Mexico Beat Italy 1-2

In Friendly Games in Brussel.

Brussels – The status of Italy as one of the favorites in the World Cup in 2010 began to question. Because, when facing Mexico in a trial match yesterday morning GMT (4 / 6), Gli-Azzurri, the Italian team nickname was forced to give up 1-2 (0-0).

Italian goal had even pierced when the game which took place at the King Baudouin, Brussels, just 17 minutes running. The opening goal of  El Tri- Mexico team-produced by Carlos Vela. Mexico scored the second goal in the 84th minute through Alberto Medina. Meanwhile, Italy could reduce the lag by young defender Leonardo Bonucci at minute (89). Then what excuse for the defeat in Italy of the first trial?

"This is our first test match. We are facing a good team. The physical condition of their players (Mexico) is also okay. While we have not. But, at the World Cup later, we’re ready," said Marcello Lippi, coach of Italy, as reported AFP.

Lippi reasoned, the players were exhausted. Because, they just go down the mountain to Belgium after ten days of practice in the highlands of the Alps. "I do not think the alarm has been sounded. This is only a problem on a physical players level ," Lippi explained.

Lippi is okay to blamed fatigue factor as the culprit of  his team’s defeat. However, it should be noted, Mexico is actually has less impressive record  in their test series. Javier Aguirre and the team defeated by England 1-3 and lost again by the Netherlands 1-2. Lippi also dropping their  best squad. In early games he played a 4-2-3-1 scheme, then a 4-3-3, then 4-4-2, and return to the 4-2-3-1. Only, Lippi strategy implementation is not going well in the field. Because, Fabio Cannavaro and friends looks tired.

"It shows the fact that we were exhausted because of physical training in the last few days. It is true when Lippi was very angry at the break of the first half, but we’ve been working hard and now very tired," said Bonucci.

On the other hand, the victory over Italy could raise the confidence of Mexico. "Beating Italy provides tremendous satisfaction. But we must remain humble, and this is only test matches," explained Aguirre.

Time to Wake Up and Beat Swiss

Whatever argued, the defeat against Mexico in the yesterday trials game (4 / 6) affect the psychological state of the Italian players. Fabio Cannavaro et al Self-esteem and confidence clearly reduced due to the bid. However, Gli Azzurri – Italian team nickname-have the chance to restore their self-esteem. Before traveling to South Africa, Marcello Lippi and his forces will challenge the Swiss at the Stade de Geneve, Geneva, tonight.

Switzerland is not the favorite team at the World Cup in 2010. But the Swiss presence at the biggest  football party shows that they can be difficult for Italy. Switzerland team leader said impatiently for the clash with Italy. "It’s going to be a real test. For me, it’s no good to face the weak team to keep the mental ," explained Tranquillo Barnetta, Swiss player as saying to Goal.

Barnetta expect, the game against Italy will make the Swiss squad’s performance improved compared to some previous test matches. Yes, in the last three matches, Ottmar Hitzfeld’s team defeated by Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Norway.

However, the Swiss sure can cope Italy. "We need to be a team that is not easily predictable. We have to change positions frequently. We want to get a quick goal and long kick," said Barnetta.

On the other hand, Italy does not want to shame for the second time. In addition, Lippi should be reduce the criticism on the election at the 2010 World Cup squad. Including, the criticism that he still relies on World Cup squad in 2006. As a result, the average age of Italian players in the World Cup in 2010 is 28.2 years.

In fact, according to Lippi, 50 percent of the players who brought to South Africa is a new figure. "A lot of young players and players that are full of experience. They are a combination of future and past national team," said the former Juventus coach.

Player estimation

Switzerland (4-4-1-1): Benaglio (g); Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Ziegler; Barnetta, Inler, Huggel, Padalino; Derdiyok; Frei

Italy (4-2-3-1): Buffon (g); Zambrotta, Bonucci, Cannavaro, Criscito; Pirlo, De Rossi, Iaquinta, Marchisio, Di Natale, Gilardino