How will the Italian stars perform in 2010? That is the question many are asking heading into SouthAfrica, as manager Marcello Lippi brings back virtually the same team that won the 2006 World Cup. However, these players are all now four years older, leaving many to question if this squad will be able to match the pace of the opposition for an entire month. Things did not go very well in the 2008 European Championships, and it went even worse for them in last year’s Confederation’s Cup, when the Italians failed to move past the first round.
Advancing beyond the group stage of the 2010 World Cup should not be a problem for the Azzurri. This team not only has the talent to win this group, but they still have the talent to win the tournament, despite the worries over their age. With age comes experience, and Italy has plenty of that. The Italians have always been known for their strong defensive football, and that should once again be the staple of this team in South Africa. Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, and Criscito will form a phenomenal defensive corps that is capable of shutting down the best offensive players in the world. The defense will have to be very good in South Africa, because the offense could struggle at times to score goals. Italy will not require many to win, but Gilardino and Iaquinta will have to have very good tournaments if Italy is going to have any shot at repeating as champions.
Paraguay is one team in Group F that many are thinking could give Italy a run for its money. Paraguay also plays a very strong defensive game, but they love to push men forward on the counter-attack, which places a great deal of pressure on the opposition’s defense. Paraguay is the odds on favourite to capture the second spot in Group F, and will be considered a serious threat to reach the quarterfinals. Their counter-attacking style is made possible due to the skill this team contains up front. Santa Cruz, Valdez, and Cardozo provide manager Gerardo Martino with plenty of options up front. Martino will be hoping his squad avoids the early demise suffered four years ago, when they lost a heart-breaker to England in their first match, and could not recover in their final two matches. Paraguay must avoid placing too much emphasis on their opening match against Italy, because the matches against Slovakia and New Zealand are just as important.
The Slovaks pose the biggest threat for creating an upset, and advancing beyond the group stage. Slovakia is yet another Eastern European country known for their disciplined style of play. However, this roster also boasts a number of great offensive players who bring a great deal of quickness to the pitch. The Slovaks have a tendancy to play a little too conservative at times, but they would be wise to let their players attack, because their speed could give every other team fits. Vladamir Weiss’ side will have to get off to a good start against New Zealand to have any shot at earning a spot in the second round.
Not much is expected of New Zealand. The All Whites qualified out of the easiest group, and their international record does not exactly inspire confidence in the squad. New Zealand will likely play a very cautious defensive game in an effort to keep the score close, giving the team a shot at winning games in the second half. However, a lack of goal scoring and a suspect defense will likely result in an early exit for New Zealand.
Italy’s age will only become a factor later in the tournament, and the Azzurri should enter the second round as Group F winners. Paraguay’s combination of great defensive play along with strong striking ability should be enough to propel the the club through. Slovakia could still surprise, but it will take a fantastic effort against Paraguay on June 20th to do so.
Predictions
1. Italy
2. Paraguay
3. Slovakia
4. New Zealand