COUNTDOWN 16: Ageing Pirlo seeking repeat of Germany 2006 feat

Going into major international competitions, the mantle of leadership and inspiration of any Italian national team are handed to veterans. Therefore, it is no news that the focus is once again on veteran midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, to deliver the goods in Brazil.

Do not get me wrong, the Azzurris are filled with some exciting players: they have the enigmatic duo of Mario Ballotelli and Antonio Cassano, while Gianluigi Buffon leads from the back with spectacular saves. But it is Andrea Pirlo’s special characteristics that make him the main factor if Italy will once again defy the odds.

Pirlo, 35, strong, calm, never one to start a fight or get involved in one, is still the go-to guy in an Italian side that has Captain Buffon and Roma’s vice-captain, Daniele De Rossi. His penchant for the perfect scenario is encompassed in the final of the 2006 World Cup win over France. During the penalty shootout, he went for a chip down the middle, a Panenka, when every other player was feeling the heat over shot or placement. This and many more of his magic saw him labelled a “silent leader”, “safe box”, and “most important player of this generation” by several coaches.

Ever deployed as a deep-lying playmaker or regista, the former AC Milan man’s poise, touch, technique, control, dribbling, second-to-none vision and accurate passing ability will be on full show at Brazil. There is no need in determining the number of assists he has — no — because he mostly does not give the pass that ends moves, rather he starts them, and it is hoped that his team mates can utilizes the plethora of opportunities he will create.

Italy, the 2006 winners, came through the qualifiers undefeated, leading and taking total control of a group that had Czech Republic, Denmark and Bulgaria, which means the Azzurri have now qualified for every World Cup since 1962.

A rich history in the World Cup with four titles (1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006) and two runners-up finishes, the Italians are the second-best of all time on the FIFA World Cup honours scorecard. They have also won the gold trophy twice in a row but the first-round exit sparked a national outcry and the exit of the triumphant 2006 coach, Marcelo Lippi, paving the way for the appointment of quiet but tough-talking Cesare Prandelli.

A midfielder in his active years, Prandelli has injected the team with much-needed youth, be it from Serie A or the regional leagues in the country. Such opportunities led to the emergence of PSG’s Marco Verratti and Roma’s Mattia Destro. Presently, 17-year-old goalkeeping sensation, Simone Scuffet, is on his way to Brazil and is being groomed as Buffon’s replacement.

The 56-year-old former Fiorentina coach has not been afraid to make the tough decisions since taking over, banning both Ballotelli and Cassano from the national side unless they improved on their volatile lifestyles.

Italy was once known for their ultra-defensive approach, with the team shutting up shop at the back and the attackers punishing the opposition on counters. However, Prandelli has set about making his team control games, playing an open style that involves seamless transition from defence to attack through midfield, while also allowing the midfielders to control the pace of the game, depending on the opposition.

Strength

The midfield is where Italy’s strength lies. The trio of Pirlo, De Rossi and Claudio Marchisio will look to instigate quick, lightening attacks; and this has helped the team to early goals. Also, the pace of the forward men — in particular, Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne, if he is considered for a starting spot — will unsettle defences. Pirlo’s set pieces are also an added advantage.

Weakness

Although the defence has Georgio Chiellini at its heart, it is not like the typical Azzurri backline. Chiellini is strong but suffers drop in concentration levels, while Andrea Barzagli is prone to errors. Their fullbacks, whichever ones starts, are also less defending than attacking. The decision to defend wide in zones also hurts the team, especially with an opposition that plays long-range shots.

Last Line

At major tournaments, Italy are unpredictable. But with Prandelli at the helm, expect them to go the distance and surprisingly, expect a well-disciplined Mario Ballotelli.