Best World Cup performance. Winners in 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006.

 

Most memorable World Cup moment. In the Mexican summer of 1970 Italy and Germany gave birth to what is known as the “Game of the Century”. Boninsegna scored the opening goal of the semi-final in the 8^th minute and Italy defended their lead for the rest of regular time. Curiously for that era the referee allowed injury time and Schnellinger took advantage equalizing the match with his only international goal in 47 appearances with the German shirt: extra time. Muller scores and it’s 1-2. Burgnich balances the result making it 2-2 and Riva takes Italy back in front, 3-2, but it’s Muller scoring again for the momentary three all. Less than a minute after, the golden boy Gianni Rivera sets the match on its concluding score of 4-3, qualifying Italy for the final.

 

Most forgettable World Cup moment. In Pasadena, USA, during an incredibly hot afternoon on the 17^th of July 1994 Italy lost the first World Cup decided by penalties. Both Brazil and Italy had won three World Cup titles at the time, but neither team scored during ninety minutes nor the extra thirty conceded by referee Venancio Zarate. Captain Baresi, striker Massaro and Ballon d’Or winner Roberto Baggio failed from the penalty mark in one of Italian’s football most dramatic days.

 

In group D with: Uruguay, England and Costa Rica.

 

Tactics/Playing style. Cesare Prandelli chose a roster of 23 players with a vast range of tactical and technical skills in order to keep his options open both during games and throughout the tournament. Depending on the opposing team he will most probably select different line-ups and different formations; 4-1-4-1, 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or even a 3-5-2 are all viable routes. What isn’t left to interpretation is the ability of players like De Rossi, Pirlo or Verratti to set to rights the game and impose their own pace, creating offensive chances at will for Balotelli and the runs of Candreva or Marchisio.

 

Strengths. Tradition and heart. Italy’s expeditions have never been full of promising thoughts before the tournaments began, but more often than not the Azzurri cut their way through the games and into the final stages of European and World Cups.

 

Weaknesses. It’s a paradox since we’re talking about Italy, but it’s the defence who has given fewer guarantees in the latest matches against Luxemburg and Fluminense. The continuous change of actors and playing system at the back, together with doubts regarding the physical conditions of an asset like Barzagli, may have confused and lowered the self esteem of the Italian line-back.

 

Key Player. Andrea Pirlo – Tinkerbell (as he is nicknamed) still does his magic inspiring and delighting football fans all over the globe with his playmaking, despite the countless restraining tactics opponents have come up with during his career. The Italian veteran (110 caps on Italy’s WC debut vs England) might be sharing the steering wheel with young Verratti. If this is the case, well, then good luck to the opponents’ midfields as they will have to build not one, but two cages.

 

Star of the team. Mario Balotelli – After his double in the Euro 2012 semi-final against Germany he is the man most Italians rely their hope on. Like Ibrahimovic, Mario is capable of unique gestures, but sometimes disappears from the game and starts to walk around the pitch… but only when playing for clubs. 

 

Player to watch. Ciro Immobile – The talented striker magnetized Europe’s attention as top Serie A scorer this season. BVB didn’t need further persuasion, as they have left no room for other bidders, signing him at the start of this market window. Will he prove the world that Jurgen Klopp played his chips on the right man?

 

Serie A players: All except for the PSG trio (Thiago Motta, Verratti and Sirigu).

 

World Cup objective: Semi-finals.

 

Prediction: After the 2010 disappointing expedition in South Africa, the Azzurri got quickly back on track surprising many with their silver medal in Euro 2012. The team has the necessary potential to dream big, but only extraordinary performances will allow them to lift the trophy.