Italy v Russia
Stadion Letzigrund - Zürich, Switzerland
Live 2:30p.m. (EST)
Where to Watch: RAI International, RAI Sport and The Internet
Match Background
This is the "first" test for the Prandelli's Azzurri in the build up to the European Championships (which start in one week). Our first exhibition match in Parma against Luxembourg was cancelled due to a violent earthquake which took place the morning of the match. This is scheduled to be our one and only exhibition match prior to our kick off against Spain on June 10th.
Russia
Lead by manager Dick Advocaat, this is a team that won their group during Euro 2012 qualifications with a record of 7 wins 2 draws and 1 loss. Lead by the inexplicable (yet declining) talent of Arshavin, Russia is determined to match their impressive run from Euro 2008.
This will be Russia's third exhibition match in preparation for Euro 2012; their results are as follows:
Russia 1 - 1 Uruguay
May 25th 2012
Lithuania 0 - 0 Russia
May 29th 2012
Italy
Controversy has been following this team since it was formed earlier in May by C. Prandelli. From the weight of a new match fixing scandal, to two earthquakes rocking the Italian peninsula (one affecting the match in Parma), to the sensationalist media now poking around at our camp it seems there is no stopping the forces trying to overturn the Azzurri; exposing their soft underside. As said in an earlier post, there is no better team than all this controversy to happen to.
The real concerning substance though is that this will be Italy's first exhibition match in preparation for Euro 2012. They have not played a single exhibition match against another international squad; while a team like Russia will be entering their third match. But is there really concern in the camp for a lack of preparation? As the Danish team of the early 90's taught us, you don't need preparation to win a major trophy; some times a little RnR is just what the doctor ordered.
Regardless, the Azzurri arrive with a fit Giorgio Chiellini and Riccardo Montolivo. We should be spoiled a plenty by Prandelli this afternoon; as it's likely he will tantalize us with various shuffles in the attack featuring a mishmash of Cassano, Balotelli, Giovinco, DiNatale and Borini throughout the match (not at the same time of course). He has been experimenting with three attackers in recent weeks. If there are similarities to be drawn from the Italian champions Juventus; it's that Prandelli seems to have also organized a unit capable of shifting formations and positions on a whim. There have been concerns regarding the lack of a second Left Back with the dismissal of Criscito due to match fixing allegations; however, both Ogbonna and Chiellini are more than capable of filling the void if Balzaretti needs a rest one afternoon.
What's Buffon Saying About the Sensationalist Media?
"If someone talks to a prosecutor, you know the content 10 minutes later. It is a shame. You always find out the bad things from the media on the first day. This seems to be a normal thing. I accept the criticism and I take responsibility. But also sorry to hear of paternalistic journalists. "
The Azzurri in their Sunday Best Predictions
ITALY 3 - 2 RUSSIA
Feel free to post comments below during the game. We'll have a post match report up following the match. Enjoy!
and
Forza Azzurri
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