FIFA World Cup 2014: What can we expect from Italy tonight

Cesare Prandelli ponders his options

The first big match in the Group of Death sees the Three Lions face the team that eliminated them in Euro 2012, the Azzuri. Italy have loads of talent in central midfield and up top, and it would be interesting to see whether Mario Balotelli or Ciro Immobile start. Immobile scored a hattrick in the last warmup game against Fluminense while Mario Balotelli had an unspectacular performance for Italy. Italy are expected to lineup in a 4-3-2-1 formation here which features 3 central midfielders and 2 attacking midfielders.

They have plenty of backup plans though in the form of a 4-4-2 diamond with Immobile and Balotelli up top, 4-3-3 with Cerci in the right wing and Cassano or Balotelli on the left and 3-5-2 which would see Chiellini and Bonucci go to centreback and Paletta or Abate in an unfamiliar left-wing back role.

Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon has had a late injury scare but looks like he will be alright. Incase he suffers a setback and cannot start, backup Salvatore Sirigu will take his place.

Rightback: Matteo Darmian may well be a surprise pick on the right as he has come off a solid season. His form means that Darmian is the likelier to start – with Ignazio Abate on the bench. Mattio De Sciglio is ruled out due to injury. Italian manager Cesare Prandelli recently quoted: “Our young players give us enthusiasm and exuberance, we picked them for this reason,” said Prandelli during his press conference on Friday. “But I will give you one name above all: Darmian. He arrived on the quiet and is winning everybody over."

Leftback: De Sciglio’s injury has led to the possibility of Giorgio Chiellini being leftback. A centreback by trade, Chiellini is more than capable of playing leftback though he does not provide much attacking ability.

Centrebacks: Since Chiellini will be shifted to the left, his Juventus teammates Andrea Barzagli along with Gabriel Paletta should be expected to play in the middle. Both are physically imposing centrebacks who Daniel Sturridge or Wayne Rooney won’t find easy beating. Leonardo Bonucci has struggled in a 4 man defence and it looks like he will be dropped.

Central Midfield: Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo are virtual locks here. However, it would be interesting to see who is in the more advanced role. It is expected that Daniele De Rossi may well be the deepest midfielder in an attempt to avoid the pressing of Welbeck or Rooney. Alongside them, the man who is regarded to be the heir to Pirlo, Marco Verratti, is expected to start, making it a brilliant central midfield trio.

The thing is that this “Stop Pirlo, Stop Italy” is a myth. You cannot afford to ignore the talents of guys like Daniele De Rossi and Marco Verratti or they will punish you.

Attacking Midfield: Despite the form of Lorenzo Insigne, Prandelli will go with his two tried and trusted players, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Candreva ahead of the central midfielders in order to provide the incisive creativity. Candreva will shift laterally to find space across the field and stretch the defense while Marchisio will look to supply the striker and get into goalscoring positions himself.

Striker: Mario Balotelli has had an indifferent season at AC Milan (despite scoring 14 goals) and his competition is Serie A top scorer (and Robert Lewandowski’s replacement at Borussia Dortmund) Ciro Immobile. However, Balotelli has shown a knack of producing his best in Italian colours and topscored in qualifying. His experience and explosiveness looks set to see him edge out Immobile.

Formation (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Darmian, Paletta, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo, De Rossi, Verratti; Marchisio, Candreva; Balotelli.