The champions are warming up to defend their crown with an exhibition versus El Tri...

Kick-off: Thursday, June 3, 19:15 CET.
King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium.

Italy Name Final Squad

With Italy having no official match action coming into this fixture, much of the focus was on coach Marcello Lippi’s squad selection. Having already cut Antonio Candreva and Fabio Grosso from his original 30, on June 1 he also released Salvatore Sirigu, Mattia Cassani, Andrea Cossu, Marco Borriello, and Giuseppe Rossi.

Rossi’s absence has raised more eyebrows over his selection policy as he was one of the few bright spots at the Confederations Cup last summer and one of the team’s creative options from the bench – but Lippi has opted to leave out another imaginative player, after not even considering Antonio Cassano or Mario Balotelli, in favour of a more workman-like squad.

The Azzurri typically save their best performances for the World Cup and it will be interesting to see how they click going into the tournament. Mexico will represent a stern test for them in getting their feet wet, but Lippi and La Nazionale fans will be expecting a victory regardless.

Mexico Face Defensive Issues

Mexico have already suffered two losses to prominent European sides, losing 3-1 to England and 2-1 to Netherlands, but bounced back with a 5-1 thumping of minnows Gambia.

Manchester United bound Javier Hernandez, along with the likes of veteran Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Giovani dos Santos have few worrying about their offensive capabilities, but the matches against the Three Lions and the Oranje showed some defensive frailties.

El Tri had some selection controversy of their own recently as Barcelona youngster Jonathan dos Santos, who looked like he had done enough to earn a spot, was left at home, prompting Goal.com contributor Sergio Tristan to suggest coach Javier Aguirre had derailed Mexican football.

Nonetheless, Mexico will get another taste of class football before the World Cup to help with their preparations for an unpredictable Group A that involves France, South Africa, and Uruguay.

FORM GUIDE

Italy

March 3: Italy 0-0 Cameroon (Friendly)

November 18: Italy 1-0 Sweden (Friendly)

November 14: Italy 0-0 Netherlands (Friendly)

October 14: Italy 3-2 Cyprus (World Cup Qualifier)

October 10: Ireland 2-2 Italy (World Cup Qualifier)

Mexico

May 30: Gambia 1-5 Mexico (Friendly)

May 26: Netherlands 2-1 Mexico (Friendly)

May 24: England 3-1 Mexico (Friendly)

May 16: Mexico 1-0 Chile (Friendly)

May 13: Mexico 1-0 Angola (Friendly)

TEAM NEWS

Italy

Juventus duo Giorgio Chiellini (calf) and Vincenzo Iaquinta (back) are both reportedly recovering well from their respective injuries, but may not be at full fitness just yet and thus could only see time from the bench in this match. Mauro Camoranesi will not be available until mid-June.

Probable Line-up (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Maggio, Bonucci, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Pirlo, De Rossi; Pepe, Marchisio, Di Natale; Gilardino.

Mexico

The CONCACAF reps have tried out a number of their squad in various positions over the last three friendlies and will look to settle on a starting line-up heading into the tournament. Midfielder Andres Guardado seems to be over a right leg injury.

Probable Line-up (4-4-2): Ochoa; Aguilar, Magallon, Osorio, Salcido; Dos Santos, Torrado, Marquez, Guardado; Blanco, Hernandez.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Andrea Pirlo (Italy): The midfield maestro had a dismal campaign with the Rossoneri, but for the Azzurri he often produces magic as was evident in their qualifying run. If he can find his mark passing-wise none will doubt he could be a star of the tournament as he was in ’06.

Javier Hernandez (Mexico):  Recently awarded as the Goal.com Player of the Week, the 22-year-old is showing that the Red Devils were right to put their faith in him – he could be one of the breakout stars in South Africa.

PREDICTION

Mexico have gotten plenty of practice lately, while the Azzurri haven’t played an official match since March. El Tri will certainly be more in sync, but the 2006 champions are always defensively solid, and keen to take advantage of errors at the back – an area which Mexico has had trouble. Expect a low-scoring affair.

Italy 1-0 Mexico