Uruguay, even without Luis Suarez, started their friendly against Italy off with a bang. Sebastian Fernandez, standing in for four-goal Suarez (and in the absence of Diego Forlan, of course) has proved that it just might not matter which players Oscar Tabarez picks to lead la celeste -- at least, not when Andrea Ranocchia is part of their defensive opposition. Rano looked entirely lost, rooted to the spot as Fernandez rounded him and slid the ball neatly past Gigi Buffon.
Italy responded with plenty of pressure, but they simply can't get their shots on target. Pablo Osvaldo had an excellent chance from a Mario Balotelli corner, but his header went just wide of the post. A bit later, Mario Balotelli tried a tricky little move, tumbling to the ground but still managing to spin around and kick the ball goalwards. An easy save for Nando Muslera, however.
Can we please remember, boys, that this is a friendly, and play accordingly? I'm tired of looking up and seeing players important to their teams rolling around on the ground.