Socrates

Cosí quella prostituta ruba-mariti che c'é in studio si eccita.

Barzagli injury scare Jun 18, 2014 There are rumours emerging from the Italy camp that Andrea Barzagli will miss the game with Costa Rica. The Juventus defender has struggled with tendon problems all season and had been in doubt for the tournament. He played the full 90 minutes in a 2-1 victory over England on Saturday night and was expected to start again on Friday at 17.00 UK time. However, reports from the Italy camp this evening suggest Barzagli is feeling that pain in his Achilles tendon yet again. It means he’s likely to be replaced by Juventus teammate Leonardo Bonucci, partnering Giorgio Chiellini in the centre. Chiellini played left-back against England, but with Costa Rica it’s possible Matteo Darmian will switch over to the left, introducing Milan’s Ignazio Abate on the right. Italy probable: Sirigu; Abate, Bonucci, Chiellini, Darmian; De Rossi; Candreva, Thiago Motta, Pirlo, Marchisio; Balotelli

Buffon returns to Italy training The 36-year-old's injury is not as serious as first thought and there was also good news regarding Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli. Jun 17, 2014 Italy have been given a huge boost ahead of their World Cup clash with Costa Rica after captain Gianluigi Buffon returned to training. The veteran goalkeeper sat out his country's 2-1 victory over England in Manaus last Saturday due to an ankle injury but Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Monday that he was hopeful Buffon would not miss any further games in Brazil. And the 36-year-old now appears to be in line for a return in Recife on Friday, with Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also playing some part in Tuesday's session. "Good news for Cesare Prandelli," the FIGC announced on its official website. "Buffon, De Sciglio, De Rossi and Barzagli returned from injury and are on the road to recovery." With all four players available to coach Cesare Prandelli, Italy were able to train together as a full squad for the first time since Buffon suffered his injury last Friday. “Right after the injury on Friday evening, [buffon] thought he had to leave the World Cup, but now as time passes he knows that this isn’t the case,” said Castellacci. "Yesterday he wasn’t able to play, he is in therapy and today we’ll do other checks and if necessary, other diagnostic tests. We will try to recover him as soon as possible even if his health is priority." Prandelli, though, may choose to leave the veteran out in order for him to make a full recovery as Italy have one eye on the knockout stages.

Asamoah: I don’t like defence Jun 17, 2014 Juventus’ Kwadwo Asamoah says he does not like playing in defence after being selected at left-back for Ghana last night. The 25-year-old normally plies his trade as a midfielder but was asked by Black Stars Coach James Kwesi Appiah to play in a role further back in the 2-1 World Cup defeat to USA. Speaking to Ghanaian media following the loss, the player expressed his belief that he is of no use to his team at left-back. “Everyone knows the role in which I can give my best,” Asamoah said. “I’ve never liked playing in defence but when you are asked to do so what can you do? “I think I am one of the players on the pitch with the most quality and I am very useful when I help out in attack. “I don’t like playing in defence and I don’t think I can help the team there. My role is offensive.”

Lloris warns Pogba over reaction Jun 16, 2014 France captain Hugo Lloris has revealed that he had a word with Paul Pogba at half-time during their 3-0 win over Honduras. The Juventus youngster reacted by kicking out at Wilson Palacios following a bad foul by the Stoke midfielder during the first half in the game at Porto Alegre on Sunday. Both men received a yellow card for their actions, and the goalkeeper has warned the 21-year-old that he will be a target because of his quality. “We all had a word with Pogba at half time,” he told reporters. “Paul’s still young, but he must not react to provocation like that. “I think the referee was smart on that occasion though. “The game is decided on small details like that, and luckily for us, it went in our favour this time.”

Buffon was 'pretty worried' by injury Jun 15, 2014 Italy’s medical staff confirm they were “pretty worried” about Gigi Buffon, but now confident he and Mattia De Sciglio will soon be fit. Professor Enrico Castellacci spoke at the Press conference in Mangaratiba this evening after last night’s 2-1 victory over England. “At this moment Buffon and De Sciglio are the only real issues,” said the chief medic, “as the others are fine apart from the usual aches and pains. “As you saw, in Friday’s training session Gigi’s ankle turned in an abnormal way, which provoked a sprain of the ankle and the knee. “At the time we were pretty worried. As for the knee, there are no particularly serious problems there, but the ankle was affected in the anterior tibial ligament. “From this afternoon we will evaluate and, if necessary, perform hospital tests. He has already begun ad hoc treatment.” There have been reports Buffon will be available for the last group game with Uruguay on June 24, but others suggest he won’t return until the knockouts. “In a World Cup we obviously will try to get the player back as quickly as possible, but remember his health comes first. “We are fairly relaxed and confident his recovery can be quick, but don’t tell me if he’ll be able to play the next game. We have to take this one day at a time.” Buffon posted a Twitter message implying he could be out for “another World Cup,” having missed Euro 2000 and almost all of the 2010 edition. “At the start it was a problem psychologically for him, as in the moment he saw all the previous negative experiences go through his head. Then optimism began to take over,” explained Professor Castellacci. “In truth, Gigi was almost smiling in the locker room and told me he was very happy to hear it wasn’t so serious. He had been expecting to leave this World Cup behind.” The other injury was a thigh problem for Milan left-back De Sciglio, who forced Cesare Prandelli to reshuffle his back line. “De Sciglio has a bruise, but no muscular lesions. This gives us a note of optimism, but it only happened a few days ago and right now he is not in any condition to train with the other players.”

People talk too much about Balotelli - Pirlo The Italy midfielder believes the AC Milan striker is placed under too much scrutiny by the media and should be judged on his performances rather than his private life. Jun 15, 2014 Andrea Pirlo has criticised the press for the constant attention placed on Italy forward Mario Balotelli, insisting the player must be left in peace. The former Manchester City and Inter striker comes into the World Cup with expectations on his shoulders, with plenty of supporters concerned he will not recapture the form he showed in the Euro 2012 semi-final win over Germany despite scoring 14 in 30 Serie A games for AC Milan last season. However, Pirlo believes that the 23-year-old needs to be given time and space to mature without the media glare if he is to fulfil his potential as a footballer and urged reporters to judge him solely on his displays on the pitch. "I think we talk too much [about him], about anything and everything," the 35-year-old told a press conference. "He is a young player, he is good, but you have to give him some air. When he goes to the toilet, there is no need to fill pages about Balotelli going to the toilet. Everything he does ends up in the newspapers and I think that is unfair. "He must be judged solely on what he does on the field. The press spoke and now there are huge expectations around him. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not. He still has to mature and grow, but he will get there probably much quicker if left in a little peace. " Pirlo remains a vital part of the Azzurri set-up and was a World Cup winner in 2006 when they overcame France in the final, but he stressed he is not an essential player for Cesare Prandelli's side. "When I'm on the field, actions pass by me," he continued. "I help the team play differently. But the team is also able to play very good matches without me."

Chiellini & Prandelli hit out at Fifa over Manaus time-outs Italy conquered England and the Amazonian conditions on Saturday evening to get their World Cup campaign off to a winning start, but were angered by a lack of drinks breaks. Jun 15, 2014 Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini has criticised Fifa for not sanctioning time-outs during Saturday's match against England in Manaus, while coach Cesare Prandelli branded the decision "absurd". Much had been made of the heat and humidity in the Amazon city ever since the World Cup draw was made in December, and although the stadium was in complete shade by kick-off and the temperature had cooled significantly compared to midday, conditions were still testing. The Azzurri won an entertaining, end-to-end game 2-1 thanks to goals from Claudio Marchisio and Mario Balotelli, but Chiellini believes the players' health was put at risk. "It was extremely hot and difficult for both teams," he told RAI. "I believe we'd need some little rules like time-outs, drinking breaks, in order to preserve the players' health." He was backed up by coach Prandelli, who says the lack of water breaks also threatened to damage the spectacle. "We worked on the weather conditions at Coverciano and Florence, but it is truly absurd that we can't have the time-out," he told reporters at the post-match press conference. "Luckily the referee was good enough to interrupt, but it is absurd. If we want entertainment we have to give the players the energy to play. It was an epic match which will be remembered forever." Italy continue their World Cup campaign against Costa Rica on Friday, with los Ticos having got off to a winning start themselves against Uruguay.

De Sciglio and Buffon updates Jun 15, 2014 Mattia De Sciglio feels he’ll be ready to face Costa Rica, but Gigi Buffon reportedly won’t return until Uruguay. Italy won their opening World Cup game, beating England 2-1 despite losing two key players just hours before kick-off in Manaus. Milan left-back De Sciglio was a particularly heavy blow, as it forced Giorgio Chiellini to go wide and brought Gabriel Paletta into the centre of defence. “I am feeling much better now. I think I’ll be ready to play against Costa Rica,” De Sciglio told journalists. The Azzurri face surprise Group D leaders Costa Rica in Recife on Friday afternoon, kicking off at 18.00 (CET). However, according to the latest reports it looks as if Buffon won’t be available for that showdown with the side that beat Uruguay 3-1. The goalkeeper sprained his left ankle in a training session the day before the England game and it reportedly caused an inflammation to the tibial tendon too. Salvatore Sirigu put in a fine performance in Manaus and the Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper is expected to start at least the next match, possibly all the group fixtures. This isn’t the first time Buffon has been unlucky with injuries at a major tournament. He missed Euro 2000 when fracturing a finger during a warm-up friendly against Norway and hurt his back in the first half of the 2010 World Cup opener with Paraguay.

Sirigu: 'Buffon helped me' Jun 15, 2014 Salvatore Sirigu reveals Gigi Buffon “reassured” him before his World Cup debut against England. The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper had only played one competitive match for Italy before this, but put in a great performance for the 2-1 victory in Manaus after Buffon’s sudden injury. “I had a calm evening, then on the morning of the game I found out that Buffon was injured,” Sirigu told Sky Sport Italia. “I received a few phone calls and realised it was becoming something really serious. We have a strong and wonderful group that gives you strength even off the field. This is important, as it can be the key to going forward. “I didn’t know what to say to Buffon, as these are difficult situations, because I was happy to play and at the same time disappointed for him. “He told me that he was pleased it wasn’t a serious injury and also content I was going to be the one replacing him. That reassured me.”

Pirlo: 'Courageous Italy' Jun 15, 2014 Andrea Pirlo was proud to be “the captain of a courageous Italy that wanted to impose its style on England.” The midfielder wore the armband in last night’s 2-1 World Cup victory in Manaus, as Gigi Buffon was injured. “I was the captain of a courageous Italy that wanted to play good football and impose its style on England,” Pirlo told media. “I think that we did that for the first half and a large portion of the second half too. It was a great game, despite suffering in the heat. “We are a good team and we can go forward.” Pirlo also gave the thumbs up to the new double playmaker system that sees him partner heir apparent Marco Verratti. “I was happy playing alongside Verratti and it’s right to continue along this path.”

Chiellini: 'Totally different Italy' Jun 15, 2014 Giorgio Chiellini reveals Italy had “prepared a completely different approach and line-up” against England. The 2-1 victory in Manaus was achieved despite losing Mattia De Sciglio and captain Gigi Buffon. “It wasn’t easy, as we had prepared with a completely different approach and line-up until two days ago. De Sciglio’s injury meant we had to radically change everything,” Chiellini told RAI Sport. Chiellini had to move over to left-back, bringing Parma’s Gabriel Paletta into a centre-back role. “We felt the effects of that in the first half against a fast-paced England side. Over half-time the Coach gave us the indications we needed to adjust and we were able to do really well in the second half. “We suffered under pressure, as is only normal at a World Cup, but we kept the ball and deserved the victory.” Buffon sprained his left ankle during last night’s training session and was unexpectedly ruled out of the opening World Cup match. “It was a huge shock. I must praise Salvatore Sirigu, as he played with remarkable cool and was always calm. It’s tougher for a goalkeeper, as he’ll go to a World Cup expecting never to play. “As for Gigi, his words and his smile in the locker room before the game were very important for us. Nobody wins a match by themselves, so the whole group came together to achieve this. “Clearly his words scared everyone, but I don’t think his injury is that serious. We’ll give him some time to recover and then he can lock down the goal again.”

Marchisio: 'I was hallucinating!' Jun 15, 2014 Claudio Marchisio “had hallucinations” due to the heat in Manaus, but still scored in Italy’s 2-1 win over England. “It was important to get the victory, especially on a day when playing football in this humidity was frankly difficult,” the Juventus midfielder told Sky Sport Italia. “In certain moments I felt like I had hallucinations due to the heat. However, this team showed it has great character, as we resisted in the final minutes and brought home and deserved win against a good England side.” Marchisio ran to embrace Gigi Buffon after scoring the goal, as the captain had been ruled out by a sprained ankle. “I was sad for him, but as a great captain he celebrated along with us. I also have to say Salvatore Sirigu had a wonderful performance in goal.” Italy are now joint top of Group D with Costa Rica, while England and Uruguay face off in the next game. “Can we get to the Final? I don’t know, it’s a long road. The important thing was to start well. Now we have to focus on Costa Rica, who already surprised Uruguay.”

Buffon 'will be back soon' Jun 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon “thought he had broken everything, but will get away with a few days of treatment,” revealed his sister. The Italy goalkeeper sprained his left ankle in training and has been ruled out of tonight’s World Cup opener with England. He posted a message on Twitter and WhoSay that implied he could be out for the tournament, but his sister Guendalina was more encouraging. “I was pretty worried about his condition. We sent each other some text messages this morning and Gigi lifted my spirits,” she told Rai Radio 2. “There was a moment when he thought he had broken everything, but he’ll get away with a few days of treatment. “We’ll have to wait for his debut in this World Cup, but soon he’ll be in great shape.” Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu will start tonight in Manaus, but it remains to be seen whether Buffon will recover in time for the second Group D match against Costa Rica on Friday.

Pirlo hails 'courageous' Italy The midfielder was pleased with how his side imposed themselves on England in their Group D encounter, believing they delivered an impressive display in spite of the heat. Jun 15, 2014 Andrea Pirlo expressed his pride at captaining Italy to victory over England on Saturday and praised the courage displayed by his team-mates. Mario Balotelli scored a second-half header to give the Azzurri a 2-1 win after Daniel Sturridge had levelled the game following Claudio Marchisio's 25-yard drive. Pirlo, who led the side in the absence of the injured Gianluigi Buffon, indicated that he was impressed with how Italy carried out their game-plan, especially considering the heat and humidity of the Amazonian city of Manaus. "I was the captain of a courageous Italy," the 35-year-old told reporters after the game. "An Italy that wanted to play good football and impose its style on England. We had a good game despite the terrible heat. We know that we are a strong team, despite the many difficulties, and we can go forward." The Juventus midfielder also gave his approval to Cesare Prandelli's strategy of playing him alongside Marco Verratti in the centre of the pitch. "The important thing was to win and we did it," he continued. "I had a great time playing alongside Marco. During the first half we did very well, and it is right to continue along this path." Italy play Costa Rica on June 20 before finishing their Group D campaign against Uruguay on June 24.

Tevez is better than Messi and Higuain - wife The Juventus striker's wife is outraged that Alejandro Sabella overlooked him and insists he is better than all 23 players who did make the squad. Jun 14, 2014 Carlos Tevez's wife, Vanesa Mansilla, said it was "totally unfair" that the striker was left out of Argentina's World Cup squad, insisting he is better than Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. The Juventus star hasn't been a part of the national team since Alejandro Sabella's appointment as coach and was left out of the squad for the tournament in Brazil. Mansilla launched a scathing attack on the Argentina squad, insisting Tevez is better than every single one of the 23 man squad, but said she is happy that he gets to go on holiday with the family. "It 's totally unfair that he was not called up," Mansilla said. "They are without the player of the people. "Everybody knows that Carlitos is better than the 23 that are in the national team and will play in Brazil. "On the one hand, however, it is good for us that he is not with the Albiceleste so he can go on holiday with [his children] Florentia, Katie and Lito who enjoy spending time with their dad. "Now we'll go with the gang to Marbella: he and his friends play a round of golf at the Open Fuerte Apache, there'll be women there and we'll be at the beach with the children."

'No masterplan for England to stop Pirlo' - Cahill The Three Lions defender claims Roy Hodgson's side will not give the Italy playmaker any special attention in their World Cup opener in Manaus on Saturday. Jun 14, 2014 By Greg Stobart in Rio de Janeiro England defender Gary Cahill claims there is no plan to stop Andrea Pirlo in the World Cup opener against Italy on Saturday. The Three Lions take on Italy in the Amazon city of Manaus in a repeat of the Euro 2012 quarter-final, when Pirlo produced a man-of-the-match display before the Azzurri won on penalties. Much has been made of how Roy Hodgson’s men will try and handle Pirlo in the Group D clash on Saturday – but Cahill insists they will not give the 35-year-old playmaker special attention. “I don’t think there is a masterplan,” said the Chelsea defender when asked about Pirlo’s threat. “We’re respectful of what he’s done and what a player he is but our message is about how we want to play and approach the game – we want to control the game. “I think the key is to be organised and solid at the back, and to give our more creative players the ball to create opportunities. That’s the plan.”

Pirlo: Italy must be careful against improving England The veteran Juventus midfielder says that the Azzurri "know how to face" Group D opponents, though he urges caution against the Three Lions' young, fast starlets. Jun 14, 2014 Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has warned his team-mates that they can expect to face a different and much-improved England side than the one whom they sent crashing out of Euro 2012. The two sides meet in Manaus on Saturday in their opening game of the World Cup, a repeat of their quarter-final clash two years ago in Kiev, in which the Azzurri progressed after a penalty shootout. But Pirlo is not taking the Three Lions' threat lightly, highlighting the emergence of youth within England's ranks, though he is confident that Cesare Prandelli's men are capable of coming out on top. "We know England are a good team that has improved a lot," he told reporters. "They have new, young players, who are fast. We will have to be careful. "However, we know how to face them. Italy have always played great games against England and hence we will have our chances." Pirlo was instrumental in Italy's victory over England in Ukraine, famously completing more passes than Roy Hodgson's entire midfield combined, but he insists that the four-time World Cup winners are more than a one-man team. "This national team is not Pirlo-dependent," the 35-year-old argued. "In order to go all the way you need everyone's contribution. "Our aim should be to win and go until the end. We have a very competitive team and we will give our all to win this tournament. I never compete to take part but to finish first."

Buffon ruled out of Italy-England game The veteran hurt his ankle in training and has failed to recover in time to face Roy Hodgson's men in the two sides' opening World Cup fixture. Jun 14, 2014 Italy have been dealt a severe blow ahead of their World Cup opener against England after goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was ruled out with an ankle injury. The 36-year-old left training early on Friday with the problem, but it was hoped he would recover in time to take his place on Saturday evening, with coach Cesare Prandelli describing it as "nothing serious". However, Buffon confimed on his official Facebook page on Saturday that he would not be fit to start the game. "Good day everyone... Life is beautiful and I am still in your debt... It will take more than one missed game or one missed World Cup to change my mind!" wrote the 140-capped international. "There are still ways to be important, even if you are not a protagonist on the field... so... Forza Great Salvatore... Forza magic boys... FORZA ITALIA, my great love." Paris Saint-Germain keeper Salvatore Sirigu is expected to start in his absence as the Azzurri look to get off to a flying start in Group D. One positive for Prandelli, however, was the condition of the playing surface in Manaus, with a close inspection arresting fears of an uneven pitch that had been reported in the days leading up to the game. "Regarding the pitch, the grass was described to me as being in very bad condition, but when I got here it was actually very good," said the 56-year-old. Prandelli will keep his formation and selection a secret until the last minute, hoping to keep players competing for places. He believes Roy Hodgson's England are a different prospect to the one Italy overcame on penalties in the Euro 2012 quarter-finals. "Two years ago we won on penalties but England are a different team, they have changed their system, their style of play," Prandelli said. "We have to remember the good things we did in the past but we are facing a new team. Especially in attack, they have four players who are very, very good."

Buffon: 'A missed game or World Cup...' Jun 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon wished Salvatore Sirigu the best of luck, but hinted he could “miss another World Cup” due to injury. The goalkeeper has been ruled out of tonight’s opener against England in Manaus after spraining his left ankle during a training session. “Good day to everyone...” wrote Buffon on his official Twitter and WhoSay accounts. “Life is beautiful and I am still indebted to her... It won’t be a missed game or another World Cup missed out to make me change my mind!!! “Besides, there are many ways to be important, even if you’re not a protagonist on the field... therefore... forza great Salvatore... forza magical lads... FORZA ITALIA, my great love!!!” Cesare Prandelli insists he will “have another test” before kick-off at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but there are reports the sprain has also affected the knee. Buffon’s statement hints that the injury could be so serious as to rule him out of the World Cup entirely, an experience he already has after missing the 2010 edition.

Buffon out, Sirigu starts Jun 14, 2014 Gianluigi Buffon is out of Italy’s World Cup opener with England tonight, so Salvatore Sirigu starts in goal. The captain pulled up during last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia in Manaus with a sprained left ankle. He underwent physiotherapy both yesterday and again this morning, but the fitness tests performed in the hotel gym were not reassuring. Italy medical staff have advised him not to play this evening, as there are also concerns the sprain might’ve spread to the knee and thigh muscle. If it proves to be a more serious injury, Buffon cannot be replaced, as players can only be brought in until 24 hours before the opening game. It’s reported Buffon sustained the injury during a practice goal kick. This means Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Sirigu gets the nod in only his ninth cap, the second competitive match for Italy. His only other tournament game was a 2-1 Euro 2012 qualifying victory away to Estonia in September 2010. The Azzurri must also do without the injured Mattia De Sciglio, who has a thigh problem, while Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi pulled out before the tournament began. Probable line-ups England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Gerrard, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge Italy: Sirigu; Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

'Pessimism' over Buffon injury Jun 14, 2014 There is “pessimism” filtering through from the Italy camp over Gigi Buffon’s chances of facing England tonight. The Azzurri open their World Cup campaign in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT). Captain Buffon sprained his left ankle in last night’s training session at the Arena Amazonia and has been undergoing physiotherapy. There is no official word from the Nazionale staff yet, but Sky Sport Italia claim there is “pessimism” filtering through from sources. Buffon was spotted going into the hotel gym with physiotherapists and medical staff this morning after breakfast to perform tests. It is reported the initial results were not positive, as there are fears the sprain might’ve also affected his left knee. Salvatore Sirigu is ready to take over, although the Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper is not 100 per cent fit either due to bruised ribs. The only other option would be Genoa youngster Mattia Perin, who has never made an official appearance for the senior Italy squad.

Buffon injury scare against England Jun 14, 2014 Gigi Buffon suffered a “slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment” ahead of tonight’s World Cup opener against England. Italy begin their tournament in Manaus at 23.00 UK time (22.00 GMT), but are beset by injury problems. Last night the Azzurri trained on the Manaus pitch and Juventus shot-stopper Buffon sprained his left ankle. “He has a slight ankle sprain and is undergoing treatment,” explained Cesare Prandelli. Professor Enrico Castellacci was less reassuring and said Buffon has “a 50 per cent chance” of starting tonight’s game, as he was seen limping on to the team bus. There are further concerns, as second choice Salvatore Sirigu did not train for several days this week due to a bruised rib, so the PSG man is not in great shape either. It is possible Mattia Perin of Genoa might have to play, although Buffon will do everything possible to be there. The injury in the warm-up raises more questions about the pitch in Manaus, which looked suspiciously green last night compared to only 48 hours earlier. There are reports the Brazilian authorities might’ve painted the turf green in order to hide the patches and sand beneath the grass. Mattia De Sciglio was ruled out by a muscular injury on Thursday, so Giorgio Chiellini is moved over to his former role at left-back. In his place, Cesare Prandelli has been testing Parma defender Paletta alongside Andrea Barzagli, leaving Juventus man Leonardo Bonucci on the bench. Torino revelation Matteo Darmian is expected to beat Milan’s Ignazio Abate to the right-back slot. For some time now Prandelli has moved towards a 4-1-4-1 formation with Daniele De Rossi protecting the defence, but above all Marco Verratti and Andrea Pirlo together as dual playmakers. It is hoped this system will allow the Azzurri to maintain possession and provide other options when England man-mark Pirlo. Claudio Marchisio and Lazio’s Antonio Candreva are the attacking midfielders who can push up to support striker Mario Balotelli. Potential substitutes for the second half include Parma veteran Antonio Cassano, Serie A Capocannoniere Ciro Immobile and Napoli’s sparkling Lorenzo Insigne. Probable line-ups England: Hart; Johnson, Cahill, Jagielka, Baines; Henderson, Gerrard; Lallana, Rooney, Welbeck; Sturridge Italy: Sirigu Darmian, Barzagli, Paletta, Chiellini; De Rossi; Candreva, Pirlo, Verratti, Marchisio; Balotelli

MARIO BALOTELLI 2-1

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