A “worldwide” debut. Italy made its debut in Brazil 2014 with a heavy win over England, perhaps not fully deserved but still important for qualification. In fact, beating Costa Rica in five days, which shouldn't be underestimated given what happened against Uruguay, could mean the round of XNUMX. Let's hold on to this victory against the English, if only because the hell of Manaus (tropical heat and crazy humidity) added to the qualities of Gerrard and his companions, who proved to be much more difficult than one might think on the eve. His Majesty's subjects would probably have deserved something more, but in the end it doesn't matter: Italy took the three points and, as they say, who starts well… “We played well and obtained a painful victory while maintaining supremacy in the middle of the field - the thought of Prandelli. – They had cramps in the second half, we didn't. In short, we saw the good work done in Coverciano".
Perfect analysis that of the coach, who photographed the match in Manaus in the best possible way. In fact, once Balotelli's 2-1 lead was conceded, the English no longer had the fuel to put us on the ropes. First, however, there had been thrills and only a great Sirigu (also helped by the excellent Barzagli) had prevented the advantage of Hodgson's boys.
Ready to go and Sterling seriously frightens the deputy Buffon who overcomes himself a minute later, when he deflects Henderson's shot destined for the corner. History repeats itself in the 11th minute (Sterling again) and in the 23rd minute (Barzagli miraculous in removing the ball from the goal in acrobatics). It seems like the beginning of the end, but it isn't. In fact, in the 35th minute Marchisio draws the joker from distance, killing Hart with a right foot from him: 1-0! But not even the time to cheer and England equalized. Darmian is too tall, De Rossi doesn't climb between the central players and Sturridge punishes us with a close-range tap. However, the 1-1 draw has the power to shake us and the first half ends with two great Azzurri goals. Balotelli touches the net with a lob that would have brought down the Amazonia Arena and a moment later Candreva repeats himself with a shot that hits the post.
The goal is in the air and the interval can only delay it by a few minutes. In fact, in the 50th minute the Lazio full back went off to the right and put in a ball only to be pushed into goal: Supermario took care of it, thus dampening his world debut with a goal, which was also decisive. "I'm happy and excited, I dedicate it to my future wife" the Milan striker said later, who 20' from the end gives way to Immobile, who is sent back to a safe distance again. It is here that Prandelli wins the match: optimal management of the ball and physical energies. The English have none left and are looking for an equalizer only with shots from distance, but blocked by the excellent Sirigu. The remaining Azzurri substitutions (Thiago Motta and Parolo for Verratti and Candreva) lock down the result, which could even be rounder if Pirlo's free-kick (wonderful!) weren't printed on the crossbar. But it doesn't matter, Italy beats England and starts its Brazilian adventure in the best possible way.
The same hopes Argentina, which tonight (24 pm) will challenge debuting Bosnia at the Maracanà in Rio de Janeiro. Discounted match on paper, if only for the technical superpower of a sparkling albiceleste from the waist up. But watch out for the Bosnians, in their first world championship, strong in the enthusiasm and recklessness of those who, after all, have nothing to lose and who can also count on people like Pjanic and Dzeko. In short, a guaranteed show, in perfect Brazil 2014 style.
