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On June 22nd at 5 PM, in one of the most intriguing matches of Group E, both group leaders will meet: Italy, with 4 points and holding the first place, and the Czech Republic in second place with 3 points after two rounds. To reach the round of 16, Italy only needs a draw, while the Czech Republic must not lose and perform no worse than against Ghana in the match against the USA. In the first matches of the championship, both Italy and the Czech Republic secured victories. Italy defeated Ghana 2-0, while the Czech Republic beat the USA 3-0. In the second round, the group favorites encountered difficulties. Italy, after a nerve-wracking match against the USA in which three players were expelled from the field, managed to score a point, while the Czechs suffered a fiasco, losing 0-2 to Ghana.
Group E
Czech Republic vs. Italy Location: AOL Arena, Hamburg (capacity: 51,000) Time: June 22, 5:00 PM Lithuanian time (Video recording on LTV from 7:00 PM)
Situation
The situation in Group E is perhaps the most complicated. All four teams have the chance to advance to the next stage. To reach the round of 16, Italy only needs a draw, but in case of a Ghana victory, the Italian team would drop to second place and likely face the current champions, Brazil, in the next round. The Czech situation is more complicated, as they cannot afford to lose and must hope for a similar result to Ghana's match against the USA in case of a draw.
Head-to-Head
Italy and the Czech Republic have played 29 matches against each other so far. The Czechs celebrated victory 10 times, while the Italians won 9 times. 10 matches ended in a draw. The teams met twice at the World Cup. In the 1934 final, Italy defeated the Czechs 2-1 after extra time. In 1990, the teams met in the group stage, and Italy also won 2-0.
First Two Rounds
Italy: In their first match of the World Cup, Italy clashed with the Ghana national team. Demonstrating technical and beautiful play, "Squadra Azzurra" secured their first victory with a 2-0 score. In the second round, the Italians faced the Americans, thirsty for blood after losing their first match to the Czechs. After an intense and nerve-wracking battle, the match ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving the possibility for the USA to advance to the next stage.
Czech Republic: In their first match of the championship, the Czech team easily and confidently defeated the USA national team with a 3-0 result. Many expected good performances from the Czechs in the next stage, but without J.Koller and M.Baroš, the Czech team proved to be too strong for the Ghana national team. The Czechs suffered a painful 2-0 defeat, finishing the match with ten players.
Italy
Italian coach M.Lippi stated that his team enjoys playing decisive matches.
"We are here to make it to the knockout stages. Our mentality is that to seize the last and only chance, you must give your all," the coach said.
"The praise received by my team after the match against Ghana may have given us an exaggerated sense of ease," M.Lippi pondered.
For Italy to advance to the next stage, a draw is sufficient. However, in case of a Ghana victory, the Italians would drop to second place and most likely have to face the Brazilian national team on June 27.
As the main threat of the Czech national team, Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro identified Pavel Nedvěd. "Playing against Pavel is very difficult," said the teammate from the Czech national team. - "He has a goal, inspiring his teammates at the same time, he is confident, he plays with passion. He is a true professional, and he should be feared."
Defender Andrea Pirlo, who shone in the first Italian match against Ghana, stated that his team aims only for victory and will not be satisfied with a point in case of a draw. "We always play to win," said the defender. - "That's our attitude - to step on the field and win. That's what we will do in the match against the Czech Republic."
Czech Republic
Czech national team coach K.Bruckner said that the final round matches will be tense. He also said he believes that the Czech Republic will advance to the next stage.
"All four teams are under pressure. Who will advance to the next stage will be decided in these two matches, perhaps even in the final seconds," the Czech coach said.
"Italy is an experienced team with good players and excellent defense," the coach praised his opponents. - "They are one of the favorites of the championship."
Marek Jankulovski, Pavel Nedvěd, and Tomáš Ujfaluši are Czech players who represent Italian clubs.
"The coach asked us for information about M.Lippi's players, and I think we provided it," said "Milan" defender M.Jankulovski. - "After 6 years spent in Italy, I can't say that their game was uninteresting to me.
Losses and Tactics
Italy: Italy's losses, compared to the Czech Republic, are quite minimal - in the last match, Daniele De Rossi, who received a red card against the USA, will not be able to help the team. He will be replaced by Gennaro Gattuso. Defender Simone Perrotta, injured in the match against the USA, is recovering and may take the field. Meanwhile, Cristiano Zaccardo, who tragically started the championship, may be replaced on the right defensive flank by Massimo Oddo or Gianluca Zambrotta, and if it is the latter, Fabio Grosso will play on the left.
Czech Republic: Milan Baroš is recovering from an injury and will likely be seen on the field against Italy. On the other hand, another attacker - Jan Koller - will not be able to help the Czech team. He is still recovering from an injury, so Marek Heinz should play alongside M.Baros in the attack. In the match, we will also not see defender Tomáš Ujfalusi, whose place in defense will be taken by Martin Jiranek and striker Vratislav Lokvenc. They will miss the match due to disqualification.
Predicted Lineups
Italy (4-3-1-2): Gianluigi Buffon; Gianluca Zambrotta, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso; Andrea Pirlo, Gennaro Gattuso, Simone Perrotta; Francesco Totti; Luca Toni, Alberto Gilardino
Czech Republic (4-4-2): Petr Cech; Zdenek Grygera, Marek Jankulovski, David Rozehnal, Martin Jiranek; Tomas Galasek, Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky, Tomas Rosicky; Marek Heinz, Milan Baros
