We’re in full World Cup prep mode here at Top Bet, and with that comes a look at the teams that are primed to make a run at the title in 2014. First, we previewed the best U.S. World Cup side ever, and today we examine one of the long-time favorites: the Italians.
Four-time champions Italy will be on a mission to make up for their disastrous World Cup campaign in South Africa, and they look well placed to do so. With another strong squad led by Cesare Prandelli, the Italians are one of the favorites at +1,500 to win this year’s championship.
With the World Cup just days away, now is the time to create a betting account and place a bet on the Azzurri today. Read on for everything you need to know about this international soccer heavyweight.
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Italy 2014 World Cup Preview
The Cesare Prandelli Effect
South Africa 2010 was Italy’s worst showing in the World Cup ever. The Italians failed to win a single game as they shockingly crashed out in a group with Paraguay, Slovakia and New Zealand.
Cesare Prandelli doesn’t let performances like that happen.
[sc:Soccer240banner ]In Prandelli’s previous two tournaments in charge, he led the Italians all the way to the finals of Euro 2012, and to the semifinals of last year’s Confederations Cup, losing to reigning world champions Spain on both occasions.
Under Prandelli, the Italians will be particularly motivated to win their record-tying fifth World Cup in the nation that currently holds the record (Brazil).
Andrea Pirlo’s Swansong
The strongest part of Italy’s team lies in its midfield, with the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Claudio Marchisio, Thiago Motta and other highly-talented and experienced players at Prandelli’s disposal.
But without a doubt, the main cog in that midfield is Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who has stated that he will retire from international football at the end of the World Cup. Pirlo is now 35, but his ability to influence a game remains elite, as his on-field genius helps guide his entire team.
Pirlo is the one who makes this Italian team tick. With his expert poise and pin-point passing, everything runs through him. Italy’s success and failure in the tournament will be intricately linked to their midfield maestro.
Super Mario
At age 21, Mario Balotelli was thrust into the international spotlight to lead the line for Italy in Euro 2012. Balotelli flourished in the role, which culminated with his incredible two-goal performance against Germany in the semifinals.
Now 23 and set for his first World Cup experience, Balotelli (12 goals in 29 caps) is firmly entrenched as Italy’s talisman upfront and is expected to power a team sorely lacking in goals.
Balotelli had a very good season with 17 goals in 39 appearances for AC Milan and he’ll need to carry that form to Brazil for Italy to succeed.
A Suitable Strike Partner
Who Prandelli will pick alongside Balotelli up front remains up in the air. The other six strikers in Italy’s provisional 30-man squad don’t exactly inspire much confidence.
31-year old Antonio Cassano is the most experienced, but has never been the most prolific goalscorer. Giuseppe Rossi scored 16 goals in 21 games for Fiorentina this season, but suffered another major knee injury and seems unlikely to be fit for Brazil.
The other four strikers on the squad (Alessio Cerci, Mattia Destro, Lorenzo Insigne and Ciro Immobile) have a combined two international goals. In the end, no matter who Prandelli picks to travel to Brazil will be celebrated for producing even two goals.
Update: Strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Mattia Destro did not make Cesare Prandelli’s final 23-man World Cup squad.
A Solid Defense
In the absence of an explosive attack, Italy will have to compensate with an air tight defense. Luckily for the Italians, they just so happen to have one. Famed for their resolute defending, the Italians’ latest crop of excellent defenders will be in their primes in Brazil.
Led by the Juventus trio of Andrea Barzagli (33 years old), Giorgio Chielini (29), and Leonardo Bonucci (27) in front of legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon, it will take some doing to get goals past this Italian unit. And while they’re expected to perform, any lapses from this group would spell serious trouble for the Italians.
Writer’s Prediction
Italy finds itself favored (+165) in what is a strong Group D, with challengers Uruguay and England ready to cause problems in the group stage. Still, Italy should find its feet in their first game against the beatable Costa Rica team, and will prevail through to the semifinals of the tournament behind a final virtuoso performance from Pirlo.
