Group-D - WC 2014

[xudong]

I doubt winning the group is the top priority for Italy. They should worry about qualifying first.

[Nalx]

Galliani must be secretly hoping for Italy to go home soon so we can embark on summer friendlies in the US in full force.

[ACMILAN1983]

Italy were dire vs Costa Rica, doing pretty much nothing. However, I want to credit the Costa Ricans, who are playing really good, positive football. Defensively they have moments of vulnerability, but their pressing is generally excellent and they've been the side who have surprised me the most this world cup. They have earnt their passage to the next round with flying colours, and for the brand of football they're playing to do it, they have a lot of support from me.

[ElMago99]

So it seems we will play a 3-5-2.. with De Rossi almost certain to be out injured.

-------------------------Buffon---------------------------
-----------Barzagli----Bonucci----Chiellini------------
Darmian----Verratti---Pirlo---Marchisio----De Sciglio
------------------Balotelli---Immobile------------------

[Mystik]

De Rossi will definitely be missed tomorrow. Normally I would like that formation but the Juve defenders have not been having a good tournament so far at all. Maybe a return to a familiar system will help them perform to their Serie A level. Balo-Immobile up top will definitely free more space for Balo. It remains to see if he will actually take advantage of it. Uruguay will look to sit back and counter so Italy has to be careful not to overcommit in attack.

I'll probably try to watch the match in Little Italy (best part of Toronto is that you can find these little communities everywhere ) I probably won't be posting during the game but I'll share my views after the match.

FORZA ITALIA!

[Aficio]

So it seems we will play a 3-5-2.. with De Rossi almost certain to be out injured.

-------------------------Buffon---------------------------
-----------Barzagli----Bonucci----Chiellini------------
Darmian----Verratti---Pirlo---Marchisio----De Sciglio
------------------Balotelli---Immobile------------------

That looks like the "true" lineup of Italy with Juventus core.

[Nalx]

Will be cheering on Uruguay tonight just to wind up some friends. If that extends to some MM members here, all the better. Haha. Hopefully we'll see an entertaining match.

[ACMILAN1983]

The midfield looks pretty "light" in that lineup.

[ZvonimirBoban]

I'm all for first European title on American soil, so the faster Uruguay go home, the better.

Though, it seems like the climate didn't help the Europeans and is in favor of American or African teams. Mexico eliminated Croatia, Chile were through at the expenses of Spain, Bosnia already eliminated, Costa Rica escaped group of death with style...

[xudong]

Balotelli subbed off at half time.