Pagelle: Azzurri ratings
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Daniele De Rossi was clearly the villain for the Azzurri against America, but who did shine for Italy in the chaos of the 1-1 draw?
Gigi Buffon: 6
Perhaps should have come for the cross and subsequently could only watch Zaccardo’s uninspired clearance beat him from close range. Offside McBride spared his blushes after the break.
Cristian Zaccardo: 5
Another performance which illustrated why he’s such a controversial selection given his clear mediocrity. Christian Panucci, Daniele Bonera and Massimo Oddo are all safer options…
Fabio Cannavaro: 7
Again proved to be a giant of the side despite his pint-size frame. Grit, determination and honour, Cannavaro put in another stunner against the USA.
Alessandro Nesta: 6.5
Continued from where he left off against Ghana by keeping the American forwards relatively quiet throughout the game. Made some fine last-ditch tackles.
Gianluca Zambrotta: 7
One of the few bright sparks of a dark team performance. Zambrotta was full of life all over the pitch to underline his status as a key Azzurri element. Never lets his club or country down.
Andrea Pirlo: 7
Again pulled the strings in the midfield after his exploits against Ghana in game one. An assist machine for most of the game, unfortunately only Alberto Gilardino could benefit.
Daniele De Rossi: 2
This boy has a lot to learn. His red card has arguably jeopardised the Azzurri’s progress in the competition. Clearly doesn’t yet understand the difference between aggressiveness and recklessness. A disgrace.
Simone Perrotta: 6
More was expected from him after his fine display in the opener even if he did start to impose himself as the game went on. Heroically remained on the pitch at the end despite a clear injury.
Francesco Totti: 5
Sacrificed on 34 minutes after the dismissal of De Rossi, yet Totti had done little to warrant a reprieve from that decision. Looked slow and out of place. Will he start against the Czechs?
Alberto Gilardino: 6
Scored a neat goal to give his side the lead but Italy needed more movement from the Milan man, especially when they were playing against only nine men.
Luca Toni: 5.5
Where’s Italy’s great scoring hope gone? Was rarely given a sight of goal by the USA and was roughly treated at times, yet the Azzurri need his goals and quickly…
Gennaro Gattuso: 6.5
Thrown into the mix to make Italy’s midfield a more solid unit, Gattuso was immense when you consider he’s spent the last two weeks with injury. This is the man De Rossi should learn from.
Vincenzo Iaquinta: 5.5
Given a chance to net another Azzurri winner, Iaquinta responded by constantly standing in offside positions. And when he did time his run right, his touch let him down.
Alessandro Del Piero: 6
Almost gave Italy the lead with a volleyed toe-poke and a long-ranger, but didn’t make the desire impact as a sub. Too many flicks, not enough purpose. A disappointment.
Marcello Lippi: 5.5
Arguably threw on too many strikers at the death, ignoring the problems of his narrow midfield. Yet his biggest mistake may have been his insistence on keeping faith with USA striker Zaccardo.
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