FIFA World Cup 2010: Italian Player Ratings vs Paraguay

Buffon: 4 – Didn’t have a bad game, but didn’t do much either. Impossible to stop Alcaraz’s goal. Depending on which report you read, Gigi went off at halftime with either a hamstring or back injury.

Zambrotta: 6 – Played well. Show confidence, bravado and pace on the right flank. Certainly great to have Gianluca in the mix.

Cannavaro: 5 – Looked uncomfortable. Maybe the conditions didn’t suit nostro capitano . Still Fabio is very handy to have. Determinedly lead the backline to ensure Paraguay would net only the one goal.

Chiellini: 6 – Strong. Giorgio was unlucky to concede free kicks on a couple of challenges which seemed like fair tackles. Unfortunately one of these fouls lead to Paraguay’s goal.

Criscito: 5 – Potential. Seems to have the skills now needs the confidence to chase space and run up the flanks. A couple of times it seemed that Domenico passed the ball too soon. Needs to break the advantage line.

De Rossi: 7 – Italy’s success was always going to be dependent on strong midfield performances from Pirlo and De Rossi. Unfortunately Andrea is injured, but today Danielle put in a performance that showed both grit and guile. De Rossi has claimed responsibility for Paraguay’s goal. After the match he was disappointed with gli Azzurri saying this was a game they should have won. Their lack of a playmaker (e.g. his Roma club team mate Francesco Totti) hindered their chances.

Montolivo: 6 – Potential. Similar to Criscito showed ability but needs confidence. Great breakaway opportunity in the first half, rushed the shot. In the second half he launched a couple of good long range shots. Hopefully Riccardo will get more game time to build his place in the team.

Marchisio: 4 – Disappointment. Claudio was to be Marcello Lippi’s playmaker. Something he didn’t do. The team improved once he left the field.

Pepe: 6.5 – Something different. Injected pace and effort. Solid second half performance. This included the quick delivery of the goal-producing corner. Better linkage with the front duo would have allowed Pepe to enjoy an outstanding game.

Gilardino: 4.5 – Where was he? Alberto couldn’t find the space from which to launch a genuine scoring opportunity.

Iaquinta: 5.5 – Vincenzo should be playing in the centre. Showed commitment in battling for the ball. Seemed to enjoy playing off Di Natale.

Subs:

Marchetti: 4 – Not much to do for the Italian goalie in the 2^nd half. Federico did a good job in retrieving the ball from behind the goal line following stray shots from Paraguay. A couple of handy goal kicks and the odd throw back (maybe?).

Camoranesi: 6 – I normally don’t rate Mauro. In the past I’ve felt the Italians have had better midfield options. But today, his coming on was inspired. He brought some zing to the Italian game.

Di Natale: 5.5 – a couple of useful runs. The midfield would have been happy to see him put effort in chasing their passes.