World Cup 2010

Confederations Cup Debate: Why Did Italy Fail Against Egypt?

Italy were brought down by Egypt in Johannesburg. Adam Scime offers his analysis on the Azzurri’s latest folly...

Jun 19, 2009 1:00:31 PM

Egypt VS ITALY (Picture by: Luigi Bennett/Sports Inc/Press Association Images)

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Egypt VS ITALY (Picture by: Luigi Bennett/Sports Inc/Press Association Images)

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Two other world powers, Brazil and Spain, have cruised into the knock-out stages of the 2009 Confederations Cup, while Italy’s qualification hangs in the balance. The Azzurri fell 1-0 to a hard-working Egyptian side, unable to break them down, and now have just one match in which to save themselves.

Lack of Imagination

Most evident was the Azzurri’s lack of imagination. Restricted to half-chances, Marcello Lippi’s men were unable to test the Pharaohs' defence on enough occasions.

After the first-half proved fruitless, resulting in a one-goal deficit, Marcello Lippi made the bizarre decision to take off Giuseppe Rossi, who had been the world champions' most dangerous player. He tested the unbeatable Essam El Hadari on two occasions and also won a number of free-kicks and corners. Nonetheless he made way for the out-of-form Luca Toni.

You could also point to the lack of a world-class finisher in the squad, but that is the case with seven of the eight teams in this tournament, so it’s no excuse. Kaka can do it for Brazil, but typically plays as a midfielder, while Luis Fabiano is not on anyone's list of top forwards in the world. Only Spain can boast David Villa and Fernando Torres, who are truly the cream of the crop when it comes to finding the back of the net.

Lack Of Aggression

Lippi himself highlighted another problem,. After the stunning second-half show against the United States, Italy believed they could continue without demonstrating the same desire.

“In the first 20 to 25 minutes we played quite well, and we caused some chaos in the Egyptian defence, but we were not aggressive enough and didn’t take the initiative," he explained.

“After Egypt scored, we stopped playing, and towards the end of the first half, we were pretty poor.”

Plan B?

Unfortunately, it’s clear that Italy had no remedy or other plan in mind. They were given a taste of their own medicine by Egypt, who put in an Italian-like performance by playing some fine Catenaccio and counter attacking football. The Azzurri were at a loss and with the few chances they did create, usually through the tireless work of Vincenzo Iaquinta, the Egyptian shot-stopper stood in their way.

Let's leave the tragic exclusion of Antonio Cassano out of this argument, as frankly it is not even worth debating, given Lippi's stubbornness. However, to add a more dynamic option to the squad, Lippi should have brought Lazio winger Pasquale Foggia and Udinese playmaker Gaetano D’Agostino. Certainly Foggia would have been more capable of causing Egypt problems than second-half substitute Simone Pepe.

The Europeans are a superior team to Egypt in every sense and should be winning these types of matches easily, but their predictable style stifles them against organised and capable opponents, as was the case yesterday.

A Bit Of Bad Luck

You can argue that the world champions did not have luck on their side, but in the end fortune favours the brave, not those who fail to adapt. Captain Fabio Cannavaro made an imperious return, commanding the backline with aplomb, and Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi (even if he did not mark properly for the lone goal) formed an excellent partnership in midfield. Up front, Iaquinta played an enterprising role, but his inability to finish let him down. Nonetheless, his work rate was admirable.

On the obvious negative side, Gennaro Gattuso is clearly short of match fitness, Fabio Quagliarella’s impact was negligible and full-back Gianluca Zambrotta disappointed for the second consecutive match. Luca Toni has past his expiry date, but none of this should be news to anyone, including the coach.

Looking Ahead

Italy currently sit second in Group B on goal-difference, as that is the first tie-breaker. The Azzurri are at +1, while Egypt are at 0. In other words, against Brazil on Sunday Italy must at least match whatever result Egypt obtain against the Americans or they will be on a plane home.

If Egypt win 2-0, so must the men in the 1930s tribute kits. The US have the slimmest chance of advancing with their -5 goal differential, but that they still have something to play for could end up in favour of the 2006 World Cup winners.

Nonetheless, Italy should have wrapped up this group already and should they go home early, many will look back on this performance as the main culprit. An early exit will also see coach Marcello Lippi come under huge fire, and there will be inevitable calls for him to resign.

Why did Italy lose against Egypt? Will they qualify for the semi-finals? Goal.com wants to know what YOU think?

Adam Scime, Goal.com

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