Di Natale Double Saves Italy Embarrassment

La Nazionale came onto the pitch wearing their new World Cup holders badge which was awarded to them by FIFA chief Sepp Blatter earlier this week. However they didn’t look like World Champions as Cyprus gave them a run for their money. It's not the perfect World Cup qualifying start that was hoped for and attentions will quickly shitf to the game against Georgia in mid-week.

First Half
Italy didn’t get off to the greatest start in Lanarca with Alessandro Gamberini picking up a shoulder injury in the first minute. The Fiorentina defender was unable to continue and he was replaced by Andrea Barzagli. However the Wolfsburg defender looked shaky and he almost gave away a penalty early on.

The Cypriots were very aggressive and they created several excellent chances however it was Italy who took the lead against the run of play. Antonio Di Natale found himself in acres of space following a mistake by the home side’s defence and he found the back of the net with a superb strike along the ground and into the near post. Giorgallidis had no chance. The goal settled any early nerves as the away team found it hard to get into their rhythm early on.

Cyprus were well organised and it was obvious that the Italians were in for a hard night. Buffon was outstanding and he made a triple save from Aloneftis, Okkas and Costantinou who just couldn’t score past the Juventus man. Lippi’s men were living a dangerous life and they were finding it difficult to break the Cypriots down. However the Gilardino – Toni partnership was working well and it was the former Milan striker who should have doubled the lead but his effort was wide after good work by Luca.

The Cypriot keeper was the called into action again as Gila fired on goal but the ‘Keeper saved well. Italy began to find their stride and La Nazionale seemed in control. Di Natale’s work rate was superb. The pint-sized striker played on the left and he was always ready to comeback and help the midfield and defence.

However, Italy’s lead was cut in half just before the half hour mark and it was always coming. The Azzurri had plenty of warning shots fired at them as the inevitable happened. Buffon saved well from Charalambous but Cassetti, who came on for the injured Grosso, failed to deal with the loose ball and Aloneftis didn’t need a second invitation as he fired the ball over the line from five yards.

Like the Azzurri’s defence, it was a messy goal but a deserved equaliser for a rampant Cyprus side.

As if the goal wasn’t enough, Lippi had to endure more bad news as Barzagli and Grosso, who both picked up injuries earlier in the game, were rushed to hospital. It wasn’t looking good for the Italians and those feelings were echoed by the constant movement on the bench by their coach who was dancing around in frustration trying to scream orders at his players.

The ref then blew for half time as Lippi came off fuming and he was red in the face with rage.

Second Half

Gennaro Gattuso came on for Toni. The striker just didn’t live up to his reputation as he received the vote of no confidence from Lippi. The Milan midfielder’s introduction added some much needed weight in the midfield and his impact was instant as he broke up the play and won possession on several occasions.

The Azzurri looked flat, dull and out of ideas. There was no inspiration, no leadership and no goals. At one point in the match it was the home side who looked like the World Champions. Di Natale then had a goal disallowed for offside and replays showed that the linesman’s decision was spot on.

The Cypriots always grew in confidence as they pegged the 2006 champions back in their own half. However, it was a dangerous decision which almost back-fired as the Azzurri found it easier to hit them on the breaks as the home side left themselves open to attack.

Di Natale was again the centre of attention as he beat the offside trap to run through but his finish from a tight angle flashed across goal. The second half was not as fast and exciting like the first but time was always running out for Italy and they just couldn’t find the right formula to turn the game in their favour. The rhythm of the game then died down just like the Azzurri's hopes of coming away with three points. With just minutes to go, Buffon made a miracle save from Aloneftis. The Italian number one ensured the game stayed level. Thirty seconds later Charalambous should have won the game for his side  but his chance in the six year box somehow failed to turn into a goal. Right at the death it was Di Natale who grabbed his second goal to kill of any  Cypriot hopes of a point.  Camoranesi found the hit man with a great touch and he finished superbly. Italy were rather fortunate but the three points are just what they needed.

Teams

Cyprus: Giorgallidis, Nikolau Charalambous, Christou, Garposiz, Makridis, Charalambides, Miehail, Aloneftis, Okkas, Kostantinou.

Subs: Morphis, Okkaridis, Constantinou, Maragkos, Yiasouni, Christofi.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Gamberini(Barzagli), Cannavaro, Grosso(Cassetti), Camoranesi, Pirlo, De Rossi, Di Natale, Toni(Gattuso), Gilardino.

Subs: De Sanctis, Cassetti, Barzagli, Gattuso, Aquilani, Del Piero, Iaquinta.

Goals: Di Natale(Italy), Aloneftis(Cyprus)

Cards: Yellow: Garposiz(Cyprus), Toni(Italy), Cassetti(Italy), Nikolau(Cyprus), Camoranesi(Italy)