Next Wednesday, 4 June 2014 (11:45 AM PST), Italy will take on Luxembourg at Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi in Verona, Italy, on what will be the third World Cup preparation match for the Azzurri this year.
Last Saturday, Italy only managed to secure a goalless draw against Ireland in London and thus perpetuated their recent poor streak of results. To make things worse for the Azzurri, they have lost one of their captains, Riccardo Montolivo, for the World Cup tournament, after he broke his leg during Craven Cottage match.
Italy are going through a very poor run of results, as they have failed to win a single match since 10 September, 2013, when they defeated the Czech Republic at Turin. Since then, Cesare Prandelli’s boys have played six matches, during which they obtained five draws and one loss to the reigning World and European champions, Spain.
After an almost flawless campaign at the UEFA Qualification round, probably only “stained” by their two last matches, when they conceded four goals and failed to win both of them, Italy embarked on a series of friendly matches but, so far, they have not been able to replicate their interesting initial performances during the qualifying stage. The team seems to be lacking some confidence and some creativity in the centre of the pitch, while they keep failing to materialize their chances into goals.
The match against a frail football nation such as Luxembourg might constitute a turning point on the Italians recent poor form. The difference between both sides is immeasurable and the Azzurri should win the match without any major concerns.
Prandelli has brought a new game style into the team as he privileges a more possession-based approach, which relies on the fantastic passing skills of Juventus’ playmaker Andrea Pirlo, who plays in front of the centre back duo, quite similar to the style presented by the Vecchia Signora over the last few seasons.
As for Luxembourg, the match against Italy will be the third international friendly they are involved in since the end of the UEFA qualification round. Last week, they were severely hammered by Belgium 5-1 and although they are not as fragile as they were a few years ago (Luc Holtz’ side managed to grab the fourth win of their history in a World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland back in September), they risk suffering yet another heavy defeat, this time against the Azzurri.
Probable Lineups
Italy (4-3-3) – Perin – Abate – Bonucci – Chiellini – Barzagli – Motta – De Rossi – Verratti – Destro – Insigne – Cassano
Luxembourg (4-3-3) – Moris – Janisch – Chanot – Philipps – Mutsch – Schnell – Laurent Jans – Krogh Gerson – Bensi – Joachim – Da Mota
Italy vs Luxembourg Prediction
Despite their recent improvements, Luxembourg probably still do not have what is necessary to pose any type of major threat to such an experienced side as Italy and next Wednesday’s match should only serve Italy to ignite and increase their current low confidence levels.
Italy 4 – 0 Luxembourg
Italy vs Luxembourg Television
The Italy vs Luxembourg match be televised in the USA on Univision Deportes and RAI International at 11:15 AM Pacific on Wednesday.
