Azzurri Pagelle Thread

Kqql · Jun 5, 2010

Switzerland 1 - Italy 1

Marchetti 6 Incerto all'inizio su un cross di Lichtsteiner, sorpreso da Inler dopo 10', trova modo di riscattarsi solo in pieno recupero, con un bell'intervento su Shaqiri.
Criscito s.v. senza voto.
Bocchetti 6 Forma con Chiellini una coppia centrale solida, che lascia pochissimo all'avversario e si disimpegna senza sbavature.
Zambrotta 6.5 Poca spinta in avanti, ma le cose migliori le fa da difensore puro, con un paio di chiusure fondamentali nella prima mezz'ora.
Maggio 6.5 Un buonissimo primo tempo: cercato spesso dai compagni, va ripetutamente al cross, mettendo in difficoltà Ziegler. Stranamente poco servito invece nella ripresa.
Chiellini 6 In ripresa dopo l'infortunio, controlla senza problemi gli attaccanti avversari.
De Rossi s.v. senza voto.
Gattuso 6.5 Ha tanta voglia di far vedere che non è solo un uomo-spogliatoio, ma può anche dare un solido contributo in mezzo al campo. Corre, lotta su tutti i palloni e affronta a muso duro gli avversari. Per lui non ci sono mai amichevoli.
Palombo 6.5 Lui più di Montolivo sembra il sostituto ideale di Pirlo. Ci mette un po' a carburare, poi si distingue con una prestazione concreta e attenta.
Montolivo 5.5 Inizio promettente, il gol nasce da una sua iniziativa, poi però sparisce. Deve metterci più personalità.
Cossu 5.5 Prova a ritagliarsi un ruolo, ma sulla fascia fatica a mettersi in mostra.
Gilardino s.v. senza voto.
Quagliarella 6.5 Tra i migliori non solo per il gol, ma anche perché si mette con umiltà al servizio della squadra ripiegando spesso sulla linea dei centrocampisti.
Pazzini 5.5 Si impegna tantissimo, ma non gli arrivano rifornimenti adeguati.
Di Natale 6 Prova qualche giocata, non ha molti minuti a disposizione per rendersi pericoloso.
Iaquinta s.v. senza voto
Pepe 6 Contribuisce a dare un po' più di vivacità all'attacco azzurro.

http://www.datasport.it/news/2010/giugno/5/28718/amichevoli-pagelle-svizzera-italia.html
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Marchetti: 6 - Wasn’t really tested between the posts and could only get a hand on Inler’s laserbeam in the first half.

Zambrotta: 6 - The veteran defender was sporting the captain’s armband this evening and made a fabulous block on Behrami in the 17th minute. The AC Milan man had his hands full with Lichtsteiner’s runs but made some nice last-ditch clearances.

Chiellini: 6.5 - Juve’s tower of power made a vital sliding clearance in the early going and was solid throughout. He did an excellent job frustrating Frei tonight.

Bocchetti: 6 - Like his partner in central defence he shut down the Switzerland captain and did not look out of place tonight, although he had next to nothing to do in what was a drab second half.

Maggio: 6.5 - He was beaten on the flank on a couple of occasions by Fernandes but he started to get forward in the late stages of the first half as was evident by his great run in the 39th minute. He was always available on the flank and his forays into the Swiss half were all Italy could really muster in the second half.

Gattuso: 6.5 - The Calabrese pitbull showed his toughness by squaring up to the much bigger N’Kufo. Can hold his head up high after his performance tonight.

Palombo: 6 - A steady if not unspectacular performance in the middle of the park. He picked up a knock midway through the first half and that seemed to limit his effectiveness.

Montolivo: 6 - His lax defending allowed Inler to blast home the opening goal of the game. Made up for his mistake by providing the cross that led to Quagliarella’s equaliser.

Cossu: 5.5 - Received a surprise start but failed to really strut his stuff against the Swiss tonight and was hooked at half-time.

Quagliarella: 7 - The Napoli man showed good fighting spirit to stay with the ball and out-jump Senderos to head Italy back on level terms. A good outing and did his chances of receiving some playing time at the World Cup no harm.

Pazzini: 5.5 - Had a chance at the end of the first half but missed the ball by mere inches. Didn’t receive too much service but wasn’t a vintage performance by any means.

Substitutes:

Pepe: 6 – A non-factor on the flank.

Di Natale: 6 – Wasn’t able to find the winning goal for Italy.

Gilardino: A quiet 13-minute cameo.

Criscito: NA

Iaquinta: NA
http://www.goal.com/en/news/1127/pl.../1960382/player-ratings-switzerland-1-1-italy
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ITALIA (4-3-3)
http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/specialemondialicalcio/articoli/articolo34357.shtml
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Kqql · Jun 14, 2010

Italy 1 - Paraguay 1

BUFFON 5,5 - Sul gol non ha colpe, ma già prima non esce su un pallone che svolacchia nella sua area piccola. Non sembra in palla, probabilmente per via del risentimento che costringe Lippi a cambiarlo a fine primo tempo

MARCHETTI (dal 1' st) sv - Fa presenza perché, nonostante un paio di brividi, non deve fare una sola parata.

ZAMBROTTA 6,5 - Il "letargo" milanista evidentemente gli ha giovato. Galoppa sulla fascia come ai vecchi tempo, raddoppiando sempre su Pepe e dando una mano anche in fase difensiva.

CANNAVARO 6 - L'avvio della sua partita sembra l'"innaturale" coda del Mondiale di Germania. Con il passare dei minuti, qualche errorino lo fa, anche se il Paraguay non punge e lui e Chiellini non devono dannarsi troppo l'anima per fermare Barrios e Valdez. Sul gol di Alcaraz ha qualche responsabilità

CHIELLINI 6 - Partita onesta, senza grossi acuti in controllo di un avversario non certo tra i più pericolosi

CRISCITO 6,5 - Comincia pianino, restando piantato in difesa come un omino del Subbuteo. Con il passare dei minuti prende coraggio e si fa vedere nella metacampo avversaria per spedire al centro cross interessanti. Anche lui sembra in buonissima condizione

DE ROSSI 6,5 - Sulla rete del Paraguay la colpa è più sua che di Cannavaro. Nel primo tempo, abbandonato da solo a protezione della difesa, fatica a prendere le misure agli avversari. Nelle ripresa cresce con il passare dei minuti e firma il gol dell'importantissimo 1-1

MONTOLIVO 7 - Gioca da subito con grande personalità da regista puro. Smista moltissimi palloni e cerca quasi sempre la verticalizzazione sbagliando davvero pochino. Quando arriva al limite non ci pensa due volte e prova il tiro impegnando Villar. Alla luce dell'assenza di piedi buoni a ridosso delle punte, anche con il rientro di Pirlo potrebbe ritagliarsi un posticino da titolare. Bravo davvero.

MARCHISIO 4,5 - Magari non sarà tutta colpa sua perché il ruolo glielo sceglie Lippi, ma sulla trequarti, onestamente, non ne fa una giusta. Non trova la posizione tra le linee e non riesce a venire a cercare il pallone per servire Gilardino o gli esterni. Anche fisicamente non pare al top.

CAMORANESI (dal 14' st) 5 - All'inizio non sembra male, ma l'infortunio che ne ha compromesso la preparazione evidentemente pesa. Perde palloni importanti e si becca un giallo inutile.

PEPE 7 - Era segnalato in gran forma e, in effetti, la condizione fisica è impressionante. Prima a destra e poi a sinistra è l'unico azzurro a saltare l'avversario. Si impegna moltissimo anche in fase difensiva, coprendo tutti i varchi sulle fasce.

IAQUINTA 5,5 - Meglio di Gilardino, ma non abbastanza positivo da strappare un 6. Al solito corre come un disperato ma sbaglia anche tantissimo nella finalizzazione.

GILARDINO 5 - Sbattersi si sbatte, per carità, e certamente non è assistito a dovere dai compagni, ma un centravanti che non tira una sola volta in porta qualche colpa l'avrà pure, no? Ha due mezze occasioni e in entrambe è troppo macchinoso per diventare efficace

DI NATALE (dal 27' st) 6,5 - Ha buone idee e prova un paio di aperture non male. La misura non è ancora perfetta, ma questa posizione a ridosso della prima punta è la sua ed è quella in cui può davvero fare la differenza. Vista la difficoltà che abbiamo sulla trequarti, sembra l'uomo giusto per andare all'uno contro uno a cercare la superiorità numerica negli ultimi 25 metri

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/specialemondialicalcio/articoli/articolo35046.shtml
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Buffon: 6 – Could do little about Alcaraz’s goal after shambolic defending by his colleagues. That apart he was fairly untroubled before being withdrawn at half-time due to a back injury.

Zambrotta: 6 – After his early mix-up with Cannavaro he whipped in one super cross just over the head of Gilardino. He remained more adept going forward than at the back, delivering balls fairly well with both feet.

Cannavaro: 5.5 – Looked like the Fabio Cannavaro of 2006 early on, but had one mix-up with Zambrotta and then failed to get off the ground as Alcaraz headed home. Thereafter he was unconvincing at best as Barrios caused him problems.

Chiellini: 6 – Very harshly penalised for the free-kick which led to Paraguay’s opener. That apart he enjoyed a decent battle with Valdez, without ever really dominating the lively forward.

Criscito: 5.5 – Lacked the composure of an experienced World Cup player, but showed signs to suggest that he might work his way into form over the tournament.

De Rossi: 6.5 – Tried to head blind as he was beaten in the air by Alcaraz when Paraguay took the lead. His midfield play was tidy, but it took his scuffed equaliser to really re-inject him with confidence and he suddenly began to look like the Daniele De Rossi who plays for Roma.

Montolivo: 5.5 – Did well to fashion a breakaway opportunity when he pressured Vera, but his rushed shot was weak. Gave Villar more to worry about with a stinging drive in the second half and looked competent on the ball, but really seemed set to be the difference-maker and had no presence defensively.

Marchisio: 5 – Looked busy enough on the ball, but his play often bore little fruit and he didn’t have the required bite in the tackle. Replaced by Camoranesi on the hour.

Pepe: 7 – An all-action display on both wings. Caused all sorts of problems for Paraguay early on and then battled superbly when he switched to the left in the second half. His excellent flag-kick coaxed Villar into gifting De Rossi the equaliser.

Gilardino: 5 – He was left to ply a lone role for the most part, often exposed by the lack of support from his team-mates. Saw more of the ball after the switch in formation at the break, but still couldn’t forge a real goalscoring chance and was replaced by Di Natale.

Iaquinta: 5 – Looked lost at times as Italy lacked cohesion. Seemed to have a lack of understanding of his role as he often left Gilardino to fight the cause alone up front. Later moved to the centre but had little more to shout about there.

Subs:

Marchetti: NA – Hardly tested after replacing the injured Buffon.

Camoranesi: 4.5 – A booking for a clumsy challenge and further dangerous tackles were the sum total of his contribution after being introduced.

Di Natale: NA

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1127/pl...ld-cup-2010-player-ratings-italy-1-1-paraguay
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Kqql · Jun 20, 2010

Italy 1 - New Zealand 1

MARCHETTI sv - Il suo "non farò passare niente" della vigilia diventa da ultime parole famose al settimo minuto quando Smeltz lo fulmina al primo tiro in porta. Nella ripresa un tiraccio da fuori per poco non lo beffa di nuovo. Per il resto non deve fare una sola parata. Insomma, fortunato non è di certo

ZAMBROTTA 6,5 - E' il solo a correre senza palla, cercando sempre la sovrapposizione su Pepe prima e Camoranesi poi. Nel primo tempo un suo sinistro non trova la porta per un nulla. Nella ripresa va di nuovo vicino al gol. Fa più lui di Gilardino e Pazzini messi assieme. Cala nel finale e ci mancherebbe, ma almeno lui ci mette impegno

CANNAVARO 5 - Ok, Smeltz è in fuorigioco, ma lui dov'è? Basta un pallone buttato dentro dalla trequarti per mandarlo in crisi. Nella ripresa Wood lo salta come un birillo e per poco non trova il 2-1. Per il resto solo sportellate con Fallon che gli rifila pure un paio di gomitate. Non la migliore domenica della sua vita

CHIELLINI 6 - Un po' meglio di Cannavaro in fase difensiva, ha sulla coscienza un gol grande così nel primo tempo. Segnare non sarebbe il suo mestiere, sia chiaro, ma da quella posizione - tre metri massimo - per non prendere nemmeno la porta ce ne vuole...

CRISCITO 5,5 - Un passo indietro rispetto alla partita contro il Paraguay. Va poco sul fondo anche se è dal suo piede che parte il cross del rigore su De Rossi

PEPE 6 - Meno positivo rispetto alla gara contro il Paraguay, ma comunque non da bocciare. Lippi lo toglie alla fine del primo tempo e la sua sostituzione, onestamente, lascia perplessi

CAMORANESI (dal 1' st) 5,5 - Comincia malissimo, sbagliando tutto il possibile e trotterellando per il campo come nella peggiore delle giornate. Nel finale cresce un po' e azzecca un paio di verticalizzazioni e per poco non beffa Paston con un destro da fuori. Non abbastanza per strappare un sei...

MONTOLIVO 7 - Lucido, intelligente, sempre bravo a gestire il pallone e a cercare la verticalizzazione. Nel primo tempo un suo destro si stampa sul palo. Nella ripresa è sempre una sua conclusione a mettere i brividi ai neozelandesi. Meno male che non doveva essere titolare

DE ROSSI 6 - Si procura il rigore. Poi... si procura il rigore. Insomma, quasi nulla di più. Timido, troppo timido per essere il centrocampista più esperto che abbiamo.

MARCHISIO 4,5 - Dopo l'esordio terribile come trequartista alle spalle di Gilardino, Lippi prova a dirottarlo sulla sinistra del 4-4-2. Lo juventino conferma il momento di forma onestamente scadente e, dopo 16 minuti da trequartista nel secondo tempo, abbandona mestamente anche la sua seconda partita sudafricana

PAZZINI (dal 16' st) 5 - Prende il posto di Gilardino e non fa molto meglio di lui. Una sponda per Montolivo da rincorrerlo con il bastone e nulla più.

IAQUINTA 6,5 - Nel primo tempo fatica un po' a trovare la posizione alle spalle di Gilardino e corre un po' a casaccio per il campo. E' un fatto, però, che sia suo il gol dal dischetto e che sia il solo attaccante azzurro a rendersi di tanto in tanto pericoloso

GILARDINO 4,5 - Una partita e mezza, zero tiri in porta. Mica male per il centravanti dei campioni del Mondo. Sempre anticipato dai centrali neozelandesi. Il massimo della vita è un colpo di testa a lato

DI NATALE (dal 1' st) 6 - Almeno ci prova, anche se ogni volta che mette la maglia azzurra sembra il cugino sfigato dell'attaccante imprendibile di Udine. Un paio di buone iniziative, un tiraccio appena entrato e molta corsa.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/specialemondialicalcio/articoli/articolo35395.shtml
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Marchetti- 6: Did not have a real save to make for the entire 90 minutes, as New Zealand concentrated on defending.

Zambrotta- 4.5: Got forward several times in the first-half, but there was no end product from the veteran full-back.

Cannavaro- 5.5: Failed to clear the ball on the first goal, even though there were suspicions of offside, and he paid dearly for his mistake. Afterwards, he dealt comfortably enough with what little the Oceanians did going forward.

Chiellini- 7: Solid and uncompromising at the back, he was never troubled by the attackers and won many physical battles with ease for his side.

Criscito- 5: Nervous most of the time, he was defensively solid enough. Had some nice link-up play with Di Natale, but like Zambrotta he failed to make any real contribution coming forward.

Pepe- 5.5: Not as effective as he was in their first match against Paraguay. He continued his hard work on the wing, but did not create as many openings as Lippi would have liked and was removed at half-time for Camoranesi.

De Rossi- 6.5: Played well sitting in front of the defence, but did not provide the leadership and power in attack that he has previously. Nonetheless, he easily nullified the All Whites midfield. He also went down a bit easily on the penalty call.

Montolivo- 7: Italy's spark for long periods, Montolivo was unlucky not to find the back of the net today as he hit the post in the first-half and saw a long range strike brilliantly denied by the goalkeeper in the second. His passing was also spot on.

Marchisio- 4.5: Again played out of position, this time as a winger instead in support of the strikers, the Juventus midfielder failed to take advantage of any space afforded to him and did not link up well. Was substituted in the second-half.

Gilardino- 4: Denied much service, but he was once again completely anonymous and did not provide any real threat for the Azzurri.

Iaquinta- 6: Expert finish from the penalty spot and had a dangerous header in the second-half, but there was too little from the Juventus striker.

Substitutes

Di Natale- 6.5: Some nice movements in attack, at least he took the initiative and caused problems for the New Zealand defence. He had a volley saved and put in plenty of crosses for his team-mates.

Camoranesi- 5: A few bright moments, but looked a step too slow and failed to make the most of when he had the ball.

Pazzini- 4: Like Gilardino, you'd be hard pressed to even recall a contribution he made to the match. He was given a chance to impress today, but did not take it when thrown in to try and find a winner.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1863/wo...cup-2010-player-ratings-italy-1-1-new-zealand
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Kqql · Jun 24, 2010

Italy 2 - Slovakia 3

Marchetti 5,5 Non ha colpe da fustigazione, ma è sempre quel pelo in ritardo, attanagliato anche lui da un terrore che gli si legge in volto. Non è reattivo sul gol di Vittek e anche sul letale 3-1 slovacco si ha la sensazione che scatti un secondo di troppo. Troppa roba, per uno così acerbo a livello inetrnazionale

Zambrotta 5 La carrozza è tornata zucca e il revival del 2006 finisce qui, almeno a livello fisico. Spinge poco e male, perlomeno, a differenza di altri, combina pochi guai in fase difensiva. Rimane in campo fino alla fine, ma sostanzialmente si trascina già dopo un'ora di gioco

Cannavaro 4 E' fortunato perché il tempo, specie nello sport, cancella le cose brutte e perpetua quelle belle. Tra qualche anno, sarà tornato per tutti noi solo ed esclusivamente il gladiatore di Berlino, il capitano azzurro che alza la Coppa del Mondo. Oggi è il simbolo della clamorosa disfatta, a cui lui ha collaborato sul campo commettendo errori (anticipi, scelte, tutto) e, soprattutto, non risultando utile nemmeno dal punto di vista del carisma, della leadership nei confronti di un gruppo perlopiù composto da bravi ragazzi.

Chiellini 5 Lui avrebbe i titoli per figurare in altre Italie che furono, e lo dimostra nella prima fascia della ripresa, quando prova da solo (va beh, c'è anche Cannavaro) a difendere sui contropiede degli slovacchi. Il muro crolla in occasione del raddoppio slovacco, quando si fa sorprendere in maniera imbarazzante da Vittek. Parafrasando Paolo Conte in "Bartali", il suo naso è più triste che mai.

Criscito 4 Visino pulito, da bimbo, perfetto per rappresentare l'inadeguatezza di un ragazzo alle prese con un palcoscenico e delle responsabilità troppo più grandi di lui. Come Pepe, come Montolivo, è la bandiera dell'Italia dei "bamboccioni", che crescono nella bambagia di un campionato e di squadre che non chiedono loro più di tanto. Poi, alla resa dei conti di un mondiale, ci si accorge che non hanno gambe per camminare da soli.

Maggio 6 A destra dal primo della ripresa, con Zambrotta a sinistra. Vista la tragedia sportiva in corso, non gli viene chiesto di difendere più di tanto: e almeno in attacco si dà da fare e regala a Di Natale l'assist per l'1-1: sprecato, come questo mondiale azzurro

Gattuso 6 Può solo recitare la parte di Ringhio Gattuso: urlare, caricare, correre fino a che il fiato e le gambe, che non sono più gli stessi, lo reggono. Fa il suo dovere fino all'ultimo, che nel suo caso è il 45° minuto. Poi Lippi decide di rinunciare alla prudenza, e lo sacrifica. Avrebbe meritato ben altro addio a una maglia a cui ha dato tantissimo.

Quagliarella 6,5 Centimetri. Quelli che gli impediscono di entrare negli annali come il salvatore della patria pallonara. Centimetri maledetti in occasione della respinta sulla linea di Skrtel, ancora più maledetti su quel fuorigioco visto con acutezza inedita dal collaboratore di Webb: era il 2-2 a 6 minuti dalla fine, sarebbe cambiata la storia di questa partita, magari anche quella del mondiale azzurro. Segna il 2-3 e praticamente anche il primo gol azzurro, lascia il Sudafrica in lacrime e con l'etichetta di grande occasione persa da Lippi.

De Rossi 4 Tradisce anche lui, ed è l'ineluttabile segnale che bisogna tirare giù la saracinesca e andare a casa. I suoi inserimenti offensivi, che avevano tenuto in piedi la baracca con Paraguay e Nuova Zelanda, rimangono lettera morta. E consegna, con una leggerezza inconcepibile per uno come lui, la palla dell'1-0 alla Slovacchia.

Montolivo 4 Se c'era una piccola certezza che ci eravamo costruiti a fatica nei precedenti 180 minuti e spiccioli, era lui, Riccardo il Putto, pronto a raccogliere la fiaccola lasciata dai campioni del mondo. Sì, ciao. Alla partita della verità, la suddetta fiaccola gli brucia le mani e si rivede il Montolivo incerto, personalità zero di certe domeniche fiorentine. Lippi decide che è meglio Pirlo con una gamba sola che lui con due.

Pirlo 6 Non sta bene, è evidente, si capisce alla prima corsetta, alla prima veronica "alla Pirlo" con palla che rotola in fallo laterale. Dice sì a Lippi rischiando del suo. Teniamolo fuori dai processi, per favore: semmai ci si chiede a che punto fosse arrivato il c.t. per ricorrere, con 35 minuti ancora da giocare e con un solo gol di svantaggio, a una soluzione così disperata e nevrotica.

Pepe 4 "Er chiacchiera" ritorna il simpatico, volenteroso e altrettanto inutile giocatore della categoria "né carne, né pesce", probabilmente confuso dal frullatore tattico di Lippi. Il solito impegno, il solito onesto agonismo che gli fa rischiare anche il cartellino rosso nella ripresa. Non fa la punta esterna, non stringe vicino a Iaquinta, non fa l'esterno puro, aiuta poco dietro lasciando solo lo smarritissimo Criscito. E soprattutto non segna. perché quell'occasione colossale, netta, perfetta per un ex-attaccante grida vendetta al cielo. La sbucciata che ci rimette sull'aereo per l'Italia si candida a essere la copertina del peggiore Mondiale di sempre in 100 anni di storia azzurra.

Iaquinta 4 Niente giri di parole: un disastro. Forse non è più abituato - alla Juve non succede da tempo - a ricoprire il ruolo di prima punta. Ma tra movimenti, sponde e conclusioni è un pianto colossale: nessuno avrebbe creduto di rimpiangere Gilardino.

Di Natale 5,5 Un tiro (alle stelle) dopo pochi secondi di partita fa ben sperare, poi cade anche lui nel gorgo azzurro del primo tempo. Quando l'Italia, finalmente, dà segni di vita, lui c'è: l'errore del possibile 1-1 a inizio ripresa, però, è da codice penale, è veramente la definitiva svolta negativa di questa partita maledetta. Segna l'1-2 parziale, cerca il gol fino all'ultimo secondo, ma non lo trova, condannato anche lui dall'invisibile tribunale del calcio.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/specialemondialicalcio/articoli/articolo35667.shtml
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Marchetti: 5 – Can’t be held completely culpable for the three goals, but his inability to cover his near post on the second will be put under the microscope. Left to defend by himself at times.

Zambrotta: 5 – Looked a lot better on the left than the right, as he was given more license to get forward.

Cannavaro: 4.5 – Cruely exposed for his lack of pace on more than one occasion as Slovakia regularly gave him the runaround. His international career ends with memories of him lifting the World Cup a long way from the mind.

Chiellini: 5.5 – Made several cover challenges as he was often left short-handed at the back, but he was slow to react as Vittek slotted home the second.

Criscito: 5 – Seemed one of Italy’s livelier players in the opening half, but was withdrawn by Marcello Lippi at the interval.

Gattuso: 4.5 – Clearly off the pace for a game of this importance. After only a handful of appearances for Milan, and no minutes until today in the World Cup, he was yanked after 45 minutes as things became urgent for the Azzurri.

De Rossi: 4 – Almost certainly his worst game in an Azzurri shirt. Regularly lost his man, and, crucially, lost the ball far too easily to gift Vittek the opener. His game never recovered thereafter.

Montolivo: 4.5 – Couldn’t force any kind of positive influence before being withdrawn just after half-time.

Pepe: 5 – Looked to get the ball into the box as often as possible, but his endeavour only took him so far, and his lack of a left foot cost him the chance to make it 3-3 at the death.

Iaquinta: 4.5 – His nice flick helped Quagliarella open the door for Di Natale’s lifeline goal, but it was about his only decent contribution in yet another disappointing display from the front man.

Di Natale: 5 – Looked Italy’s most likely for the large part, but he fluffed his lines too often for a man who topped Serie A’s scoring charts this season. Personifies the gap between mid-table club football and the international game.

Subs:

Maggio: 5 – Appeared a positive substitution on paper, but he was caught on the back foot far too often as Slovakia broke at will. Not an international full back on this showing.

Quagliarella: 6.5 – A decent introduction as he scored one, forced the opening for the other and had one controversially ruled out. But play-acting takes away a possible 7.5 rating.

Pirlo: 5.5 – Certainly had a positive impact on the ball, but nowhere near the impact a fit Pirlo of old would have been able to contribute.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1127/player-ratings/2010/06/24/1992960/player-ratings-slovakia-3-2-italy
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Kqql · Aug 10, 2010

Italy 0 - Ivory Coast 1

ITALIA (4-2-3-1):
Sirigu 6;
Motta 6 (25' st Cassani 6), Bonucci 4,5, Chiellini 5,5, Molinaro 5;
Palombo 6 (36' st Montolivo sv), De Rossi 6;
Pepe 5,5 (29' st Marchisio sv), Cassano 6 (25' st G.Rossi 6), Balotelli 6,5 (14'st Quagliarella 5,5);
Amauri 5,5 (14' st Borriello 6).
A disposizione: Viviano, Mirante, Antonini, Astori, Lucchini, Lazzari. All.: Prandelli

Balotelli 6,5 - Il più atteso, il più positivo. Finché le gambe lo reggono (vale la pena ricordare che la sua preparazione con l'Inter, tra acciacchi e mercato, è stata imperfetta), Mario mette in campo la parte buona del suo repertorio, con movimento, pochi palloni persi, qualche recupero difensivo e un paio di bordate che, in avvio, sfiorano i pali della porta ivoriana. Chi vuole essere maligno fino in fondo, spieghi il tutto con la necessità di mostrare agli inglesi quanto valga. Noi preferiamo pensare che, finalmente, abbia capito da subito cosa vuol dire vestire la maglia della Nazionale.

Cassano 6 - Il genio non esce mai del tutto dalla lampada, ma Fantantonio, nel primo tempo, dimostra di meritare la fiducia di Prandelli cercando di prendere in mano la squadra, di mettere in campo quella fantasia che ci è tanto mancata. Di aiutare la difesa non se ne parla, ma più di un pallone consegnatogli dagli spompati Palombo e De Rossi trova la strada buona. Crolla nella ripresa, come tanti altri.

Amauri 5,5 - Non si può dire che fino al gol della Costa d'Avorio, l'Italia produca in avanti il nulla assoluto: il discusso italo-brasiliano si fa vedere quando c'è da spizzare o da colpire di testa, sulle palle a terra suggerite da Cassano è sempre e perennemente anticipato. Prova molto volenterosa, ma non è questo il terminale che serve se l'ideazione del gioco negli ultimi 30 metri sarà nei piedi di Fantantonio e Balotelli.

Bonucci 4,5 - Dicano, diciamo, dite quello che volete di Marcello Lippi e delle sue scelte sudafricane, ma nessuno tiri in ballo l'ostracismo dato al neo-difensore juventino ai Mondiali, dove, dopo l'inquietante test di prova col Messico, venne lasciato perennemente in panchina. Incerto, fuori posizione, ingenuo e palesemente condizionato dall'inesperienza, Bonucci scricchiola nel primo tempo e crolla nella ripresa, quando è il maggiore colpevole sul gol-partita di Touré (dove si fa scavalcare dal cross molle di Demel) e rimane in tilt sballando rilanci e beccandosi un'ammonizione. Ranocchia, cresci alla svelta...

Molinaro 5 - Il fiero combattente che la Bundesliga aveva restituito al calcio italiano riveste i panni fantozziani del suo ultimo periodo juventino. Anche nella fase migliore dell'Italia, nel primo quarto di partita, lui se ne rimane tremebondo a tenere la posizione, non scende mai a raddoppiare Balotelli sulla fascia forse temendo i mancati recuperi difensivi dell'attaccante bresciano. Però anche in difesa non dà mai una sensazione di sicurezza e non è casuale, dopotutto, che il gol della Costa d'Avorio nasca dalla sua fascia. A Londra non si può essere bruciato nessuno e tantomeno lui: certo, ha sprecato una grande, grande occasione.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo39324.shtml?refresh_cens
Click to expand...

Salvatore Sirigu 6.0
Got down well to smother Eboue's first half shot, but immediately showed hesitancy before he and Chiellini eventually closed out Gervinho. Couldn't really be apportioned blame on Kolo Toure's goal.

Marco Motta 6.0
Failed to get close enough to Tiene as he fed through for Gervinho, but generally played Kalou well. Could have capped off a decent performance with a goal but could only find the outside of the post with a toe-poke from 15 yards.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0
Continues to grow as a defender alongside Chiellini and arguably looked the better of the two at times, though he was pulled out of position now and then by the mobile Ivorian attack.

Giorgio Chiellini 7
Twice forced across to see off Tiote midway through the first half as Ivory Coast gave Italy questions to answer. Showed signs of fallibility under the Ivorians' powerful attacks, and will have hoped to do more as Toure headed home.

Cristian Molinaro 5
Failed to make a real impact on the left, and failed to deal with the threat of Demel as the right-back set up the winner.

Simone Pepe 6.0
Provided a decent alternative to the creative duo alongside him, but rarely managed to leave Tiene with real questions to answer.

Angelo Palombo 5.5
Spent much of the time trying to keep up with a strong, mobile, free-flowing Ivorian midfield line, but very nearly helped Cassano set up Amauri late in the first half.

Antonio Cassano 7.0
Immediately displayed the kind of ability Italy have missed in recent times by feeding the likes of Balotelli and Pepe with nonchalant excellence. Very nearly produced the game's first goal when crossing superbly after being put in by Balotelli, but he faded out of the game in the second half and was replaced by Rossi.

Daniele De Rossi 5.5
The skipper patrolled the midfield with authority as ever, but never really overly-influenced proceedings. Nearly got his name on the scoresheet with a whipped free-kick effort in the first half.

Mario Barwuah Balotelli 6.5
Quite how many free-kicks Balotelli won was difficult to tally, such was his nuisance value to the Ivorian defence. He was at the heart of many Italian breaks and linked well with Cassano for the most part.

Amauri 5.5
Enjoyed quite a battle with Zokora as he led the line ahead of his lively support cast, but didn't really hold up enough of the ball or win enough of his encounters to call his debut an outright success.

• Substitutions
Mattia Cassani N/A
Brilliantly outfoxed Tiene twice before lofting a left foot cross into the danger area after replacing Motta late on.

Giuseppe Rossi N/A
His superb lofted pass towards Borriello so nearly marked a spectacular entrance after replacing Cassano.

Fabio Quagliarella 5.5
Had a great chance to make an immediate impact, but snatched at his shot from the edge of the area.

Marco Borriello 5.5
Looked to drop off the last man regularly in a bid to get clear efforts in on goal, but never really looked like making the breakthrough.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/49703/ivory-coast-vs-italy/player-ratings
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deleted · Aug 11, 2010

Totally random, but i didn't want to open a new thread. How is the best way to say "the divine ponytail" in italian? la coda di cavallo divino?

NickyViola · Aug 11, 2010

haha Only goal.com could have given Italy 7 pagelle of 6 or higher for that match. Awesome stuff.

Il Divin Codino (play on Dante)

deleted · Aug 11, 2010

NickyViola said: ↑

Il Divin Codino (play on Dante)
Click to expand...

final answer....lock it in?

NickyViola · Aug 11, 2010

Totally, unless you really want to say The Tail of a Divine Horse.

deleted · Aug 11, 2010

NickyViola said: ↑

Totally, unless you really want to say The Tail of a Horse Divine.
Click to expand...

shush!

deleted · Aug 11, 2010

seeing as calcio is football, would calciotore follow to be footballer?

Canadian Azzurri · Aug 11, 2010

Calciatore.

deleted · Aug 11, 2010

Canadian Azzurri said: ↑

Calciatore.
Click to expand...

word .....

Kqql · Sep 3, 2010

Estonia 1 - Italy 2

Italia (4-3-3):
Sirigu 4,5;
Cassani 6, Bonucci 5,5, Chiellini 5, Molinaro 6;
Montolivo 6 (30' st Palombo 6); Pirlo 6,5, De Rossi 6;
Pepe 5 (14' st Quagliarella 6), Pazzini 6, Cassano 6,5 (34' st Antonelli sv).

A disp.: Viviano, De Silvestri, Gilardino, Bovo, Palombo. All.: Prandelli
http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo41174.shtml
Click to expand...

Sirigu 5.0
Gifted Estonia the lead after failing to hold Vassiljev’s powerful free kick. Not the performance he will have hoped for with the number 1 jersey still up for grabs in the absence of Gianluigi Buffon.

Mattia Cassani 5.5
Made decent ground down the right but was often guilty of hit-and-hope crossing as he failed to find the danger men inside the box.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5
Once again underlined his ability to find himself in the right place at the right time to put the Azzurri in front on 65 minutes.

Giorgio Chiellini 5.5
Although guilty of some gung-ho defending during the opening minutes, the Juventus man kept the Azzurri ahead with some vital blocks as the Estonians pushed forward late on.

Cristian Molinaro 6.5
Failed to get forward enough down the left flank and was kept busy by Vassiljev’s runs. Cannot be faulted for his commitment at the back after leaving the field with numerous battle scars.

Riccardo Montolivo 5.0
Put in a busy shift in the middle of the park and was relieved of his duties late on as Prandelli looked to close out the result with Angelo Palombo’s muscle in front of the back four.

Andrea Pirlo 7.0
Orchestrated his side to perfection early on but was made to pay as the Azzurri started to rush things after going a goal behind. The captain turned provider after the break with a pinpoint corner for Antonio Cassano.

Daniele De Rossi 6.0
Often rushed things at times to the discontent of coach Prandelli on the touchline. Proved his worth in quantity in the middle of the park, but given his nervy performance lacked his regular quality.

Simone Pepe 5.0
The winger was given the chance to roam forward after being utilised in an attacking trident alongside Cassano and Pazzini. Despite his more advanced position he failed to cause the threat his coach was looking for.

Giampaolo Pazzini 6.5
Combined well up top alongside Sampdoria strike partner Cassano. Although he failed to get his name on the score sheet, the hitman is clearly the future of the Azzurri front-line.

Antonio Cassano 7.5
Restored parity for the Azzurri on the hour mark with a well taken header inside the box. Showed why he cannot be overlooked for Italy with a wonderful backheeled assist for Leonardo Bonucci on 59 minutes.

• Substitutions

Luca Antonelli N/A
N/A Handed his Azzurri debut in the closing stages.

Angelo Palombo 6.0
Thrown on in place of Montolivo to protect the lead late on and didn’t disappoint as Estonia looked to snatch a late draw.

Fabio Quagliarella 6.0
Made a positive impact following his second-half entry with a more direct approach than the disappointing Simone Pepe.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/50467/estonia-vs-italy/player-ratings
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Kqql · Sep 7, 2010

Italy 5 - Faroe Islands 0

Italia
Viviano sv,
De Silvestri 6, Bonucci 6, Chiellini 6, Antonelli 6.5,
Montolivo 6.5, Pirlo 7, De Rossi 6.5 (31' st Palombo 6),
Rossi 6 (13' st Quagliarella 6.5), Cassano 7
Gilardino 6.5 (13' st Pazzini 6)

(23 Sirigu, 16 Cassani, 3 Molinaro, 15 Gastaldello). All. Prandelli 6.5

http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2010/09/07/news/diretta_italia_far_oer-6847717
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Viviano 6.0
A mere spectator. Couldn't have asked for an easier match.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0
Had little to do all night.

Luca Antonelli 7.0
Solid at the back and charged forward at every opportunity, getting a nice assist for De Rossi's goal in the process.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0
As with Chiellini, nothing at all troubled the Juventus defender.

Lorenzo De Silvestri 6.5
Operated more as a right winger as Italy camped themselves in the Faroes half.

Riccardo Montolivo 7.0
Much better from the Fiorentina man, linked up well with the front three even breaking ahead of them on occasion. His good work led to Italy's fourth.

Daniele De Rossi 7.0
Combined well with Pirlo and got himself on a scoresheet. A good night's work.

Andrea Pirlo 7.5
Magnificent performance from the Milan man. Controlled the tempo of the game and capped his performance with a trademark free-kick.

Giuseppe Rossi 6.5
Was a menace in the first half, but has a tendency to shoot on sight. Hooked early in the second half.

Alberto Gilardino 7.0
Scored a nice header and played well causing the Faroes problems with his physicality. Taken off for Pazzini early in the second half.

Antonio Cassano 8.0
The brains behind the Azzurri, almost every attack went though the Sampdoria star and he took is goal magnificently.

• Substitutions

Giampaolo Pazzini 6.0
Worked hard when brought on, but we are still to see the Sampdoria Pazzini for the Azzurri.

Fabio Quagliarella 7.0
Booed when he came on, for his Juventus connection but had the crowd cheering as he poked home the fourth.

Angelo Palombo 6.5
Slotted in well when he came on and hit a few long rangers.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/50470/italy-vs-faroe/player-ratings
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Kqql · Oct 8, 2010

Northern Ireland 0 - Italy 0

Italia (4-3-3):
Viviano 6;
Cassani 6, Bonucci 5,5, Chiellini 5,5, Criscito 6;
De Rossi 5, Pirlo 6, Mauri 6 (34'st Marchisio sv);
Pepe 5 (39'st Rossi sv), Borriello 5 (29'st Pazzini 5), Cassano 6.

A disposizione: Sirigu, Bovo, Zambrotta, Palombo. Ct: Prandelli.
Click to expand...

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo43977.shtml

Italy

Emiliano Viviano 6.5
Rarely tested but proved alert when called upon. A sound showing from the Bologna glovesman.

Mattia Cassani 7.0
Arguably the Azzurri's brightest man on the night. Converted his club form to the international stage and was a constant threat down the flank.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0
Took few risks at the back and looks assured alongside club partner Giorgio Chiellini.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0
Lucky to escape an early handball offence without punishment. Commanded his backline well for the duration of the encounter.

Domenico Criscito 6.5
Gave a mature performance down the flank and offered his coach quantity as he tracked up and down without rest.

Daniele De Rossi 6.0
As his fitness continues to improve the Roma man is finally returning to his former self in the middle of the park.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5
Another leading performance from the Italy captain. The front men can have no complaints following some pinpoint distribution from their skipper.

Stefano Mauri 6.5
Marked his Azzurri return with a confident display. The Lazio man made constant filtering runs and almost scored a wonder goal, with a tricky volley at the back post.

Simone Pepe 4.5
It is still a mystery how the Juventus man continues to feature in La Nazionale. Despite a generous display of running, the winger once again underlined his lack in technical ability even managing to miss the target from touching distance.

Marco Borriello 4.5
The Roma hitman huffed and puffed but failed to demonstrate the cutting edge needed at international level. Despite being served with a great chance to open the scoring during the opening period, the bomber could only rifle into the legs of an alert Maik Taylor.

Antonio Cassano 6.5
By far Italy's major threat in attack and built on his impressive showing's during the opening qualifiers.

• Substitutions

Claudio Marchisio N/A

Giampaolo Pazzini N/A
Thrown on for Marco Borriello but enjoyed little service inside the box.

Giuseppe Rossi N/A
Given a late run out but could do little to impact the game as Northern Ireland closed on a high.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/52543/n-ireland-vs-italy/player-ratings
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Kqql · Nov 17, 2010

Italy 1 - Romania 1

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Viviano 6;
Santon 5,5 (15' st Cassani 6), Bonucci 5,5, Ranocchia 6,5, Balzaretti 6;
Aquilani 6, Ledesma 5 (1' st Pirlo 6,5), Mauri 5,5;
Diamanti 6 (1' st De Rossi 6; 32' st Pazzini sv);
Balotelli (15' st Quagliarella), G.Rossi (1' st Gilardino).

A disp.: Sirigu, Mirante, Astori, Criscito, Gastaldello.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo47240.shtml
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ITALIA (4-3-1-2):
Viviano 6,
Santon 6 (15' st Cassani 5.5), Bonucci 5, Ranocchia 6, Balzaretti 5,
Aquilani 6, Ledesma 5 (1' st De Rossi 5.5, 33' st Pazzini sv), Mauri 5,
Diamanti 5 (1' st Pirlo 6.5),
Balotelli 6 (15' st Quagliarella 6.5), Rossi 5 (1' st Gilardino 6)

(23 Sirigu, 3 Criscito, 20 Astori, 13 Gastaldello, 15 Mirante).

http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2010/11/17/news/diretta_italia_romania-9220311
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Kqql · Feb 9, 2011

Germany 1 - Italy 1

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Buffon 6,5;
Cassani 6 (7' st Maggio 5,5), Ranocchia 5, Bonucci 5,5, Chiellini 5,5 (34' st Criscito sv);
Montolivo 5, Thiago Motta 5 (18' st Aquilani 6), De Rossi 6;
Mauri 5,5 (29' st Giovinco 5,5);
Pazzini 6 (1' st Borriello 6,5), Cassano 6,5 (1' st Rossi 7).

A disp.: Sirigu, Viviano, Astori, Nocerino, Palombo, Matri.
All.: Prandelli

Arbitro: Braamhaar
Marcatori: 16' Klose (G); 36' st Rossi (I)

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/52973/il-gol-di-rossi-salva-litalia-1-1.shtml
Click to expand...

Gianluigi Buffon 7.5
Gave Italy a chance to take something from the match, and Rossi took it. Nearly kept out Klose's goal, and saved the German moments later when he was through on goal. Also denied Khedira late in the match with a well-placed leg.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.0
His physicality caused trouble for Mueller, but the Juve man also managed to get forward quite well. As a left-back, he got behind Lahm once and nearly earned an assist following a good cross to De Rossi.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5
Cannot be blamed for the opener, which was well taken. Occasionally looked suspect, but made no mistakes in the second half, albeit under minimal pressure.

Andrea Ranocchia 6.0
Won eight of his 11 challenges, and was quite neat at the back for the vast majority of the match. However, the Inter man made a woeful mistake and nearly cost his team the match shortly after the opener when he allowed Klose to peel away far too easily.

Mattia Cassani 6.0
Not quite up to par with Chiellini during his time on the pitch, and it was his side that was most aggressively attacked by the Germans. Might have done better as the rest of his team improved in the second half, but replaced in the 53rd minute after picking up a knock.

Daniele De Rossi 7.0
Struggled in the opening half hour as Italy were overrun in midfield, but improved thereafter. Fired a blistering volley that forced a fine save on 37 minutes, and his forward movement in the second half caused trouble for the German midfield. Statistically the best Italian midfielder, with 79 touches at 48 completed passes out of 61 attempts.

Thiago Motta Flop of the Match 5.0
Miles behind the German midfielders, especially in the first 30 minutes. Allowed Mueller in for the opener, booked for a clumsy challenge, and conceded possession far too easily. Hooked on 63 minutes.

Riccardo Montolivo 5.5
Improved in the second half, but the Fiorentina man brought his club form with him to tonight's match. His passing was accurate, if unimaginative, but the 26-year old was far too slow to the ball.

Stefano Mauri 5.0
Made a couple good one-on-one moves, and runs, but struggled to produce anything decisive. Took far too long to play the ball when he was free from Aogo, and only had himself to blame when a penalty was not given for hand ball. Failed to set up or take a single shot.

Antonio Cassano 7.0
Quite comfortably his team's most dangerous attacker in the first half. Played a couple excellent balls within the first ten minutes, and came close to drawing a penalty as he chased down the ball late in the first half. His performance did not deserve a substitution at half-time.

Giampaolo Pazzini 5.5
Only minimally involved in the first half, but was largely starved of service from an underachieving midfield. Combined well once with Cassano, but was rather anonymous otherwise, and was replaced at half-time.

• Substitutions

Domenico Criscito 6.5
Came on as a late substitute, but got heavily involved and played a fine ball to Rossi ahead of the equaliser.

Christian Maggio 6.5
Replaced Cassani and was immediately put under pressure by Aogo, but made a fine challenge to concede a corner. The right-back played well in defence, and won seven of his ten challenges.

Sebastian Giovinco 6.0
Did nothing decisive, but provided glimpses of his potential over the final 16 minutes. His movement offered new options for Italy in attack.

Alberto Aquilani 6.5
In his half hour of play, the Juve midfielder was a major improvement over Motta. Aquilani was very active in midfield and despite his minimal playing time added some much-needed stability to the Italian midfield as a ball player.

Marco Borriello 6.5
Came in at the break and was quiet for the most part, but had a couple moments that were nearly decisive. The Roma man cleverly set up Rossi in the 54th minute, and was unlucky to have his effort saved on 66 minutes after he was through on goal.

Giuseppe Rossi 7.5
The in-form Villarreal man had little to work with in support, but persevered, and was rewarded with a goal. Rossi had a chance saved early in the second half, and sprung the offside trap to equalise. The quality of his movement surprised the German defence.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/57302/germany-vs-italy/player-ratings
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Kqql · Mar 25, 2011

Slovenia 0 - Italy 1

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Buffon 6.5;
Maggio 7, Bonucci 6.5, Chiellini 6.5, Balzaretti 6.5;
Montolivo 6(43'st Marchisio sv), Thiago Motta 7, Aquilani 6.5;
Mauri 5(18'st Nocerino 6);
Cassano 6(29'st Rossi 6.5), Pazzini 6.

A disp.: Viviano, Astori, Criscito, Marchisio, Nocerino, Gilardino, Rossi.
All.: Prandelli

Arbitro: Brych (Ger).
Marcatori: 27'st Motta (I)

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.i...56295/euro-2012-italia-avanti-con-motta.shtml
Click to expand...

Gianluigi Buffon 7.5
Made a couple of excellent saves from Koren and Ljubljankic as he was periodically kept on his toes from attacks in the channels. Proved once more why he is up there among the great international goalkeepers.

Federico Balzaretti 6.5
Looked to play his usual overlapping game from the off, and was neat and tidy in the tackle. The late bloomer staked a real claim for a starting left back slot, despite momentarily losing Ljubljankic immediately after he’d come on.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5
Still not quite at the top of his game, though he looked better than he has on club duty of late. He and Balzaretti combined to let Ljubljankic in for Slovenia’s best chance, but he was generally in the right place at the right time whenever the home side built up a head of steam.

Leonardo Bonucci 7.0
Solid throughout as he produced another great showing on the international circuit. Kept Dedic quiet through and largely dealt well with the added aerial presence provided by Ljubljankic in the second period.

Christian Maggio 7.5
Slovenia won a corner in only the second minute when pouncing on space which the Napoli wing-back had left in behind, but he more than made up for it later in the half when making a superb last ditch tackle on Novakovic as he was set to shoot. Also travelled forward well as is his way and made a big leap towards making the right back spot his own.

Alberto Aquilani 6.5
Got forward well in the build-up to Pazzini’s first half chance, and his ability on the ball was in full view for long spells, though the weight of pass wasn’t quite there at times. Won’t always get the space he was presented with at times by Slovenia, but he’s taken a step forward in his return to playing top international football.

Thiago Motta 7.0
Clearly bringing his club performances into the international scene for his ‘new’ country as he provided midfield steel and a measure of industry, if not that real killer pass which a Pirlo can deliver. When he did finally advance in the 73rd minute he struck his first Italy goal to make himself the hero of the hour.

Riccardo Montolivo 6.5
Scuffed a bouncing ball towards the bottom corner in the opening minutes, allowing Handanovic time to get down and save. His energy down the left was impressive, setting up Cassano with a chance, but he was also booked for a late challenge on Brecko. Looks more than able on the ball with time and space to deliver.

Stefano Mauri 6.0
As cultured as ever when on the ball and provided decent energy, but never looked likely to be the match-winning No. 10 that the Italy performance was in need of despite forcing a good save from Handanovic.

Antonio Cassano 6.0
Showed good movement in both dropping deep and advancing beyond Pazzini for balls played over the top of the Slovenia defence but didn’t react quickly enough when Montolivo’s low cross was spilt by Handanovic. His involvement lessened with time, leading to his substitution just after Thiago Motta’s goal.

Giampaolo Pazzini 6.5
Had seen little of the ball before his snap-shot from Jokic’s mistake came back off the near post. Thereafter he was living off scraps but led the line very well and was inches short of converting Cassano’s knock-down. Continues to grow as an international forward.

• Substitutions

Antonio Nocerino 6.0
Replaced Mauri and showed his usual industrious nature in the midfield three.

Claudio Marchisio N/A
A late replacement for Montolivo as Italy played to the clock.

Giuseppe Rossi 6.0
Came on for Cassano and was busy enough to cause Slovenia’s back line some late headaches

http://www.goal.com/en/match/56097/slovenia-vs-italy/player-ratings
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Romanista_NYC · Mar 29, 2011

Ucraina 0 - Italia 2

italia (4-3-1-2): Viviano 6.5, Maggio 6 (1′ st Santon 5.5), Gastaldello 6.5, Chiellini sv (16′ pt Astori 5), Criscito 6.5, Nocerino 6.5, Montolivo 6, Marchisio 6, Aquilani 6 (1′ st Giovinco 6.5), 22 Rossi 7 (16′ st Matri 6), 11 Gilardino 5 (31′ st Bonucci sv)
(1 Buffon, 12 Sirigu, 24 Balzaretti, 6 Mauri, 5 Thiago Motta, 10 Cassano, 7 Pazzini).
All. Prandelli 6.5.

http://www.blitzquotidiano.it/sport/ucraina-italia-amichevole-pagelle-ans-802874/ (source: Ansa)
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falvo · Mar 29, 2011

For those who didn't see it in the other thread......

Ukraine 0 vs 2 Italy Played
March 29, 2011 2:45:00 PM EDT
Stadion Dynamo im. Valery Lobanovsky — Kyjiv (Kiev)

http://www.goal.com/en-us/match/58841/ukraine-vs-italy/player-ratings

Italy

Emiliano Viviano 6.0 Sure, he kept a clean sheet, but he didn't always look secure. At some of his interventions there was more excitement than there really needed to be.

Domenico Criscito 7.0 A fine performance on the left flank from the Genoa man. He was attentive in defence and also pushed forward when permitted to do so.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 Started well but had to raise the white flag in the face of another unfortunate injury.

Daniele Gastaldello 6.5 The Sampdoria man was solid and dependable. Carried out his duties admirably well, with no mistakes to speak of.

Christian Maggio 5.5 Couldn't build at all on his earlier form. Yarmolenko kept him pinned back and as such he had little to do but huff and puff.

Antonio Nocerino 6.5 A showing full of character and drive. It took him a while to find his feet but once he did he broke up Ukrainian play beautifully and also sparked the move that led to Matri's goal.

Riccardo Montolivo 7.0 A rock in midfield defensively and, far more importantly, now the trigger that fires off most Italian attacks. He sets the rhythm and the rest are starting to play along to his beat.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0 As water carrier Marchisio couldn't be faulted. Uninspiring, but then again inspiration wasn't his job.

Alberto Aquilani 5.0 Not suited to the role of playmaker - that much was obvious. When Giovinco replaced him Italy breathed a sigh of relief.

Giuseppe Rossi 6.5 Lived up to his namesake Pablito in the first half with trickery and poise. A forward Italians can really be excited about.

Alberto Gilardino 5.5 One must have expected more of the newly-titled captain. Certainly he worked hard and contributed to the goal, but there is something missing from this player.

• Substitutions
Davide Astori 5.5 His second yellow card was a product of maddening inexperience. Very naive and spoiled what was actually a very good performance otherwise, in which he might have earned Prandelli's trust.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 A pair of fresh legs that ran well at opponents.

Davide Santon 6.0 Came on the pitch in lieu of Maggio. As usual, Santon was excellent going forward but couldn't find his defensive poise.

Sebastian Giovinco Top of the Match 7.5 His replacing Aquilani was what truly sealed this game for the Azzurri. That back-heel for Matri was beautiful, but even aside from that Giovinco was superb in the attacking phase.

Marco Parolo N/A Didn't have time to contribute.

Alessandro Matri 7.0 Well and truly made the most of his half hour, proving that he is a born predator and also a hard worker - a combination not too often found.

Kqql · Mar 30, 2011

Ukraine 0 - Italy 2

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Viviano 5,5;
Maggio 5,5(1' st Santon 6), Gastaldello 6,5, Chiellini sv(17' Astori 6), Criscito 6,5;
Marchisio 7 (43' st Parolo sv), Montolivo 6,5, Nocerino 6;
Aquilani 6 (1' st Giovinco 7);
Gilardino 6,5 (31' st Bonucci 6), Rossi 6,5 (17' st Matri 6,5).

A disp.: Buffon, Sirigu, Balzaretti, Mauri, Motta, Cassano, Pazzini.
All.: Prandelli.

Arbitro: Nikolayev (Rus)
Marcatori: 27' Rossi (I); 36' st Matri (I)

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.i...-un-altro-passo-avanti-2-0.shtml?refresh_cens
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Kqql · Jun 3, 2011

Italy 3 - Estonia 0

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Buffon 6;
Maggio 7, Ranocchia 6, Chiellini 6, Balzaretti 6;
Montolivo 7.5, Pirlo 7, Marchisio 6.5; Aquilani 6 (24' Nocerino 6);
Cassano 7 (20' st Pazzini 7), Rossi 8 (34' st Giovinco sv).

A disp. Viviano, Criscito, Gamberini, Gilardino. All.: Prandelli.

Marcatori: 21' G. Rossi (I); 39' Cassano (I); 23' st Pazzini (I);

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.i.../61240/euro-2012-italia-ok-con-lestonia.shtml
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Gianluigi Buffon 6.0
Had very little to do until he saved Vunk’s late effort. One of the easiest of his countless international appearances.

Federico Balzaretti 6.5
Attacked with real verve down the left, particularly after the introduction of Nocerino gave him more confidence that his spot would be covered. Got to the byline a couple of times when he could have done better.

Andrea Ranocchia 6.0
Had little to do up against the Estonia front pair as Italy dominated practically from start to finish.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0
This was not the game for Cesare Prandelli to judge his centre-back pairing as they had virtually nothing to do, with Chiellini being more active from attacking corners than anything else.

Christian Maggio 6.0
Filled in well in the right-back position as he got forward with ease, but passed up a couple of decent crossing opportunities at times.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0
Much improved display from the midfielder, who played equally as good on the left and right of midfield either side of Aquilani’s exit. Looked interested throughout and really took the ball on with desire as Italy dominated.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5
Rushed off the ball early on, almost allowing Estonia to counter, but then settled in well and controlled the tempo of the game. Unlucky to see his second-half free kick come back off the post.

Riccardo Montolivo 7.5
A very mature display, maybe his best in an Italy shirt. Grabbed assists on two goals as he fitted snuggly into the attacking midfield role after Aquilani’s injury. A real positive.

Alberto Aquilani 5.5
Rightly booked early on for a pathetic attempt to coax a penalty out of the innocent Klavan, then had a goal ruled out for a shirt-pull before receiving a nasty bang to the head and being replaced by Nocerino.

Antonio Cassano 7.5
Tried a delicate chip after passing up a chance to really test Pareiko, then saw the keeper block with his legs after he’d latched onto Rossi’s pass. Eventually found the goal he deserved when he fired in off the post.

Giuseppe Rossi Top of the Match 8.0
Excellent throughball sent Cassano in on goal, then he had another chance himself even before firing home the opener. Continued to make chances thereafter, and almost made one of the goals of the year when his quick feet saw him escape three men.

• Substitutions

Sebastian Giovinco 6.5
A late sub, he immediately got into his stride to once again show that at international level he has that little spark which could be of great use to Italy in the future.

Antonio Nocerino 6.5
Gave away possession when he stumbled early in the second half, but apart from that he carried out his usual role on the left of midfield to perfection with Balzaretti bombing on the outside of him.

Giampaolo Pazzini 7.0
Unlucky to see a shot blocked with his first touch after coming on, then kept his cool to continue his excellent scoring run of late soon after.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/56100/italy-vs-estonia/player-ratings
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Kqql · Jun 7, 2011

Ireland 2 - Italy 0

Italia (4-3-1-2):
Viviano 6;
Cassani 7, Gamberini 5.5, Chiellini 6.5, Criscito 6 (21' st Balzaretti 5.5);
Marchisio 6, Pirlo 6 (1' st Palombo 5.5), Nocerino 6 (14' st Giovinco 5.5);
Montolivo 5.5;
Rossi 6.5 (1' st Matri 6.5), Pazzini 5 (14' st Gilardino 5.5).

A disp.: Buffon, Sirigu, Maggio, Ogbonna, Ranocchia, Cassano. All.: Prandelli

Marcatori: 36' Andrews (Ir), 44' st Cox (Ir)

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.i...oli/61504/il-trap-batte-litalia-per-2-0.shtml
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Emiliano Viviano 6.0
Could do little with either goal as he conceded twice as many tonight as he had ever done before as an international goalkeeper. Had to get behind a couple of speculative efforts and rushed out well to foil Keogh, but was hardly overworked.

Domenico Criscito 5.5
Never really looked to have the dangerous edge about his play which Balzaretti has offered in recent matches for the Azzurri and was replaced for the final 10 minutes as Prandelli looked for greater incisiveness out wide.

Alessandro Gamberini Flop of the Match 5.0
Failed to get on top in the battle with Keogh and showed some immobility when low passes asked questions of his movement.

Giorgio Chiellini 5.5
Didn’t enjoy the knocks which came with his tussle with the front pairing, but was largely sturdy until he was caught out of position as Ireland broke away to seal it late on.

Mattia Cassani 7.0
Did superbly getting forward down the right and played some very intelligent balls into the channels, but was missing that killer cross that might have opened the Irish up.

Antonio Nocerino 6.5
An excellent addition to the Azzurri side over the last couple of games, he showed a great willingness to get forward and cause trouble. Came as close as anyone in white to breaking through when forcing Forde to tip over.

Andrea Pirlo 6.0
Moved the ball around well but never looked likely to provide the vital final pass in his 45-minute appearance. Italy arguably improved after Palombo replaced him at the interval.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5
His running was an important feature as Italy got on top in midfield, and Pazzini should have done much better after he cut through the heart of the Irish side in the first half.

Riccardo Montolivo 6.0
Didn’t really have the cutting edge in the trequartista role, but when he switched to midfield after the introduction of Giovinco further up he seemed to have a little more to offer.

Giampaolo Pazzini 5.5
His finishing let him down after Marchisio’s excellent run, and then again when trying to turn on Cassani’s cross after Rossi opened up the back line. Replaced by Gilardino early in the second period.

Giuseppe Rossi 6.0
Not as in tune with Pazzini tonight as he was with Cassano on Friday, and it took a solo run down the left to show what he could really do. Subbed at half-time.

• Substitutions

Federico Balzaretti 5.5
Late sub for Criscito.

Sebastian Giovinco 7.0
Again showed that he could well be Italy’s answer in the trequartista. In his short period on the field he caused more panic in the Irish defence than the Azzurri had been able to induce all night despite their dominance of possession.

Angelo Palombo 6.0
Provided more energy than Pirlo was able to, allowing Marchisio and Montolivo to get higher in the pursuit of an equaliser, but his passing game was never going to be on a level with the Juventus man.

Alessandro Matri 5.0
His first contribution of note was to miskick the ball straight out of play and this never looked likely to be his night to rescue the Azzurri. Never seemed to be quite in tune with Gilardino.

Alberto Gilardino 5.5
He has been Italy’s saviour in the past but couldn’t play the role again tonight as he snatched a chance which was meant for Matri and then failed to make the runs to help stretch the Ireland back four.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/59876/italy-vs-ireland/player-ratings
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Kqql · Aug 10, 2011

Italy 2 - Spain 1

ITALIA (4-3-1-2):
Buffon 6
Maggio 6, Ranocchia 6 (32' st Bonucci sv), Chiellini 6, Criscito 6.5
De Rossi 6 (20' st Aquilani 6.5), Pirlo 6.5, Thiago Motta 5.5 (1' st Marchisio 6)
Montolivo 6.5 (29' st Nocerino sv)
Cassano 6.5 (14' st Pazzini 5.5), Rossi 6.5 (14' st Balotelli 5.5).

(12 Sirigu, 13 De Sanctis, 16 Cassani, 24 Balzaretti, 2 Ogbonna, 17 Palombo, 20 Giovinco). All.: Prandelli 6.5.

Reti: nel pt 11' Montolivo, 37' Xabi Alonso su rigore; nel st' 37 Aquilani

http://www.repubblica.it/sport/calcio/nazionale/2011/08/10/news/italia_spagna_diretta-20287760/
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Cesare Prandelli's side had dominated the first half but were under pressure in the second until the Liverpool midfielder sealed victory with a shot which went in off Raul Albiol

Gianluigi Buffon 6.5
Hardly tested before being forced to pick the ball out of the net after Alonso sent him the wrong way from the spot. Then scrambled across to get a hand to Llorente’s deflected effort after the break and had to be alert to a couple more scrambles as Spain got back into it.

Domenico Criscito 7.5
Very nearly put his side into a shock early lead when he thundered a shot off the near post from 25 yards with Casillas beaten. Then played a lovely ball through for Montolivo to score the first and continued to get the better of Iraola down the wing throughout.

Giorgio Chiellini 5.5
One great cover challenge foiled the advancing Silva, but then he was guilty of obstruction on Llorente in the penalty area, allowing Spain to equalise and was outdone by Silva late on as the visitors looked for a second leveller.

Andrea Ranocchia 6.0
Robbed Alonso but shot wide as Italy looked to double their early lead, and thereafter put up a decent showing defensively, though he was outfoxed on more than one occasion after the break.

Christian Maggio 7.0
His great stand-up cross for Cassano at the far post should have been headed home, and he regularly got down the outside of the Spanish, stretching the world champions.

Daniele De Rossi 6.0
Gave the ball away too easily as Italy looked to build pressure and was too often at fault for a loss of momentum as he turned in another indifferent performance on the ball, despite his reasonably effective tracking of Iniesta.

Thiago Motta 6.0
Did a good job of maintaining the speed of Italy’s sleek attacks with his one-touch approach. Seemed to drop below the general pace of the game quicker than his fellow midfielders, and was replaced by Marchisio soon after the break.

Andrea Pirlo Top of the Match 7.0
Dictated the pace and controlled the game early on as Italy overran the Spain midfield thanks in part to his short, sharp passing game. Less effective after the break, but still troubled the visitors from the base and was at his best when Italy looked to hit on the break.

Riccardo Montolivo 7.5
Perhaps his best game for Italy. Grabbed the first goal of the game with a wonderful chip over Casillas and continued to cause Alonso and Martinez problems at the base of Spain’s midfield. Linked superbly with Cassano at times.

Antonio Cassano 7.5
The captain for the night turned in a virtuoso opening quarter with some excellent touches helping to keep Spain on the back foot. Denied once by Casillas’ outstretched boot, he should have at least hit the target with a header from Maggio’s cross just before the break.

Giuseppe Rossi25 6.5
Had a couple of great chances to score, particularly went sent through down the left but he was denied by a smothered stop from Casillas. Replaced by Balotelli on the hour mark.

• Substitutions

Leonardo Bonucci 6.0
Replaced former Bari team-mate Ranocchia for the final dozen minutes.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0
Brought on for Thiago Motta, but looked a little lost at times and continues to prove he doesn’t have the left foot needed to play in the left channel.

Alberto Aquilani 6.5
Replaced Daniele De Rossi and looked to attack in the right channel before his low drive which looked to be well covered by Valdes caught a Spanish leg and found the net to win it for Italy.

Antonio Nocerino 5.5
Came on for Montolivo for the final 15 minutes.

Mario Balotelli 6.5
Left Busquets standing before firing high and wide from the edge of the box, then had another effort blocked by Valdes as he caused an expected stir upon his arrival.

Giampaolo Pazzini 5.5
Fairly anonymous for the most part after replacing Giuseppe Rossi on the hour mark.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/64652/italy-vs-spain/player-ratings
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