Days before this game began, many fans were curious of results that would come out from Italy vs England. Many had argued that Italy would win this game because Italy’s squad has more experiences in World Cup and their defense is just impeccable comparing to England’s. But I had a little bit of doubt for Italy when I heard Buffon would sit out from the game (twisted ankle during practice) because he spearheads The Blue’s defense. So, I had my own thought as if Sturridge and Rooney can disrupt the Italian defense. However, fans guessed it correctly that Italy will win this match and in fact they won 2-1 but not without sweat.
This was the first game of the group stage for these two teams but however, both teams played as if they were in the World Cup finals already. England played in Liverpool style (out of 11 starters, 5 were from Liverpool) while Italy played in manner of the chain with a strong emphasis on defense in order to suffocate England’s counterattacks. England’s manager, Roy Hodgson, used mixture of young stars and experienced veterans such as Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Danny Welbeck, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard, Jordan Henderson, and Leighton Baines to initiate full on attack against Italy’s defense. However, England failed to smile at the end at the final whistle. Here is our match review and player ratings
"Starting XI’sItaly- S. Sirgu; Barzagli, Chiellini, Darmian, Palletta; Marchisio, De Rossi, Verratti, Candreva, Pirlo; Balotelli.England- Hart; Baines, Cahill, Jagielka, Johnson; Henderson, Gerrard; Welbeck, Rooney, Sterling; Sturridge"
First Half
Italy was a little bit shaky at the very beginning first half because the Three Lions had Sturrdige, Sterling, and Rooney constantly pressuring the defense. With Buffon absent for this match, the backline was little bit nervous in the very beginning against England’s attack. For first twenty minutes in the game, England already had Sterling and Henderson shooting at the post but they failed to score. 23 minute down on the first half, England almost scored as Barzano deflected the shot but almost went in. Balotelli had a chance to score on 33rd minute but blows it up as he couldn’t properly get the ball right on his head. However, Italy regains the control of the game as they got the corner kick on 35th minute. On 35th minute, Pirlo completely tricked Sturridge as Sturridge marked him and as the through pass happened, Marchisio took the shot and scored the goal for Italy.
Even though England conceded 1 goal, Italian’s lead didn’t last long as Three Lions counterattacked in two minutes. As Sturridge dribbled past the Italian line, Sturridge passed the ball to Rooney. As Rooney saw Sturridge puncturing the Italian defense on the right, Rooney kicks the ball to Sturridge and Sturridge connects it to the goal. Through Sturridge’s counterattack, it seemed like England’s imitation of Liverpool style was actually producing results as England made the match completely even with the equalizer.
Second Half
However, England’s Liverpool style didn’t last long as they geared up for the second half. 5 minutes in the second half, Candreva gave a super cross and Balotelli crept nearby Gary Cahill and finishes the cross with a header, scoring the goal for Italy. As England trailed behind with Balotelli’s goal, Rooney tried to find the back of the net on 58th minute in but aimed too left of the goal post. After Rooney’s attempt for a goal, England tried to desperately find an equalizer by pressuring Italy even more. Gerrard could have scored on 16th minute, but he lost the ball in front of the net (he could have been a hero of the match if he made that shot in….).
Substitution came in for both teams as Thiego Motta came in for Verretta on 56th minute as Barkley subbed in for Welbeck on 61st minute in order to chase the equalizer. Again, Rooney had a chance to score as he was in a good position but misses again as he aimed wide left (I give up Rooney…). But Italy saw England’s loophole as Baines struggled defensively and tried to get down on the right flank in order to exploit the defensive hole. Again, Rooney brought the disappointment to fans by just giving viewers the worst corner kick in the world. I wondered what was going on in his mind when he made that awkward corner kick which went over the net. Overall, England had numerous chances to score against Italy but Italy prevailed on.
Man-of-the-match
Without further explanation, Pirlo is the true man of the match. Yes, he’s 35 years old and he is very old compared to other young Italian players. But guess what? he completed 96% of his passed and touched the ball 112 times during the game. Also, he successfully tricked Sturrdige on 35th minute and assisted Marchisio who took the moment and found the back of the net easily. Sturridge thought that Pirlo would shoot that ball but Pirlo back passed it to Marchisio, completely catching England’s defenders off guard. Even though England became more aggressive with their attacks, Pirlo was very steady and gave passes to Balotelli which threatened England’s defense every time. Pirlo endlessly harassed England throughout 95 minutes of the game and almost scored a free kick but hit the bar instead. This is the last international tournament Pirlo will be playing and he is retiring from the national team after this World Cup. As one of last matches for Pirlo, this is probably the one of the best games that he has ever played in his international career.
"Player Ratings for ItalySirgu: 7- Even though the void that Buffon left for the game was quite significant, Sirgu filled it in very well. Although he couldn’t do anything with Sturiddge’s goal, he stepped up really well against later shots from Rooney, Sturridge, and Sterling.Darmian: 6- He prevented Rooney from making goals but it was his fault that he let England score the equalizer.Barzagli: 7- Interrupted Welbeck’s attack but completely let Rooney unguarded for the equalizer.Paletta: 4- Completely manipulated by Sturridge even after the equalizer.Chiellini: 6- Defensively great but failed to provide width going forward.de Rossi: 7- His constant pressure and passing was the reason why Italy had this game going.Candreva: 8 Harassed Joe Hart a lot during the first half and beautifully assisted Balotelli for the second goal.Pirlo: 9- I would have given him 10 if he made that free kick in the last 5 minutes of the game but excellent play throughou the game. Manipulated England’s line all the time with his passes and completely tricked Sturridge in that first goal.Verratti: 6-Helped Pirlo well but his passes didn’t really threat England’s line.Marchisio: 7- The accuracy in the shot had put Italy in the lead and frustrated Glen Johnson a lot.Balotelli: 7- Couldn’t do too much during the first half but he beautifully finished the assist given by Candreva solidified Italy’s lead.Motta: 5- he was supposed to strengthen the midfield but really didn’t do too much.Immobile: 6- Replaced Balotelli but didn’t really do anything during the game.Parolo: 6.5- Helped Italy out from dealing with England’s counterattacks.Player Ratings for EnglandHart: 6- Little bit of sloppy moves as England’s defense struggled. Made some decent saves but completely got played by Balotelli on second half.Johnson: 6- Showed mixture of sloppiness and athleticism. Could have done better but he got owned by Marchisio.Jagielka: 7- England’s best defender whatsoever. Really hold Balotelli’s back on first half and second half and made sure England’s line was more solid.Cahill: 5- It was his fault that he let Balotelli completely unguarded and had him scored.Henderson: 6.5- He really couldn’t do too much when Pirlo was passing around. But covered yards, passed well, and made better decisions.Gerrard: 7- Although Gerrard failed to make free kicks and had a few opportunities as well, nevertheless, he organized the team and passed the ball well. As a veteran, he played well.Welbeck: 6.5- Made numerous chances to score but failed to make them. But he was a threat as a right-footer.Sterling: 7.5- Speedy, influential, and thrilling player. Helped Rooney out as he set up Rooney for an assist.Rooney: 5.5- Rooney had numerous chances to score but yet this buffoon failed. He looked very confused and unsure but I will give him a credit for exploiting counterattacks and successfully assisted Sturridge.Sturrdige: 7- Highly effective as he played the game. He gave Sirgu hard time even after the equalizer.Barkley: 6- He threatened Italian defense very well and caught Sirgu off guard.Wilshere: 6.5- Helped England to organize midfield and counterattack against Italy."