Italy

Officials in Italy are looking into the possibility that several Serie A games over the past few years were rigged, while full-back Domenico Criscito was forced out of the squad last week when it emerged he was embroiled in the investigation.

The story has hit the headlines in Italy – and indeed across Europe – in the build-up to the tournament and many have questioned whether the Azzurri will lose their focus as they prepare to tackle an already tough Group C featuring Spain, Croatia and Republic of Ireland over the next few weeks.

The 2006 World Cup winners may have found it tough going getting out of that group anyway but their task may now be much harder because of the ongoing investigation.

Criscito has publicly hit out at the decision to axe him and he believes he has been made a scapegoat by the Italian FA. He is especially unhappy about Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci’s inclusion despite the fact he is also under investigation but has not received an official notification from the authorities.

All of this has led to some to speculate Italy are in crisis and may well be facing another early plane trip home – like they did in a thoroughly-underwhelming 2010 World Cup campaign.

However, former national boss Marcello Lippi and ex-Italy forward Sandro Mazzola both believe the ongoing match-fixing enquiry could have a similar effect to six years ago when another investigation was the backdrop to the Azzurri’s unlikely triumph in Germany.

Lippi, who was in charge in 2006, said: “It feels as though they are going through the same experience as that of 2006. I remember that week in Coverciano [ahead of the tournament in Germany] was not easy for us and there was the fear of what people would have said of us abroad.

“But no-one said anything in Germany. I believe that as soon as the national team travels to Poland, their only thoughts will be on football, on training and on the European Championship.”

Certainly the argument that the developing scandal will effect the squad was given credence by their limp 3-0 friendly defeat against Russia over the weekend but Mazzola, who has tipped Italy to make the semis, is confident it can have a galvanising effect on the team and could be used as a positive (Italy 3/1 to win Group C).

“I think the national team was conditioned by what happened during the week in their game against Russia,” he said. “But in any case the performance was not good and they only had two chances of goal throughout the game.

“Regardless of that game, I believe the national team can be among the top four at the European Championship.”

Any squad with the talent of Andrea Pirlo, Mario Balotelli (20/1 – Top Goalscorer) and Antonio Cassano in it must be respected but the fear is it will also be a squad crippled by anxiety over the continuing developments back home.

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It does of course provide a very quick opportunity for the Potters to gain revenge for Saturday’s 1-0 defeat, but it is difficult to see that happening and it is no surprise to see City installed as the 2/5 favourites in the match betting, with the draw at 3/1 and Stoke available at 6/1 to take the three points.

There could be a case for thinking that with Champions League football already secured as well as a first trophy for 35 years safely locked in the cabinet, City may have their minds on the summer holidays.

However, Roberto Mancini’s side know that a win on Tuesday will see them climb above Arsenal into third place in the table and be in the box seat to secure an automatic entry into the group stages of Europe’s elite competition next term, with one game to go.

The Italian tactician has his mind firmly set on usurping the Gunners and banned his players from celebrating their FA Cup win to keep their heads clear for the remaining two games.

The City boss may of course choose to rotate his squad a little bit, but that merely highlights the vast difference in size and quality of the two squads.

Adam Johnson and James Milner, both England internationals, may well earn recalls and Edin Dzeko could return up front with City looking to wrap up a fine ‘home’ campaign, having lost just twice at the City of Manchester Stadium all season.

Carlos Tevez has seemingly recovered from a hamstring problem that had made him a doubt for the FA Cup final, but played on Saturday and is an obvious candidate in the goalscoring markets (10/3 First/Last Goalscorer), while Mario Balotelli won the man-of-the-match award at the weekend and is on offer at 4/1.

Tony Pulis simply does not have anything like the resources that his counterpart has at his disposal and Matthew Etherington will be a big miss for the Potters on Tuesday.

The former Spurs winger did of course start on Saturday but had not completely recovered from a hamstring injury – and Stoke lacked any real potency in his absence, rarely causing a stir in the City defence.

Jermaine Pennant took one or two blows on his ankle at Wembley and Pulis will be desperate for him to be passed fit to play, but whether that makes a difference remains to be seen.

The Potters have enjoyed a good season, securing Europa League football next term, and will be looking to seal a first top-10 finish since 1975, but City’s need is greater.

Stoke have been awful on the road as well and have won just three times while losing 12 of their 18 games so far, including the last nine – another reason for them to fear the worst.

City have the second-best home defensive record in the league, while Joe Hart has kept 16 clean sheets in the league and backing them to not concede a goal is worth an interest at 21/20, while a City win to nil is available at 13/10.

The Citizens created a number of chances on Saturday and although the big hitters may well pile into a 2/5 home win, taking Mancini’s men on the handicap (-1) against an injury-hit Stoke is worth consideration at 13/10.

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Lippi acknowledges that his current squad is not the most talented bunch of players he has ever worked with.

But he talked up Italy’s previous glories against the odds, including their wins in 1982 and four years ago in Germany.

“We’re going there with great confidence, with a status [as champions] to consolidate while also knowing the strengths of our opponents,” said Lippi.

“Many times the national team has started off not being favorites but have achieved exceptional results. We’ll give our all.”

The former Juventus boss has been stressing the importance of togetherness.

“I’ve never been as motivated as I am now. I can’t wait to begin my second World Cup,” he said.

“I think that if we want to close the gap to those teams that are better than us, the only way to do so is to be united.

“Our strength will once again be the group. That’s been my secret since I first started coaching in Serie C.

“And the proof in the pudding is that [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo only scraped through with Argentina and Portugal.”

Italy (11/1  - World Cup 2010 Alternative Outright (4 Places)) reached the World Cup with a game to spare in their qualifying campaign, but they travel to South Africa with many sceptics worrying about their chances – many of them at home.

Defender Giorgio Chiellini , however, has been quick to defend the squad.
“We are working really well. Perhaps other teams have something more in defence, but it’s not about individuals, but about team work,” Chiellini told the press at Italy’s Sestriere training camp.

“The defence works well only if the rest of the team works well too. I don’t think games depend on the two, three or four defenders that play.

“I am convinced that Italy will do well at the World Cup. Even with a normal effort we can achieve satisfaction in South Africa.”

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