FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Italy

Cesare Prandelli (L) has a good squad of players at his disposal

Italy, or Gli Azzuri as they are nicknamed, are currently in a good position to qualify for the next World Cup. After 6 matches played they are top of Group B and are 4 points ahead of second placed Bulgaria.

Form-wise, Italy have been in decent form. They are currently unbeaten, having won 4 games and drawn 2. Despite that, they are not yet guaranteed qualification but good results in their next 2 matches will put them in a very good position.

Manager Cesare Prandelli is not short of options when it comes to selecting a squad. Nevertheless, here’s the squad he has picked for the matches against Bulgaria and the Czech Republic:

Gianluigi Buffon, Federico Marchetti, Salvatore Sirigu; Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Christian Maggio, Ignazio Abate, Andrea Ranocchia, Angelo Ogbonna, Davide Astori, Luca Antonelli; Andrea Pirlo, Danielle De Rossi, Riccardo Montolivo, Alberto Aquilani, Emmanuele Giaccherini, Alessandro Diamanti, Thiago Motta, Antonio Candreva, Alessio Cerci, Marco Verratti, Alessandro Florenzi; Alberto Gilardino, Mario Balotelli, Stephan El Sharaawy, Pablo Osvaldo, Lorenzo Insigne, Manolo Gabbiadini.

Looking at the squad, one can see a wealth of options available. The squad Prandelli has at his disposal will no doubt present him with some headaches, but a selection dilemma is the type of headache any manager would happily take.

Italy’s first match is against Bulgaria. The last time these two teams met in this very group encounter, the match ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw. Bulgaria took the lead through Manolev, only for an Osvaldo double to give Italy the lead. However, Milanov equalised for the Bulgarians and ensured that both teams left with a point each. However, given that the match was held in Bulgaria, Italy would have been the happier of the two teams.

The second match is against the Czech Republic. The last time these two teams met was in Prague, and the match also ended in a draw, albeit an unexciting 0-0. Italy will look to better that result this time around.

While Italy lead the group at the moment, anyone can still claim first place and qualify directly out of that group. Bulgaria are in 2nd place and are only a point ahead of Czech Republic. The fact that all the three teams are quality sides makes this battle for first and second even more intriguing. Each of these teams will be hoping that results swing their way so as to improve their chances of topping the group. Italy are lucky enough to have their destiny in their own hands. Wins against both Bulgaria and Czech Republic will all consolidate their place at the top and leave the other teams to battle it out for second place and (hopefully) a place in the play-offs.

Gli Azzuri should be able to see off both the Czech Republic and Bulgaria as they possess many quality players. However, the fact that they are stronger on paper doesn’t really count for much as football games aren’t won on paper. Italy will have to go out and give their all to see off both sides.