If the Nike commerical is write! Wayne Rooney is about to surrender his boots and become a grounds keeper for what looks like a semi-professional football club based in Northern England. He’s about to surrender his luxury abode for a caravan and for a life time of hob-warmed tinned food.

Youths around the UK have torn down Rooney posters from their bedrooms. The FTSE has plummeted. The French are happy. It’s unlikely that newspapers will urge the citizens of England to just ‘roo’ it. Babies probably won’t all be called Wayne. The Queen won’t knight our Wayne. It’s highly unlikely that Rooney will wile away time playing corporate ping pong against the nation’s business leaders.

The Nike ‘write your future’ campaign has been a commercial success. Nike aren’t an official sponsor of the World Cup, however their brand (primarily due to the write the future campaign) has generated more online activity than Adidas. Nielsen recently reported that Nike has generated 100% more online buzz than their German rival (will Nielsen here’s some more online content).

Nike’s success has definitely not transgressed to the cast of football stars that perform in the ad.

Rooney wasn’t able to put in the wonder performance that many anticipated. Again England expected. But alas this was not to be the wonder crusade the Brits thirst for. Amongst the Nike cast, Rooney definetly wasn’t the only one to suffer a frustrating World Cup tournament.

As the tournament currently stands the only surviving idol of the ad is Cristiano Ronaldo. A statute and a movie about his heroics (where he will be played by Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal) awaits the Portuguese star (a teen idol in his own write) if he can lead his compatriots against Spain.

It all started with Didier Drogba who broke his right arm after a tournament warm-up friendly. His Ivory Coast were considered the best of the African challenges. The good news was Drogba’s arm healed quickly. The bad news was the Coasters were drawn in a group that included Brazil and Portugal. Ivory Coast did not progress beyond the first round.

In the ad Drogba manufactures the most elegant of chip shots. The world’s media broadcast it as a game defining moment. Until up steps the victorious Italian captain from their 2006 campaign. Fabio Cannavaro manages a glorious goal saving overhead kick. This leads to show girls and Italian crooners. “Yes there’s Cannavaro, yes there’s a captain.”

Unfortunately for the Azzurri Cannavaro was past his used by date. The man who was the dominant force of 2006 had become a shadow of Alcaraz, Smeltz, Vittel and other opponents he tried blocking. Poor Fabio deserved to have left football in a more graceful manner. Lippi and the Italians held to high an expectation on the 2006 Fifa World Player of the Year.

The sure-tight defense which is a definitive brand of Italian was not present. Cannavaro, il muro de Berlino (the Berlin Wall) could not continue the momentum he had set in Germany 2006. This year’s Cannavaro lead Italian team did not progress beyond the first round.

Then there’s Franck Ribery who intercepts a Wayne Rooney pass. Franck travels down the field at full pace. Rooney in a split second sees how his future will suffer if he does not stop Ribery in his track.

It seems Wayne wasn’t the only one who was fully motovated to stop Robery and all his French team mate’s progress. Others whose names include Domenech, Anelka and Evra were also keen to stop Ribery and France. Maybe they were sour that Nike never approached.

The French footballers were dogged in their determination to self-destruct. Which is just as well as (despite the commercial) Wayne Rooney did not seem to possess the where-for-all required to track back and snatch victory from a foe (French or otherwise). The French did not progress beyond the first round.

Next? Ronaldinho. Despite his “samba-robics” (tricks); the Brazilian legend did not even get selected for the tournament.

Cristiano Ronaldo if you’re reading as well as writing, Nike certainly needs a big game from you and a Portugese victory in your Iberian battle against neighbouring Spain.

Don’t get me wrong the ad is great, but going on their world cup performances (or non appearances) the future that each of the footballing thespians will write is bleak. Hopefully these misfortunes are not passed on to the ad’s supporting cast, which includes Kobe Bryant, Roger Federer, Homer Simpson and Gael Garcia Bernal.

As someone who coaches his son’s football team, the Nike online footballing channel does provide great inspiration for drills etc. Hopefully this will breed the next generation of Nike’s ‘winners’. The sign of a forward thinking company, the future isn’t to be written by the Rooneys, Ronaldinhos and Riberry’s but the 6-7 year olds that are being coached by Nike brand fanatics.

Wellington newspaper

Caro Marcello (or Dear Mr Lippi)

I am writing from Wellington in New Zealand. I have put together some top secret files which hopefully you will receive, acknowledge and apply to your game plans for Sunday’s match against the All Whites.

I do so in trepidation and in fear of my freedom. In the 1940s a bunch of Italians living in Wellington were assembled and placed on a remote island called Somes. Whatever their indiscretions, I very much doubt any of the Italian interns sent such classified information back to the motherland.

In a country that has long chased oblong sports balls and endured the frustration of suffering many World Cup losses (you could almost say 23 years of captivity); the locals have developed a stirring interest in football. Although once content to be participating in this year’s World Cup they’re now baying for more FIFA points. Enjoyment of the game has increased to such an extent that supporters want this run to go beyond the group phase and into the knock out stages.

The interest is such that the New Zealand vs. Slovakia Group F tie enjoyed a television audience of 750,00 viewers. This, even though the game was on between 11.30pm and 1am on a school night.

Wellington is a city thwart with danger. From your history you will be well aware of the thuggery espoused by the Brown Shirts and the Red Brigade. Here we have the Yellow Fever and the White Noise. Both factions vehemently believe “white is the new black.” Are the fashionistas of Milan saying the same?

Marcello please don’t forget the Confederations Cup from last year. You can’t take these Kiwis lightly.

In a local online news poll, 75% of readers believe the All Whites will manage at least a draw against your team.

The belief is definitely there. Rory Fallon member of the All Whites has said “I believe in Jesus Christ, my faith comes through him. I just know that something great is going to happen, all the boys know something special is going to happen.”

What’s worse Marcello (I hope you’re still reading) Rory watched your game against Paraguay and he believes you will struggle with their aerial game and long diagonal balls.

Here lies the rub. The All Whites don’t posses ball-carrying finesse through the midfield, You need to dominate this part of the park and especially test them out on the flanks. Ricky Herbert plays a 3-4-3 formation. This allows him to field his strongest team: a solid back three and a tall front line.

The game against the Slovaks showed the All Whites don’t play the game at pace. To win (that is what you want to do isn’t?) you will need to control possession and shut the All White front-three from any supply of ball.

I strongly recommend you put your tall timber on the field. New Zealand will challenge your team physically. Your lack of physical prowess is one of your perceived weaknesses. This is an ideal opportunity to play Leonardo Bonucci ( who stands 6 foot 3). I know you’re loyal to Fabio (il capitano) but this may not be a game for the old master. Not playing your celebs maybe a good thing. The less familiarity the All Whites have with your playing XI, all the better.

If you play Criscito and Zambrotta tell them to attack the flanks. Stretch the All Whites. Don’t allow the All Whites to play a settled compact game.

I recommend keep Iaquinta, have him playing as a traditional centre forward. But lets pair him up with a running attacking. How about Pazzini?

We want to dominate the midfield so work out your best fighters. Danielle De Rossi obviously. Daniele’s gladiatorial presence won’t be missed. It would be good to see Gennaro Gattuso get some game time. With being part of AC Milan, Reno met a bunch of New Zealanders (Milan and All Blacks are both sponsored by Adidas). It seems Gattusso drinks beer this will go down well with the All Whites. Angelo Palombo’s high work rate would also be useful.

Above all else keep it calm. Maintain composure as well as possession. Do like you did against Paraguay and avoid yellow cards. Do you like did against Paraguay in the second half and attack with confidence.

Now for the All Whites (I write these notes in haste, to avoid exposure):

GOALKEEPER

Paston – needs to be tested. In corners and other set pieces get Vincenzo to block Paston’s vision. Try the long range shots. You might prosper ala Rob Green. Paston is in there because NZ’s number one keeper is serving suspension for showing disrespect to a match official.

DEFENDERS

Smith – a new New Zealander. Did not participate in qualifiers. Plays for Ipswich Town, so brings an Anglian approach to his football.

Nelsen – New Zealand’s version of Fabio. A well respected defender and leader. Probably New Zealand’s best known footballer. Plays in the English Premiership with Blackburn Rovers. You can expect a gritty determined effort from Ryan.

Reid – New Zealand sports’ new wonder boy. Born in New Zealand, raised in Christchurch, schooled in Denmark. Prior to New Zealand’s qualifying for the World Cup, Winston was part of different Danish age representative squads. Once Bahrain were beaten, Winston realigned himself with New Zealand. His Maori background makes his eligibility unquestionable.

MIDFIELDERS

Bertos – had a great Confederates Cup. This includes a good game against the Azzurri. The 3-4-3 does not suit Leo. With the formation he assumes more defensive responsibilities, something that distracts from his attacking game. Get your boys to test him on the flanks.

Elliot – Old. Unemployed. But still very important to New Zealand’s efforts. Shut him down and block the pipeline (especially the supply of high bombs) that feed New Zealand’s attacking triumvirate.

Vicelich – Normally a central defender. Voted Oceania’s player of the year. A high work rate from your team with intense passing game should allow you to outfox this old master. Watch this guy, as he has a Croatian connection.

Lochhead – You’ll find him stubborn, resolute and sometimes staunch. But don’t let this stop you from getting the boys to run at him. Don’t forget to tell your Armani-clad lads that his girlfriend, Samantha Powell is a former Miss New Zealand and probably the best of the WAGS from the Shaky Isles.

ATTACKERS

Smeltz – born in Germany, trains in Australia. The latter has helped erase some of the precision from the former. Shane is definitely not a Holden-badged-Opal. Big time scorer in the A league. He hit a few goals when New Zealand beat various Pacific Islands to qualify for the World Cup. Normally plays behind Fallon and Killen. This has stolen from his goal scoring prowess. Not as a big a threat as Killen.

Fallon – seemingly destined for big things. His Dad was Assistant Coach of the All Whites when they last qualified for the World Cup. That’s right Marcello in 1982, when Enzo’s Azzurris won our third star. Good on the header. Needs practice with most everything else. Use one your big defenders to shut him out of the game.

Killen – the sleeping giant is yet to bring his A game to the national squad. Ex-Celtic man. Chris Killen has been auspiciously quiet when playing for New Zealand. A big performance is overdue. Don’t let it be against the Azzurri.

Others to watch out for are attacker Chris Wood (West Brom) and midfielder Tim Brown (recovering from knock endured in World Cup friendly against Australia).

Prior to kick-off last week, a number of the world’s top goalkeepers expressed their concern with the Jabulani football. After the first round of clashes (involving 16 games) only 25 goals have been scored. That’s a measly 1.56 goals per game.

Lowest number in recent history

Worryingly this is the lowest amount of goals netted in the opening leg of games since the 1986 tournament. In Mexico, 24 goals were scored. However back in 1986 only 24 teams participated in the finals. Therefore 12 games were played in the opening leg (a nice clean average of 2 goals per game).

Six 1-0 games

This World Cup has also produced the highest number of 1-0 fixtures. Six of the first sixteen games ended 1-0. There were also two goal-less draws.

Germany are the best starters

Just like their cars, the Germans are reliable starters. If you want goals, it’s Germany’s opening match you need to go watch. Their comfortable 4-0 win against Australia was preceded in 2006 with a 4-2 drubbing of Costa Rica and in 2002 an 8-0 pasting of Saudi Arabia.

The crown for slowest starters

Italy have long been labelled the kings of starting poorly. However if you check the history books France are actually the biggest villains in not scoring goals from the get go. In their last three tournaments France has not managed to net a goal in their opening game. Things get more dire when you consider that in the last three opening French games only one goal has been scored.

Bouba Diop of Senegal has the distinction of scoring a goal in 270 minutes of French World Cup openers. He’s scored in the 30th minute.

France P7 W2, D2, L3, GF6 GA 6

The above table highlights France’s atrocious record of having played eight opening games (since 1978) for a pathetic couple of wins against South Africa (at home) and Canada (whoopee, don’t the Canucks normally play Ice Hockey?). The table above provides unquestionable proof that France are the worst starters.

You might want to reconsider buying that Peugeot?

Hey Jabulani, where's the goals

Wasn’t the Jabulani ball meant to be a curse for keepers?

It seems the Jabulani football has backfired. It’s not proven advantageous for goalkeepers or attackers alike.

Direct free kicks – has anyone seen a good one?

Can anyone recollect a direct free kick that has genuinely challenged the goalie. Most the ones I’ve seen have clean sailed over the bar. Playing at altitude hasn’t helped.

Maybe the best direct free kick was the one taken by Chilean Matias Fernandez in the opening minutes of their game against Honduras.

Admittedly the best free-kick overall was the one the Italians suffered against Paraguay.

Goals in opening rounds since 1978

The above table shows the total number of goals scored in the opening round of group play for each World Cup since 1978.

The 2002 Korean and Japanese tournament saw the most goals in opening games, closely followed by Spain in 1982 (bear in mind there were fewer teams at this tournament).

Large wins in both these tournaments helped the goals flow.

On 2002, Germany thrashed Saudia Arabia 8-0. Way back in 1982 Hungary thrashed El Salvador 10-1 and Scotland thought out a 5-2 goal-fest with New Zealand.

Bring back the thrashings!

What was the Italian reaction to la prima partita?

A lot of appreciation shown to Danielle De Rossi, after the Azzurri’s first game.

The morning after. What the Italian newspapers said.

LA GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT

Italy, more light than shade: De Rossi the symbol of Italy

The Roman midfielder, loses Alacarz to allow Paraguay the advantage, he recovers, shoots and scores the equaliser. Good signs from Montolivo and Pepe. Marchisio does not convince playing behind the front two but could maybe be used elsewhere.

Above all else the misfortune of losing Buffon. Italian physio claim sciatic nerve. Buffon says he will be back in a couple of days. Lets hope so. Without Buffon we lose a lot.

Then we need to emphasise our unhappiness with the attack. Gilardano got fenced in and Iaquinta playing wide didn’t come alight. It’s a squad that at this point of the Championship does not have an inform striker, someone that sets the mark.

We’ll watch Lippi to see what he thinks for the New Zealand game, maybe a change for Pazzini and Di Natale (who played in the final period).

Marchisio playing behind the front-two continued to be unconvincing. It worries us that he is playing in a position that he’s never played for Juventus. But the Juventus player may still prove his worth playing in another midfield position.

CORRIERE DELLO SPORT

De Rossi saves Italy; only a draw against Paraguay

The disappointment of Lippi’s Azzurri as they manage only a shabby draw in their first game of the World Cup tournament. It finishes 1-1 against Paraguay, only De Rossi’s goal saves the Italian boat after having gone behind, and nearly being sunk by the impressive South American team.

Under battering rain and in the biting cold of Capetown, the Italians worked hard to find an attacking solution. Thanks to inventive play from their Roman midfielder, the world champions characteristically returned to bring home a point, that makes qualifying possible with two games to play in Group F.

TUTTOSPORT

It was not the result Lippi hoped for, but it could have been worse. Italy were confused and at times distracted. Behind a goal and without Buffon (out with a muscle problem), the Azzurri find an equaliser through De Rossi. In the final 30 minutes they come close to finding a winner on a couple of occasions. However if they want to go on, against New Zealand and Italy they will need a different Italy.

Pepe played well on the right wing, who on more than one occasion embarrassed the Paraguayan defence and still he often ran back to help Zambrotta. Less flashy was Iaquinta on the left, who needed some company. As for Gilardano, few clear balls went his way. Marchisio struggled to find his position on the pitch.

It finished a draw, but for Italy there’s plenty of work to do.

Zambrotta: 6 – Played well. Show confidence, bravado and pace on the right flank. Certainly great to have Gianluca in the mix.

Cannavaro: 5 – Looked uncomfortable. Maybe the conditions didn’t suit nostro capitano. Still Fabio is very handy to have. Determinedly lead the backline to ensure Paraguay would net only the one goal.

Chiellini: 6 – Strong. Giorgio was unlucky to concede free kicks on a couple of challenges which seemed like fair tackles. Unfortunately one of these fouls lead to Paraguay’s goal.

Criscito: 5 – Potential. Seems to have the skills now needs the confidence to chase space and run up the flanks. A couple of times it seemed that Domenico passed the ball too soon. Needs to break the advantage line.

De Rossi: 7 – Italy’s success was always going to be dependent on strong midfield performances from Pirlo and De Rossi. Unfortunately Andrea is injured, but today Danielle put in a performance that showed both grit and guile. De Rossi has claimed responsibility for Paraguay’s goal. After the match he was disappointed with gli Azzurri saying this was a game they should have won. Their lack of a playmaker (e.g. his Roma club team mate Francesco Totti) hindered their chances.

Montolivo: 6 – Potential. Similar to Criscito showed ability but needs confidence. Great breakaway opportunity in the first half, rushed the shot. In the second half he launched a couple of good long range shots. Hopefully Riccardo will get more game time to build his place in the team.

Marchisio: 4 – Disappointment. Claudio was to be Marcello Lippi’s playmaker. Something he didn’t do. The team improved once he left the field.

Pepe: 6.5 – Something different. Injected pace and effort. Solid second half performance. This included the quick delivery of the goal-producing corner. Better linkage with the front duo would have allowed Pepe to enjoy an outstanding game.

Gilardino: 4.5 – Where was he? Alberto couldn’t find the space from which to launch a genuine scoring opportunity.

Iaquinta: 5.5 – Vincenzo should be playing in the centre. Showed commitment in battling for the ball. Seemed to enjoy playing off Di Natale.

Subs:

Marchetti: 4 – Not much to do for the Italian goalie in the 2^nd half. Federico did a good job in retrieving the ball from behind the goal line following stray shots from Paraguay. A couple of handy goal kicks and the odd throw back (maybe?).

Camoranesi: 6 – I normally don’t rate Mauro. In the past I’ve felt the Italians have had better midfield options. But today, his coming on was inspired. He brought some zing to the Italian game.

Di Natale: 5.5 – a couple of useful runs. The midfield would have been happy to see him put effort in chasing their passes.

If 2010 is like other World Cup years in which Italy makes a dormant start to the tournament then maybe the Azzurri’s second half performance should give us hope that they will mount a good campaign.

Although their opposition are not a noted team, the Paraguayans are normally stern in holding a lean. Proof testimony to this is Paraguay’s efforts in holding leads against Brazil and Argentina in the South American qualifying rounds.

Italy were their normal selves in controlling possession in the opening quarter of the game. Daniele DeRossi especially showed some good touches. Paraguay did a good job in absorbing Italy’s early dominance.

As the half progressed Paraguay developed their ascendancy in the midfield. The pressure told on Italy and they lost all their shape. This resulted in their defense making clumsy challenges.

Paraguay’s first assault on goal was a free kick, which resulted in their goal. Fabio Cannavaro’s aging legs were tested, his feet stayed on the ground allowing Antolin Alcaraz to head in Group F’s first goal.

The second half started ominously for the Italians. Buffon stayed on the panchina, being replaced by Federico Marchetti due to a reported hamstring injury. Too early to call, but hopefully the injury does not leave us without Papa Gigi as the national custodian.

Good news was to come when the Paraguayan keeper Justo Villar did a ‘Roberto Verde’ and failed at a Pepe launched corner allowing Daniele De Rossi to launch a successful strike on goal.

What I then saw, was what I liked. Italy mounted a series of attacks down the flanks and through the centre. Stringing together some potent combinations and testing Paraguay’s defense. Although Paraguay’s Fifa ranking is a lowly 31 their defense must be in the top 20. Their mettle was tested and they completed a sterling job to hold the Italians to one goal.

Marchisio was ineffective tonight. A worthy substitution it will be interesting to see if Claudio gets another starting role in this year’s Mondiale, For sure we missed Andrea Pirlo tonight. Although his performance wasn’t Totti-esque, Montolvio did manage a couple long range shots which tested Villar. With one save in particular, had Villar spelled the ball Gilardano was there waiting to pounce.

The missing ingredient for the Italians was the final through ball. They seemed to lack that critical ball to place their strikers in the clear. Gilardano lacked a bit of movement, whereas Iaquinta showed more resolve and hustle to get into the cleat with ball at toe.

DiNatale’s substitution injected some pace into Italy’s front line. Gilardano and Iaquinta played similar games. The Italian attack enjoyed the variety the Italian attack added.

Italy needs to use their remaining group matches to sharpen their combinations. Tomorrow’s Slovakia-New Zealand match will provide us with the necessary insight into the strengths of these opponents.

Expect both teams to be more physical (and less technical) than Paraguay. Neither of Italy’s remaining group games will be easy. Italy will need to conquer different Continental styles to make it to the top of Group F. Given Holland’s 2-0 win against Denmark, playing the Dutch will be no easy prize for making the next stage.

Lippi wasn’t happy with his charges after tonight’s game. If Lippi can coach better games from this Azzurri squad then there may be some hope for our boys in blue.

In last year’s Confederates Cup Italy clamoured to a 4-3 win over the All Whites. New Zealand will offer stern aerial opposition. As much as I respect our capitano, the Kiwi tie might be a good game to rest Fabio and allow the taller Leonardo Bonucci a centre back role.

In 1994, Italy began the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Ireland. Despite this being the first time ever the Azzurri lost to the Emerald greens, Italy were able to progress to the final.

Azzurri’s group play in Spain was even more atrocious. The Azzurri managed three draws and scored only two goals. Italy went on to beat Maradona’s Argentina and Zico’s Brazil. A Brazilian team that has been rated the best to never win a World Cup. They dominated West Germany 3-1 in the final and Tadelli’s screams of joys (after scoring a goal) live on forever.

Interestingly in 1982, Italy drew 1-1 with Cameroon. Such a draw was considered a disaster for a European powerhouse against an African minnow. Times have moved on as we approach game 11 in the first African hosted Mondiale. The world now gladly anticipates the world’s first African world champions.

My favourite tournament was 1978. I still hold fantastic boyhood memories of an Italian team dominating France, Hungary and Argentina (the hosts and eventual winners) in the group phase.

Italy’s reward for finishing first in their group was to play the Dutch, Austria and Germany in another round robin. Holland’s brand of total football was to much for the Azzurri. The orangemen roared triumphant as they won 2-1, meaning the Dutch finished top and earned the right to play Argentina in the final.

In 1978, Italy enjoyed the satisfaction of being the only team they beat the eventual World Champions.

Italy would meet Argentina again in 1986 and 1990. In 1986, Italy also played Bulgaria and Korea (two teams that they would meet in subsequent World Cups).

The 1986 Italian team was but a smite to the team that had won the 1982 World Cup. Paolo Rossi returned, but at 29 years was considered too old to be a telling factor. His being there was for motivational purposes. No one expected him to be on the field let alone be in to retain the ‘golden boot’.

Italy’s opening game was an uninspiring 1-1 draw with Bulgaria. That score was repeated in their next fixture, with a 1-1 draw against Argentina. Italy’s goal coming from a dubious penalty. The Italians battled the South Koreans for a 3-2 win.

Unlike the 1970 team (who lost to Brazil in a legendary final), the Azzurri never warmed to the Mexican conditions succumbing to France 2-0 in the first knockout round.

1990 was a tragedy. We were hosts. We were efficient in managing 1-0 and 2-0 victories against a number of teams. Schillachi (the Sicilian hit-man) was the surprise find knocking in a number of goals. Roberto Baggio was becoming a household name. In fact because of Baggio, Madonna would go on to invite the entire Italian squad to her house.

It wasn’t until the semi-finals that the Italians conceded a goal. Cannigia negating Schillachi’s first half strike. The semi was played in Napoli. A city still spellbound by the impression made by the Maradonna, their last son. A city that would literally remain indebted for years as their club attempted to pay amounts owing from their star signing.

Paolo Maldini would go on to say that had that semi-final been played in other city, there’s no way the Italians would have lost. This would have been a good thing given the boredom produced from Germany’s sombre 1-0 final win against the Argentinians (a team depleted by yellow cards).

1998 was a drab World Cup for the Italians. Cesare Maldini held a personal preference for Alessandro del Piero over Roberto Baggio. Something that would cost the Italians as they would go on to lose to France on penalties (after a 0-0 regulation time draw) in the quarter finals.

Italy has every right to cry foul after having five legitimate goals disallowed in South Korea. The incompetency showed by FIFA officials robbed the Azzurri as the class of 2002 wasn’t too bad. Watching highlights of Italy’s loss to South Korea is still enough to make the most staunchest of neutral supporters cringe.

But that’s ok as 2006 came quickly. Allowing us to enter Africa as reigning champions.

Opening games

1978 Italy 2 France 1 (eventually finished fourth)

1982 Italy 0 Poland 0 (eventual winners)

1986 Italy 1 Bulgaria 1 (knocked out in first round of 16)

1990 Italy 1 Austria 0 (finished third)

1994 Italy 0 Ireland 1 (runners-up)

1998 Italy 2 Chile 2 (knocked out in quarter finals)

2002 Italy 2 Ecuador 0 (knocked out in first round of 16)

2006 Italy 2 Ghana 0 (eventual winners)

Additional notes

In 1950, Italy became the first reigning champions (after having won the previous World Cup in 1938) to lose their opening tournament game (going down to Sweden).

Similar to this year’s squad, the 1986 team was made up of a mix of previous champions and upcoming stars. The team was lead by Enzo Bearzot the manager who had steered the Azzurri to the world title in 1982.

Italy recently drew 1-1 with Switzerland in a pre-season tournament, a repeat of an identical result the 2006 team enjoyed.

Italy are only one of two nations that have been successful in retaining the world title. The only other being Pele’s Brazilian team of 1958 and 1962.

Sounds good. Our strength will be in what Pirlo and De Rossi can craft in the midfield. Our success will be dependent on these two establishing a dominant combination.

Our match against Mexico in Brussels will be a good test. Mexico has a style similar to Paraguay. Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre has stated he won’t be playing his stars. After all Mexico have already played five warm-up games in May. If they keep thus up they will be exhausted before the tournament has started.

Given Lippi has said he will be playing his top team, anything less than a win will be disappointing for the Italians.

Leading up to the last World Cup Italy had a huge 4-1 win over the Germans and then followed this up with a couple of average games against Switzerland (1-1) and the Ukraine (0-0).

Starting XI:-

Buffon;

Maggio, Bonucci, Cannavaro, Zambrotta;

Pirlo, De Rossi;

Iaquinta, Marchisio, Di Natale;

Gilardino.

Forza.

Italy 2 Mexico 0.

Cool. We’re days away from the globe’s next dosage of World Cup.

We enter the tournament as champions and it feels good.

So we’re starting from the top. This can’t be overlooked.

Nor can the high altitude of many of South Africa’s playing fields. This year’s World Cup is being played in a strange setting. It’s not the environment the game’s European and South American stars are accustomed to. For years experts have commented on Africa’s rise in the world of football. Potentially there’ll be no better place for a sub-Saharan team to excel.

Brazil is the only team to have won a World Cup outside of Europe and South America (winning 1994 in USA and 2002 in South Korea). In fact a European team has never lifted the coveted trophy outside of Europe.

United States’ performance in finishing runner-up in last year’s Confederation Cup highlights that South Africa offers a level playing field. It’s an equaliser. Does this mean an outsider will win? Not necessarily.

Altitude and the strange environment will mean that the winner of the World Cup will be the team (a) in the best physical condition and (b) in a frame of mind to cohesively combat the environment.

So what does all this mean for the current world champions?

As in 2006, this year’s World Cup will be won by the best tournament team and not the best team in the tournament. The latter point isn’t a simple juxtaposition. To win a team needs to play to its strengths and minimise its weaknesses. They need to be crafted to survive a short period of intense pressure. They need to show that over a six week period they can forge a defence that cannot be penetrated and combinations that can score goals where required.

Therefore if Lippi can do today what he did four years ago, we’re in good stead to have a good run in the World Cup.

What about the lack of stars? The tournament is going to miss out on a number of stars through injury or non-selection: Ronaldinho, Beckham, Van Nistlerooy, Cambiasso, Essien, Eto’o (?) and Ballack.

Let’s have trust in Lippi he has experience in winning World Cups (Carlos Parreira lead his native Brazil to honours in 1994 and is now in charge of South Africa).

For Italy there’s no Totti, Cassano, Balotelli and Miccoli. The reason being Lippi wants team players. Players that can fuse together in a distant environment. Once you arrive in South Africa you’re miles away from home so compatibility with team mates is key.

Lippi has avoided temperamentals. The reason being, he wants a high-performing team rather than a crew of errant stars. The latter won’t win the World Cup. There’s a global trend with managers keen on shielding their teams away from errant behaviour.

Is age a big deal? Not really. Depth, fitness and experience will be key. Don’t forget the tournament is only on for six weeks. It’s not about being able to endure a season. 50% of this year’s Azzurri squad members were part of the team that succeeded in Berlin. That means that half of them understand the importance of playing as a unit for the length of the tournament. The other half have the youthful guile that many Italian-critics are deeming critical for success.

Many of the old hands have played very little football this season, this could be a positive as they’ll potentially be fresh in being a part of the tournament’s team.

Group of death could become group of confusion

If three teams end up on two points (which is possible if Holland beats Romanian and Italy and France draw) working out the group runner-up could be tricky.

Table currently stands

Holland   6pts  +6 goal difference

Romania  2pts  +0

France     1pt    -3 

Italy         1pt    -3

If Holland beats Romania, the France vs Italy game becomes a do-or-die match.

If there’s a result between Fance and Italy, then whoever wins simply makes it through to the next round.

If Romania loses and Italy and France draw then we will have three teams on 2 points each.

This means that regulation 7.08 of the UEFA qualifying rules will not apply. 7.08 states that if the last match of the pool involves the two teams drawn on points then a penalty shoot-out will be used to determine who progresses to the quarter finals. Regulation 7.08 will not apply as three teams are equal on points.

This is where it gets messy.

UEFA sets the following precedence in determining the runner-up:

(a) number of points obtained by teams in contention

France v Romania – draw (1pt)

Romania v Italy – draw (1pt)

Italy v France – draw (1pt) 

(b) goal difference amongst teams in contention

As all three games involving Italy, France and Romania would have been draws this criteria can not apply.

(c) number of goals scored in games amongst teams in question

France v Romania – 0 goals

Romania v Italy – 1 goal

Italy v France – undecided

If it is a score draw then Italy will qualify, both France and Romania will suffer due to their goal-less draw.

If the Italy v France game ends 0-0, then this criteria can not apply as it does not give either Italy or Romania an advantage.

(d) goal difference in all group games

If Romania loses to Holland by fewer than three goals (Italy’s 3-0 and France’s 4-1 losing margin) then they will qualify with superior goal difference.

If Romania loses by four goals or more than they will be out of the reckoning.

If Romania also loses to Holland by three, then all three teams will have -3 goal difference and thus negate this criteria. 

(e) number of goals scored in all matches

Goals scored currently sits at:

France  1

Italy     1

Romania  1 

Depending on Tuesday night goals this criteria will be break the deadlock.

If Italy and France ends goal-less and Romania scores against Holland then Romania will be through.

If Romania score more goals against Holland than the draw score between Italy and France then the Tricolorii are through. For example if Romania loses 5-2 and the France v Italy game finishes 1-1 then Romania will qualify.

(f) co-efficient from qualifying competition (points obtained divided by games played)

Romania 29 pts 12 games

Italy 29 pts 12 games

France 26 pts 12 games

This criteria is not relevant as Romania and Italy share an equal co-effcient.

(g) fair play conduct of teams at the tournament

Dependent on yellow and red cards.

(h) lots

Dependent on chance.

The runner-up of group C will play the winner of group D (in all likelihood to be Spain).