National A

100 days to World Cpp: last test, tie between Italy and Cameroon

Montecarlo 03/03/2010

One-hundred days to the World Cup, last test before the list of 30 players (May 11) and the final list of 23 players (June 1st) that will leave for South Africa. Tie between Italy and Cameroon (0-0), without any goals in Montecarlo, used to engines and other runs around the track. As Lippi had said, the day before the match, it was another Italy. In Montecarlo only three players from Berlin: Cannavaro, Pirlo and DeRoss, two debutees Bonucci and Cossu, and an experimental National team because of numerous injuries. On the field with Marchetti as goalkeeper, Bonucci, Cannavaro and Chiellini on defense, Maggio, De Rossi, Pirlo and Criscito at midfield, and Cossu and Borriello up front, with Boriello back on the team after two years, and Di Natale. First scoring occasion, for the Azzurri on 13’ with the Cameroon goalkeeper losing the ball and Chiellini shooting but offsides. The best plays are with Di Natale who is not very lucky, while Borriello does not have a lot of chances to score. Positive notes from Bonucci and Cossu who do their best to do what they were told by Lippi. On 31’, a good three-sided play with Pirlo-Cossu-Di Natale, but the goalkeeper saves. One minute later, a header by Di Natale goes off to the side of the net. Another Italy in the second half with a 4-man defense: Maggio, Bonucci, Chiellini and Cannavaro. Midfield with Marchisio, Gattuso and Montolivo, and Di Natale, Pazzini and Cossu up front. The players do their best and for some this is the chance to deserve a confirmation on the team, while for others a chance to keep their hopes alive. The last test in this sense since the other two friendly matches scheduled on June 3rd and the 5th will be played with the list of players already finalized. The first half better than the second. Not too much emotion, but very few spaces given to us by Cameroon.