Group F – Slovakia and Italy’s Chances Of Qualifying Into The 1/16
Paraguay – 4 points, +2
Italy – 2 points, +0
New Zealand – 2 points, +0
Slovakia – 1 point, -2
As Group F looks that way at the moment, we understand that only a victory will put Slovakia into the next stage of the competition. A pretty huge task there for the nation that won automatic tickets for South Africa 2010 following successful battles in a group that contained Poland and the Czech Republic.
Italy, meanwhile, are in a better position to reach the knock-out stages. A draw will be enough for the Azzurri if Paraguay accomplish their mission of defeating New Zealand. But to put any trouble behind, the Italians will go in for the victory in order to have 5 points. In such a case, they will be granted Last 16 tickets no matter what happens between Paraguay and New Zealand. Besides, Italy could win their group on goal difference if New Zealand shock Paraguay with a victory or if these two sides play out a draw.
Go to the Slovakia vs Italy Match Page for full coverage of the match. Read the Slovakia vs Italy Match Preview as well for more info ahead of the game.
Italy and Marcello Lippi Just Want To Win
So chances are there for the defending champions to avoid an upset. Things aren’t far from their reach but Coach Marcello Lippi is wary and anxious of what destiny will reveal on Thursday afternoon. Speaking to the media, the 2006 World Cup winning coach bemoaned:
“It is difficult. The World Cup brings the best teams in the world together. We’ve entered it off the back of difficult club seasons. It’s hard to relax and play well.
The coach however comforted himself, stating:
“Everyone thinks that we are old, that we do not know how to play, and that all we do is to defend. Still, no one wants to face us.”
Pirlo is being considered as a key player in La Squadra Azzurri but reports indicated that the injured veteran will only start from the bench against Slovakia. The AC Milan midfielder didn’t feature for Italy in their first two games either. Italy could only draw those games. But Coach Marcello Lippi won’t take this blow as an excuse as he wants to remain positive about Italy’s chances.
“We expect them to play like they did in their last two matches. That’s the way they play,” Lippi said about Slovakia.
“They have rapid strikers who change positions and who are capable. We noticed this in their games. I don’t think they are looking for a new way of playing. They [Slovakia] can afford to get one result only [a victory] if they want to remain in the competition.
Commentating over his team’s play, the Italian boss conceded:
“We will try to do better upfront. Better than we have done until now. We play like we’ve been doing in defense but crosses will have to be better defended. So defensively, we’ve been good like in the midfield. But we need to improve upfront.”
Reports suggest Italy will line up a 4-3-3 formation with Gennaro Gattuso, Montolivo, and Daniele De Rossi all expected to take part in the action against Slovakia. Meanwhile, Napoli’s Quagliarella could come face to face with his club team mate Hamsik who is Slovakia’s captain.
Slovakia Take Italy Game As A Final
Knock the 2006 FIFA World Cup champions or go home. That’s Slovakia’s mission and one that they should fulfill or die.
“Every game is tricky and we are looking forward to another final. It won’t be easy,” Hamsik told the press whereas Coach Vladimir Weiss, who admitted that morale in his team was low after they conceded a late equalizer against New Zealand on Match-day One, declared:
“Our job is to give everything in this final match. We will see where we stand after that.”
In a plane on their way home, maybe…
