Justice

Will really miss Insigne as he is without a doubt a fantastic talent. Just make sure that Suárez doesn't get space as he will eat up all his chances.

Login to Quote

Neal

11 years

TheMS99: Hell yes, to the top we go!

Justice: Yes, with him in their attack Uruguay have quite the bite!

Login to Quote

Neal

11 years • Edited

Italy and Uruguay draw; Italy finishes first

Both Italy and Uruguay had won their first two matches in Group F and knew they were both already going to make the knockout stage of this World Cup. However, both teams wanted to finish first in the group and try to ensure an easier match up in the First Knockout Round, as well as continue their momentum from the first two victories.

Due to the Azzurri's vastly greater goal differential, all they needed was a draw to retain the top spot. Uruguay, however, knew that nothing short of a win would see them finish top of the group. Both sides lined up in their usual formations, each team's XI as follows:

Italy's Starting XI (4-1-2-1-2)
Salvatore Sirigu; Ignazio Abate, Andrea Ranocchia, Leonardo Bonucci, Guilherme Siquiera; Daniele De Rossi (C); Andrea Poli, Lorenzo Crisetig; Sebastian Giovinco; Alberto Paloschi, Gianluca Caprari

Uruguay's Starting XI (4-3-3)
Fernando Muslera; Jorge Fucile, Sebastian Coates, Leandro Cabrera, Alvaro Pereira; Diego Rodriguez, Federico Martinez, Mauricio Pereyra; Edinson Cavani (C), Gaston Ramirez, Luis Suarez

Alberto Paloschi returned to the starting lineup for the Italians, joined up top by Gianluca Caprari, who was filling in for the injured Lorenzo Insigne. Ignazio Abate also got his first start of the tournament at right back. Interestingly, Giuseppe Bergomi got to go up against two of his Inter players; goalkeeper Fernando Muslera and left back Alvaro Pereira, who has made 208 appearances for the Nerazzurri, all under Bergomi.

Fifteen minutes into the match, Paloschi and Abate proved why they deserved to start. The fullback had played a delightful angled ball over the top to the Parma striker, and Paloschi made no mistake, controlling beautifully out of the air, dribbling Muslera, and passing into the empty net with three composed touches.

Alberto Paloschi's third ever international goal for the Italians was a massive one as it gave the Azzurri a vital 1-0 lead just 15 minutes into the match against Uruguay.

In the second half, the match was fought mainly in midfield. Neither team really could impose themselves on the match, and though Italy certainly had a bit more possession, they struggled to create any real chances. Giacomo Bonaventura, Claudio Marchisio, and Andrea Romano were all introduced throughout the game to try and create more midfield control, but Uruguay kept on fighting.

With just ten minutes remaining, however, it was the ever-dangerous and controversial striker Luis Suarez that made the difference for Uruguay, in the very worst way. Coming under tackle from an Italy defender, Suarez took a tumble despite not actually being touched. The free kick was given, and Uruguay certainly made Italy pay as Federico Martinez headed home from Diego Rodriguez's excellent set piece delivery to make it 1-1.

Controversy reigned supreme as Uruguay's equalizer came from the free kick ensuing from a rather unconvincing Luis Suarez dive that was bought by the referee.

The match ended 1-1, and though the Italians were through atop their group, Bergomi certainly had an earful for the press after the game. "It's disgraceful for a player of his caliber, of any caliber, to go down like that," a visibly irritated Bergomi said. "We should have won this game, but the referee stops paying attention and falls for an incredibly poor dive, and suddenly it finishes level."

The Italians must now wait for the results in Group E to see whether they will be facing France, Portugal, or even underdogs Benin in the First Knockout Round. After including Nigeria's 1-1 draw with Costa Rica, the final Group F standings are as follows: