After two influential substitute
performances from Antonio Di Natale, including a goal against Spain,
Cesare Prandelli opted for the Udinese frontman in place of Balotelli
for Italy’s final group match with Ireland. Visibly riled by his
exclusion, Balotelli was finally introduced on 74 minutes, charged with
doubling Italy’s lead, and guaranteeing their passage to the knockout
stages.
He didn’t disappoint: with the ball at his feet, he demonstrated his glorious ability, shaking off a fabled muscle injury (the ‘official line’ for his exclusion); Balotelli twirled to volley past the stranded Irish keeper. The finish ensured that his and Italy’s competition will continue, at the same time consigning Ireland’s erstwhile heroes to a return to the Emerald Isle…if not retirement.
Rarely in this tournament has the ‘audio’ been such a central part of the narrative of a game. The pre-match had been swamped in whispered rumours of a Spain/Croatia collusion, whilst in-game, the canticles and hymns of the Irish dominated, a moving caveat to the tournament, which sadly ends in muted regret and reflection.
Continuing this theme, and perpetuating his personal narrative of not letting his feet do the talking, the conceited Balotelli also had a contribution to make. Disinclined to celebrate with his team mates following his sumptuous finish, the striker instead turned his glare to the dugout, hurling abuses of total vindication towards the coach. The spectacle ended swiftly, due mainly to the quick intervention, and silencing muffle, of Leonardo Bonucci’s hand.
The first virtue is to restrain the tongue, Mario, and he who knows how to be silent, even though he is in the right, is surely approaching the gods.
He didn’t disappoint: with the ball at his feet, he demonstrated his glorious ability, shaking off a fabled muscle injury (the ‘official line’ for his exclusion); Balotelli twirled to volley past the stranded Irish keeper. The finish ensured that his and Italy’s competition will continue, at the same time consigning Ireland’s erstwhile heroes to a return to the Emerald Isle…if not retirement.
Rarely in this tournament has the ‘audio’ been such a central part of the narrative of a game. The pre-match had been swamped in whispered rumours of a Spain/Croatia collusion, whilst in-game, the canticles and hymns of the Irish dominated, a moving caveat to the tournament, which sadly ends in muted regret and reflection.
Continuing this theme, and perpetuating his personal narrative of not letting his feet do the talking, the conceited Balotelli also had a contribution to make. Disinclined to celebrate with his team mates following his sumptuous finish, the striker instead turned his glare to the dugout, hurling abuses of total vindication towards the coach. The spectacle ended swiftly, due mainly to the quick intervention, and silencing muffle, of Leonardo Bonucci’s hand.
The first virtue is to restrain the tongue, Mario, and he who knows how to be silent, even though he is in the right, is surely approaching the gods.
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