World Cup 2014 Preview

Italy are always in the conversation when talking about World Cup finalist favorites, and in 2014 it's no different. With a loaded squad full of great players, the Italians are hoping to win their second World Cup title out of the past three tournaments.

Only two players on the current squad were on their last World Cup champion team, Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, but they are two of the best ever to put on Italy's prestigious blue kit. Buffon is still regarded as one of the top goalkeepers in the world, and has been in his fair share of big matches. Pirlo may be getting on up in age, at the ripe soccer age of 34, but his presence is pinnacle to Italy's success this summer. He has the capabilities to control the midfield and is a threat on set pieces with his dangerous right foot. These two are the undisputed leaders on the squad, but aren't the only weapons the Italians have in their arsenal.

Stephan El Shaarawy is an up and coming striker, but is now considered one of the best strikers in the world, and has made a name for himself in Serie A, the Italian Premier League, for AC Milan. El Shaarawy has plenty of speed, so defenders must play more conservatively with him, but he also has the ability to place the ball wherever he desires, so conservative defending may not be the route to go for opposing teams. So in other words, pick your poison with El Shaarawy.

Giuseppe Rossi is a name that every American should know. Rossi is an American born player who chose to play internationally for Italy. But before you decide to hate him for his nationality choice, hold off the hate and understand that he was born of immigrant parents and at the age of 12, he moved to Italy with his father to play for the developmental league for the Premier squad Parma. Rossi's game is definitely nothing to scoff at. He is a great striker and is best known for scoring two goals against the USA in the 2009 Confederations Cup.

Any World Cup preview of Italy without Mario Balotelli is not a complete preview. Balotelli, more suitably known as "Super Mario," is a beast up front. Speed, size, strength, and agility, along with great ball skills, make him one of the best, if not the best, striker on the planet. He plays his club soccer with AC Milan, and will bring his talents to Brazil this summer to help lead Italy to hopefully their fifth World Cup championship.

My prediction: Italy is the best team in Group D, and should easily win the group over Urauguay, Costa Rica, and England.