diamanti, Antonio Cassano, and Nocerino. This would be the first match in the tournament for Borini. But if Nocerino and Diamanti would have to start the match then the replacements would be Riccardo Montolivo and Fabio Borini. If it happens, it would be the first match in the tournament for Borini, which would ensure that all the players except the two additional goal keepers in the side would get at least one game in this tournement. But in any case, I would go with the formation 4-4-2 which stands a great chance for Italy to overcome Germany.

On the other hand, every name in the German side is a hero. They have excellent players like Mesut Ozil and tireless workers like captain Philip Lahm, sensible midfielders like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, and top class finishers like Mario Gomez, Lucas Podolski, and Miroslav Klose. Like you, I also expect a very close encounter between the two world class sides. But I fancy that a one-goal difference or a shootout finish would get Italy through to the final for a re-match of the Group C opener "Italy vs Spain".

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Buffon is no buffoon, Ashleys become ashes, Hart and England suffer heartbreak in Kiev!

Quarter-final

Italy beat England on penalties 4-2, after the two teams drew 0-0 in extra time.

Italy are through to the last four at the UEFA Euro 2012! In the quarter-final early last morning, they outperformed England in penalty kicks by 4-2 after a full time and extra time draw of 0-0. The scoreline does not reflect the way the game was played. While it was played in great spirits, Italy had more than 20 shots on target, but could not convert any. English goalkeeper Joe Hart and his defenders did a great job to keep the Italian attack at bay.

Coach Cesare Prandelli fielded an Italy team, exactly as I predicted. So was the team formation. The Azzuri enjoyed the lion's share of possession against the Three Lions in Kiev, but the lack of finishers in the front was the downside of their game. Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano were getting the balls every seocnd minute from the hardworking midifield, but they were unable to convert those passes. For the first time in the tournament, Balotelli completed 90 minutes of play, and another 30 minutes in the extra time. Though he couldn't convert the on-field chances, he could however, put Italy in front in the spot-kicks. Though Riccardo Montolivo wasted a kick and allowed the Englishmen to come in front, the two Ashelys (Young and Cole) turned into ashes in front of Gigi Buffon. The first one pushed it away like Montolivo did for Italy, and the second's attempt was nullified by Buffon. The clean finish that came from the left boot of Alessandro Diamanti ensured that Italy would play Germany in the second semi-final in Warsaw. Buffon proved he was no buffoon at the goal post, but it was heartbreak for the English goalie Joe Hart.

Surprisingly, Italy reaches the semi-final with only one win and three draws! But the game against the Germans would be tougher. What gives Italy promise is that the absence of Giorgio Chiellini did not affect their performance. The second half substitues Antonio Nocerino and Diamanti must have given a world of confidence to Prandelli before the big game against the perfectionists of the world. Christian Maggio received another yellow card which means that he would sit out the semi-final. But Italy are hopeful of another enjoyable night in Warsaw. But they cannot be complacent and must ensure that they convert chances into goals to beat Germany. Yes, they have the potential to do that!

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Euro Cup 2012: Italy vs England: Italy team preview

Expectations are big for a close encounter tonight at Kiev in the last quarter-final of the UEFA Euro 2012. In Second World War terms, it is the Axis power Italy taking on the Allied power England. Whoever wins has a tough road ahead if they are to win the championship as Germany awaits them to play the semi-final and finally either Spain or Portugal in the final.

Italy is facing some selection worries again. Central defence powerhouse Giorgio Chiellini is out with an injury and there are doubts about Thiago Motta too. Cesare Prandelli might again go in with the same 4-4-2 formation they adopted against Ireland in the last match, because both the defence and the attack worked well in that match. Captain Gigi Buffon would guard the goal line again. Ahead of him would be Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci who replaces Chiellini. I would have Ignazio Abate as the right back and Federico Balzaretti as the left back. In the midfield, the diamond would be formed by Andrea Pirlo holding playmaker position, with Thiago Motta (or Riccardo Montolivo if Motta is injured) on the right, Daniele De Rossi on the left, and Claudio Marchisio just behind the strikers. In the strike I would have Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli. While this would make Cassano a starter in all the matches they played thus far, Balotelli would be making his comeback to the starting line-up. This is triggered by two reasons - one, the adorable skills he demonstrated against Ireland, and two, he plays club football in England.

Even in the absence of Gary Cahill, Frank Lampard, and Rio Ferdinand, England maintains a side which is in good shape. History says that the last time these two teams were met was in 2002, a good ten years back! In any case, this would be the most exciting match in the quarter-finals and I expect the Azzuri to beat the Three Lions by a one-goal difference and march to the semi-final for a clash with another Axis power, for a change!

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A classy Italy team moves forward!

Group Stage: Match 3
Italy beat Ireland 2-0
Goal scorers: Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli (Italy)

Italy did it, and in style! A lot of permutations were there to decide the qualifiers from Group C before the final group match, but it was clear for Italy on what they wanted to do. Win by netting maximum in the Irish post. They did exactly that, and it was a scoreline the Italian fans would love to see any day. Cassano carrying his form in the qualifiers to this one, and wow, "the cyclist" Balotelli finishing it with a stunner just minutes before the final whistle blew in Poznan!

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli got a new team, with a mix of experience and youth. He changed the regular formation to start with. Though I expected him to field a 3-4-3, he chose a 4-4-2 diamond. There were only two changes from the team I predicted for this match. Ignazio Abate took the right back position and Thiago Motta got another game. The men missing from my side were Antonio Nocerino and Sebastian Giovinco. The most welcome inclusion was that of Andre Barzagli in defence. Daniele De Rossi was moved to the midfield from the sweeper position.

Italy dominated the first half and the ball was with them for the most part of it. But the Irish did not allow them to break free near their post and goals evaded the Italians. Minutes before the half time, Cassano placed his head perfectly to an Andrea Pirlo corner and that was good enough for them to leave the field contented during the break. The second half opened with an early attack from Italy, but the Irish were crowded in their penalty area to prevent any probable leak to their defence. Then the game changed and it saw the Irish men bringing the ball to the Italian area more often. Italy tried its best to keep the opponents at bay, and they much say thanks to the comeback man Barzagli, De Rossi, and the inevitable Gigi Buffon!

As I predicted, Alessandro Diamanti and Balotelli were called in for the final minutes for the match and didn't they perform? Balotelli wiped off all the bad memories from the previous matches with a stunner of a goal which sealed the fate of the Croatians battling Spain in another match at the same time. Diamanti also showed his class in the last minutes of play. At the final whistle, Italy made themselves sure that they go through to the knock-out stage as the runner-up from Group C, with one win and two draws. Prandelli continued his unbeaten record as Italy coach! Italy now faces the winner of Group D in Kiev on 25-Jan-2012 0015 IST. Go Azzurri!

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Euro Cup 2012: Italy vs Ireland: Italy team preview

As Italy prepares to take on Ireland at Poznan on Tuesday morning 0015 IST, things could go either way for Italy - a win with more than decent goal difference might place them in the knock-outs, but a win with lesser goal difference might leave things for maths to decide the qualifiers from Group C. Even worse, a 2-2 draw between Spain and Croatia also can make them exit the tournament. In any case, one thing is a must - Italy must win; and win by netting maximum goals in the Irish post. That makes things difficult for Cesare Prandelli in deciding his starting line-up. A win with maximum goal difference means they must score and at the same time prevent the opposition from scoring against them.

That must call for a change in the Italian team selection. Italy played with 3-5-2 in both their group matches so far, but that did not get them even one win. Though the Azzuris were able to score first in both matches, their lack of energy to score more paved way for their own undoing. A relaxed and complacent Italy team was stunned by the equalisers in both matches, and their five man midfield couldn't justify the team formation.

I would field Italy with a 3-4-3 formation for this decider. Goalkeeper would be Gigi Buffon as usual. Expecting the return of Andrea Barzagli for this match, I would drop Leonardo Bonucci from the right to make place for him in the defence. Daniele De Rossi is placed in the centre and Giorgio Chiellini to his left. Midfield is where I would have some serious changes. Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio would be my central midfielders. Antonio Nocerino would the right side position in the midfield and Federico Balzaretti would take the left side. The three forwards in the starting line-up would be Sebastian Giovinco, Antonio Di Natale, and Antonio Cassano. The presence of Di Natale in the starting team would demand a half-time substitution and I prefer to see the "out-of-touch" Mario Balotelli in action from then. A substitution for Cassano would mean Fabio Borini getting his first match, and that for Nocerino would give a chance to Alessandro Diamanti. The two most important players in this side are Balzaretti and Giovinco. As Balzaretti is a sound defender, he would also have a defensive role to play during an operation at the Italian goal. This would bring Giovinco back to the midfield.

As it is, the easiest way for Italy would be to win this one and hope for a Spanish or Croatian win in the other match that takes place at the same time in Gdansk. A 0-0 or 1-1 draw there wouldn't bother Italy if they can win with a 2-0. Almost all tie breaker permutations could apply to these two matches, but I hope Italy would do well to get 5 points and a place in the knock-outs.

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Euro Cup 2012 | Review: Italy vs Croatia

Group Stage: Match 2

Italy drew Croatia 1-1

Goal scorers: Andrea Pirlo (Italy), Mario Mandzukic (Croatia)

Italy went into their second group stage match at Poznan with the same starting line-up it used in the group opener against Spain. Coach Cesare Prandelli once again adopted the 3-5-2 formation which they used in the previous match.

Italy started the game well and had the upper hand in the first half. They took the lead through a fantastic Pirlo free kick to which the Croatian team had no answer. Mario Balotelli was wasting opportunities as usual on one side while the defence and midfield were working hard to reach the ball out to him and Antonio Cassano. Claudio Marchisio had a few back to back opportunities which he couldn't capitalise on. After they took the lead, the Italian players looked relaxed and complacent which paved way for their downfall. The scattered defence left Mandzukic with a direct option to fire into the Italian post though centre back Giorgio Chiellini was trying hard to reach for the ball. Italians looked stunned at the equaliser.

The Italian defence started to come forward and all the back three were seen in the Croatian half. But there was a grave mistake that Prandelli committee. Though he allowed the defenders to come forward, he didn't put any midfielder a bit up the field. The Croats looked happy with the draw as they had won their first match. Pirlo and company attempted some final moves just before the final whistle but those weren't good enough to get them three points from this match. 

This draw throws the group wide open. Croatia leads it with four points and Italy is second with two. Every team has a chance now to move to the next round. Needless to say, Italy must win their last group match against Ireland on the morning of June 19. And they must look to win that with a more than decent goal difference. At the same time, Spain would play another crucial match against Croatia.

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Euro Cup 2012 | Italy vs Croatia: Italy team preview

Italy secured an impressive draw against Spain in their Group C opening match at the Euro Cup 2012 at Gdansk. Tonight they will take the field against Croatia. I get a feeling that this will be a more exciting match that their first one. Independent Croatia has not lost a game against Italy. That means, in the last 21 years, Italy was never able to beat them! That is some record!

Italy must show the attitude to win this one for keeping alive their prospects for a knock-out berth. They have the last match in the group stage against Ireland, but if they leave things that far then they would have to depend on fortunes and maths to get a place in the next round. I don't think coach Cesare Prandelli and company would like to leave it to the last.

Croatia has a very strong team which is good in the midfield and attack too. While Italy must score goals to win this one, they must also ensure that their defence does not leak. So, over the 3-5-2 formation that was adopted against Spain, I prefer to see a 4-4-2 formation to start with. For me, that would sacrifice Christian Maggio from the right wing position and fit Federico Balzaretti to the left back position. It would strengthen the defence with four in the back, with Daniele De Rossi and Giorgio Chiellini as centre backs and Leonardo Bonucci on the right back position and Balzaretti on the left back. At the goal would be Gigi Buffon as usual. In the midfield, I would go with Thiago Motta on the right, Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio in the middle, and Sebastian Giovinco on the left. Though Mario Balotelli was totally off-colour in the opening match, I would give him another chance to wipe off the bad memories from that match. Balotelli is an impressive footballer and I don't expect him to make those mistakes again. I considered a place in the starting line-up for Antonio Di Natale, but he might not have the full energy to run the entire 90 minutes of it. Moreover, he is a sure shot goal scorer when the team badly needs them. If any of the strikers go bad, may be Prandelli can field Di Natale for the entire second half. Along with Balotelli, would be Antonio Cassano in the strike. 

When the team focusses on an all-out attack, I would move De Rossi ahead from the back and play him as a defensive midfielder, giving support to Pirlo and Marchisio. De Rossi is the key of this formation as it can get to a dynamic 3-5-2 with his versatility. Hope Prandelli and company would do something wise tonight and spare the followers from doing the maths before the last game. Go Azzuri!

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Euro Cup 2012 | Review: Italy vs Spain

Group Stage: Match 1

Italy drew Spain 1-1

Goals: Antonio Di Natale (Italy), Cesc Fabregas (Spain)

Though Italy had beaten Spain when the two teams met last time, Spain were the clear favourites to win the opener in Group C. Italy went with a 3-5-2 formation as expected against the 4-3-3 of Spain. Italy had Buffon at the goal, Bonucci, De Rossi, and Chiellini as centre backs, Maggio on the right wing and debutant Giaccherini on the left wing, Motta, Pirlo,and Marchisio in the midfield, and Cassano and Balotelli as the strikers.

The first half was relatively slow and both teams had their chances, but none of them converted. Thiago Motta had a strong header from a Cassano pass but Iker Casillas blocked the shot. The second half opened to spirited attacks from Spain and Italy struck back with the same ploy. Though the ball was in the Italian half for the most part of it, the Italian players protected their goal like a flock of crows. Spain played the game with their tiki-taka short passes while each Italian player preferred to reach their fellow teammates through long passes. The first "sure-goal" opportunity for Italy was when Mario Balotelli had a one-to-one meeting with Casillas inside the penalty area, but his lack of speed in the last moment allowed the Spanish defence to intercept him. He was rightfully replaced with the experienced Antonio Di Natale shortly after that, and it brought the smiles for Italian fans. Pirlo gave a measured pass to Di Natale and he fired it to the Spanish goal.

For every player, a game of football is for 90 minutes, but for Di Natale, it is like the Dominos Pizza promise - "Delivered in 30 minutes!". Always a substitute in the last 30 minutes and he delivers! The shocked Spaniards fought back and Fabregas scored the equaliser after just three minutes. Then it was all attack from either ends of the pitch with Spain in dominance. But thanks to the brilliant saves by Gigi Buffon, they couldn't cross the goal line. Italy withdrew Cassano and deployed Giovinco thus bringing in fresh legs in the attack. In the final minute, coach Prandelli replaced Motta with Nocerino. De Rossi deserved special mention as he single-handedly prevented many attacks from the Spanish players. Chiellini was also strong on the left centre back position.

This was a good result for Italy as everyone expected Spain to win this one. It leaves both sides with one point each from their opening game. Italy now plays Croatia on the 14th and Ireland on the 19th.

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Euro Cup 2012: Italy team preview

If you happened to read my blog during the 2006 World Cup, 2008 Euro Cup, or 2010 World Cup then perhaps you would remember that I am a huge fan of Italian football. I predicted the Italy win in 2006 even before their campaign commenced, against all odds and they eventually went on to lift up the holy grail! [Here they are: 2006 World Cup preview, first round analyses (Ghana, USA, Czech Republic), knock-out analysis (Australia, Ukraine), semi final analysis (Germany)  and the final preview and analysis]. But things weren't good for them since then. They lost to Spain in penalties and went out without seeing the semis of 2008 Euro Cup [My preview and results]. The 2010 World Cup was a misery for them and they lost in the first round itself. [My preview and round one analyses (Paraguay, New Zealand, Slovakia)]. But they did well in the 2012 Euro Cup qualifiers and never lost any of their matches and come to the tournament with a goal difference of +18!

In 2012 Euro Cup, Italy is in Group C with Spain, Ireland, and Croatia. Things are not good for Italy this time too. They lost their last three international friendly matches and are also haunted by the match fixing scandals back home. There were similar scandals during their 1982 and 2006 World Cup campaigns, but they came back strongly to win the cup. I hope this time too, their will to win will make them do well in the group matches and knock-outs.

Let's see who coach Cesare Prandelli has selected to wear the azzuri jerseys in Poland and Ukraine, and what his plans are. Though the new coach has realised the importance of attacking football, defence remains the main strength of their game. Italy has been going in with 4-3-1-2 ever since I seriously started following their game (and even much before that time!), but the recent losses in friendlies and selection worries may tempt Prandelli to attempt a 5-3-2 formation (or read 3-5-2) with wing backs on either sides.

At the goal is still the living legend, Gianluigi Buffon, the captain. Italy has always been known for their water-tight defence and in the modern times, Buffon has been responsible for keeping up that reputation. Though Italy lost 0-3 to Russia in the preparation match, one must consider that Buffon was substituted during the half-time, and all the goals were netted when Morgan De Sanctis was standing. Defence is where Italy has worries. Dominico Criscito is out of the team being entangled in the match fixing controversies and the raids that followed and Andrea Barzagli is injured and unavailable at least during the group stage. So I would place Giorgio Chiellini on the left, the "experiment kid" Daniele De Rossi in the middle, and Leonardo Bonucci on the right as centre backs. Italy may entrust the task of filling the back three to De Rossi which surely is a gamble, but De Rossi has the experience of 70+ internationals and he should do a fair job there.

I would give the left wing back position to Federico Balzaretti. Since Christian Maggio was totally off-colour against Russia, I would have the speedster Ignazio Abate taking his place on the right wing. I would make the playmaker Andrea Pirlo lie deep in the middle, and the hard worker Claudio Marchisio on his left. Though I would like to experiment with Antonio Nocerino in the midfield, I would still go with the experienced Riccardo Montolivo as the one lying behind the strikers on the right. As the two strikers, I would have the mercurial Antonio Cassano and the talented Mario Balotelli up front. There is news that Balotelli is also injured. In that case, I would go with Sebastian Giovinco.

Italy is almost sure of going into the knock-outs along with Spain from their group. In the knock-outs they would face either England or France. If they advance to the semis, they would face the Netherlands and if they get a final berth, it would be either Germany or Spain facing them. The draw is really tough for the azzuris. But who wants to predict; another scandal back home, a good mix of experienced and fresh legs on the pitch, and a totally unpredictable formation - Gigi Buffon and company may spring a surprise this time!

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