Italy’s Inbetweeners: 7 players who need to step up to make the World Cup

Federico Balzaretti – Roma

A torrid maiden campaign with Roma after his switch to the capital last summer saw Balzaretti drop off the Azzurri radar despite a valiant series of performances in Euro 2012, and it has taken the former Palermo man nearly a year to force his way back into the side.

With a tear-jerking winner in the Derby della Capitale and some positive showings that have seen the left-back complete 87% of his passes, average five defensive actions per game, and make 13 total tackles, the 31-year-old has enjoyed a renaissance of sorts under new Giallorossi boss Rudi Garcia.

Yet despite a Performance Score of 219 and a trio of Squawka Best Awards to his name, Balzaretti hasn’t nearly been flawless this term, as he struggled against the pacey Jonathan Biabiany in his club’s 3-1 win over Parma in September and was sent off for a second bookable offence against Inter in his most recent Serie A appearance.

In light of such setbacks, the 31-year-old will need to send a message to Prandelli that he can fully recover the consistency he was once known for and be an asset for Italy as they look to erase painful memories of South Africa in the upcoming World Cup.