Confederations Cup 2013: Top 5 Players to watch out for in Italy vs Japan

Japan were put to the sword by Brazil in the opening game of the Confederations Cup 2013 and they will have no reprieve as they play Italy in their next group game. The Blue Samurai will have to step up their game by a few levels as they go against Cesare Prandelli’s side. Italy started the game without El Shaarawy and had to fight very hard against a determined Mexico side but Andrea Pirlo‘s magnificent free kick and Mario Balotelli‘s strike ensured that they did not drop any points. Italy will want to book their place in the semi-finals before they go on to meet their biggest challenge in the group against the Selecao, who look in hot form.

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli tried to play some mind games ahead of the contest by calling Japan slight favorites due to the fact that his compatriot Alberto Zaccheroni is in charge of the Asian side. He said that the extra day of rest that Japan enjoyed is an added advantage. The Blue Samurai coach, on the other hand, expressed disappointment with the efforts of his team against Brazil. He said, “We weren’t able to demonstrate our abilities against Brazil. We only showed about 50 per cent of what we can do.” He knows that bowing out with consecutive defeats at the competition will not be an accurate representation of the upcoming talent they have in the nation.

Here is a list of 5 players who will make a difference when Italy take on Japan.

Shinji Kagawa

The Manchester United forward looked out of his zone against Brazil. His positional awareness was missing and he seemed reluctant to get on the ball. He remained aloof and ineffective for most part of the game. His team is likely to have a better chance of getting some rhythm going against Italy and he will have to be on song. He must run the channels, show a better first touch and get into those goal scoring positions as he did for United in the last half of the season. Surely, the service won’t as good from the midfield but he must grab the occasional chances and half-chances that come his way if his team are to make a bid to progress in the competition.

Daniele De Rossi

The midfielder put in a fine performance offensively against Mexico. His distribution was healthy, he looked to take the initiative when he had space on the ball and he partnered Pirlo perfectly. The Roma midfielder would want to repeat the performance against Japan to guide the side into the semi-finals without any further glitches. He did look a bit gingerly defending when Mexico initiated counter attacks but he can improve that aspect of his game against Japan.

Andrea Pirlo

The architect, as he is fondly called, celebrated his 100th appearance with a massive goal. His free kick sent the crowd into a dizzy. His dead ball skills will be a huge advantage to the Azzurri in this competition. He was his usual self in the midfield, dictating the pace of the game and making those long range passes with unending ease. Italy can rely on his abilities a few more years; his appetite seems to be growing with his achievements. Long live the maestro!

Keisuke Honda

The experienced midfielder manufactured a few shots against Brazil and kept Julio Cesar awake. He had to take on that role as Okazaki was virtually taken out of the game by Thiago Silva. Italy are likely to apply even greater pressure on their star striker and hence, he might have to take on the goal-scoring mantle along with the responsibility of dictating the play from the midfield. He is a leader on the pitch for Japan with his experience of big occasions; the team will be expecting a good performance from him.

Mario Balotelli

Winning football matches is about scoring goals and that is why a striker can afford to drift out of the game for a bit as long as he put the final touch on the ball as it rolls into the net. Mario Balotelli did that job for Italy when it mattered the most and he threatens to do it again. Hence, he will be the the most irksome element in the Italian side. Italy have put their confidence in the abilities of Pirlo but they have tried to add that extra pace on the wings so that he can have that extra service that is required to produce the goals. He will have to make sure that he keeps his temper under check in order to become a dangerous weapon in Italy’s arsenal.