Udinese...

19-06-2012

2-0 to Ireland: Italy make it to the last eight

Ninety minutes of suffering, then the warm embrace of the group. Spain have defeated 1-0 Croatia and Italy, thanks to their 2-0 over the Republic of Ireland, rank second in the section (section? Books, records or underwear?) and have access to the final eight in Kiev due next Sunday. Cassano and Balotelli have scored one goal each: in between, some shivers and a lot of passion from the Azzurri. After the first two games Prandelli has decided to change. Barzagli on the pitch from the kick-off and room for a 4-4-2 with Buffon, Abete, Barzagli, Chiellini and Balzaretti in the defence (“on defense”?), De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio and Thiago Motta in the midfield (“in midfield”?) and Di Natale and Cassano in the front-line (“on the front-line”?). All this to face Giovanni Trapattoni, a man who wrote a part of Italian football history and who had promised top commitment to his supporters despite the elimination. And commitment it was for the Republic of Ireland, who pressed Italy at all times (“all the time”?). The Azzurri have appeared less precise than in the games to Spain and Croatia (“against Spain and Croatia”?), and the aggressiveness of Ireland has troubled Italy midfielders. The first occasion for Italy has come (“came”?) in the 30th minute, when Ward cleared Di Natale’s sure hit a few steps away from the goal. After another extreme save on Di Natale, the lead has been taken (“was taken”?) in the 35th minute with Cassano, able head (??) in Andrea Pirlo’s corner. Something familiar (“It was something familiar”?), as Cassano’s first goal for Italy was scored in Poland in 2003 at his debut with the Azzurri. Italy have started playing (“started playing”?) properly after the goal, taking advantage of Di Natale’s crosses, Marchisio and Thiago Motta’s plays. The first half has ended (“ended”?) with Italy leading: a less sparkling team, yet a more concrete one. As the second half has begun (“began”?), Chiellini has been forced to leave the pitch due to injury so Bonucci has taken his place. Italy has suffered the strength of the Irish so Prandelli has decided to substitute Cassano with Diamanti. The Republic of Ireland have desperately seeked (?) for the draw, giving Buffon a hard time with a long-range free-kick. Balotelli has then substituted Di Natale and it was Man City striker to give Italy the 2-0 in the 90th minute. Another bit of suffering while waiting for the final result of Spain-Croatia and the liberating embrace: final eight it is!