By Anna Italia
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65% Ball Possession ITALY and 35% Ball Possession LUXEMBURG
Italy 1 – 1 Luxembourg 
FIFA World Ranking
Italy, 9th position with1115 points
Luxembourg, 112th position with 266 points
Italy with a disappointed draw in the friendly against Luxembourg. Italy Head Coach Cesare Prandelli making final tests ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Surely, it is a disappointed draw considering Luxembourg is not a strong team . Moreover, Luxembourg in the 112th position in the FIFA World Cup Ranking. It’s just a fact that Italy have not reached their highest peak and the hope for the fans is to see Italy react in their debut against England on June 14 at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus.
Italy opened the score in the 9th minute. The assist by forward Mario Balotelli to midfielder Claudio Marchisio defeating Luxembourg goalkeeper Anthony Moris with a headed shot in the center from close range.
Incredible so, Luxembourg equalizing just 5 minutes before the game! In the 85th minute following a corner conceded by Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini. The assist made by forward Mario Mutsch finding defender Maxine Chanot ready for the headed shot defeating Italy goalkeeper Gigi Buffon in the trop right corner. Nothing to do for Buffon while immediate celebration by Chanot removing his shirt and sending kisses to the fans.
Positive points seeing forward Antonio Cassano showing determination. Cassano started as a substitute in the 54th minute replacing midfielder Marco Verratti. Fans hoping to see the expected dynamic duo Balotelli-Cassano shining in the World Cup.
Italy’s architect and ruler in the midfield Andrea Pirlo was replaced in the 72nd minute by Fiorentina midfielder Alberto Aquilani. Pirlo leaving the pitch among the ovation of the fans.
In the 78th minute, Prandelli also testing Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne who replaced Antonio Candreva.
Testing also for Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia replacing Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in the 79th minute.
Here is ITALY official starting lineup by coach Cesare Prandelli:
ITALIA (4-1-3-1-1): Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi; Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio; Candreva; Balotelli
Here is LUXEMBOURG official starting lineup by coach Holtz:
LUXEMBURG (4-5-1): Moris; Jans, Schnell, Chanot, Janisch; Holter, Gerson, Mutsch, Philipps, Bensi; Joachim
Click the video to watch the highlights of the game, Italy vs Luxembourg, Wednesday 4 June 2014, Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia, Italy.
International Friendly Game
Italia 1 – 1 Luxemburg
Wednesday 4 June 2014
Stadio Renato Curi, Perugia, Italy,
Referee: Skomina (Slo)
Goals – Reti: 9′ Claudio Marchisio (I), 85′ Chanot (L)
Official formations – le formazioni ufficiali:
ITALIA (4-1-3-1-1): Buffon; Abate, Bonucci (78′ Ranocchia), Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi; Verratti (54′ Cassano), Pirlo (72′ Aquilani), Marchisio (86′ Parolo); Candreva (78′ Insigne); Balotelli (78′ Cerci).
Subs not used: (Sirigu, Perin, Mirante, Darmian, Paletta, Motta, Immobile).
Coach: Cesare Prandelli.
LUXEMBURG (4-5-1): Moris; Jans, Schnell, Chanot, Janisch; Holter (72′ Deville), Gerson (45′ Da Mota), Mutsch, Philipps (54′ Payal), Bensi (78′ Martins); Joachim (89′ Turpel).
Subs not used: (Joubert, Hoffmann, Bastos, Laterza, Frising, Ivesic).
Coach: Holtz.
Italia 1 – 1 Luxemburg Referee: Skomina (Slo) |
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| Italy | Match Stats |
Luxembourg |
| 1 | Goals | 1 |
| 16(5) | Shots (on goal) | 9(3) |
| 9 | Fouls | 8 |
| 8 | Corner kicks | 3 |
| 6 | Offsides | 0 |
| 65% | Ball Possession | 35% |
| 1 | Yellow Cards | 2 |
| 0 | Red Cards | 0 |
| 4 | Saves | 8 |
What do you think of the result? Agree? Disagree? Best and worst player?