Italy enters the Confederations Cup as one of the favorites to win the tournament. Manager Cesare Prandelli's lineup reflects the successful Euro 2012 side. Here is an analysis of Italy's lineup and predictions how Gli Azzurri will perform in this tournament.
Goalkeepers: Agazzi (Cagliari), Buffon (Juventus), Marchetti ( Lazio), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain)-
Buffon enters the tournament as the undisputed number one keeper, but anyone of the other three keepers have strong track records and could potentially get opportunities in the event that Buffon falters.
Defenders: Abate (Milan), Antonelli (Genoa), Astori (Cagliari), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), De Sciglio (Milan), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino), Ranocchia (Inter)-
Chiellini, Maggio, Barzagli, Abate, Bonucci are among the first defenders in the pecking order. However, players like De Sciglio and Ogbonna can easily earn spots in the rotation. Italy's defense is not what it was in 2006, but it is slowly developing into a top unit.
Midfielders: Aquilani (Fiorentina), Bonaventura (Atalanta), Candreva (Lazio), Cerci (Torino), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti ( Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus), Poli (Sampdoria)-
Andrea Pirlo is on his last international legs, but he still has top players like Montolivo, Diamanti and Marchisio to help him. This midfield is just as strong as the defense, but relies heavily on Pirlo to function.
Forwards: Balotelli (Milan), El Shaarawy (Milan), Gilardino ( Bologna), Giovinco (Juventus), Sau (Cagliari). Enditem
With Osvaldo out of the rotation Balotelli and El Shaarawy are undoubtedly the top choices for Prandelli in this tournament. Balotelli has surged since his arrival in Milan and he will look to replicate his tremendous form from the Euro 2012.
The above lineup will be trimmed down by June 3.
Group Standings:
Italy will compete with the likes of Brazil, Mexico and Japan in the more difficult group of the tournament. They have looked terrific since Prandelli abandoned his defense first system in favor of an offensive outlook. The other teams in competition are all wild cards with Mexico looking inconsistent against CONCACAF competition and Brazil searching for an identity. Look for Italy to finish in the top two spots in the group.
Prediction: Italy finishes in second position in Group B.
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