.jpg)
Godfrey Oboaboana, John Mikel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi and Victor Moses were the only survivors from Saturday and the Super Eagles predictably looked tentative in the opening exchanges against the Squadra Azzura. Read more after the cut.
In any case, it was the African side that almost carved out the first goal scoring opportunity but Manuel Pasquale and Thiago Motta cynically combined to stop Bright Dike from honing in on goal in the third minute. Martin Atkinson promptly awarded the Nigerian freekick which Moses planted just wide.
Italy responded quickly as Oboaboana gave away a free kick after a rash challenge on Christian. The resultant free kick by Guiseppe Rossi was however headed away by Mikel as the Europeans quickly took the initiative.
Moments later, Solomon Kwambe was thanking his stars that he did not give away a penalty. The Sunshine Stars man looked like he caught Emanuele Giacherrini in the box but Atkinson saw nothing wrong in the challenge.
The Italians deservedly took the lead in the minute through Rossi; his first for the Azzuri in two and a half years, after Balotelli turned brilliantly and squared a perfect through ball for the striker who kept his composure to chip Ejide.
A minute later Balotelli charged into the Nigerian box but saw his endeavor come to nothing.
Nigeria looked to respond but Onazi’s venomous hit was saved by Sirigu who dived impressively to his right to turn the ball away for a corner.
It was Italy that continued to create the better openings though and on 15 minutes, Balotelli’s fierce drive, destined for the top corner, was deflected away for a corner by Oboabona’s outstretched foot.
Three minutes later, Pasquale’s cross shot almost grazed the cross bar as the Nigerians continued to struggle to cope with the movement and technique of the Italians.
Nigeria then slowly began to get into the game and on 20 minutes, Candreva caught Moses and was booked.
As the Africans pressed for an equalizer, the Italians pushed up field with a counter attack and Montolivo almost doubled their lead in the 23rd minute but he just failed to reach Candreva’s cross.
The African champions were however gaining their confidence and a good opening would have been provided in the 27th minute had Brescia man, Nnamdi Oduamadi not dilly dallied too much on the ball on the edge of the Azzuri penalty area.
Nigeria were relentless though and a minute later, Moses’ dangerous cross was diverted away for a corer by the Nigerian born, Angelo Ogbonna whose every touch was booed by the large number of Nigerian fans in the stands.
On the half hour, some good intricate passing by Nigeria freed Ameobi whose chip was easily plucked in the air by Sirigu.
The Italians were now relying on fast breaks on the counter. They almost doubled their money when Balotelli found himself at the end of one of such moves but Ejide came up with top marks with a strong block after the Milanista unleashed a bullet from inside the box.
Ten minutes before the break, Nigeria were deservedly back on level terms after Dike arrowed home a corner from Ameobi’s great cross.
Nigeria was now well and truly on top and three minutes after Dike’s goal, Moses, with space at his disposal tried to curl one in but Ogbonna deflected away for a corner with Sirigu wrong footed.
The boys in green were determined to go into the break in front and they got their wish when Moses freed Benjamin on the right. The Heartland man looked up and delivered an inch perfect cross which was tucked home by Ameobi via some ingenious bit of improvisation not quite unlike some breathtaking goals scored by Swedish super hero, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
With Nigeria threatening to run riot, a moment of unadulterated genius from Balotelli most brought the Italians back on level terms but his volley was saved fortuitously blocked by Ejide’s legs. It was a brilliant half of no holds barred attacking football and the second half began in rip roaring fashion as all watching licked their lips and rubbed their palms in sheer delight. Barely a minute after the restart, Balotelli thought he’d won a penalty following some strong tackling in the box but he only got a corner instead for his troubles.
From the resultant corner, Ejide saved from point blank range off a Balotelli strike. The former Manchester City man was having a night. The Italians would however not have to wait too long to get back on level terms though and got their goal in exhilarating fashion. Balotelli, Rossi and Candreva all combined with some lovely quick passing to free Giacherini who picked his spot to dispatch past Ejide.
In the 50th minute, a great free kick by Moses missed all in the box. A touch from anyone would have seen Nigerian retake the lead. From the resultant corner, Ogu headed just wide as Nigeria looked to crank up the pressure. Substitute, Marco Parolo missed a sitter after a brilliant free kick by Pirlo was beaten away by Ejide. Parolo almost atoned for his horror miss moments later but he watched as his deflected strike was palmed onto the post by Ejide. The overworked goalkeeper could take it no more and was duly substituted in the 65th minute by Enyeama. Italy continued to press and on 72 minutes, Diamanti picked out Balotelli with a super pass. The Milan man calmly turned Egwuekwe inside out before curling his effort from the edge of the box just wide. Nigeria continued to threaten at the other end and Emenike’s pass to Ogu was met with a powerful effort which was beat out by Sirigu in the 76th minute.
A minute later, casual defending almost cost Italy with Musa and Emenike coming close with good efforts within thirty seconds of each one. Balotelli and Parolo came close minutes later but failed to give Italy the lead for the second time. Five minutes before the end, Italy had a glorious chance to win it but Diamanti’s excellent free kick clattered against the crossbar with Enyeama rooted to his line. Italy finished the game the stronger as Enyeama produced three saves in quick succession out of the top drawer to deny Diamanti and Parolo. It was an excellent game not soon to be forgotten by all who saw it unfold and both coaches, Cesare Prandelli of Italy and Keshi of Nigeria would be pleased with the displays of their sides
No comments:
Post a Comment