Italy: Euro 2012 preview

Is there a nation on Earth that is more passionate about soccer than Italy?  Few take as much pride in their soccer as the Italians.  La Forza Azzurri have rewarded its countrymen with four World Cup championships, highest among all European nations.  They produced
legends such as Paolo Rossi, Roberto Baggio, Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro.  Throughout their history they have been known for their excellent defensive tactics and their propensity to select older, veteran players to the national team.  Although they were victorious in the 2006 World Cup, their dismal showing in 2010 led to a changing of the guard. 

With the appointment of Cesare Prandelli as manager, he immediately overhauled the roster to inject youth into the team.  In addition, he realized their need to adapt to soccer’s new era and focus on possession and seizing the offensive. Regardless of the new look, the Italians remain nearly impossible to score on.  This new ideology will change the team over time, but it remains to be seen how much they will initially let go of their defensive approach.

Just one year ago, if someone were to ask about Italy, the first name that I would mention is Giuseppe Rossi.  The American-born Italian was coming off a phenomenal year with Villareal and he received the captain’s armband from Prandelli shortly after becoming manager.  Although it seemed like everything was coming together, Rossi tore two ACL’s over the past year and is unable to participate.  This is a huge blow for the Italians since Rossi would have led their attack.

Is Rossi a huge loss? Yes, but this is Italy.  They have a player or two that can replace him.  One of the most exciting players to watch is also a powder keg that can explode on a whim.  Manchester City’s Mario Balotelli is an extremely gifted player.  He has all of the physical attributes and talent that a player could ask for.  However, his maturity his questionable at best.  He is often involved in controversial activities off the field.  In addition, there are times when he shows a lack of respect for opponents.  Undoubtedly, Balotelli will make headlines.  We can only hope that it is for good reasons.

The Italian midfield will consist of youth, and experience.  While youth has been injected, Juventus’s Andrea Pirlo still runs the team.  This will most likely be the veteran’s swan song on the international level so look for him to use every last drop of gas he has in the tank.

Leading the defense is Juventus’s Giorgio Chiellini.  Chiellini is the newest defensive superstar to wear the Italian jersey.  Similar to Germany’s Bayern Munich contingent, Italy’s Juventus may provide three of the backline’s starting four.  This familiarity with one another will give their defense a strong advantage against the opposition’s attack.  Finally, the Italians have something else supporting their defense, their legendary keeper, Gianluigi Buffon.

Prediction:  Italy offers a strong defense along with a good counter attack. When adding the fact that they will try to play "the beautiful game" and keep possession, they could be a tough team to beat.  They are in a difficult group with defending champion Spain.  Furthermore, Ireland and Croatia are not easy opponents.  The combination of a new ideology with youth proves that Italy is properly building a solid foundation for the future.  However, they are not ready to win it.  I can see them getting through the group stage, but most likely facing defeat in the quarterfinals.

By Lorenzo Zignago