South Africa 2010

First Smeltz, then Iaquinta with penalty. Italy ties again.

Nelspruit 20/06/2010

The World Cup has become more complicated for Italy. The tie against New Zealand (1-1), after the first match against Paraguay, marks a step backwards for the National team coached by Lippi with respect to the performance given last Monday that showed a team that was improving both as far as physical condition and plays were concerned. Italy took in another goal today on a free kick in the first occasion created by the opponents (even if the goal was scored with two irregularities) and the Italians again today were not able to conclude the offensive triangle. First Italy took in the goal scored by Smeltz, then they tied on a penalty kick by Iaquinta: the result was a good first half and a second half in the dark. As if to say: an ugly Italy, too much to be true. But in four days the Azzurri will have to face the third and last match of the round against Slovakia. With Paraguay leading the standings with 4 points, Italy and New Zealand second with two points and Slovakia third with one point, the only result Italy can have is a win if they want to go ahead. And Lippi, during the press conference, swore that “none of us wants to go home”.
With the exception of Marchetti in goal instead of the injured Buffon, the team – with a mourning band on the their arm for the death of the former Naitonal team player Roberto Rosato – was the same that took the field last Monday against Paraguay with Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, Pepe, De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio, Iaquinta, Gilardino. Another uphill match for Italy which, after just 7’, falls behind after a goal by New Zealand on a right-footed shot by Smeltz. A goal coming from a free kick and with two irregularities: the push by Reid on Gilardino and the offsides by Smeltz, but the referee convalidates.
A year ago, in the friendly match just before the Confederations Cup, Smeltz scored against Italy and, just like a year ago, the technical difference between the two teams is considerable, but Italy has a hard time creating plays and finding space in the final meters. On 9’, a free kick by Montolivo that Paston saves. On 15’, corner by Pepe, Cannavaro touches but Chiellini is off target. On 22’, shot by Zambrotta and Paston deviates in corner. And on 26’, a goalpost hit by a shot by Montolivo.
New Zealand is not able to get beyond its own box and oftens uses their elbows to help: a long pass towards the box helps tha rea thanks to a foul by Smith on De Rossi. Iaquinta – one of the scorers of the 4-3 match last year – shoots past Paston. After the score was tied, Lippi moves Marchisio to the right and Pepe to the left, and Italy finishes the first half attacking with a right-footed shot by DeRossi deviated by Paston.
Two substitutions in the second half with Camoranesi and Di Natale in for Pepe and Gilardino to give more Energy to the offense. Lots of occasions but confused ideas for the Azzurri. On 4’ Paston blocks a shot by Di Natale, on 15’ De Rossi passes to Iaquinta who is pressed by three defenders and misses the shot. On 16’, the third substitution: Marchisio out for Pazzini. But New Zealand is dangerous with a 25-meter shot by Vicelich, fortunately off to the side. A right-footed shot by Montolivo deviated by Paston and a shiver for Marchetti with a left-footed shot by Wood who misses. Camoranesi shoots by Paston deviates in corner and the match ends.