Messi-less Argentina dig deep to defeat the 'Azzurri'

Barcelona frontman Messi was rested out of precaution in Friday's friendly against Luigi Di Biagio's Italy and despite some rocky moments, Jorge Sampaoli's side came out on top at the Etihad.

The first-half was a relatively lacklustre affair as both team's couldn't find that clinical edge in the final third. Although it was Gianluigi Buffon, who had come out of international retirement, that was tested more between the sticks early on.

In the 16th minute, Angel Di Maria fired in a corner from the right which was headed at goal by Manchester City defender Nicolas Otamendi. Thankfully, Buffon got down low with a great reflex save to keep the tie goalless.

Both would remain untested until just both half-time when Buffon was called into action again, this time to deny Juventus team-mate Gonzalo Higuain.

The legendary Italian shotstopper managed to get a hand to the shot but was left with his heart in his mouth for a few seconds as the ball bounced precariously close to the line before Italy cleared it away from danger.

It meant that both teams would go into the break level but all the action was waiting in the second 45 minutes.

 

23 March 2018

- Caballero to Argentina's rescue - 

The 'Azzurri' were quick off the blocks and looked the more dangerous side in the early momenets and it was only Willy Caballero and some poor finishing that kept Argentina in the tie.

Three minutes into the second half, Lorenzo Insigne was played through clean on goal but pulled his shot agonisingly wide as the Argentine shotstopper tried to reduce the target as much as possible by making himself as big as he could.

Then the ball was worked well down the right before being fired across the goal-mouth only for it to evade all the bodies in the box, even though it was the perfect opportunity for a tap-in.

One minute later, Caballero saved Argentina again thanks to some quick thinking. He sprinted off his line to meet Ciro Immobile, who had left the Argentine defence behind to run onto a well-timed chipped ball, blocking his shot which instead rolled out for a corner.

Italy would rue not finishing at least one of these chances off as 'La Albiceleste' continued to weather the enslaught before finding their ideal moment up top.

- Banega & Lanzini with some clinical finishing - 

In the 75th minute, their midfield picked possession off the 'Azzurri' and were quick to move it well just outside the box. The ball eventually finding its way to Banega whose low strike wrong-footed Buffon before hitting the back of the net.

 

23 March 2018

The goal understandably stunned Italy and they failed to regroup as Argentina punished them again ten minutes later for a lack of urgent defending.

Di Baigio's team sat off a charging Argentina and Lanzini capitalised for the home side. He hit a beautiful strike just outside the box which evaded the outstretched arm of Buffon and nestled into the far left corner.

The West Ham attacking midfielder was delighted with the effort, sliding in celebration with his team-mates, and it would prove to be the fatal blow as Argentina went on to secure a 2-0 victory which will stand them in good stead going into the World Cup.

As for their opposition, having missed out on qualification for football's illustrious tournament, they are back to the drawing board and one thing that will be top of their list must be improving their finishing.

 

23 March 2018