Fifa World Cup 2010: Italy Slovakia: Lippi, Cannavaro, Pirlo, Gattuso

I the optimist

In supporting Italy over the years I have become the eternal optimist. I've learnt to hold on hope with the Italians right until they exit from a tournament. This year's World Cup will be no different. But I don't want this to be the last preview post I do for this Mondiale's Azzurri.

Those who know the history of the World Cup, correctly remember that 1982 the Azzurri managed only three draws in their opening round. Despite their poor start the Italians went on to slay the footballing triumvirate of Argentina, Brazil and West Germany. The team showed winning World Cups was not about having the most gifted players (many would argue the Brazil team of 1982 was the best ever to never win a World Cup). It was about putting together a string of consistent performers when it matters most.

It's once the pressure is applied that Italy normally performs best.

1982 or 1986

But don't forget I'm an optimist. Those who know their history also know about the Italian team of 1986. The latter also started their group phase with two draws in a row. They were reigning champions, managed by Enzo Bearzot the coach of 1982. This team were to prove ineffectual. They would go on to lose against France in the first knockout phase. 

Lippi and Cannavaro

In their press conference, the two showed unity and confidence. Their confidence was stepped in reality. Their performance was of merchants who deal in the hope that supporters like myself possess.

Lippi admitted the need to improve. "We especially need to improve in offense."

"The disappointment of not winning against New Zealand, like we deserved, provided motivation for three days of training. Someone said yesterday, that the squad gave their performance in training since we arrived. The thing we really have worked on is the pace of our game."

Cannavaro echoed the positive sentiments of his coach. "We've worked for two years and it would be a shame to have return home. Especially because our best displays are still to come." 

Cannavaro

The jury is out on "il capitano". Il muro di Berlino (the wall of Berlin). In an poll on the popular Gazzetta dello Sport website, 68% of respondents said Cannavaro should not play against Slovakia.

Fabio has appeared on the frame of both goals the Italians have conceded. Against Paraguay, his legs appeared chained to the ground, as the Paraguyan midfielder Alcataz leaped over both him and Daniele di Rossi.

In trying to block an All White free kick, Cannavaro parried the ball in front of Shane Smeltz. Cannavaro's defensive attempt resulted set the ball up nicely for the Kiwi striker.  

A team with no egos

Lippi made a decision that this World Cup would be one of managing a cohesive unit and applying his tactical finesse to differentiate his reigning champions from the contenders. He did not want to fly star players with unmanageable egos all the way to South Africa. Marcello is not the only coach to pursue such a strategy e.g. Dunga left Ronaldihno behind.

Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo was to be the critical play making component to his squad. This hope was to be shattered by an injury to Pirlo in the Azzurri's opening friendly against Mexico. an injury he has still to fully recover from. He will start on the bench today. 

Gilardino

Alberto was to be Marcello's tallisman. However he has yet to manage a convincing shot on goal. His inability to latch on to the end of the ball, is probably a result of a shortage of quality through balls.

Italy's midfield (especially Pepe, Montolivio and Di Rossi) have all looked with ball at feet, but have struggled to link up with the front men. Playing 4-3-3 may help, if nothing else it offers one more target.

Iaquinta

Gilardino however should not be in the starting line-up. Vincenzo should be the 'big' centre forward. Lippi's folly was to try playing Vincenzo as a left or right sided foil to Gilardino. What Marcello's front line lacks is variety. He tried a physical approach against New Zealand (in playing both Gila and Vincenzo), he may have been better served trying pace and control.

Pazzini came on against the New Zealanders but we didn't see much of him. di Natale has not looked penetrative. Quagliarella has not gone a run.

Lippi has not found his "Paolo" Rossi. However from the last World Cup the Italians showed goals from a number of players can yield better results than having one star up front.

Score first

In both games Italy found themself 1-0 down. In both games the goals came from free kicks. In both games Italy pursued more offensive intention. They showed defensive fortitude (admittedly the back four were not overly tested). They showed creative capacity.

All they lacked was goals. In both games, long range strikes were parried by opposing keepers only for the ball to be cleared safely. Had the Italians had more pace up front they would have been in a better position to pounce on those opportunities.

Pressure

The benefit of the two games is the Italians have already experienced and managed pressure. If they can prevent Slovakia from scoring this will allow them more composure to mount succesful attacks.

Gattusso

Our team needs a bit more iron. Grit. Hard approach. But Reno lets not ruin our excellent disciplinary record.

Yellow Cards

Italy have conceded only ONE yellow card. That's right only one. They're in a much better state than most other squads.

Who would have thought, Italy best and fairest at show. 

vs Slovakia

We need a bit of luck. We need pace and variety up front. We need confidence to stem the opponents and subsequently mount threatening counter attacks. But most of all we need some telling through balls that'll put pressure on our opponents.

Our team 

Less not make change where it's not required. Lets stay loyal to those who have played admirably. No point changing Cannavaro at this point. It was the game against the Kiwis that he should never have played.

Marchisio and Gilardino are the players who have lacked enterprise, they the ones that need to forfeit their starting spots.  

Marchetti

Zambrotta

Cannavaro

Chiellini

Criscito

Di Rossi

Montolivo    

Gattusso

Pepe

Iaquinta

Quagliarella

Prediction

If Italy is to make positive progress in this tournament they need a convincing win. A tight game won't help the Italian's fragile confidence. I hope they take the park with the confidence presented by Lippi and Cannavaro in their press conference.

Slovakia will play a more familiar game to that offered by Paraguay and New Zealand.

With luck, this will finish 2-0.