Here are are the midfielders called up by Italy Head Coach Cesare Prandelli for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Who failed? Best midfielders? Worst midfielders? I definitely give my highest vote and standing ovation to Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, and you?
Midfielders / Centrocampisti: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Marco Parolo (Parma), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Marco Verratti (Paris St. Germain);
Italy Midfielders Photos courtesy of vivoazzurro.it
Daniele De Rossi
Alberto Aquilani
Marco Verratti
Marco Parolo
Claudio Marchisio
Thiago Motta
Andrea Pirlo
Antonio Candreva
Italian National Football Team 2014 FIFA World Cup Results, Group D
Here is Italy official starting lineup with Head Coach Cesare Prandelli choosing a 3-5-2 formation against Uruguay losing the match Italy 0 – 1 Uruguay on Tuesday 24 June 2014. Italy eliminated. What went wrong? Who disappointed you the most and why?
ITALY (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; De Sciglio, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti, Darmian; Ciro Immobile, Mario Balotelli.
Hello my friends. I usually greet you with a “good morning.” Today, believe me, it’s not a really good morning. It’s just a nightmare awakening to a crude reality. I have barely slept watching all news online on the elimination of Italy, out of the World Cup. Yep, sadly, it is true. Italy eliminated after losing against Uruguay. However, the news going worldwide is on Uruguay “Cannibal” forward Luis Suarez biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini and not even getting a yellow card!!!
Well, guys, to top the whole pizza pie, Head coach Cesare Prandelli resigned right after the game during the press conference and also Abete the president of the Italian Football Federation. Simply put, guys, it is a total failure!!! I agree with Buffon and, wait.. now it seems most players blaming also forward Mario Balotelli… Hum? So, now, allow me to go and prepare a heavy cup of Chamomile tea to calm down.
Here are the front pages from Italy main Sports newspapers La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport, and Tutto Sport from Wednesday 25 June 2014
La Gazzetta dello Sport
Front Page, Prima Pagina
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Italia go home: A failure
The breakdown
Defeated by Uruguay 1-0. Prandelli and Abete resign
No Alibi, but another Referee Moreno damages us: Marchisio Sent off unfairly, Suarez bites Chiellini
The outburst, the best
The bitterness of Buffon
“We are deservedly out”
The delusion, he isolated himself
The Balotelli disaster
Dumped by the group
The case Suarez
Once again the Cannibal. “He is slimy”
Group C
Colombia fly with Cuadrado
Greece, what a strike.
Argentina at 18 with Nigeria
Today the turn for Messi and Pogba
Market, Juve enjoy
What intrigue Iturbe
Milan pressing, but if Kaka returns?
Violence, the Napoli fan
The drama of Ciro
“He is being kept alive by machines”
Corriere dello Sport
Front Page, Prima Pagina
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Zeroed out
-World Cup collapse.
Uruguay eliminate Italy: 1-0 (Godin). Terrible performance, but Marchisio’s sending off weighs heavily.
-The resignations.
Prandelli leaves along with Abete: “It is a failure.” Already looking to the future: Allegri or Mancini.
-The controversy.
Suarez bites Chiellini: “Shame.” Buffon and De Rossi against Balotelli: “Men are needed.”
Tutto Sport
Front Page, Prima Pagina
Wednesday 25 June 2014
Tricked by another Moreno: 0-1
Brandelli
Italy go home among chaos: the coach and Abete resign.
Godin and the referee send Uruguay to the round of 16. Suarez bites Chiellini: “Shame! And he sent off Marchisio…” Prandelli: “I don’t steal money.” Everyone against Balotelli.
Move for Iturbe.
Juve-Atletico super battle for Guarin
Kone or El Kaddouri?
Toro close for Benassi. And there is Botta
“What an AC Milan with Pippo!”
Even Pazzini attacks Seedorf
But watch out for the English.
Real: Falcao is the big signing for Ancelotti
It’s official. Italy Head Coach Cesare Prandelli announcing his resignation during the press conference after the World Cup Group D game: Italy 0 – 1 Uruguay. Italy were eliminated ending in third place. Costa Rica and Uruguay pass to the Round of 16. Also, the President of the Italian Football Federation Giancarlo Abete resigns.
“Cesare Prandelli ha comunicato in conferenza stampa di essersi dimesso da Commissario Tecnico della Nazionale”
Here are the declarations made by Prandelli, “I assume the responsibility of the technical project, but it is absurd to remain in ten in a match like this one. You can’t condition a match in this way, the referee ruined it”.
These are the first comments made by Cesare Prandelli a few minutes after the elimination of Italy from the World Cup. Bitterness, anger, disappointment, the face of the head coach is a mix of feelings held back by a sense of diplomacy that wants to explode, while forward Mario Balotelli covers his face with his hands and midfielder Andrea Pirlo is in tears.
Prandelli adding that “It was a well-balanced match. They never took a shot on goal until they scored, we tried to put together scoring occasions, we did what we could, it was even a good match, but the referee ruined everything. When you fight for each ball like Uruguay did, there will be fouls. But they were not bad fouls, and the one made by Marchisio was definitely not one to red-card”.
And now? What about the future for Prandelli? “Now we’ll see. After four years of hard work a red-card decides everything. Now we have to reflect, then we’ll see. We are definitely sorry about being eliminated from a World Cup in this way”.
The athletic training is not in question for Prandelli. “It was good and we proved that today. We were, however, the only team to play in the heat of Manaus and twice at lunch time”.
A few words about Balotelli, substituted in the second half: “I consider him important, but he has to give more guarantees as far as tranquility is concerned. You never really understand whether or not he is serene. I took him out at the end of the first half because he had been yellow-carded and I as afraid of remaining with ten players on the field”.
57% Ball Possession ITALY and 43% Ball Possession URUGUAY Italy 0 – 1 Uruguay
81′ Diego Godin
Italy needed a draw to qualify to the Round of 16. Yet, it failed big time and are now eliminated after losing against Uruguay. Last time Italy and Uruguay played was in the 2013 Confederations Cup with Italy winning in penalties. Uruguay playing their 50th game in a World Cup. It’s a sad day for Italian football, and I am so disappointed. So frustrated seeing Italy struggling. We, as fans, did our part and supported the team…..
In Group D, Costa Rica and Uruguay qualified to the Round of 16. Stats AFTER the game:
Italy, 3rd position with 3 points and a neutral goal difference of “-1″
Uruguay, 2nd position with 6 points and a neutral goal difference of “0”
=========== == Commenting the game ============
We are ready… So nervous just watching our Azzurri!!!! Andrea @Pirlo_official playing his 112th match for Italy tonight against Uruguay, equalling the record of goalkeeper Dino Zoff. Congrats
Great to see the ex Palermo and Napoli forward Edinson Cavani greeting Italy forward Ciro Immobile before making the entrance to the pitch. Forward Antonio Cassano also with a smile saluting Cavani.
Wow, guys, now I have goosebumps… the notes of the national anthem “L’Inno di Mamelii” Close up from our players and Prandelli singing so proudly. My blessings and prayers for our Azzurri!!!! Buffon with closed eyes concentrating, singing.. feeling the love of the fans!
Players now shaking hands before the game. Come on Balotelli!!!! I am only sad to see Cavani playing against Italy. Captains shaking hands Gigi Buffon and Uruguay captain Diego Godin.
This is it, Referee Marco Rodriguez whistles the start of the game… Let’s roll the ball!!!!! Forza Italia!
In the 7th minute, Buffon punching the ball away with both hands… Uruguay continuing pressing and now Buffon saves the headed shot by Uruguay midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez in the top right corner. Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on the ground after clashing with Alvaro Gonzalez. Italian players protesting and discussing with Referee Rodriguez…..
Wow, in the 12th minute, what a brilliant right footed free kick shot by Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo though Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saving with both hands in the top center.
Italy going all forward.. love it! In the 15th minute, there it is a fast run by forward Mario Balotelli on the left.. though not reaching the ball….. Balotelli applauds the effort by his teammates while fans show him their support.
In the 22nd minute, Referee Rodriguez giving the first yellow card of the match to Mario Balotelli after a foul on Uruguay defender Alvaro Pereira. Balotelli will not play the next game. Here is the thing, Balotelli running fast attempting to get the ball, but on his way to the jump bring down Pereira.
Ooops, in the 27th minute a handball by Andrea Pirlo…
Super Buffon!!!! In the 33rd minute making two saves in a row… Buffon anticipates to block forward Luis Suarez saving with one hand, then, the ball still in the area and midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro attempts a left footed shot and Buffon saving too!!!! Great job! Forza Gigi.
Photo vivoazzurro.it
In the 36th minute a handball by Italy midfielder Marco Verratti
First half ending 61% ball possession Italy and 39% ball possession Uruguay.
Italy starts the second half with a substitution in the 45th minute replacing forward Mario Balotelli with midfielder Marco Parolo.
Uruguay also with a substitution in the 45th minute replacing midfielder Nicolas Lodeiro with defender Maxi Pereira.
In the 46th minute, Referee Rodriguez gives a yellow card to Uruguay midfielder Egidio Arévalo Ríos
Hello, hello, hello, in the 50th minute Cavani claiming a penalty, but the Referee not buying it…. replay showing Bonucci and Cavani dueling ,,,, Cavani falling, but the assist man not considering an intentional foul
Mamma mia!!!! Helloo! In the 58th minute, Uruguay so close to the goal and Cristian Rodriguez missing his right footed shot and on the attempt falling on the ground.
Wow, what a chaos!!!! In the 59th minute, Referee Rodriguez gives a red card to Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio and players protesting. Buffon coming to talk to the referee.. and the red card remains. Italy now with 10 players. Here is the thing, replay showing Marchisio committing the foul on midfielder Egidio Arévalo Rios.
Photo vivoazzurro.it
Despite the protests by Italian players, Referee Rodriguez does not change his mind and gives the straight red cardto Marchisio…
Crucial adjustment now for Uruguay because they are increasing the attack now that Italy have only 10 players. Uruguay with a substitution in the 63rd minute forward Cristian Stuani replacing defender Alvaro Pereira.
Buffon with a super save with his right hand in the 66th minute denying forward Luis Suarez to shout a goal after his right footed shot deviating for a corner.
In the 69th minute with a through ball by midfielder Marco Verratti and too bad that Immobile is caught offside.
In the 71st minute, Italy replacing forward Ciro Immobile with forward Antonio Cassano.
Verratti is on the ground…. match delay in the 73rd minute.. .. Verratti cannot continue and he is leaving the pitch on stretcher…. what a luck! Taking his place is midfielder Thiago Motta.
Match delay in the 78th minute, replay showing forward Luis Suarez committing a foul on Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini showing Suarez hitting with the head Chiellini while reaction with an elbow back… what a confusion there.. anyway, no yellow cards …..
No!!!!! In the 81’st minute Uruguay goal by Diego Godin with a headed shot defeating Italy goalkeeper Buffon in the bottom right corner following a corner with assist by Gastón Ramírez!!!!!!
Free kick by Andrea Pirlo in the 84th minute with a right footed shot .. corner….
In the 86th minute , Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera saving De Sciglio shot….
Five minutes added time……
Time running by…..
Desperate last minutes…. I am about to collapse!!! It’s over!
Uruguay: 5 Italian Serie A players called up with Uruguay National Football team:
Juventus defender Martin Caceres, in the starting lineup
Lazio midfielder Alvaro Gonzalez,
Bologna midfielder Diego Perez, and
Palermo forward Abel Hernandez.
Parma midfielder Walter Gargano
Here is ITALY official starting lineup by coach Cesare Prandelli:
ITALY (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; De Sciglio, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti, Darmian; Ciro Immobile, Mario Balotelli.
Photo vivoazzurro.it
Here is URUGUAY official starting lineup by coach Oscar Tabarez:
Uruguay (4-3-1-2): Fernando Muslera; Martin Cáceres, Giménez, Godín, A. Pereira; González, A. Ríos, C. Rodríguez; Lodeiro; Edinson Cavani, Suárez.
Click the video to watch Uruguay forward Luis Suarez “bitting” Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini….what is this??
Photo vivoazzurro.it
Let’s go ITALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
2014 FIFA World Cup
Group Stage – Group D
Italy – Uruguay
Tuesday 24 June 2014
Arena das Dunas
Natal, Brazil
13:00 Local Time
Referee: Marco RODRIGUEZ (MEX)
Assistant Referee 1: Marvin TORRENTERA (MEX)
Assistant Referee 2: Marcos QUINTERO (MEX)
Fourth official: Mark W GEIGER (USA)
Official formations – Lineups:
ITALY (3-5-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Giorgio Chiellini, Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; De Sciglio, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Marco Verratti, Darmian; Ciro Immobile, Mario Balotelli.
Coach: Cesare Prandelli
Uruguay (4-3-1-2): Fernando Muslera; Martin Cáceres, Giménez, Godín, A. Pereira; González, A. Ríos, C. Rodríguez; Lodeiro; Edinson Cavani, Suárez.
Coach.: Tabárez
Match Stats
What do you think of the result? Agree? Disagree? Best and worst player?
By Anna Italia
