Azzurri ratings

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Andrea Pirlo was undoubtedly one of Italy's best players against
Ghana, but it was a difficult night for both Azzurri full-backs.
Gigi Buffon: 6.5
The Juventus `keeper was rarely called into significant action
thanks to Ghana's inaccurate and sometimes erratic shooting. Yet he
was ready when called upon, as Michael Essien knows.

Cristian Zaccardo: 6
Seen as the weak leak in the side before the game, Zaccardo did
worry at times when he was dragged out of position. Roma's Christian
Panucci, left at home in Italy, remains a better option.
Fabio Cannavaro: 7.5
Another commanding display at the back for the Juventus stopper.
Cannavaro proved to be a difficult wall to get over last night. Was
also dangerous in the opposition area from set-pieces.

Alessandro Nesta: 7.5
The Milan man took his time to settle but grew in stature as the
game developed. His back-heeled flick from a Ghana counter-attack
was immense, a sign of the world class stopper that he is.

Fabio Grosso: 5.5
The biggest disappointment of the night when it came to the Azzurri.
Grosso was unrecognisable from the full-back who Inter have just
agreed to sign. Unsure, nervous and timid.

Andrea Pirlo: 7.5
Tipped by some before the game to start on the bench, Pirlo was
Italy's best player for the first hour. He controlled play, dictated
the rhythm and, of course, netted the opener with a beauty.

Daniele De Rossi: 6
The booking which he recklessly collected early on compromised his
performance, even if he did put himself about as usual. Was perhaps
fortunate to not concede a penalty.
Simone Perrotta: 7
Picked ahead of Camoranesi in midfield, he certainly didn't let his
side down. A non-stop runner and tackler. Perrotta should have
netted in the second half, but went for power instead of placement.
Francesco Totti: 6.5
Struggled to find his position in the early exchanges but slowly
integrated himself with some delightful touches and passes, as well
as a stunning free-kick. He's on his way back.

Alberto Gilardino: 6
A quiet night for the Milan man who struggled to make his presence
felt. And when he did get a chance he firstly hit the outside of the
post with a weak effort and then fired straight at Kingston.

Luca Toni: 6.5
A real handful for the Ghana defence even if he went missing for
large periods of the second half. Almost crowned his World Cup debut
with a stunner until the crossbar got in the way.
Mauro Camoranesi: 6
Replaced Totti in the second half to give Italy more width but
contributed little to the cause. His lack of urgency, both in attack
and defence, was infuriating.
Vincenzo Iaquinta: 7
Added some renewed pace to the Azzurri attack and was rewarded for
his efforts by making the game safe with his first international
goal. Will he now start against America?

Alessandro Del Piero: No Vote
A late substitute who wasn't given the time nor the ball to leave
his mark on the game. Will probably have to sit the next one out too
if Lippi plays the Totti card again.

Marcello Lippi: 8
Made some fine decisions both before and during the match. He kept
faith with the under-fire Andrea Pirlo, while Simone Perrotta and
Vincenzo Iaquinta didn't let him down.