Italy World Cup Squad Preview

Written by Tony Concannon Monday, 24 May 2010 11:43

World Cup Squad Previews

Italy are the World Cup holders. How did that happen I hear you say? Or is that just me. Well, it is certainly no fluke to win a World Cup, especially beating Germany and France along the way, but maybe the fact that the Azzuri's play was so unremarkable four years ago explains why it is so forgettable four years later. In true Italian style, their 2006 triumph was based on a tight defence. Remarkably, goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon conceded only two goals in the whole tournament, and they were an own goal and a penalty (Zidane's in the final).

The Italian squad isn't as strong as it was in 2006, but they still seem able to grind out results. Coach Marcelo Lippi has instilled a never-say-die attitude and they certainly have the experience to deal with the pressure of big games. However, the first XI are not getting any younger and they lack pace in all areas, especially going forward.

They were unbeaten in qualifying, winning seven and drawing three. They sealed their place in South Africa with a game to spare, Alberto Gilardino’s injury time equalizer against the Republic of Ireland sparking scenes of mass celebration on the pitch in Dublin. Fiorentina’s Gilardino was the top scorer in qualifying but only claimed four goals, highlighting the lack of a regular goal scorer.

Two names that had been touted as the answer to the goalscoring problems have both been left at home. Francesco Totti had been tipped to come out of retirement, but the 33-year-old was not named in the squad. Luca Toni, who finished the season alongside Totti at Roma, has also been overlooked. Toni was Italy's main striker in 2006 and at Euro 2008, but has been out of form of late. Villarreal forward Giuseppe Rossi is worth keeping an eye on. The former Manchester United striker is the only player named in the squad to ply his trade outside of Italy.

AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo pulls the strings in midfield while Daniele De Rossi of Roma provides the drive. Veterans Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus) and Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso are also named. Lippi will be hoping one of the younger midfielders can make a name for themselves, as that midfield is looking stale.
It’s a similar story in defence, with question marks hanging over captain Fabio Cannavaro’s ability to keep pace with the world's best. His Juventus team-mate Fabio Grosso remains, as does AC Milan full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, now aged 33. The more youthful Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus is a fine player, and should be selected alongside Cannavaro.

Italy have won the World Cup a remarkable four times, and should progress from an easy Group F consisting of Paraguay, New Zealand and Slovakia. There is no doubt Lippi is a winner and will get the very best out of his players, but maybe his time is up. There are even suggestions that Fiorentina boss Cesare Prandelli is to take over as national coach after the tournament, so maybe even the Italian FA think its time for some fresh ideas. Italy lack the spark, creativity and energy to mount a challenge this time, and despite being ranked fourth best team in the world the Azzuri could be heading home before the semi-final stage this time around.

Italy to get knocked out in the Quarter-Finals is a tempting 9/4 on Betfair

Italy squad:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Federico Marchetti (Cagliari), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo)
Defenders: Salvatore Bocchetti (Genoa), Leonardo Bonucci (Bari), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Fabio Grosso (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Gianluca Zambrotta (AC Milan)

Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Juventus), Andrea Cossu (Cagliari), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)

Forwards: Marco Borriello (AC Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal) 

Comments (4)