Italy plan to blow Spanish Armada right out of water

ITALY have a clear-cut strategy for their Confederations Cup semifinal match against Spain today.

As far as Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is concerned, matching Spain’s ball possession, or passing skills, is impossible. So in training on Monday, running took priority over tactics.

The Italian players, at least the ones that are still healthy after a series of injuries – sprinted from one end of the field to the other at full speed about 10 times consecutively at one point, then stopped to have their heart rates checked by team trainers.

“We’ve got to get it into our heads that against Spain it’s going to be a battle of suffering,” said Prandelli.

“Their ball possession is superior to ours and they’re unbelievable at getting past any sort of trap set. They are excellent at holding on to the ball and attacking, so we’ve got to try to make them run as much as possible.”

Prandelli may be on to something with his strategy but it remains to be seen if his players have the stamina to execute such a plan.

Japan and Brazil ran circles around Italy in their group matches and two key Azzurri players were sent home injured since the 4-2 loss to Brazil – striker Mario Balotelli with a strained thigh and fullback Ignazio Abate with a dislocated shoulder. Also, midfielder Andrea Pirlo sat out the Brazil match due to a muscle problem and continued to train separately.

Midfielder Daniele De Rossi missed the Brazil game after picking up two yellow cards. Not surprisingly, De Rossi was among the freshest players, and he and Emanuele Giaccherini were the fastest runners in training.

But running may not be enough against Spain, who routed Italy 4-0 in last year’s European Championship final. “Spain is better off than then, if you consider how easily they advanced from the group,” said Prandelli.

“They are the favourites.” Including its 10-0 win over Tahiti, Spain outscored the opposition 15-1 in Group B.

Italy, by contrast, scored eight and let in eight goals in the group phase.

But Prandelli does not seem concerned by his defence. “Nigeria created four scoring chances.

“Every match you’re going to have four chances but you’ve got to create at least six, that’s the future of football,” said Prandelli.

Italy opened Euro 2012 by drawing 1-1 with Spain and midfielder Claudio Marchisio said the Azzurri were using that match as a reference.

“Not just for the result but for the way we approached that match,” said Marchisio. “If we play that way we can create problems for them.”

The 1-1 draw also marked the first time Italy used a three-man defence and it appears the Azzurri will go back to that type of lineup, allowing Prandelli to add an extra midfielder.

The Confed Cup is a test for the 2014 World Cup, and Prandelli wants to return to Brazil with “23 athletes, not just players” to better deal with the heat and humidity. Alberto Gilardino will likely replace Balotelli at centreforward. “I want to see Italy play like we played the second half against Brazil – courageously and attacking,” said Prandelli. — Sapa-AP