ByAnna Italia
Covering the 2010 World Cup South Africa from an Italian Perspective


                  Italy New - Zealand 

            Buy Italy vs New Zealandtickets June 20 2010 World Cup Group F

                    

Countdown for the second World Cup game of Italy National team against New Zealand on Sunday, June 20, 2010.  It is not an ideal period for the National team surrounded by many injured or tired players.  The latest is goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon with a more serious injury not able to recover in two days as he thought.  The diagnosis as explained by Italy National team doctor Enrico Castellacci is having a herniated disk.  So, definitely, the responsibility to take over is for the Vice Buffon Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti,  who by sheer coincidence was even picked by Buffon himself before the World Cup and reconfirmed for the moment by Italy head coach Marcello Lippi.



Simply put, Italy cannot waste time and put all their energies back to the training camp to prepare "a decent squad."  I am happy to hear the words from Federico Marchetti not afraid of taking over the spot of Gigi Buffon.  I feel great because Marchetti transmit confidence.  Italy relies now on Marchetti while Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis seems to be assigned as the third goalkeeper.  Do I trust Marchetti?  YOU BET I DO.
 
After training of the Italian National team, Federico Marchetti participated in a press conference an covered different issues.   Here are some of the points. First, Marchetti says he is not afraid about this new challenge because he has worked hard to get an opportunity to be where he is.  Moreover, Marchetti even saying, "I have the words of the Hail Mary tattooed on me."  New Zealand players are more physical, strong in aerial games. What would happen if we lose?  I don't think about it, I only think about winning."

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Guys, it seems the now infamous VUVUZELAS are having an impact not only among the press trying to cover the games but finding difficulty with the constant rumor of the Vuvuzelas.   Coaches and players also complaining.  Marchetti also commented on this topic. " "Yes, they are annoying, it's hard to communicate. But at 10-20meters, we manage to make ourselves understood."
 

Photo Getty Images

Regarding his unexpected debut in the 2010 World Cup when replacing Buffon in the second half of the match Italy vs Paraguay, Marchetti said, "I knew Gigi had had some pain, so I was in state of pre alarm, I was prepared mentally. I have been feeling good these past few days. I am sure I will play a good game.   Buffon is not giving up, and is joking as ever, plus he told me to do what I  know how to do. He has faith in me." 



Photo Getty Images

Regarding the controversy for the JABULANI ball and protests from many goalkeepers and players, Marchetti added, "Yes, it's probably the worst ever [ball].   Buffon and De Sanctis told me, that they've ever had in the past few international tournaments. Players are complaining as much as the goalies: it changes trajectory with no warning. High balls, low balls, and it also goes faster than usual."
 

Wow, guys, so my bet is Lippi would have emphasized extra training for Marchetti and De Sanctis with  possible "slips, papere" that might happen during the game against New Zealand.  For sure, the least Italy need right now is to have an episode similar to England goalkeeper Robert Green where he could not  hold the ball arguable because the Jabulani was tricky...  and it ended with a goal.

 "I am confident, and if I am part of the group, it's because I have talent. The scene has changed, but I know my teammates have faith in me."

Interesting  how Marchetti became a goalkeeper.  Marchetti mentioned that  it all started when he was a kid playing in a local team. 
 
"When I was a kid, I did not play as goalkeeper. One day in my local  football  team there were many kids missing because it was raining. So,in this way, I had to to play as a goalkeeper that day.  Since then something happen.  my first team was Cassola."

I have arrived here after the failure in Torino and l"Albinoleffe. Everything has changed.  I am living this moment with faith. 
 

 
Marchetti also talked about  a personal experience.  "I had a very bad accident five years ago in March. Luckily two friends and I resulted uninjured from a car accident.    Whey you see death face to face,  something happens to you and it's difficult to explain. It's a bad experience that I'll always carry with me. I've lost two friends in accidents. I thought we had a black cloud over us, but now I think someone up there is even happier  for  me after what happened. I got the Hail Mary tattooed on me."


Photo Getty Images
wow, nice smile.. Italy and Cagliari goalkeeper Federico Marchetti.  Doesn't he look like Ricky Martin?

About similarities with Gigi Buffon, "I am tranquil, and I open myself  only if I have confidence with the person. But on the pitch I scream.  My characteristics are not similar to Buffon. He is faster and reactive.  I am more  muscular and explosive.  I make my strength my characteristic.  . Ithink courage and awareness of your own strengths are the  foundation to have success." 

Regarding the rumors about signing for Juventus or Milan, "It is a dream of every footballer to play with the bianconeri.  Yet, this does not mean anything else.  The connection now with his ex Cagliari coach Massimiliano Allegri going to AC Milan,  Marchetti did not implied that he will move too.  Marchetti limited his statement saying, "I can only talk well about Allegri.  He gave me confidence, trust on my first year in Serie A.  I hope he does well in rossonero, he deserves it.

2010 FIFA World Cup Group F Teams Standing Updated June 17, 2010	MP	W	D	L	GF	GA	Pts
Paraguay	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Italy	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
New Zealand	1	0	1	0	1	1	1
Slovakia	1	0	1	0	1	1	1

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- List of ItalySerie A and Serie B players Called up for the 2010 WorldCup SouthAfrica by their Respective National Teams.

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