Alternative Italy threats to Andrea Pirlo for England

England fans remember two things from the Euro 2012 quarter-final; yet another agonising penalty shoot-out exit from a major tournament and a midfield masterclass from Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo. He is preparing to dash hopes again at the World Cup.

“It is quite normal,” began Three Lions boss Roy Hodgson, when asked about his first Group D opponents in Brazil, “[for] people [to] focus on Andrea Pirlo, but there are a lot of other quality players also worthy of attention. We are not hung up on one player because this team does not depend totally on one player.”

This may be sound thinking, and Coral experts have put their heads together to show punters why. The Azzurri threat will come from more sources than Pirlo. All we know for certain is AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo can do England no harm, as he misses the tournament injured. Here are some other names that should be at the forefront of Hodgson’s thinking.

Antonio Candreva
Lazio midfielder Candreva is something of a favourite of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli. The manager’s penchant for pragmatism makes this player, who can operate wide right or in midfield, a real asset.

Candreva led the way for Lazio, netting a dozen Serie A goals and making nine assists. Although yet to score for the Azzurri, he is 7/1 to break his duck against England.

Daniele De Rossi
Aggressive anchorman De Rossi was on target when Italy and the Three Lions last met. Five players from the friendly meeting in August 2012 are in Hodgson’s final squad for Brazil.

Central defenders Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka should have wised up to the De Rossi danger then. The Roma stalwart needs close attention at set pieces and has the occasional long range effort in his locker – 15 international goals are compelling evidence of his threat, and explains odds of 6/1 for him to be on target in Manaus.