Alvaro Recoba admits Italy and Uruguay face ‘the worst game that could have happened to both’, as he advises on how closely to mark Andrea Pirlo.
The Azzurri face off against the Celeste on Tuesday in Natal to take the final qualification spot in Group D at the World Cup to advance to the Round of 16.
Alvaro Recoba admits Italy and Uruguay face ‘the worst game that could have happened to both’, as he advises on how closely to mark Andrea Pirlo.
The Azzurri face off against the Celeste on Tuesday in Natal to take the final qualification spot in Group D at the World Cup to advance to the Round of 16.
For former Uruguay international Recoba, who spent a majority of his playing career in Serie A, the situation could not have been worse.
“This will be the game of death, the worst that could have happened to both teams,” Recoba has told the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“The victory over England has raised the morale of all, there is a lot of enthusiasm too – I do not want an end that is counterproductive. We must all be aware that we face a tough obstacle.
“Luis Suarez? He is a magnificent player, a lethal striker, complete. Let’s just hope that he is okay. And he is the man who makes the difference.
“He returned in record time from an important operation and played virtually all of the previous game, but now we have to look at his margins of recovery. Of course, with him at least at 80 per cent, optimism and opportunity is ours.
“Uruguay has a lot of quality, they are no longer just ‘Garra Charrua’, so to speak, just as Italy are no longer catenaccio and counter-attack.
“We have several other weapons, apart from Cavani…The mindset in general has also changed, not only in our country. Today in football you must win only through quality. There is no room for those who speculate at a tactical level.
“Barcelona and Bayern Munich have practiced this at club level, whilst it has been Spain, Holland, Germany and usually Brazil to have done so at international level.”
Recoba conceded admiration in Cesare Prandelli’s work with Italy.
“Italy pleasantly surprised me against England. There was the usual organisation, but it was combined with a South American handling of the ball and a very attacking mentality.
“I know Prandelli, he loves the beautiful game. To change the most deeply rooted traditions is not easy, but it is the right path, probably the only one so as to compete at a high level today.
“I say that Italy has suitable guidance and must not be influenced by any negative results at the World Cup.”
Costa Rica are the surprise package of Group D and have already booked a place in the knockout round.
“Here’s another quantum leap that the traditional giants need to move fast on – stop underestimating the nations that do not have a great history to them.
“Football is developing everywhere and the teams that can walk over can be counted on one hand. The other night, Iran deserved to win against Argentina.
“At this point in the season, what also matters greatly is the physical condition and the degrees of stress suffered during the year by the various players – not all championships are equal.”
The former Inter man reflected on where Uruguay must focus their attention tomorrow afternoon.
“Pirlo should be followed all the way to the changing rooms and then even into the bathroom.
“There is a loose cannon in Balotelli. They tell me that he never maintains a whole season at a high level, but the problem is that everything is decided for us in 90 minutes and if Balotelli steps out there on the right foot, in a single game he can send anyone into a tailspin.”