On Sunday, the English and Italian National Teams will duel it out for the final semi-finals spot in the UEFA Euro Cup 2012. The winner will have an opportunity to take on heavy favorite Germany in a Thursday, June 28 tilt.
The matchup is a fascinating one as both countries are rich in soccer history, but have fallen on difficult times in most recent years.
Italy could not qualify out of the group stage in the 2010 World Cup and England has received the "choker" tag for its increasingly poor displays on the international stage.
However, both teams are looking to right their respective ships and show their countries and world that their team is back. Both teams have gotten off to solid starts to prove it.
England won its group with an impressive 3-2 win over Sweden and a solid victory over co-host Ukraine. Captain Steven Gerrard has been masterful for his team and his trademark aerial crosses have already facilitated a few British goals through three games. He has scored one assist in each of England's three games and has the look of an MVP trying to make it big in what may be his final tournament on the national team.
Italy's masterful defensive display against defending champion Spain in a 1-1 draw got the critics questioning the Iberians. Italy then had a 1-1 draw with Croatia in what looked like a questionable effort from the Italians before a strong win over Ireland booked their passage to the quarter finals.
Key Player of the Match:
Steven Gerrard may have been England's best player through three games, but Rooney is definitely the game changer. He was out during the first two matches serving a suspension, but immediately made his presence felt with a goal against the Ukraine. Italy is a defensive-first team that will have to pay special attention to Rooney's speed, size, and masterful aerial game.
Italy Will Win If...
It cuts down Rooney's space in their defensive third, and limits England's aerial game. England has made a hobby out of lobbing the ball into the penalty area and using their superior height to head it into the back of opponents' nets. Steven Gerrard is the major weapon that must be forced to the outside as much as possible so that his crosses are forced and imprecise.
Rooney's speed will give Italy issues, and as shown with Fernando Torres in the opening match against Spain, Italy is susceptible to blinding speed on the attack. In that match, Torres' poor form helped them get through. But Rooney will be out for blood and the only way to contain him is to cut down on the space he has to run on and off the ball. Stopping his aerial prowess is unlikely, so Italy will look to cut down England's ability to cross.
England Will Win If...
It controls possession, the air, and plays patiently. Italy will absorb pressure and counterattack ferociously. England is not the most adept defensive club and thrives on the strength of its midfielders, strikers, and height advantage. As the tallest team remaining, they need to take advantage of the latter and get clean crosses into the penalty area. Italy will find it extremely difficult to defend the aerial game due to England's superior height. However, England must take their time to set up their aerial game, because haphazard crosses could facilitate the Italian counter.
Prediction: England finds a way to impose its offense on Italy and wins 2-1. The aerial play will cost Italy a goal and the Rooney/Gerrard combination will shine once more for the Brits.
Remaining Matches:
June 27: Spain Vs. Portugal 2:30 ET
June 28: Germany Vs. Winner England/Italy 2:30 ET
July 1: Euro Cup 2012 Final 2:30 ET
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