FIFA World Cup 2014: Italy vs England - Player Ratings

Italy vs England during FIFA World Cup Group D match

Italy started their World Cup campaign in Brazil on a high note as they beat England 2-1 to gain the advantage in Group D. Sirigu served as the replacement for the injured Gianluigi Buffon while coach Prandelli went in with a surprising starting 11. England fielded a young looking side as Roy Hodgson benched Lampard and went with Gerrard and Henderson. Italy went ahead courtesy of a Marchisio shot which was cancelled out by Daniel Sturridge just after 2 minutes. Mario Balotelli scored the decisive second goal through a header as Italy clinched their first victory.

Here are the player ratings from the match.

Italy

Salvatore Sirigu: 7/10

Had several shots thrown at him by the English forwards. Managed to pull off some fantastic saves and filled in well for the injured Gianluigi Buffon.

Matteo Darmian: 7/10

The right back from Torino was a surprising choice by coach Prandelli ahead of Mialn’s Ignazio Abate. And the 24-year-old justified his selection as he was a constant threat down the right flanks. Linked up well with Antonio Candreva at times and successfully neutralized England’s attack from the left wing.

Andrea Barzagli: 6.5/10

Looked the better of the two centre backs and managed to hold off the English attack. Was given a trouble or two by the pace of Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling but made a couple of vital interceptions.

Gabriel Paletta: 4.5/10

Looked nervous against England’s attackers and was beaten on a couple of occassions. But his second half performances improved as he had more players around him for support.

Giorgio Chiellini: 6.5/10

Covered well for the injured Matt De Sciglio. Was a powerful presence winning the aerial duels and tackles. Not so effective while pushing forward.

Danielle De Rossi: 6/10

Made some risky challenges in the first half. But provided a solid holding presence in the centre which allowed Pirlo the freedom to roam around and dictate the play.

Marco Verratti: 6.5/10

Deployed in a deeper role and proved to be a creative source in the middle. Linked up well with his team mates and provided some sharp passes. Was substituted in the second half for the experienced Thiago Motta.

Claudio Marchisio: 7/10

Worked tirelessly for the entire 90 minutes. Scored the opener with a well placed shot at the corner. Was all over the pitch providing support both in attack and defence.

Andrea Pirlo: 8/10

Performed a dummy to allow Marchisio to score the opener. Dictated the proceedings throughout the match. Finished off a classy performance with a wonderfully curled 30-yard freekick that left the crossbar rattling.

Antonio Candreva of Italy battles with England’s Leighton Baines

Antonio Candreva: 9/10 – Man of the match

The biggest threat to England on the night. Performed tirelessly down the right flank and added width to the team. Provided a measured cross for the second goal.

Mario Balotelli: 7/10

A matured performance from the Milan striker. Held the ball well in attack. Got two chances and took his second one with a header which proved to be the decisive winning goal.

Substitutes:

Thiago Motta: 5.5/10

Brought in for Marco Verratti to instill experience in the middle. Looked sharp in possession and managed to hold the midfield shape well.

Ciro Immobile: 5/10

Had a chance on the break but couldn’t get past Cahill. Was mobile on the pitch quite opposite to his name.

Marco Parolo: 4/10

Brought in to replace Candreva. Sat in midfield to see out Italy’s triumph.

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England

Joe Hart: 5/10

Gave a good performance overall. Could not do anything about Marchisio’s shot. Caught off guard by Pirlo’s curling freekick which hit the bar.

Glen Johnson: 4.5/10

Made some forward runs on the right flank. Delivered one decent ball in the entire game.

Phil Jagielka: 5.5/10

The Everton centre back was usually alert to the situations in the box. His highlighting moment was the last minute clearence of the goal line from Balotelli’s chip.

Gary Cahill: 6.5/10

A solid performance from the centre back even though the scoreline tells us something else. Was strong in the air and made some crucial tackles including one in the final minutes of the game.

Leighton Baines: 3/10

Struggled to contain the partnership of Candreva and Darmian. Couldn’t stop Candreva’s cross that led to the second goal.

Steven Gerrard: 5/10

Spread the play from the middle of the park but could not find the required opening. Missed from a freekick oppurtunity.

Jordan Henderson: 5/10

Called Sirigu early into making a save with a driving effort. Was active all around the pitch as he ran back and forth.

Danny Welbeck: 4/10

Ineffective in attack for large portions. Supported well in tracking back but could not provide anything substantial in attack. Substituted in the second half.

Wayne Rooney: 5/10

Provided the assist for the opening goal. But was generally poor while converting chances. Missed a couple of easy oppurtunities.

Raheem Sterling was England’s best player on the pitch

Raheem Sterling: 7.5/10

A memorable debut by the Liverpool youngster. Was England’s biggest threat on the night. Looked to take on the Italian players and provided the cutting pass for Rooney to set up the goal.

Daniel Sturridge: 7/10

Took his chance well and was a constant headache for the Italian defence. Overall a good game for the striker.

Substitutes

Ross Barkley: 4/10

Came in the second half to replace Danny Welbeck.Showed moments of quality as he looked to open up the opponent’s defence.

Jack Wilshere: 3/10

Struggled as he looked to force his way through the midfield. Made some bad decisions.

Adam Lallana: 3.5/10

Earned a freekick for his side. Other than that he was comfortably handled by Italy’s players.