Azzurri eyes Rio 2014

The next world cup tournament will be held in Brazil and Italy are one of the high candidates that will reach the road to the finals.

With the likes of Mario Balotelli and Stephan El-Shaarawy leading the attack, the Italians have had a transformation in the way they play. They are more attacking and free-flow style of play, rather than the famous Catenaccio that they have always been known for.

If you can think back to the traditional Azzurri side having the likes of Cannavaro, Maldini, Nesta, they were the players that people would say that the defence were a very hard wall to crack.

The world cup will be another tournament where Italy have to declare the supremacy and advance through to the finals.

The Italian game has really shown it can bring up younger players to play for the national side and to show Cesare Prandelli what they are capable of, players such as; Marco Verratti, Alessio Cerci, Mattia Destro, Alessandro Diamanti, these are just some of the names that will prove to be upcoming superstars in the coming years.

Follow Peter Crepaz on twitter: @Crepaz10