Road to Rio: Italy reborn under Prandelli

Dignitaries from all over the world will gather in Brazil in early December for the FIFA World Cup draw as the field of teams is divided into groups for next summer’s festivities. As part of its “32 teams in 32 days” series, SPORTSNET.CA will profile each of the nations set to compete at Brazil, leading up to the draw on Dec. 6.

Italy has a point to prove in Brazil. The Azzurri entered the 2010 World Cup as the reigning champions, but bowed out in disgrace after failing to earn a win in the first round—they were even held to a draw by minnows New Zealand. Since then, though, manager Cesare Prandelli has rebuilt the team, stressing a possession game based on the Spanish model and a more attack-driven style of play. The transformation has led to one of the most dynamic Italian teams in years, and while it would be a stretch to label the Azzurri as one of the favourites, don’t discount them in Brazil.

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How they got here: Italy’s qualification was never really in doubt, with the Azzurri winning Group B by a comfortable six-point margin over second-place Denmark. After stumbling out of the gate with a 2–2 draw away to Bulgaria, Italy buckled down and took care of Malta, Armenia and Denmark in quick succession before clinching a World Cup berth with two games to spare following a home win over the Czech Republic.

Key result: A 1–0 decision over Bulgaria in Palermo in September put the Italians in firm control of the group, and gave them the chance to wrap things up the following month in Turin against the Czech Republic—who they duly beat in a come-from-behind 2–1 win.

Star player: Discipline continues to be an issue for Mario Balotelli—the AC Milan striker earned three yellow and one red card in the qualifiers. But he was also Italy’s top scorer with five strikes, and scored some important goals along the way, including the winner against the Czechs that sealed Italy’s qualification. When he’s on form, Balotelli is a dangerous player who creates magic and influences the outcome of a game.

Player on the bubble: Giuseppe Rossi is scoring bags of goals this season for Fiorentina, and appears to be reborn at the Tuscan club after recovering from a series of knee injuries. But Rossi was only recently recalled to the national team, and with Italy having a number of options at the forward position, his place on the roster for next year’s tournament in Brazil is far from assured.

Team strengths: Italy has been historically known for its defensive prowess, but Prandelli has reshaped this Azzurri into an attacking force. Italy scored 19 goals in the qualifiers, and has depth at the forward position with Balotelli and Pablo Osvaldo among the team’s quality options up front.

What they need to work on: Too often, Italy plays down to its opponents and does the absolute bare minimum required to gain a result. The team lacks a ruthless edge, and that leads to laboured performances on the pitch. The Italians have to play with a higher intensity level in Brazil—otherwise they’ll get punished.

World Cup history