the Azzurri(ni) thread ***spoilers***

[Whateverman]

Lippi's call ups for the Cyprus (away) and Georgia (home) games:

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo), De Sanctis (Galatasaray)

Defenders: Barzagli (Wolfsburg), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Cassetti (Roma), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Lyon), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan)

Midfielders: Aquilani (Roma), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan)

Forwards: Del Piero (Juventus), Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Toni (Bayern Munich)

And Casiraghi's call ups (Azzurrini play Greece on September 5 and Croatia on September 9):


Goalkeepers: Consigli (Atalanta), Seculin (Fiorentina), Sirigu (Ancona)

Defenders: Andreolli (Roma), Bocchetti (Genoa), Criscito (Genoa), De Ceglie (Juventus), Marzoratti (Empoli), Motta (Udinese), Pisano (Cagliari), Ranocchia (Bari)

Midfielders: Bolzoni (Inter), Candreva (Udinese), Cigarini (Atalanta), Dessena (Sampdoria), Giovinco (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Morosini (Vicenza), Russotto (Napoli)

Strikers: Acquafresca (Cagliari), Balotelli (Inter), Lanzafame (Palermo), Osvaldo (Fiorentina)

[talk2smc]

well you can certainly see Lippi is back.
no Cassano, Gila back in, pretty much just because Lippi is making the call. but im ok with that, as unlike Domenech and his strange call ups, Lippi gets the best out of the players.
Barzagli still makes me scratch my head, but most likely because Chiellini is injured, and of course Panucci's international career is over now as Lippi is back. (only sad thing for me as a result of Lippi's return)
Dossena i think has just been picked due to playing for Pool, ive watched every game for them so far this year...not great, but he will be a very goodplayer after time getting used to the EPL.


as for the Azzurrini, no clue why Andreolli still gets picked, and is Viviano injured or just dropped? im ok with him being dropped if thats what happened, he was one of the few players who didnt impress me at the Olympics.

[Whateverman]

well you can certainly see Lippi is back. no Cassano, Gila back in, pretty much just because Lippi is making the call. but im ok with that, as unlike Domenech and his strange call ups, Lippi gets the best out of the players. Barzagli still makes me scratch my head, but most likely because Chiellini is injured, and of course Panucci's international career is over now as Lippi is back. (only sad thing for me as a result of Lippi's return) Dossena i think has just been picked due to playing for Pool, ive watched every game for them so far this year...not great, but he will be a very goodplayer after time getting used to the EPL.
So what will Lippi's line-up be?

Buffon
Zambro-Barzagli-Canna-Grosso
Camo-DeRossi-Pirlo
DiNatale-Toni-DP

Barzagli was a disaster against Austria. Is Canna fit enough?
Many options available in attack, still have no left midfielder tho.


On U-21:

Acquafresca and Pisano out due to injury. Replacements: Michele Paolucci (Catania) and Daniele Capelli (Atalanta).

Here's what the group looks like ATM:

22 Italy
18 Croatia
14 Greece
11 Albania
03 Faroe Islands
01 Azerbaijan

The ten group winners and four best runners-up advance to the play-offs. The group winners also have to play in the play-offs (on 11-15 October).

[talk2smc]

well, tbh, im more comfortable with the U21's than the sn team right now.
Aqcuafresca out is a blow, but pleenty of firepower up there, and we are leading the group by more than a game.

you hit the nail on the head about the sn team. still no left sided mid player. Semioli? on the left for Fiorentina, i dont know, but he has been injured a bunch and also not the best performances in Blue.
i think Lippi will stick with the 4-3-3 from Donadoni tho. its a matter of the personal we have now versus WC 06.
Di Natale, Cassano, Camo, Iaquinta, Gilardino even can all be used as wide players, but yes mostly all on the right. we need a lefty proper winger for sure.

im hoping that Lippi pulls in a bit of youth, as he did with De Rossi in the WC. i think Aquilani is a mainstay now, he will be off the bench and starting on smaller opponents. Gila will be back to his best following his move to Florence, and Lippi's faith in him. im excited, but still alot of questions to be answered by Marcello. and please no Barzagli-Canna CB partnership. i know Andrea plays better with Canna holding his hand, but his move to Wolfsburg really sunk his career imo. he needed to stay in Italy to keep his Azzurri hopes alive. i think lines up could be
Buffon, Dossena, Canna, Gamberini, Grosso, Camo, De Rossi, Pirlo (tho i would prefer Aquilani), Di Natale, Toni, Gilardino

i think we could have many questions answered with this lineup. Gila on the wing? Dossena beginning to takeover Zambrotta's position? Gamberini pairing Canna? Aquilani in a 3 man mid (wasnt awful in the Euro) another shot for Di Natale on the right?
in particular against our opposition i think this is the time to try to field a different look, these 2 games. the above lineup should still take 6 points from Cyprus and Georgia easily.

[Whateverman]

... i think lines up could be Buffon, Dossena, Canna, Gamberini, Grosso, Camo, De Rossi, Pirlo (tho i would prefer Aquilani), Di Natale, Toni, Gilardino

i think we could have many questions answered with this lineup. Gila on the wing? Dossena beginning to takeover Zambrotta's position? Gamberini pairing Canna? Aquilani in a 3 man mid (wasnt awful in the Euro) another shot for Di Natale on the right?
in particular against our opposition i think this is the time to try to field a different look, these 2 games. the above lineup should still take 6 points from Cyprus and Georgia easily.
Good thinking. That's a good line up, and I'd put Aquilani there with no hesitation, it's about time for him to step up. Would be interesting indeed to see some new faces getting a chance in a non friendly game against a somewhat weaker team.

BTW, there will be a 'FIFA World Champions Badge' on the shirts:

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff19/ibleedorangebloodok/azzurri%20tr/afp138097840209192429_big.jpg

[phat]

I doubt Lippi will start such a offensive lineup. Trying to convert stikers into wingers wont work either. Right now the 4-3-3 (4-3-2-1) system is a flop and has proven to be inefficient. We can't keep lobbing balls from the flanks to one big striker in the box, it's just too easy to stop.

Here is a more reasonable lineup:

-----------BUFFON------------
Zambo---Cana---Legro--Grosso
----------Palombo-------------
Camo-----Pirlo-----De Rossi----
------Toni-------ADP


I think that eventually Rosina and Gio will take on that left side and hopefully we will see Totti back. I also think that Lippi should bring Zanetti into the squad once he's fit. We really need a holding mid that can pass.

[talk2smc]

SPOILERS for Italy U21




http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sep5u.html



























draw not bad, but thought we would secure the win and qualification. great to see Balotelli score on his debut...(tho i do feel the youngster needs to learn to shut his mouth and just play sometimes, not stirring things up, just saying hes a little too confident at times. big contract too early imo) but good for the team. Andreolli from the start??:confused: hmm.

[INTER]

(tho i do feel the youngster needs to learn to shut his mouth and just play sometimes, not stirring things up, just saying hes a little too confident at times. big contract too early imo)

From what I saw he scored the only goal of the game for Italy and what a goal that was. I reckon he isn't mature enough (proper because of age) but he's a solid player and if at this age he tears the Serie A players apart I don't see a strong reason why he shouldn't be confident. After all, since when is confidence a bad thing?

[talk2smc]

From what I saw he scored the only goal of the game for Italy and what a goal that was. I reckon he isn't mature enough (proper because of age) but he's a solid player and if at this age he tears the Serie A players apart I don't see a strong reason why he shouldn't be confident. After all, since when is confidence a bad thing?

no, confidence is a good thing. but what i dont want happening is an Adriano situation (first player i thought of, irrelevant him being an Inter player) being tipped as the next biggest thing ever, etc etc, and then falls flat on his face. i dont want that for an Italian player.
and i was more eluding to his "we've already won" comments. that sort of thing is not confidence to me, its a big cocky as he is very talented, received big money that he held out for a bit, and is regarded as a top talent. just hoping to avoid another Cassano type. not saying he is, saying the potential is there for him to act like a Buffon or act like a Cassano.

it is nice however, to know that if Aqcuafresca is out, we can have Balotelli, Okaka, Rossi, Osvaldo, Lanzafame, and Gio to throw into the attacking fold

[INTER]

For the moment he's just a great kid enjoying his football. What can you expect from him at 18 years old? How many kids are playing in the first team of a great squad at 17-18 years old and get the world's recognition? It's not hard to lose it. I don't think Buffon was that big at 17. It all depends on the player himself, not all are realizing how lucky they really are.

[talk2smc]

For the moment he's just a great kid enjoying his football. What can you expect from him at 18 years old? How many kids are playing in the first team of a great squad at 17-18 years old and get the world's recognition? It's not hard to lose it. I don't think Buffon was that big at 17. It all depends on the player himself, not all are realizing how lucky they really are.

thats what im saying...so give me the correct answers..."i have alot to learn, i love playing here at Inter with Ibra, Cruz, Crespo to learn from etc", "im grateful to have the manager's confidence, ill give this shirt everything i can" etc. not "we've already won because we have better players" etc. you always hear about the humility from players at the lower clubs, because they realize right away that playing in the top flight is a huuuge opportunity.
anyway, im happy for the kid, as i said, i just dont want any ego issues on any Azzurri squad. every Italian will tell you that we won in Berlin because of the squad mentality Lippi instilled, where every man wasnt more important than the other.

[INTER]

If he can make the step to the big National Team , I think it would have a great benefit on his future both Mourinho's and Lippi's guidance. I hope he plays good and scores vs. Croatia U21 as well.

Btw did Bolzoni somehow played vs. Greece?

[talk2smc]

Btw did Bolzoni somehow played vs. Greece?

nope, mid was Dessena, Cigarini, Marchisio, and Giovinco

[phat]

Why don't you think Andreolli should get the start, he's really solid. Have you seen him play?

[Whateverman]

draw not bad, but thought we would secure the win and qualification
I was dissapointed. It was a crappy game by Azzurrini, players aren't in the best shape and the team as a whole didn't click. Giovinco had a bad game, tried to do everything by himself. Balotelli was outstanding tho, almost scored with a bicycle kick in the second half. But as said in the above he has a attitude problem, not only talking trash, but his tendency to make dirty fouls and mis-timed tackles.

I don't think Buffon was that big at 17.
Actually Buffon was that big, I would say even bigger. He made his Serie A debut for Parma at the age of 17, which was btw a 0-0 against Milan. Supersaves against Weah and Roberto Baggio.

Here's the highlights of that game (starting at 3:04):
v/B7jdljC_nUg

[talk2smc]

Why don't you think Andreolli should get the start, he's really solid. Have you seen him play?

tbh, not too much, as he is constantly injured. but what i have seen doesnt warrant any call ups really imo. not to mention that most of the U21 competes with first team Serie A clubs. Andreolli is constantly shelled out to Serie B squads, AND that is from Roma, who could use CB coverage...

I was dissapointed. It was a crappy game by Azzurrini, players aren't in the best shape and the team as a whole didn't click. Giovinco had a bad game, tried to do everything by himself. Balotelli was outstanding tho, almost scored with a bicycle kick in the second half. But as said in the above he has a attitude problem, not only talking trash, but his tendency to make dirty fouls and mis-timed tackles.





100% agree about Balotelli. as for the game thats why i thought it was decent, as they played not well all together, but still got the point

not pleased at half. Cassetti completely to blame for the goal. no excuses for losing that man at the far post running in. Buffon with a great save on the first attempt and then has to see it get knocked right in.
didnt cach the first 5 or so, Gamberini went off injured? replaced by Barzagli? Defence looking pooor. Zambrotta knocking out balls when its not necessary, Cassetti looking clueless, Canna not looking strong, Barzagli always himself. i swear, if we didnt have Buffon back there we would look really silly right now...
also, whats up with the numbers? De Rossi with 6? Di Natale, 7? some changes huh?

anyway, Lippi should be hot at halftime, we need to stop looking so complacent and put 3 more by them.

absolutely terrible. Cyprus should have won it several times, and we were lucky in the end. Gila's heel flip at the second goal was class tho. Lippi has some serious work to do. Defence awful, midfield gets closed down far too quickly, and 3 up front arent creating without an ADP, Cassano, Totti type player.

awful display today

very costly match for us as well.

Grosso out with broken rib.
Gamberinni out with dislocated shoulder.
Gattuso out with a broken wrist after falling into the dug-out!

also confused as to why Lippi decided not to make additional call ups given two defenders going down with injury


and we barely sneak out the win..

[talk2smc]

Lippi now calls up Nocerino as Gattuso's replacement...

Montolivo? and how about 2 defenders. Lippi said he wasnt going to call up any players to sit in the stands, so will Nocerino be playing...??? if so where...in De Rossi's role? hmm...seems like he will be on the bench imo.

[Phenom]

guys how did Canna play?...i expect him to be rusty but didnt see the match

[phat]

This trident BS needs to stop IMO. I don't know why Lippi is still starting it, Cyprus obviously beat us by stacking the middle and breaking out quickly leaving us flat footed depending on Buffon to save the day. Pretty much the same story as when we played Austria in the friendly. I think we need to get Totti or another AMF in there instead of trying to convert strikers into wingers. Play a straight 4-2-2-2 system or 4-3-2-1. Also, start Legro and Dossena instead of Barzagli and Cassetti.

-------------Buffon--------------
Zambro---Cana---Legro---Dossena
------Palombo-------Ambro-------
----Camo-----Pirlo----------------
------Iaquinta--------Di Natale----

[talk2smc]

guys how did Canna play?...i expect him to be rusty but didnt see the match

eh. not terrible, not great. certainly rusty and needs to get match fitness back for sure.



Dossena in to take over Grosso's spot, which is great imo. not that i want Grosso injured, but been looking forward to seeing how he plays more than just one friendly.
for me the trident is also not working. its clear that the space left just behind Gila, and Di Natale, is constantly exploited as Pirlo, De Rossi, and Camo cant cover that entire area defensively. which is why we lost sooo many balls in the mid. or one player was caught in possession by two of theirs. this happened to De Rossi often.


for me, i think:

_________________Buffon______________
Cassetti__Cannavaro___Legrotaglie_Dossena
___________De Rossi______Pirlo_________
Camo_________Aquilani_____Di Natale__
____________Toni____________________



Cassetti and Legro out of necessity right now. Canna needs time to get fit.
the only problem i see, is that it leaves a TON of responsibility on Aquilani to hold the middle of the park. perhaps him and Pirlo could swap, but i like what Aquilani offers going forward. and out of everyone, the one who should be allowed the most freedom on the pitch is Di Natale. so glad this guy is getting the credit he has deserved for a long time now.

[Marcello™]

-------------Buffon--------------
Zambro---Cana---Legro---Dossena
------Palombo-------Ambro-------
----Camo-----Pirlo----------------
------Iaquinta--------Di Natale----

We wana make the world cup in 2010...

[talk2smc]

well the Azzurrini claimed a point and successfully qualified to the Euros. good to see, i didnt watch the match myself, couldnt get off work, but it seems to be a better display than Greece, even if the result was the same.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/sep9t.html


well done to the boys, and this too without some injured players, and also remember, that captain Nocerino is with sn squad now. so nice to see them still securing the result.

[phat]

Legro got hurt and is a 50/50 for tonight's game, most likely going to start Barzagli instead. Hope it doesnt affect his club starts.


We wana make the world cup in 2010...

No thanks to Inter players.

[talk2smc]

didnt watch the full match, just extended highlights, but blown away by De Rossi's first goal...wow. left footed and from that distance. i really dont see much weakness in his game. sometimes he plays himself out of matches, and again, i didnt see the rest of his play, but the second goal too, almost striker like which i havent seen from him really, took it, head down and went to shoot. amazing both plays, and glad we are 6 points in the clear.

any word on how Aquilani played, i see he got the start..also was very interested in Dossena's performance

[phat]

didnt watch the full match, just extended highlights, but blown away by De Rossi's first goal...wow. left footed and from that distance. i really dont see much weakness in his game. sometimes he plays himself out of matches, and again, i didnt see the rest of his play, but the second goal too, almost striker like which i havent seen from him really, took it, head down and went to shoot. amazing both plays, and glad we are 6 points in the clear.

any word on how Aquilani played, i see he got the start..also was very interested in Dossena's performance

I watch the game on the replay on GOLTV. TBH, the game was riddled with fouls and was stop and go. Defense was solid and even the stikers were coming back to help in the midfield including Toni. Dossena was solid but not really tested in defense IMO, but he pushed up very well. Aquilani was roaming all over CM but not really anything too productive. In general what worries me is the lack of cohesion between the MF and strikers.

edit: Palombo was very good and Cana seems to be back to old form and Legro too.

Here is the DeRossi CRACKER:

<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xKQf8z_Zb4c&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xKQf8z_Zb4c&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>

[cipro]

didnt watch the full match, just extended highlights, but blown away by De Rossi's first goal...wow. left footed and from that distance. i really dont see much weakness in his game. sometimes he plays himself out of matches, and again, i didnt see the rest of his play, but the second goal too, almost striker like which i havent seen from him really, took it, head down and went to shoot. amazing both plays, and glad we are 6 points in the clear.

any word on how Aquilani played, i see he got the start..also was very interested in Dossena's performance

It seems that when Canna isn't playing, De Rossi stays back and doesn't contribute as much to the offense. It's like he doesn't have any confidence in our other CBs.

I watched the game on and off. It was pretty boring. Pirlo and Zambrotta seemed to be exhausted imo. Well, we never play good in Aug. and Sept. I'm glad we got 6 pts from the 2 games.

I really like Palombo. He plays really well for Sampdoria and he had a good game today. But he will unfortunately be know as the poor man's De Rossi, lol. I think he's going to make WC'10, at least as a bench player.

[talk2smc]

reports say that Aquilani had a couple of decent chances...was he wasteful, or they really werent chances? Dossena i figured wouldnt be tested, true.

little surprised with Palombo as i never thought he was that solid for Samp. kind of did what he was supposed to do, but never really excelled...at least when ive seen him.




and man, what a goal. still shocking to me, might be the best ive seen from him in Blue.

[cipro]

Palombo had a very good game against Inter in the first week. I thought he was very solid in the games I saw last year. He's had a long career with Samp; 200 games for them and he's 26. He is better than Barone was when he made the '06 team. I expect Palombo to have Barone's role in the '10 team.

[talk2smc]

Palombo had a very good game against Inter in the first week. I thought he was very solid in the games I saw last year. He's had a long career with Samp; 200 games for them and he's 26. He is better than Barone was when he made the '06 team. I expect Palombo to have Barone's role in the '10 team.

does that mean he will sit on the bench and never make an appearance? i think Barone was one of like 3 players that didnt play in 06. (Peruzzi, Amelia the others???)

[cipro]

Barone was subbed in twice ( 74th minute of the Czech game; 68th minute in the Ukraine game ) . It's hard to predict who's going to make it, since we have two full Serie A seasons left before the tournament.

Here was the 06 squad. along with possible replacements:

FW:
Alberto Gilardino
Filippo Inzaghi------------------Di Natale
Luca Toni
Vincenzo Iaquinta
Alessandro Del Piero------------G Rossi

MD:
Francesco Totti-----------------Aquilani
Andrea Pirlo
Simone Perrotta----------------dropped
Mauro Camoranesi
Gennaro Gattuso
Simone Barone-----------------Palombo
Daniele De Rossi

DF:
Gianluca Zambrotta
Alessandro Nesta---------------Chiellini
Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Grosso
Marco Materazzi-----------------dropped
Cristian Zaccardo---------------dropped
Andrea Barzagli-----------------Legrottaglie
Massimo Oddo------------------Dossena

GK:
Gianluigi Buffon
Angelo Peruzzi------------------dropped
Marco Amelia

:eek:Don't have time to complete the roster right now. I want to add montolivo etc. maybe drop gattuso and Camo:eek: this is just for fun btw nothing serious, just to stimulate some debate.;)

[talk2smc]

yea certainly for me-
Amelia (never rated him much, lets see how he does w. Palermo)
Oddo (gonna be tough to play his way back in imo, being loaned out away from Milan)
Peruzzi (retirement)
Barone (certainly his international career is over)
Zaccardo (who?)
Barzagli (no explanation necessary)
Perrotta (never been the same since 06 in the Blue, and doesnt really fit in the 4-3-3)
Nesta (retirement)
Totti (retirement)

but certainly going in:
Buffon (a lock)
Curci (lets see how he does with Siena)
Dossena (will be great by 2010 imo)
Chiellini (already a stud)
Cannavaro (his last hurrah)
Zambrotta (seen better days tho...i think he is on the fence for 2010)
Grosso (always better with the Azzurri than w. Lyon)
Santacroce (you heard me...he'll be there, and god knows we need CB coverage)
Gamberini (he should get his shot after hes healthy again)
De Rossi (a lock, should get the armband after Canna)
Aquilani (should be a starter by then)
Pirlo (his last major)
Camoranesi (our only real winger)
Nocerino (a solid bench contributor by that time i feel he can be)
Palombo (for DM coverage)
Montolivo (barely missed out on the Euro's, should be in the squad now)
Di Natale (our best player who wasnt in WC 06. on fire since then)
Cassano (hurts me to say it, but need his spark just behind the FW's)
Toni (may be his last major too, even if not scoring, his presence is vital)
Gilardino (Lippi loves him, hope he starts scoring again)
Balotelli (why not?)
Rossi (see Balotelli)


no idea for a 3rd keeper, although im sure whether Amelia deserves it or not, he'll be there. and not much cover for LB/RB unless you go down to Di Silvestri and co. and thats pretty young. so probably dropping Balotelli or Rossi and taking Cassetti or cough...ahem....choke...Barzagli.



and of course : its all pure speculation.

[phat]

Barone was subbed in twice ( 74th minute of the Czech game; 68th minute in the Ukraine game ) . It's hard to predict who's going to make it, since we have two full Serie A seasons left before the tournament.

Here was the 06 squad. along with possible replacements:

FW:
Alberto Gilardino
Filippo Inzaghi------------------Di Natale
Luca Toni
Vincenzo Iaquinta
Alessandro Del Piero------------G Rossi

MD:
Francesco Totti-----------------Aquilani
Andrea Pirlo
Simone Perrotta----------------dropped
Mauro Camoranesi
Gennaro Gattuso
Simone Barone-----------------Palombo
Daniele De Rossi

DF:
Gianluca Zambrotta
Alessandro Nesta---------------Chiellini
Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Grosso
Marco Materazzi-----------------dropped
Cristian Zaccardo---------------dropped
Andrea Barzagli-----------------Legrottaglie
Massimo Oddo------------------Dossena

GK:
Gianluigi Buffon
Angelo Peruzzi------------------dropped
Marco Amelia

:eek:Don't have time to complete the roster right now. I want to add montolivo etc. maybe drop gattuso and Camo:eek: this is just for fun btw nothing serious, just to stimulate some debate.;)

Angelo Peruzzi retired and was not dropped. He was pure class.

Regarding Palombo, I think hes a tough CM that can put the ball in the back of the net and break up plays pretty well. He doesnt have room to roam much in th NT cause Aquilani and De Rossi are doing most of that. However he's physical and can make his presence felt like Gattuso, I just havent yet seen him really turn it on the way Gattuso has in the past but that could be a confidence thing as well that might come once he get time on the pitch.

Anyways like its been said WC2010 is 2 seasons away....

[talk2smc]

probably not too early to talk about the upcoming international matches v Bulgaria and Montenegro.


got some injuries in bad positions (Cassetti, Borriello, Gamberini,Palombo, Grosso:eek: Pirlo:eek:) but the biggest concern is Buffon imo...hopefully he is fit.

got another league match in there for form, and also some CL ties, but for me right now i would go:

Buffon
Curci
Amelia (i guess:rolleyes:)
Dossena
Zambrotta
Cannavaro
Chiellini
Barzagli (ugh, its gonna have to be)
De Rossi
Aquilani
Camoranesi
Montolivo
Nocerino
Di Natale
Gilardino
Toni
Cassano (he wont take him tho)
Balotelli


3 defenders and 1-2 mids short..but i am clueless. Dossena and Zambrotta NEED to be fit, as there is no one else to play for them. who? Di Silvestri, De Ceglie based on form, Dessena in the mid for Samp?

i have no idea, too many injuries right now.
i think Lippi is going to have to get creative and call up some new players.

i would go:

_______________________Buffon__________________

Zambrotta_____Cannavaro_____Chiellini______Dossena

_______Camoranesi_____De Rossi______Aquilani______

___Di Natale___________Gilardino_________Cassano___


tho we all know we wont see Cassano, and Toni will start over Gila.

[talk2smc]

heard it hear first. been asking for Rossi, and Santacroce for some time now, but pretty surprised to be honest Lippi picked them. im sure without the injuries, he wouldnt have.

Squad in full:

Buffon
Amelia
De Sanctis
Bonera
Cannavaro
Chiellini
Dossena
Gamberini
Zambrotta
Santacroce
Aquilani
Camoranesi
De Rossi
Gattuso
Maggio
Montolivo
Nocerino
Perrotta
Di Natale
Gilardino
Pepe
Rossi
Toni


ok, so-
Curci, been in great form. snubbed.
Perrotta, playing poorly lately and should not have been taken.
Gattuso, injured? not fit? :confused:
Gamberini, injured? not fit? :confused:
Bonera, cant even get a game in for Milan...
Chiellini, injured? :confused:
so glad Barzagli is staying in Germany. my hope is he does indefinitely.
Cassano?

very happy for Santacroce, tho he needs to work on his discipline (he wont see time anyway), Rossi, has deserved it for a long time now, Maggio, been working so hard at Napoli and before that too, and Pepe:eek: didnt see that one coming.

im hoping:
________________Buffon__________________
Zambrotta___Cannavaro__Chiellini____Dossena
____Camoranesi______De Rossi____Aquilani___
_Di Natale_________Gilardino_______Rossi____


my hope at least. if not a 4-3-3, then what? 4-4-2 with Camo, De Rossi, Aquilani, Montolivo? in the mid with Gila/Di Natale? up front?

[cipro]

I'm so happy for Maggio and Santacroce. Even though they will be warming the bench, the call ups will give them a good boost of confidence and maturity.

Pepe's callup was :eek: . He's been playing well for Udinese though. He works hard on the wings and near goal. I would have liked to have seen Foggia instead.

I really hope Rossi gets some minutes.

Montenegro and Bulgaria can be tricky because they have some skilled attackers. Our 'D' has to play much better than in the previous WCQs. Jovetic and Vucinic for Montenegro, as well as Berbatov and Petrov for Bulgaria, can really do us some damage.

[phat]

I'm so happy for Maggio and Santacroce. Even though they will be warming the bench, the call ups will give them a good boost of confidence and maturity.

Pepe's callup was :eek: . He's been playing well for Udinese though. He works hard on the wings and near goal. I would have liked to have seen Foggia instead.

I really hope Rossi gets some minutes.

Montenegro and Bulgaria can be tricky because they have some skilled attackers. Our 'D' has to play much better than in the previous WCQs. Jovetic and Vucinic for Montenegro, as well as Berbatov and Petrov for Bulgaria, can really do us some damage.

They wont be strolls in the park and the 4 3 3 should be seriously rested, Lippi should only move into a 4 3 3 from a 4 4 2 when trailling.

I think Quags would have been an better pick then Pepe, he just scored a brace this weekend. He's also a better solution for a 4 3 3 cause he can crack them in from 30 yards. I mean either way theyre going to warm the bench might as well have a hot striker.

Oh yea and Marchisio and De Ceglie look like future locks.

[talk2smc]

Buffon and Camo seem to be a doubt for the matches.
:(
bad news all around as i dont feel confident with anyone but Buffon in goal, and Camo our only true winger.
i suppose,

___________Amelia_________
Zambro__Canna_Chiellini_Dossena
___Montolivo_De Rossi__Aquilani_
Di Natale__Gilardino____Rossi

tho Gattuso will probably be picked over Montolivo, and Toni over Gila, and maybe a 4-4-2 as has been discussed previously.

[phat]

Buffon and Camo seem to be a doubt for the matches.
:(
bad news all around as i dont feel confident with anyone but Buffon in goal, and Camo our only true winger.
i suppose,

___________Amelia_________
Zambro__Canna_Chiellini_Dossena
___Montolivo_De Rossi__Aquilani_
Di Natale__Gilardino____Rossi

tho Gattuso will probably be picked over Montolivo, and Toni over Gila, and maybe a 4-4-2 as has been discussed previously.

I think Chiellini might not start cause hes injured.

___________Amelia_________
Zambro__Canna__Chiellini__Dossena
__________Palombo____________
____Aquilani_______De Rossi_____
__________Montolivo___________
_____Gilardino____Di Natale__

[talk2smc]

Palombo wasnt chosen as hes injured.
and the midfield diamond might not work, if it does i can almost guarantee Montolivo wont be the spear of it. Aquilani would most likely.

but i doubt it will happen anyway, as for Giorgio im hoping he is fit...not confident with any other pairing other than Canna and him.

[phat]

Palombo wasnt chosen as hes injured.
and the midfield diamond might not work, if it does i can almost guarantee Montolivo wont be the spear of it. Aquilani would most likely.

but i doubt it will happen anyway, as for Giorgio im hoping he is fit...not confident with any other pairing other than Canna and him.

___________Amelia_________
Zambro__Canna__Chiellini__Dossena
__________Nocerino____________
____Aquilani_______Montolivo_____
__________De Rossi___________
_____Gilardino____Di Natale__

It does allow for Zambo and Dossena to move up the flanks and cross.

[talk2smc]

___________Amelia_________
Zambro__Canna__Chiellini__Dossena
__________Nocerino____________
____Aquilani_______Montolivo_____
__________De Rossi___________
_____Gilardino____Di Natale__

It does allow for Zambo and Dossena to move up the flanks and cross.

i actually like that, but i would switch De Rossi and Aquilani, as i think Aquilani has better offensive qualities, and De Rossi better defensive.
i still think Montolivo stretching to a flank isnt the best option as from what ive seen of him he works well in the center. Nocerino holding isnt a bad option either. and certainly based on form, Di Natale, and Gila should be starting.

as you have noted already, its confirmed that Buffon and Camo are out. :( Curci was called in to replace him, and based on form should start over Amelia, tho im sure that wont happen.


im a bit nervous guys, i think we will learn alot about this squad and Lippi's second run for Italy in these two matches.
1. a shaky defense dealing with Petrov and Berbatov, and Vucinic later.
2. no proper player to play on the wing, unless you put in Rossi on the left. (which almost would certainly mean a 4-3-3)
3. our most consistent match saving player, Buffon, wont be playing. Amelia's first real and true test i imagine.
4. a relatively inexperienced team altogether, with 4 debuts, and not many caps in general. take away Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Toni, Perrotta, and Gattuso, and you have a pretty young, relatively few capped players. (perhaps apart from De Rossi caps, tho he is still 24.)

so i think Lippi has his hands full. if we come out of these 2 matches with, say...2-0, 3-0 convincing wins...i will be very satisfied with the results, and also that youth has been implemented into the squad.
we need to be well more convincing than Cyprus and Georgia.


http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/oct7u.html
good news for Italy, bad news for Roma :( feel for the kid if he cant make it fit for the match being played in Lecce

[talk2smc]

seems the lineup v Bulgaria will be :

Amelia, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena, Gattuso:(, De Rossi, Montolivo, Pepe, Gilardino, Di Natale

in a 4-3-3.


Not sure why at all Gattuso is in there, and why Aquilani isnt. particularly when Alberto and Daniele play together all the time. really looking forward to how Montolivo and Pepe will do as they seem to start. and also fingers crossed NO defenders go down, and play solid, as i dont have much confidence in Amelia.

[cipro]

I'm happy with the lineup.

I think Amelia is part of the reason why Gattuso is in the lineup. I don't trust him(Amelia) either. When they were part of the Under-21 team, Aquilani and Montolivo played well together, with Montolivo playing more defensively which allowed Aquilani to play almost like a #10 in some of the game I watched.

It will be interesting to see how Pepe performs. He'll add pace and hard work down the right flank all game long. But does he have enough quality to perform well in the international game? We'll see.

[talk2smc]

I'm happy with the lineup.

I think Amelia is part of the reason why Gattuso is in the lineup. I don't trust him(Amelia) either. When they were part of the Under-21 team, Aquilani and Montolivo played well together, with Montolivo playing more defensively which allowed Aquilani to play almost like a #10 in some of the game I watched.

It will be interesting to see how Pepe performs. He'll add pace and hard work down the right flank all game long. But does he have enough quality to perform well in the international game? We'll see.

yea undecided of course on Pepe, but without Camo...who? the biggest problem with the Italy squad right now, no real replacement for wingers, and a Buffon replacement.

just hoping to contain Berbatov and get a comfortable more convincing win than our last two trips out. with an obviously less strong lineup against more difficult opposition.
but we are the WC champs.


hoping De Rossi goes wild again...:)

hmm. 1st half. not a shot on target for anyone.


well, pretty much what i expected from Pepe and Montolivo...not much. hardly any of the ball and when they had it, poor play. Pepe tracks back quite a bit tho, which is positive to see from him.

we clearly dictated pace, but gave up quite a number of FK's to Bulgaria. angry with the referee for 2 blatant elbows on De Rossi that should have been fouls or cards. Chiellini's card was laughable as well.

Aquilani on for Montolivo.
Rossi on for Pepe.
imo.

[cipro]

Aquilani on for Montolivo.
Rossi on for Pepe.
imo.

I'm with you on this. I'm disappointed in the way Montolivo is playing. meh, hoping to see some fireworks in the second half.

[talk2smc]

fucking no. 15 for Bulgaria is looking like C Ronaldo:rolleyes:

Rossi on for Di Natale
Perrotta on for Montolivo on 70 min.

Pepe chance with a FK
Gila was slotted thru from Rossi (great turn) as well.

Rossi in a bit of a central role...:confused:? lets see how it pans out...
squad obviously trying to give Pepe confidence, letting him take some FK's even tho he was blown all of them
De Rossi doing box to box work, never stops working



full time 0-0.
had a draw written on it all match.
+'s:
De Rossi, fucking workhouse all match, almost nicked it in the end with that FK, keeper had no chance. amazing that its his 40th cap at 25.
Rossi, came on, defended well, made runs at defenders, should be starting every match from now on imo. that way by the time he is 25 he will be a beast.
Fullbacks, with Grosso out, ok with Zambrotta and Dossena. thought the latter was particularly solid. would even mind seeing Grosso/Dossena in the future.
-'s:
Amelia's position for me, i know im getting a little specific, but on a few occasions came way out, when it was unnecessary and the CB's dealt with balls.
Lack of attacking, Gila, Di Natale didnt really spark much. at all. in fact, Gila's "shot" after Rossi's turn was it.
Pepe and Montolivo, got alot of time, didnt really show much. tho tbf, the middle of the park was crowded all night.
Referee, 3 YC for us, no. 15 diving all match, and many a FK to Bulgaria.


all in all, a point is better than nothing. but i was going for the 3.

[cipro]

Boring game. Pepe was ok considering I didn't have much hope in him. Would have liked to have seen Foggia called up. We could have used his speed today. Di Natale blows hot and cold and today was an off game for him. Gila should have done better with that Rossi ball. I'm just glad Amelia was really only tested once today.

I'll come up with my lineup for the Montenegro in a little bit.

So far, I'll keep the defence:

....................Amelia

Zambro....Canna....Chiellini....Dossena

In midfield:

So far I want:
De Rossi
Gattuso
Aquilani

Strikers:
Rossi

================

Haven't decided the rest yet nor the formation.

Toni doesn't look good to me. Neither does Gila, but he looks like he has more potential than Toni. Maybe Borriello is the answer. I like how he partners Pato for Milan. He drops off in midfield to help out too. Maybe a 4-4-2 with Borriello and Gila would be good. Or 4-4-2 with Rossi and Gila if we are going to talk about the next game.

edit: I'm rambling on, but we don't have the players to play a 4-4-2 for Wednesday. Here's our midfield:
Aquilani (Roma), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Nocerino (Palermo), Perrotta (Roma). We'd be too slow and predictable with a 4-4-2 if we don't play the strikers out of position.

Ok

....................Amelia

Zambro....Canna....Chiellini....Dossena

-------Gattuso.........De Rossi
...................Aquilani

........Rossi................Di Natale
......................Gila

our fullbacks better push up offensively better than they did today.

[talk2smc]

yea we dont have many key players through injuries, otherwise the lineup would be a bit easier.
but the good thing is the opportunity to add new youth into the squad. average age today was 27.

i would go
Amelia, Dossena, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Aquilani, De Rossi, Montolivo, Rossi, Gilardino, Di Natale.

v Montenegro i think it will be a younger lineup, and the midfield will be tested with Aquilani and Montolivo flanking De Rossi in the front of the back 4. Gila was off today, but has been in form and should definitely be starting over Toni (it will most likely have to be Gilardino as with Toni's yellow card he is suspended). but i have a feeling if Lippi played Pepe all 90 this match, he may do the same for Montenegro, or conversely, play Rossi for the full 90.

just was able to catch some of the U21 match...
heaping amount of pressure on Casiraghi now. i like the guy, but i also feel his squad has a huge amount of talent, in which he needs to reign in a bit better. the Olympics was a big blow imo, and now possibility of not qualifying for the Euro.
the best way for our young players to develop is by playing the best opposition at their ages, which would mean making it to the Euro.

0-0 draw with Israel makes things very difficult for Wednesday in Tel Aviv, as it will be a must win.

several players banned:( and several players hurt:( so Casiraghi had to call up players to fill out the squad.

No Giovinco, De Ceglie....damn...AND Marchisio and Dessena:eek: :(
in addition Andreolli is out, he took a real nasty cut on the face in the match, had to be taken off.

so in comes, Capelli and Rubin, Di Gennaro, and Bottone. (couple of players i dont know too much about tbh)



hoping we can get the result so some of our younger players can show the world what we can do

[phat]

Watched both games and its funny but the problems where very similar. We can't setup the attackers and put the ball in the back of the net.

In the Azzurini game I think Abate should have been put in sooner to use his speed on the wings. In the end they got really unlucky and they're going to have a hard time in Israel.


The Azzuri obviously need to support on the wings like you mentioned but the truth is we do have Foggia and Rosina without caps/call ups. I think we need to move into a 4-5-1 to really take advantage of attacking options without losing battles in the midfield. On a plus side the ex-juve back line + Dossena looked very good.

Zambo--Canna--Chiellini--Dossena
------------Palombo-------------
---Foggia----Pirlo----Rosina------
------------De Rossi-------------
------------Rossi----------------

I think Rossi is going to explode once hes put into the right system and given a chance.

[cipro]

I have to try that lineup in a video game phat :D.

Yeah, the azzurrini have a really tough game in Israel. I can see the Israeli's holding us to a pk shootout. I hope Balotelli can do some damage.

[talk2smc]

i agree with you Phat concerning Rossi. interesting to me, to see an Italian/American break into the Azzurri senior team.
i think once he is used properly he will explode. proper experience for a kid, Man U, Newcastle, Parma, Villarreal...all seamless transitions, scoring goals all the time, and often out of position on the wing mostly. very cool at PK's as well.
i have said often that Roma should have bought him, and im constantly amazed that one of Italys best talents couldnt get a Serie A club to buy him, buyback clause Man U or not.

as for Rosina, also love him. and if he wasnt injured, i believe Lippi may have taken him for these qualifiers due to the injured old guard of midfielders. i look forward to him playing well for the Azzurri in the coming years, although, he like Rossi has some positioning quandaries. ive seen him most effective from the center of midfield, but often he is played towards the left, or drifts that way. in a 4-3-3, all the three midfielders need to cover alot of ground. i think Rosina in a 4-4-2 would be better, as he would have help in the center of the pitch. but thats alot of competition, De Rossi, Aquilani, Montolivo, etc. tho, a diamond of
________________Montolivo______________
____Aquilani_________________Rosina______
______________De Rossi_________________

or tbh, any combination thereof, would be pretty effective imo in say 1-2 years if given proper opportunities to play. perhaps during/after WC 2010.




as for the Azzurrini, i agree with both, tough game in Tel Aviv ahead with a weakened team. for their sake and Casiraghi's im hoping they can sneak through.

[phat]

I also want to add that Peppe had a good match and somewhat proved his role on La Nazionale. I'm going to miss todays match cause I'm in China on business and the game is just to early in the morning. Hopefully I will catch a replay or something.

And about Rossi, him and his familly must be royalty in NJ. :D;)

http://sport.alice.it/calcio/lippi-ha-deciso-aquilani-di-natale-per-montenegro.html

[souseiseki]

Pepe's free kicks are lame. Other than that, he brings great energy and intent, I definitely like him and Di Natale on the wings

Toni's out, good news for Italy. I think we got a little glimpse of what Rossi can bring to the table late in the Bulgaria game, when he turned, dribbled, and slipped that pass through to Gilardino. It's the type of play that would never happen with Luca Toni on the field


Montenegro has some exciting attackers in Vucinic, Vukcevic and Jovetic, but there's no reason Italy shouldn't win this comfortably 3-1 or so

[Nerazzurri4life]

balotelli saves azzurrini's skin again...and did it with a weakened team....

SHIT!

this kid really needs more playing time with Inter or he'll leave...:mad:

[talk2smc]

Azzurri:
cant comment on the whole game, as i only saw the last 15.
glad to see a better no. 10 option than Montolivo in the Bulgaria game. Aquilani obviously, whether he scored those goals or not, is the better option, and for me, De Rossi and him HAVE to be in the starting XI midfield every match.
Pepe's FK's bother me...i agree with some, i like the energy, but not sold on his skill. i didnt see the great game from him everyone else did in Sofia.
De Rossi improving with FK's, saw a late one pushing a save, he is still no. 1 to take them for me, even if Pirlo comes back.
also still not sold on Amelia, thought he could have done much better with Vucinic's goal, but i read that he made some impressive saves later on. Zambrotta saved his ass with the goal line clearance, i dont feel confident when Buffon isnt there.

today worked out great imo, 3 points for Italy, Aquilani impressing, and Vucinic grabbing a goal in his beloved Lecce. he deserves it.



as for the Azzurrini, again, couldnt watch:( but very happy that we qualified, i will be looking to watch the match soon after a d/l.

[Nerazzurri4life]

for those who didn't see the balotelli goals....

this kid is fuckin' ridiculous.....
all the other 'hyped' youngsters are all flair with little/no product...

this kid is all product.....

v/hAEfOIOSXdA

v/dzUuu_HWUMg

real madrid....HANDS OFF!!

[cipro]

I watched most of the Montenegro game, and I must say that I was really impressed by Aquilani. His best game in a blue shirt by a mile. He would have had two assists, in addition to his two goals, if he wasn't the only Azzurri player to bring his shooting boots. As soon as he was subbed our offense collapsed. We were lucky to hang on to the lead with the way we played in the 2nd half.

Even though Pepe was OK in the two qualifiers, I don't think he belongs in the NT. He's not going to have the skills to beat quality defenders(we were facing teams who aren't even in the top 20). His speed isn't as good as I thought either. He'll get exposed once we face a quality opponent. Bring in Foggia, Rosina, or even Giovinco. Camo will be near 34 years old when the WC comes around. We need to find a replacement now.

Gila hardly did anything noteworthy in the 120 minutes he played. Not that he had good service. I like the way Borriello has played for Milan this season. Well, we'll see.

As expected, Jovetic and Vucinic were awesome. Jovetic needs some experience but I think he's going to be a heck of a player.

==================================

I caught some of the first half of the Azzurrini game. Balotelli was just awesome. Beautiful freekick. Cigarini was also good with 2 assists. Abate also deserves some respect. Nice speed from him. I wonder what Milan is going to do with him.

[talk2smc]

squad in full for friendly v Greece.

Curci (Siena), De Sanctis (Galatasaray); Bonera (Milan), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Lyon), Legrottaglie (Juventus); Camoranesi (Juventus), D'Agostino (Udinese), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Maggio (Napoli), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Perrotta (Roma); Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pepe (Udinese), Quagliarella (Udinese), Rossi (Villarreal), Toni (Bayern Munich)


hmm.
so Pepe and Rossi stay in=awesome.
D'Agostino has earned it.
we will see Curci in goal?
Dossena in again even tho he hasnt been playing in Liverpool
and still NO ADP or Cassano.


i repeat, no ADP. :confused: i understand its a friendly, but what more does the guy have to do?

[hypwumbh]

i repeat, no ADP. :confused: i understand its a friendly, but what more does the guy have to do?

Del Piero's omission was no surprise as Lippi had said earlier in the month that he would use the match to have a look at some new blood.

"He will stay at home because he's someone I already know a lot about," he had said. "I want to freshen up the team and have a look at some new players, discover some new people." (http://www.soccerway.com/news/2008/November/16/lippi-gives-dagostino-surprise-call-up-for-friendly)
:) :)

[talk2smc]

:) :)

he has still be snubbed by Lippi almost since WC 06

[hypwumbh]

he has still be snubbed by Lippi almost since WC 06
Well for two years, of the two and a half since then, Lippi wasn't in charge. Now, he's looking to build for 2010.

[talk2smc]

should be noted that Lippi is going for a world record tying 31 match unbeaten streak v Greece in Wed. friendly.

:)

AND a WC during that stretch. imagine if he stayed on for the Euro:(

[phat]

should be noted that Lippi is going for a world record tying 31 match unbeaten streak v Greece in Wed. friendly.

:)

AND a WC during that stretch. imagine if he stayed on for the Euro:(

I hope he break its.

[talk2smc]

I hope he break its.

dont we all :)

i hope we bleed in some more new faces and youth tomorrow, i wont be able to watch it, but hoping to hear of some youngsters in the fold.
excited to see Curci's and Rossi's full team debuts as well:)

hoping:

_______________Curci_____________
Bonera___Cannavaro___Gamberini__Grosso
___Montolivo___De Rossi___D'Agostino__
Pepe______Gilardino_______Rossi_____


tho i bet D'Agostino wont start, Rossi should be in a more central position than on the left, Pepe probably wont start over Quag or Vincenzo, and unfortunately due to Zambro out, no true RB, which means Bonera needs to start. boo. and Grosso should be given the return over Dossena, tho i very much like Dossena and hope he comes back to Italy.
cant wait about 3-5 years when Paloschi, Balotelli, Gio, Santacroce, Andreolli, Okaka, and others storm the scene into the full NT.

[talk2smc]

well done to Lippi, and great to have Toni scoring again, tho we need to have other attacking options getting going too.

have to confess i couldnt watch this one, read that Montolivo didnt fare too well, was disappointed to see Curci not in goal, and happy to read De Rossi had another solid performance. good on Rossi's debut a well.

[phat]

Watched the game, Lippi made full 6 changes. Greeks stayed pretty much the same and played defense all match. Italy should have won...

[talk2smc]

Brazil Italy friendly coming up on the 10th.

looking forward to this one even if its a friendly as the Brazil squad will have quite a few Serie A players in it, and of course its Brazil/Italy!

im thinking, if everyone is healthy

Buffon, Amelia, Curci
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Legrottaglie, Gamberini, Dossena, Grosso
De Rossi, Aquilani, Pirlo, Montolivo, Nocerino, D'Agostino, Maggio
Gilardino, Toni, Di Natale, Rossi, Del Piero, Quagliarella



injuries:
Chiellini, Camoranesi i think..., Borriello,





not sure if Grosso is available or not, could see Del Piero excluded, im sure Cassano wont be taken, the Udinese players have been less than stellar, Ambrosini could be in there i guess, and Dossena probably will be picked even tho he cant even get a match in.

did i miss anyone glaring?

[talk2smc]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/feb7k.html


Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo), De Sanctis (Galatasaray).
Defenders: Bonera (Milan), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan).
Midfielders: Aquilani (Roma), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Pepe (Udinese), Perrotta (Roma), Pirlo (Milan).
Forwards: Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Quagliarella (Udinese), Rossi (Villarreal), Toni (Bayern Munich)



no surprises.
a little discouraging to be honest that with a friendly (tho it is Brazil), Iaquinta and Dossena are included when they cant even get a game for their club. :confused:

kinda would piss me off, so i can understand ADP, Cassano, hell, Gio plays more than Vincenzo at Juve, Brighi, Floccari, etc would be pretty upset that they cant get the call.

[phat]

Lets hope its a good game and we get a win. I was under the impression Rossi was injured...

[talk2smc]

Lets hope its a good game and we get a win. I was under the impression Rossi was injured...

nope, hes all set.
since we're ok on spoilers here too, he scored a brace in Villarreal's win today actually.


imo, he will soon cement himself along the wing for us if Lippi keeps going with the 4-3-3.

[talk2smc]

have to be honest, friendly or not, a bit disappointed tonight.
Brazil were better in all categories, and quite shocking for us to concede on two defensive errors:(

pleased to see so many players get the chance tho, Rossi looked the best player out there for his time. :)

Luca and Gila need to do better.
De Rossi's injury better not be serious...:(


6 Roma players in todays match, and we didnt say No to anyone of them. ;) (ahem, Milan...):o

[phat]

4-3-3, Tuesday night game and disalowed goals screwd us. The only bright point was Rossi, he's got some serious skillz.

[talk2smc]

4-3-3, Tuesday night game and disalowed goals screwd us. The only bright point was Rossi, he's got some serious skillz.

shame no one in Italy took a chance on him. :(

and in a world where we have no proper wingers besides Camo for the NT, he is set on the wing imo. no reason he shouldnt be playing in every match from here on out.

[phat]

shame no one in Italy took a chance on him. :(

and in a world where we have no proper wingers besides Camo for the NT, he is set on the wing imo. no reason he shouldnt be playing in every match from here on out.

I hope so, cause he will be a gem. Bijoux! like we say here in Montreal.

He made me jump out of my seat when I saw him going thru two defenders:eek:. I'm pretty sure even the Brazilians where impressed.:D

[Rival39]

does anyone else feel like the spark we had in the WC has gone? I just dont feel like im watching the same team anymore. dissapointed is really what i think every time i see our guys play. im always nervous of losing to teams we wouldn't have worried about before.
if im wrong, i need convincing!!!! i wanna believe again~!!!!

[talk2smc]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar22m.html

changes and debuts for the call ups v Montenegro and ireland.

Pazzini, Foggia, Bocchetti, Motta, and Brighi all called.
In full:

Keepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo), De Sanctis (Galatasaray);

Defenders: Bocchetti (Genoa), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Motta (Roma), Zambrotta (Milan);

Midfielders: Brighi (Roma), De Rossi (Roma), Foggia (Lazio), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Di Natale (Udinese), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Udinese), Rossi (Villarreal).


why not Curci? or Marchetti for that matter. would rather have seen one of those 2 who are impressing within Italy called up 3rd as its only for experience/training anyway.
Montolivo has been horrid lately, lucky so many are injured in midfield. (Camo, Perrotta, Aquilani, Gattuso)
and no Cassano again...im still torn on that myself.

no Gila, no Toni. Iaquinta's time to shine i suppose. or, better yet...i would love to see Rossi, Di Natale, and Quagliarella and go all out pace.

[phat]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar22m.html

changes and debuts for the call ups v Montenegro and ireland.

Pazzini, Foggia, Bocchetti, Motta, and Brighi all called.
In full:

Keepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo), De Sanctis (Galatasaray);

Defenders: Bocchetti (Genoa), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Motta (Roma), Zambrotta (Milan);

Midfielders: Brighi (Roma), De Rossi (Roma), Foggia (Lazio), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Di Natale (Udinese), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Udinese), Rossi (Villarreal).


why not Curci? or Marchetti for that matter. would rather have seen one of those 2 who are impressing within Italy called up 3rd as its only for experience/training anyway.
Montolivo has been horrid lately, lucky so many are injured in midfield. (Camo, Perrotta, Aquilani, Gattuso)
and no Cassano again...im still torn on that myself.

no Gila, no Toni. Iaquinta's time to shine i suppose. or, better yet...i would love to see Rossi, Di Natale, and Quagliarella and go all out pace.

I agree, Marchetti should get the call up. Our defense is pretty sad, Lippi should have called up Saton and what about Giuseppe Biava, I'm happy about Bocchetti.

Maybe we can see this:

----------------Buffon------------------
Zambrotta---Cannavaro---Chiellini---Grosso
---------------Pirlo----------------------
---Foggia----Palombo---De Rossi----------
--------Iaquinta---Rossi------------------

I would like to see Santon take Cannavaro's spot.

[talk2smc]

I agree, Marchetti should get the call up. Our defense is pretty sad, Lippi should have called up Saton and what about Giuseppe Biava, I'm happy about Bocchetti.

Maybe we can see this:

----------------Buffon------------------
Zambrotta---Cannavaro---Chiellini---Grosso
---------------Pirlo----------------------
---Foggia----Palombo---De Rossi----------
--------Iaquinta---Rossi------------------

I would like to see Santon take Cannavaro's spot.


yes, i know Santon is a hot prospect now, but we have to remember, tho he has impressed, he is only...15 or so games into his career. would be quite a jump to the NT, soon tho...im sure he will be there. get that experience with the U21's first.

you think 4-4-2 tho phat? i would drop Palombo in that lineup, as De Rossi can do the holding MF role fine enough without having a partner.

_________________Buffon__________________
Zambrotta____Cannavaro___Chiellini___Grosso
_______De Rossi___Pirlo_____Montolivo_______
_Quagliarella_______De Natale______Rossi_____


i only go with Montolivo as he's played with the NT before lately, tho i strongly prefer Brighi and what he does, tho almost 0 experience on this level.

might not be too much tinkering tho in the Montenegro match, but if Giorgio, Andrea, or Daniele get a yellow, the Ireland match becomes interesting because they will be suspended.

[djcash50]

does anyone else feel like the spark we had in the WC has gone? I just dont feel like im watching the same team anymore. dissapointed is really what i think every time i see our guys play. im always nervous of losing to teams we wouldn't have worried about before.
if im wrong, i need convincing!!!! i wanna believe again~!!!!

Since nobody replied to yur response, I can say: Yes, Italy dont look like the same team the won the world cup 3 years ago. Same group of players, just a lot older and with VERY few replacements...

PS - the formations made by phat and talk2smc are no good if there isn't a strong man next to Pirlo (like gattuso). Otherwise, he'll fuck up a huge chunk of his passes.

[talk2smc]

PS - the formations made by phat and talk2smc are no good if there isn't a strong man next to Pirlo (like gattuso). Otherwise, he'll fuck up a huge chunk of his passes.

De Rossi? as with many of our positions there isnt a direct replacement. i.e. Gattuso...who takes over his role? De Rossi, Brighi, Montolivo?

[djcash50]

De Rossi? as with many of our positions there isnt a direct replacement. i.e. Gattuso...who takes over his role? De Rossi, Brighi, Montolivo?

Sometimes, i feel like De Rossi doesnt really have a clear role in the NT. He's a phenomenal player, but he never sticks fully to his position. For lippi, he was supposed to replace Gattuso, but he was never fully capable of playing off Pirlo's shoulders. And for Donadoni, he was supposed to play in front of Pirlo, but that left Andrea with too much of the midfield dirty work, leaving him actually vulnerable and not comfortable.

Come to think of it, the problem could be Pirlo. Do we have any better holding center-mids that could be at Pirlo's WC 06 quality?

[talk2smc]

Sometimes, i feel like De Rossi doesnt really have a clear role in the NT. He's a phenomenal player, but he never sticks fully to his position. For lippi, he was supposed to replace Gattuso, but he was never fully capable of playing off Pirlo's shoulders. And for Donadoni, he was supposed to play in front of Pirlo, but that left Andrea with too much of the midfield dirty work, leaving him actually vulnerable and not comfortable.

Come to think of it, the problem could be Pirlo. Do we have any better holding center-mids that could be at Pirlo's WC 06 quality?

i agree with a bit of this. he (De Rossi) is too good not to play him, and yet sometimes he scores braces, and sometimes he plays himself out of matches.

Pirlo is 29, will be 31 by WC10...not too big a problem with his age, but i have to say the way he has played for Milan this year, and also for the NT, it seems he is going on his reputation a bit.
also as you say, who do we have available right now in terms of passing and creative through balls etc that can do what Pirlo can do?

must be said tho its a bit irrelevant, no? as we all know Lippi and his selections of the past he will include Pirlo in the squad at WC10. just as he snubs Cassano, and ADP at times, we know he will always pick a fit Pirlo/Gattuso, etc.

[phat]

Sometimes, i feel like De Rossi doesnt really have a clear role in the NT. He's a phenomenal player, but he never sticks fully to his position. For lippi, he was supposed to replace Gattuso, but he was never fully capable of playing off Pirlo's shoulders. And for Donadoni, he was supposed to play in front of Pirlo, but that left Andrea with too much of the midfield dirty work, leaving him actually vulnerable and not comfortable.

Come to think of it, the problem could be Pirlo. Do we have any better holding center-mids that could be at Pirlo's WC 06 quality?

Yah... I think Pirlo has been playing horribly, even for Milan. Not sure if we will ever see him play the way should. Maybe w/ Gattuso back.

[talk2smc]

Yah... I think Pirlo has been playing horribly, even for Milan. Not sure if we will ever see him play the way should. Maybe w/ Gattuso back.

you guys think hes tired? i know last year the missing out on the CL excuse was tired legs from playing so many games.

he has been injured this year too...but never has gotten back to his best this year. especially his FK's for me. dreadful. but as i said, im almost 100% if he isnt injured, Lippi will pick him.

[phat]

you guys think hes tired? i know last year the missing out on the CL excuse was tired legs from playing so many games.

he has been injured this year too...but never has gotten back to his best this year. especially his FK's for me. dreadful. but as i said, im almost 100% if he isnt injured, Lippi will pick him.

Tired maybe... but I think at Milan hes become lost in that midfield. I think this has made him lose confidence.

[djcash50]

Tired maybe... but I think at Milan hes become lost in that midfield. I think this has made him lose confidence.

Players lose their flair with old age. You can tell, he doesn't seem to have that quick pinpoint passing ability anymore.

It's either quick and can't hit the mark or it's slow and perfect, rarely both.

[talk2smc]

U21's in friendly action..
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar25s.html

nice to see a bit of fight back, have to be honest tho, with so many young players called up for the sn NT, i havent seen much of these players with the U21's now.



as for the sn squad, http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/mar25i.html, Zambrotta rested, might be the best thing for the NT anyway, as Motta can make his debut. :cool: thank you Roma, for jumpstarting his career, giving him CL, AND his NT debut;)

its suggested in the article tho, that the starting XI for Montenegro could be:

Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Grosso, Palombo, Pirlo, De Rossi, Quagliarella, Iaquinta, and Di Natale...
so almost 100% a 4-3-3.

[phat]

U21 vs Austia

v/zBOjWr-aAWY


Nazionale a Coverciano

v/NILKqBbuiho

Lippi on squad line ups

v/8loSqmyV6u4

v/v7jk6aTS410

Bari furious w/ Lippi over Cassano

v/NeJqCBXxCco

[talk2smc]

glad to see Lippi go with what i felt about Santon...not that we consulted or anything:o...but a couple posts back i said i felt he should go thru the whole NT set up and glad to see Lippi NOT calling him up yet, so that he could get the U21 experience and play his way up thru the ranks. :)

consequently, he was recently called up for the U21. ;)


also not happy hearing all the nonsense about the Bari crowd possibly jeering Lippi and the NT. :rolleyes:
ridiculous and what have you done for me lately shit.

Who has the WC right now? Who managed that team? Was Cassano there? :rolleyes:

look, i felt he should have been called up, tho i do feel he is a cancer, and tho he has been very very good on the pitch, if Lippi feels he could disrupt the NT, then he has every right to not select him.

in otherwords, until proven otherwise (i.e. Donadoni if you remember?:rolleyes:) in Lippi I trust.

[talk2smc]

solid match today from the boys:)
2-0 Pirlo (rig) 11', Pazzini 74'

a little nervy in the beginning, Canna and Palombo going on yellows. and then Di Natale's potentially serious knee injury :( Lippi will call a replacement, Rossi probably to start v Ireland as it looks like Antonio will be out for a while

cool PK by Pirlo, great vision on the pass to Pepe for his cross to Pazzini for the second.
after us criticizing him a bit, i feel he was probably MOTM:o Gigi with a great save around 67 minutes, but the FW was offside anyway. Chiellini and De Rossi with some beast tackles today too. :)

never seen Jovetic play that inspired...first half he was all over the place. Fiorentina need to utilize him a bit better.

3 good points tho, and an Ireland-Bulgaria draw means we have some room now before meeting Ireland:)


oh, and Santacroce is an idiot for his drink driving nonsense right before the U21's. :mad:

[phat]

Montenegro was all over us, playing physical and first to the ball. Whenever we had possession they had a player tracking trying to steal the ball or putting pressure. They really wanted the win and played well.

Our midfield was really shit and Pirlo again lost the ball 3-4 times. He really needs to stop doing that. I don't mind the bad/miss passes cause at least it's in an attacking position. When he loses the ball in the midfield and sometimes in our half it very dangerous, especially against good teams. Pirlo losing balls is unacceptable.

I feel sorry for Di Natale and Udinese. Going to miss Inter Werder and ...

[djcash50]

BTW guys, that was ugly. How did we win that match anyways?

[phat]

Rossi & Pazzini could start vs Ireland

v/Pjk9KMCEU04

[talk2smc]

based on the game v Montenegro, i would like to see this from Lippi:

Buffon, Zambrotta, Chiellini, Cannavaro, Grosso, De Rossi, Brighi, Pirlo, Quagliarella, Iaquinta, Rossi


based on the fact that Di Natale is injured now, Rossi can slot in on the left. the only real wildcard is Brighi, but can he do any poorer than Palombo? doubt it.

Pepe on for either Quag or Rossi if need me, Pazzini on for Iaquinta like last match. no reason to change the back 4 tho id love seeing Motta late on

[phat]

v/Vib8xobhpEc

http://www.corrieredellosport.it/video/calcio/mondiali_2010/2009/03/31-11020/Lippi+guida+la+rifinitura+azzurra

[talk2smc]

terrible referring. almost every call BOTH ways i disagreed with. i thought Ireland had PK claims, and felt we did as well.
never mind Pazzini's sending off.

:rolleyes:

thats football i suppose tho, not much justice in that result considering we had to play a man down for 86 minutes, and the one mix up we have leads to Keane's goal.


smart tactics from Lippi tho with Brighi, De Rossi, Palombo, Dossena on all very hard workers which is what was required being a man down for so long. very happy for Brighi too, he has earned this all year :)

oh, and Pirlo, get off your fucking mobile during a WCQ:rolleyes:

[phat]

v/IeUmvNslboo

When was Pirlo on the phone?

[talk2smc]

When was Pirlo on the phone?

right at the beginning of the 2nd half when Palombo came in for him. didnt see him take a call, just fucking around with it and then it cut to Lippi standing up sweating and ordering instructions and all.

[talk2smc]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28o.html

basically what Lippi said he would do, call up alot of first timers and set part of the Confederations Cup squad as definites.

the thing i dont get tho, is if this was a regular friendly, i would say play the new kids. but since this basically a warm up against N Ireland in preparation for the Confed Cup, then should we play who we think should start in that Cup?:confused:

anyway,
excited to see Marchetti, Esposito, Santon, Galloppa
surprised to see Biagianti, Mascara, and Pellissier





Italy squad to face Northern Ireland on June 6:
Goalkeepers: De Sanctis (Galatasaray), Marchetti (Cagliari);

Defenders: Cassani (Palermo), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Esposito (Lecce), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Santon (Inter);

Midfielders: Biagianti (Catania), Brighi (Roma), D’Agostino (Udinese), Galloppa (Siena), Gattuso (Milan), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria);

Forwards: Foggia (Lazio), Mascara (Catania), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Pellissier (Chievo), Rossi (Villarreal).

Players confirmed for the Confederations Cup:
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo);

Defenders: Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Chiellini (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan);

Midfielders: Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Quagliarella (Udinese), Toni (Bayern Munich).

[XDPD7]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/may28o.html

Players confirmed for the Confederations Cup:
Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Amelia (Palermo);

Defenders: Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Chiellini (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan);

Midfielders: Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Quagliarella (Udinese), Toni (Bayern Munich).

Camoranesi? Zambrotta? Iaquinta? Toni? and especially Pepe? FIGC, please smack some common sense in Lippi.

[rollosan]

Camoranesi? Zambrotta? Iaquinta? Toni? and especially Pepe? FIGC, please smack some common sense in Lippi.

not to mention Cannavaro, now the ghost of the champion he was three years ago.
Anyway gotta love the squad for the Northern Ireland game. We'll have forgotten 80% of them in 7 years

[talk2smc]

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun04x.html


Italy squad in full for the Confederations Cup
dont know why Pazzini was dropped, glad to see Santon and Montolivo in there, gotta feel gutted for midfielders tho as Gattuso is in there:rolleyes: i know you love the old guard Lippi, but why pick a player who hasnt played for ohhh...about 6 months.
Brighi should have won that spot.


Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Palermo), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Galatasaray)

Defenders: Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Nicola Legrottaglie (Juventus), Andrea Dossena (Liverpool), Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Davide Santon (Inter), Gianluca Zambrotta (Milan)

Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria)

Strikers: Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Simone Pepe (Udinese), Fabio Quagliarella (Napoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich)

[phat]

Our midfield is very week. We need Totti back. I'm disapointed Balotelli was not selected.

[XDPD7]

Our strikers are nothing great either.

[jorquera]

I hoped Lippi would surprise us and select some new players, and by new I mean younger players. I don't think Italy will do well in 2010 WC when Cannavaro, Toni, Zambrotta are the main players. Italy needs some youth and fast.

Yeah, midfield is weak. I've never been impressed with Montolivo, Pirlo had a horrible season and De Rossi wasn't that great either.

[phat]

I guess we are going to see a 4-3-3. Really this cup means nothing... I agree that it would have been nice to see the youngsters but I guess Lippi thinks otherwise... Maybe Casaraghi has something to do with it?

[rollosan]

I think Lippi wants to create the atmosphere for the group he's going to bring to the world cup. He's going to be with these players for a few days and want to build the sense for the squad that he will most likely bring to the world cup next year.
I tell you, if the world cup was this year he would bring exactly these players, and barring injuries or major improvements of players next season (Balotelli for example) next year we are going to see 90-95% of these guys in South Africa

[fcb_sandy05]

What happened to Aquilani? He's not even in the squad against Ireland? Is he injured or something?

[jorquera]

I guess we are going to see a 4-3-3. Really this cup means nothing... I agree that it would have been nice to see the youngsters but I guess Lippi thinks otherwise... Maybe Casaraghi has something to do with it?

The U-21 European championship is this summer, in June. I guess that's why we aren't seeing youngsters in the squad. There are still some players between the age of 22 and 28 that could have been given a chance. There's no point in using 30+ players who have already won the WC. They aren't motivated and they haven't been very good this season either.

Aquilani is still recovering from an injury. He had a surgery not very long time ago.

[talk2smc]

I guess we are going to see a 4-3-3. Really this cup means nothing... I agree that it would have been nice to see the youngsters but I guess Lippi thinks otherwise... Maybe Casaraghi has something to do with it?

This Cup means a trophy tho doesnt it?

my thoughts are that Casiraghi really never has any say to Lippi tho, this isnt Capello/Pearce.
i think basically, the federation scheduled the friendly with N Ireland tomorrow to try out the new faces, and then Lippi selecting his normal squad for the Cup.

in Lippi's words for the friendly...he says he wants to know we can become a team quickly.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun05v.html

What happened to Aquilani? He's not even in the squad against Ireland? Is he injured or something?

ankle surgery about a month ago, he hasnt featured for Roma hardly at all this year, he will be ready to go come next August tho.

[jorquera]

Official Italy U-21 squad for 2009 EC.

Goalkeepers:

CONSIGLI Andrea (n. 1) ATALANTA BERGAMASCA
SIRIGU Salvatore (n. 12) A.C. ANCONA
SECULIN Andrea (n. 22) A.C.F. FIORENTINA


Defenders:

ANDREOLLI Marco (n. 3) U.S. SASSUOLO CALCIO
BOCCHETTI Salvatore (n. 15) GENOA F.C.
CRISCITO Domenico (n. 4) GENOA F.C.
DE CEGLIE Paolo (n. 11) JUVENTUS F.C.
MARZORATTI Lino (n. 6) EMPOLI F.C.
MOTTA Marco (n. 2) A.S. ROMA
PISANO Francesco (n. 14) CAGLIARI CALCIO
RANOCCHIA Andrea (n. 13) A.S. BARI


Midfielders:

ABATE Ignazio (n. 7) TORINO CALCIO
CANDREVA Antonio (n. 16) LIVORNO CALCIO
CERCI Alessio (n. 18) ATALANTA BERGAMASCA
CIGARINI Luca (n. 21) ATALANTA BERGAMASCA
DESSENA Daniele (n. 23) SAMPDORIA U.C.
MARCHISIO Claudio (n. 8) JUVENTUS F.C.
MOROSINI Piermario (n. 5) VICENZA CALCIO
POLI Andrea (n. 17) U.S. SASSUOLO CALCIO


Strikers:

ACQUAFRESCA Robert (n. 9) CAGLIARI CALCIO
BALOTELLI Mario (n. 20) INTERNAZIONALE F.C.
GIOVINCO Sebastian (N. 10) JUVENTUS F.C.
PALOSCHI Alberto (n. 19) PARMA F.C.

Good to see three Roma players in the squad - Andreolli, Motta and Cerci.
Why Santacroce isn't in the squad? IMO he's good enough to be there.

[talk2smc]

Pisa stadium looks terrible, surprised we are playing there tbh
somewhat of a dull first half...decent team performance tho.
1-0 to Italy via Rossi's stellar strike, definitely the highlight of the first 45, Rossi has been full of running, every pass very accurate unlocking Pazzini on a few occasions. great goal too, excellent way to get his first Italy goal:) Gamberini's header off the line was the only other real chance

largely unimpressive performances by Montolivo as usual, D'Ago, Mascara..Marchetti nothing yet to do. Santon looked solid thru 45.
thought i read Lippi would treat this like a true match and only sub 3...suppose he changed his mind, but good to see more players with chances.

Rossi, provider again and Foggia scores a nice little chip, and a PK minutes after that Pazzini takes, and has it saved. :( not a well taken PK really
Pellissier with his first as well, cheers on his debut, a nice chest down and left foot all in one motion for 3-0


Rossi MOTM, Foggia, Pellissier, Santon quite impressive, but tbh the competition wasnt too great. Rossi, maybe Foggia only ones really looking like they are ready for the big matches right now imo

by the way, we need some proper Fantasistas back in the squad:p whats Gamberini doing with his hair, and Pazzini with that XL T-shirt under the Medium jersey? looks awful:o

[eurotrash]

Foggia really impressed me, as did Santon. Dossena didn't. Should have been 5-0 though, with Pazzini's penalty saved and Pellissier's one on one with the keeper.

[XDPD7]

Impressive were Rossi, Foggia and Santon

Unimpressive were Dossena, Legrottaglie, Palombo, Montolivo

[deviant]

I thought you said Santon and Rossi were not going to be part of this team talk2? I also was wondering whatever happened to a young striker who I thought was excellant but seems to have disappeared off the earth "Graziano Pelle"

[talk2smc]

I thought you said Santon and Rossi were not going to be part of this team talk2? I also was wondering whatever happened to a young striker who I thought was excellant but seems to have disappeared off the earth "Graziano Pelle"

Pelle left Lecce, never should have. he was probably tired of being loaned out, but one more year there and he could have played in Serie A, probably as their main striker.

07-09 he spent with AZ in the Dutch league, and now he has been released there, so we may see him back in Italy.

for better or for worse, when players that young make their move, its hard to break into any Italy NT set up. its getting better with Rossi, Toni, Cannavaro recently out of Italy and still getting called. but for a 21-23 yr old kid who didnt impress with AZ, its no wonder he fell off the map.

that and the form of Balotelli and Giovinco IN Italy playing for Inter and Juve made it a very easy decision for Casiraghi imo.


all that being said, for a cheap value, some Serie A club may bite on him this sumemr.

[dasfoo]

Alessio Cerci; reminds me of his days as a Champ Man wonderkid. There was one particular formation wherein he scored 100 goals for me in one season as a 17 year old AM. he would just sprint right down the middle and score with ease.

How old is he now in real life? Any good?

[talk2smc]

Alessio Cerci; reminds me of his days as a Champ Man wonderkid. There was one particular formation wherein he scored 100 goals for me in one season as a 17 year old AM. he would just sprint right down the middle and score with ease.

How old is he now in real life? Any good?

Alessio is only 21, played at Atalanta this year, but only 13 appearances, he was injured quite a bit...thigh/leg problem if i remember?:confused:

good Roma product, one i hope we call back this year, we need wingers for sure, but he may be loaned out again.

[talk2smc]

couldnt watch the game today, but watched highlights, and we didnt look like WC champions, thats for sure.

+'s:
new formation 4-2-3-1 was tried out by Lippi
fighting back 3 times after conceding
braces from CF's in Gila and Iaquinta


-'s:
Amelia will awful howlers, still shows we dont have a solid no. 2 keeper really
terrible defending on set pieces
conceding 3 to New Zealand:eek:

i agree with Lippi on the account that it seemed like a training session, Gila's goal and others basically looked like 5 a side's or training goals the way they were being marked.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun10w.html
i also agree with Quagliarella, who stated that this is what happens when teams like New Zealand play us now. they want the prestige of beating the WC champs so every team will come out and play to their best.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun10z.html

nice to see some competition up front and a new formation working for the most part tho. Iaquinta deserves plaudits again as he scored just a minute or two after coming on, guy can put them away thats for sure. and Gila looked good up top, always deadly with his head

[phat]

Marchetti should have been called up Amelia was just terrible. To bad Abbiati is injured. Dossena played like garbage.

Iaquinta showed what a great striker he is yet again. Best in the world?

Pirlo changed the match for us.

[talk2smc]

Marchetti should have been called up Amelia was just terrible. To bad Abbiati is injured. Dossena played like garbage.

Iaquinta showed what a great striker he is yet again. Best in the world?



:eek:
best in the world? noooo, but better than the Juve bench, thats for sure...glad to see that late in the season he put Amauri's overrated ass to the bench.

Marchetti was called up and played in the N Ireland match, held a shut out. Marco is better than what he showed, but boy was he poor v N Zealand.

[talk2smc]

Cannavaro out with injury for USA, and probably Egypt too...Legro and Chiellini at CB, still thing will be fine.

[Dark_prince]

It's showtime!

Italy and USA, we already know who is going to win there

[talk2smc]

Legro seems to also be battling a bit with a knock, so its possible that Chiellini will be partnered with Gamberini.
makes me a little less confident.

but lets see who is fit for Monday

[talk2smc]

3-1 win today to begin our Confederations Cup journey:)
inconsistent refereeing, Legro didnt look great, passing was atrocious:mad:, but Rossi was a game changer, and De Rossi anchored the midfield.

Lippi needs to change Camo for Pepe, Rino for Montolivo/Palombo and Iaquinta for Rossi/Quagliarella

[XDPD7]

3-1 win today to begin our Confederations Cup journey:)
inconsistent refereeing, Legro didnt look great, passing was atrocious:mad:, but Rossi was a game changer, and De Rossi anchored the midfield.

Lippi needs to change Camo for Pepe, Rino for Montolivo/Palombo and Iaquinta for Rossi/Quagliarella

Out with the old, in with the new. Why does Lippi have such a hard time realizing what everyone else already knows.

[talk2smc]

Out with the old, in with the new. Why does Lippi have such a hard time realizing what everyone else already knows.

well, tbf, we still win...
old guard/new guard i dont care. it doesnt bother me that the squad is old. it just bothers me if they play poorly. :o

i think a healthy mix of vets and newcomers on the pitch is whats relevant tho. what usually ends up happening is that the older players get all the time on the pitch, and the youngsters sit on the bench.

i often criticize players performances sometimes, but when i look back objectively, they have to acclimate sometime to the NT shirt.

players like Rossi, Aquilani when fit, Montolivo, Quagliarella, Pepe, need to be finding more time on the pitch over the Gattuso's, Camo's, Toni's, Grosso's etc.

[jorquera]

I have never liked and never will like plain 4-3-3 where defense, midfield and attacking player are all in the same line. The way I see it doesn't work, never has, never will.

Putting Iaquinta on the wing? Come on, you gotta do better than that. It was clear he likes to play more centrally and is more comfortable doing so. Time and time he ended up playing alongside Gilardino or very close to him.

Pirlo on the side? That's not gonna work. He needs to be more central, otherwise his playmaking abilities are pretty much useless. Montolivo always has to play so wide at Fiorentina and IMO that's one of the reason why he has never lived up to the hype.

[talk2smc]

I have never liked and never will like plain 4-3-3 where defense, midfield and attacking player are all in the same line. The way I see it doesn't work, never has, never will.

Putting Iaquinta on the wing? Come on, you gotta do better than that. It was clear he likes to play more centrally and is more comfortable doing so. Time and time he ended up playing alongside Gilardino or very close to him.

Pirlo on the side? That's not gonna work. He needs to be more central, otherwise his playmaking abilities are pretty much useless. Montolivo always has to play so wide at Fiorentina and IMO that's one of the reason why he has never lived up to the hype.

well 4-3-3 works fine, given on the personal involved. Mourinho takes 4-3-3 with him everywhere. but you cant play strikers out wide, and CMF's as R/LMF just to make a 4-3-3.

only saw the second half today, and we looked like we just couldnt put the ball in the net. credit to the Egypt keeper, made a number of saves, and some poor misses from us:(

complicates everything now doesnt it, as everything is to play for Sunday v Brazil, and the other match between USA/Egypt also matters.
then...IF we win and go thru, we play Spain:o rematch of Euro 08 semi, yea?:)



as for the Azzurrini, i have not been able to watch, as it would be taking too many days off work to watch both them and the senior team right now, but i know its pretty much a must win v Sweden now that we drew with Serbia. and that will be a tough match v the hosts...

[eurotrash]

I thought we didn'tplay too badly, but Egypt were very good at the passing game and pressured us a lot, also they were quite fast so they easily matched us. Of course we could also have won, we had many more chances than them, we either failed to put them away or the keeper somehow stopped them.

Anyway can't say I mind too much, it will make the game against Brasil more exciting, and if we go out then at least the players can get some more rest before next season/less chance of injury.

[talk2smc]

U21 huge win over the hosts Sweden, 2-1.
Balotelli's goal was a beauty, must have learned that celebration from Ibra:rolleyes: fucking arrogant.
but loved the other players reactions when he scored, rushing to him etc. all the idiots who think he is an outcast due to his race can be proven ridiculous yet again.

Gio's ball to Acq was fantastic...big big win:)

[phat]

If we continue w/ the 4-3-3 we need Totti back.

Balotelli and Gio are fantastic. They should be on the senior team. Nice to see Marchisio, De Ceglie and Gio starting.

[talk2smc]

If we continue w/ the 4-3-3 we need Totti back.

Balotelli and Gio are fantastic. They should be on the senior team. Nice to see Marchisio, De Ceglie and Gio starting.

for what position? Totti doesnt fit in a 4-3-3 really...CMF where De Rossi has been playing? if youre looking for him to play make i guess...and yet that will leave huge amounts of space behind him...
he could play CF as he basically does for Roma now, but that puts all our CF's to the bench:confused:

fact remains, he shouldnt return, and he knows he cant play for both Roma/Italy anymore, no matter what anyone says.

plus we have players who can create well, could Cassano not be doing exactly that?


as for the youngsters, that whole lineup is full of talent. :)

[phat]

Totti would play in his trequatista role in a 4-3-1-2. With Rossi and Iaquinta up front.

Why would he be the only player not capable of his national duties? Everyone else can.

[talk2smc]

Totti would play in his trequatista role in a 4-3-1-2. With Rossi and Iaquinta up front.

Why would he be the only player not capable of his national duties? Everyone else can.

not to point out the obvious...:o
but 4-3-3 isnt the same thing as 4-3-1-2...otherwise they would both be called 4-3-3...

and its not that he ISNT capable of both, he IS, just wouldnt be 100% for either. furthermore he is retired. in addition, Lippi hasnt called him since WC Final 06. i know this is a point of contention with Italia fans, but no Giallorossa ive ever met doesnt understand the situation as it is.

[Whoah10115]

Honestly I liked the way Camo played in the US game, though I have a feeling the team may need a shake-up, regardless. But if Camo does play out there Cassano ideal up front off the main striker. To be honest, he is regardless, but it helps that he gives width on the left to balance the width on the right. Anyway, he offers that skill set Italy could use up front. Besides, no pair of Luca Toni, Iaquinta (who shouldn't start regardless), or Gilardino should ever play together. Iaquinta on the wing further uglifies it all.

[talk2smc]

Dossena and Montolivo look to start v Brazil today, Cannavaro to equal Maldini's cap record :)

[phat]

not to point out the obvious...:o
but 4-3-3 isnt the same thing as 4-3-1-2...otherwise they would both be called 4-3-3...

and its not that he ISNT capable of both, he IS, just wouldnt be 100% for either. furthermore he is retired. in addition, Lippi hasnt called him since WC Final 06. i know this is a point of contention with Italia fans, but no Giallorossa ive ever met doesnt understand the situation as it is.

So I guess what your saying is that he's just not fit enough. I guess being out of the CL and out of the NT explains his greatness....:rolleyes:

The 4-3-3 with 3 strikers and the 4-3-1-2 with 3 strikers is very similar, its actually the same thing. The only difference is that the 1 in a 4-3-1-2 is more of play making midfielder with no defensive duties who can still be lethal as a striker. Other then Cassano, which I don't want on the NT, Totti is pretty much the only other player that can play that role.


Honestly I liked the way Camo played in the US game, though I have a feeling the team may need a shake-up, regardless. But if Camo does play out there Cassano ideal up front off the main striker. To be honest, he is regardless, but it helps that he gives width on the left to balance the width on the right. Anyway, he offers that skill set Italy could use up front. Besides, no pair of Luca Toni, Iaquinta (who shouldn't start regardless), or Gilardino should ever play together. Iaquinta on the wing further uglifies it all.

Iaquinta is are best CF and the teams work horse. One of the best in the world right now.

Dossena and Montolivo look to start v Brazil today, Cannavaro to equal Maldini's cap record :)

Dossena has played like garbage.

[talk2smc]

So I guess what your saying is that he's just not fit enough. I guess being out of the CL and out of the NT explains his greatness....:rolleyes:

The 4-3-3 with 3 strikers and the 4-3-1-2 with 3 strikers is very similar, its actually the same thing. The only difference is that the 1 in a 4-3-1-2 is more of play making midfielder with no defensive duties who can still be lethal as a striker. Other then Cassano, which I don't want on the NT, Totti is pretty much the only other player that can play that role.




Iaquinta is are best CF and the teams work horse. One of the best in the world right now.



Dossena has played like garbage.


i dont mean to start an argument, it really has nothing to do with Roma being out of the CL...as he retired in 06, not in 09.

i agree the one position Italy has a certain lack of is the old school fantasista ala Baggio. Totti really isnt that position in the first place tho. his career can basically be split in two, when he was a trequarista, and now as a main striker. he isnt expected to do half the running he did in the first half of his career with Roma.

as i reiterated, its a point of contention that most Italians dont like and Roma fans love. he simply retired while on top winning the WC, and Lippi hasnt called him up since. you could blame Lippi for the most part, if he felt he needed the player, call him, and then based on Totti's reaction to the call we could critique.

its no different than any other player who retires from international play, except that Totti is so good, Italy fans want him to play. this doesnt happen with Italians who retire because they arent good enough for the NT anymore.

however, as stated, thin in that position. the best i can do is Cassano, after that maybe Foggia and then Giovinco. cant really think of anyone else, and not comfortable with the last 2 in Azzurri yet.



also, Iaquinta, good, not great tho. he should be expected to work all over the pitch for the NT, as every other player should. i just feel bad for him he is played out of position alot, on the wing.

[eurotrash]

Well we're out of the Confed Cup. I think we need a major rehaul - our current players don't seem to have the skill anymore to keep the ball, to pass well under pressure, to create anything in the opposition's half other than constant high passes into the box which are always cut out. Drop Dossena and put on Santon, drop Zambro to sub and put on someone a bit more like Pepe but who can do something other than simple crosses to the head, drop Iaquinta and Toni and Gilardino, bring on Rossi, FOGGIA (I can't believe he isn't in our squad), and BALOTELLI (why is Lippi sticking with proven NT losers Toni and Gila??). Keep Pirlo, Gattuso when he gets better/more fit, and I'm sure we have another good stand out midfielder somewhere in some Italian team.

[talk2smc]

schoolboy defending, amateur performance, credit to Brazil.

hardly look like World Cup Champions there. :(
Dossena, terrible.
De Rossi, whiffed on the clearance.
Canna, keeping the world onside.

Buffon had great saves early, Rossi and Pepe injecting some sort of life. but clearly a shadow of ourselves.


cheers to Brazil and USA for punching their tickets thru. we have alot of work to do pre our second visit to SA. :(

[eurotrash]

Yeah who'd have thought USA would be going through over Italy! At the same time I'm happy for them because they never usually manage to get anywhere in these big international tournaments. Of course, they now have to play against Spain and we all know how that will turn out. A Spain v Brazil final it is then. Forza Brazil!:)

[indomitable_lion]

Giavenco really needs to be in this team. Italy were missing that pace and spark on the wing. Simone Pepe + Giavenco would be a great combination.

[Whoah10115]

I don't think Canna was bad at all. I think Dossena is a remarkable addition to the National Squad. LOL, of all the players to get benched it's Grosso? Tell me he got hurt or something. Zambrotta...Doesn't look old or anything. He makes STUPID mistakes. Shocking.


Montolivo? What did he do other than slip? Pirlo? What position was he playing? Why is De Rossi playing so deep? Where was he? Luca Toni is an ugly fucking player. Sorry to phat but Iaquinta is definitely not one of the world's best, especially not on the wing. Ideal as a super sub. Camo showed up and was great. But there was no one there to link up with him or do anything. He was class.

[indomitable_lion]

I think Dossena is a remarkable addition to the National Squad.I agree but for the most part he had a bad game today. He needs work harder. There were many instances in the game where he lost track of Brazil players that were behind him like on the first goal. Sometimes he lost track because he was tired and sometimes because he wasn't paying attention.

He's good at crosses but it wasn't until halfway through the 2nd half that he really started attacking. He should have put in a better effort througout the match.

[talk2smc]

:eek: this is my face to those who think Dossena is a positive addition.
A. he doesnt get a game in for his club, he is getting into the NT based on Liverpool's reputation, not his own skill.
B. he is one of the most wasteful players ive seen, i give him credit for being full of running, but his crosses never find heads, they go directly to CB's who clear them.

Santon by far is a better option right now, even given his youth and inexperience.




by WC2010, we need Santon, Cassano, Motta, Pepe, Montolivo, Rossi, all playing more, playing well, and Lippi not depending on the old guard of Camoranesi, Gattuso, Zambrotta, etc.

we are in an odd time right now, where alot of the older players might be able to help us get to the WC, but might not be the best option to chose FOR the WC...difficult for those players and Lippi to except, but thats how i assess things right now.

[Whoah10115]

I agree but for the most part he had a bad game today. He needs work harder. There were many instances in the game where he lost track of Brazil players that were behind him like on the first goal. Sometimes he lost track because he was tired and sometimes because he wasn't paying attention.

He's good at crosses but it wasn't until halfway through the 2nd half that he really started attacking. He should have put in a better effort througout the match.


To be fair I was being sarcastic. I don't see him at that level.

:eek: this is my face to those who think Dossena is a positive addition.
A. he doesnt get a game in for his club, he is getting into the NT based on Liverpool's reputation, not his own skill.
B. he is one of the most wasteful players ive seen, i give him credit for being full of running, but his crosses never find heads, they go directly to CB's who clear them.

Santon by far is a better option right now, even given his youth and inexperience.




by WC2010, we need Santon, Cassano, Motta, Pepe, Montolivo, Rossi, all playing more, playing well, and Lippi not depending on the old guard of Camoranesi, Gattuso, Zambrotta, etc.

we are in an odd time right now, where alot of the older players might be able to help us get to the WC, but might not be the best option to chose FOR the WC...difficult for those players and Lippi to except, but thats how i assess things right now.


I was being sarcastic about Dossena. I wrote that in a reply but I forgot to actually click the "submit" button...Fixed.

Anyway, I agree with you about the six players who have to get going (Pepe isn't as impressive, but he doesn't stop running...though he's overrunning his brain a little). I'd add Aquiliani to that list (but I'm sure you would too).


But I don't necessarily think the old guard has to sit. You mentioned Grosso earlier but he does not but play great for the NT. Don't know why he didn't play today. Zambrotta looks the same to me. His problem is shocking stupidity. What was with the missed header and the ball he let go out today? Wasteful in possession lately. But the back 5 is still one of the world's very best. I still think Cannavaro has it in him.

Gattuso looked damn good to me, particularly in the first half against the U.S. Pirlo is obviously having his moments and obviously not playing good enough. I don't think most people doubt him. I see him as the kind of player who should only get better as he gets older. With a rejuvenated Milan side I see him being back at his best (was great down the stretch this year). And Camo certainly hasn't been the problem for the Azzurri. No one else wanted to play with him today.

Other than that it's the strikers...Toni is no less of a player today than he was three seasons ago. But he was never brilliant for the NT, just good to occasionally very good. Gilardino is an idiot. Great player? Sure. Stupid? Even more so. Iaquinta ain't exactly Romario either. Toni and Gilardino are good enough, on their day, to lead a team as good as Italy. Iaquinta, I'm sorry but no. Great off the bench though. But between them you have the dumbest 3headed striker monster I've ever seen. None of them are smart with the ball at their feet and Gila is dumb all the time. Rossi is the hope there. But Cassano has to get a shot on this team. I wonder though, if that happens, will those two be too small up front?

[talk2smc]

Aquilani, yes of course, simply not added now due to the injury.
Grosso didnt play because he was awful in the first two matches. Santon was the other option, Lippi went with Dossena.
and Toni's time with the NT has to be coming to an end. slowest ive ever seen a player on the pitch.

:(

[nguyen_milan]

Well, this team reminded me about Milan, old but dont want to change :o
But failing at this time isnt so bad, that would make them do something, change more.
Italy strikers worry me, Toni and Gila were never big games's player, especially Gila. I dont know what the hell Iaquinta doing here. Rossi is ok, maybe it is time for Cassano or Pazzani.

[Doppelganger]

Dossena had 0 chance to look good once Brazil scored their first. Try asking any left back to get forward and contribute while worrying about Maicon/Ramirez/Fabiano. He did everything he could on the own goal, it wasn't even his responsibility to cover that area of the pitch, where were the centerbacks? I'm not the biggest fan of his, I much prefer Aurelio, but he was nowhere near the worst Italian on the pitch today.

[XDPD7]

“Unfortunately we're out and we are very sorry, but you [in the media] have to be calm pushing the youngsters forward because it takes experience to win games like these, too,” Lippi told Rai.

How are the youngsters supposed to gain experience if you leave them home? This tournament would have been the perfect opportunity to instill new blood in the NT.

The friendly vs Northern Ireland was the best game I've seen Italy play in the last year. He praised the lads mentioning this is "real Italian football", yet he selects a team filled with geriatric geezers. God, I hope the U-21 squad win their respective tournament...:)

[phat]

Balotelli, Gio, Marchisio, Motta and Santon need to be called up ASAP.

Even when playing out of his regular position Iaquinta was the only guy that got really good chances on both Egypt and Brazil. There is no doubt he's our best striker.

[talk2smc]

Balotelli, Gio, Marchisio, Motta and Santon need to be called up ASAP.

Even when playing out of his regular position Iaquinta was the only guy that got really good chances on both Egypt and Brazil. There is no doubt he's our best striker.

i would argue he isnt, lest he would have finished them. no?:confused: it was our midfield that let us down often, and Toni- slowest of the lot. :(

not sold on Marchisio, but all the others you named, yes. ASAP. and a healthy Aquilani please.

[indomitable_lion]

I know Marco Di Vaio is 33 but why didn't he get in? If Lippi loves experience why didn't he take the guy who almost won the golden boot?

[talk2smc]

I know Marco Di Vaio is 33 but why didn't he get in? If Lippi loves experience why didn't he take the guy who almost won the golden boot?

age. experience on the international level, only 14 caps, 2 goals. 2 years with Juventus, never another big club in his career really. i believe before Bologna, he was at Genoa when they were in B too, so really only recently has come back to Serie A.

dont get me wrong, i like Di Vaio, hes decent. showing character as he is going to stay with Bologna. but Lippi would be criticized left and right, by me as well, if he called up Marco, when we have Giovinco, Acquafresca, Balotelli, Rossi, Cassano, Gilardino, etc all ahead of him.

in addition, the defense was more problematic than the offense in the Confed Cup.





Azzurini in the Semis :) i have no idea why Acq is continually ignored. wished he played for Roma

[talk2smc]

Azzurrini cant get to the Final in Sweden...but i felt that they played well all tournament.

apart from Consigli, who may have done better with the shot that scored, the boys played well today.

alot of talent in the wings...Acq, Balo, Gio, Andreolli, Santon was here, Paloschi. im sure they are gutted not making the Final, but still a great account of themselves.

particularly impressed with Gio all tournament.

[phat]

Could have been a PK.

v/aiLgZQdbvSQ


Gio and Balotelli need to be called up to the senior team fast.

[talk2smc]

Gio and Balotelli need to be called up to the senior team fast.

i might argue Acq too. but certainly those 2. I think like most Italians/supporters etc, we are hoping for Gio to come thru soon, as there arent many players for Italy like him, the AMF playmaker role.
(obviously the retired Totti, but after that a deep drop until Gio, the most talented out there imo)

he needs to play tho, and i think he will under Ciro

[XDPD7]

i might argue Acq too. but certainly those 2. I think like most Italians/supporters etc, we are hoping for Gio to come thru soon, as there arent many players for Italy like him, the AMF playmaker role.
(obviously the retired Totti, but after that a deep drop until Gio, the most talented out there imo)

he needs to play tho, and i think he will under Ciro

Acquafresca seemed lost out there vs Germany. He wasn't on the same wave length as Balotelli and Giovinco. Casiraghi should have subbed him at 60' mark with Paloschi. The back 4 of Criscito, Andreolli, Bocchetti & Motta were pretty impressive the whole tournament. Very well organized and limited the opposition's chances. Add Santon to the equation and the future of the NT's defense core looks bright.

[eurotrash]

Balotelli says he will consider playing for Ghana in the World Cup if Italy don't call him. I can't see why Lippi hasn't called him up yet, but if we lose him to Ghana it would be a massive mistake and I won't forgive Lippi.

[talk2smc]

Balotelli says he will consider playing for Ghana in the World Cup if Italy don't call him. I can't see why Lippi hasn't called him up yet, but if we lose him to Ghana it would be a massive mistake and I won't forgive Lippi.

its just a threat from the kid to force a selection into WC2010. nothing more. how many times has he bashed Ghana saying he is only Italian...just to switch up now.

Balo, do it on the pitch, and hope your attitude doesnt put you in Cassano territory. but i doubt that will happen. (minus the pitch part, cuz he is good:p)

[phat]

IF Ibra is sold he's going to be the first choice striker at Inter and most likely score a shit load of goals. This will most likely be forgotten and he will get a call up. (hopefully)

[jnice17]

Balotelli says he will consider playing for Ghana in the World Cup if Italy don't call him. I can't see why Lippi hasn't called him up yet, but if we lose him to Ghana it would be a massive mistake and I won't forgive Lippi.

DO it, Mario lol. He won't, though. He was talking reckless about Ghana before.

IF Ibra is sold he's going to be the first choice striker at Inter and most likely score a shit load of goals. This will most likely be forgotten and he will get a call up. (hopefully)

First choice over Eto'o and Milito?

[talk2smc]

Cannavaro to pass Maldini's cap record tomorrow v Switzerland.

congrats to Fabio, and for lifting the Cup for us. but Maldini was a truer legend and captain imo

[Whoah10115]

Cannavaro to pass Maldini's cap record tomorrow v Switzerland.

congrats to Fabio, and for lifting the Cup for us. but Maldini was a truer legend and captain imo


That's not much of an insult, lol.

[talk2smc]

caught the second half, we looked bland tbh. seemed Criscito and Marchisio played well.

seemed the finishing was off, Gila off the bar, coupla of headers, Quag had chances and looked good late on. i hope he goes nuts with Napoli this year to really get in form for WC2010...

Camo off with injury...a blessing in disguise?

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/aug30k.html


squad called for the QF's v Bulgaria and Georgia

again, no Cassano, no Gattuso thru injury now, Montolivo dropped which i agree with, Amelia dropped, Bocchetti injured, Grosso selected even tho i believe hes not playing much in Lyon. good to see Di Natale back healthy, tho in danger of losing that place on the left thru Rossi...

the midfield looks thin tho tbh...


Buffon
De Sanctis
Marchetti

Canna
Chiellini
Criscito
Grosso
Legrotagglie
Santon
Zambrotta

Camo
D'Ago
De Rossi
Pepe
Marchionni
Marchisio
Palombo
Pirlo

Rossi
Quag
Di Natale
Gila
Iaquinta

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/sep4t.html

U21's start off with a loss. : /

its understandable tho, as its the life of Casiraghi and Zola before him. any U21 coach's job is to move kids up and thats what Casiraghi did, and so this current squad has some considerable less talent.

no Motta, Bocchetti, Giovinco (injury), Santon, Andreolli, Acq etc.

still a good squad in there tho with Paloschi and Balotelli up front, and Rannocchia is solid- a player to watch w Bari- at CB.

[talk2smc]

well, im getting a bit concerned.
3 games now without scoring yea? plus the Switzerland friendly...

couldnt watch the whole thing, but benefiting from 2 own goals is certainly not how i would like to see Italy getting on thru the qualifiers...

from what i read, D'Ago and Quag looked good coming in as subs.
when De Rossi is out like yesterday, D'Ago should probably start.

and not that it matters for us to enter the debate, as Lippi picks the team. but the lack of goals could certainly end with more creativity from a player like...Cassano.

you all know i hate him, but doesnt mean he hasnt earned his way. Pazzini really should be called too. perfect replacement for Vincenzo as Luca is no longer leading the line.

[talk2smc]

the important thing is a win v Bulgaria puts us 4 points ahead of Ireland so even with a loss, we are still top.

[Yonathan]

Italy should play like this:

------------------------------------Buffon----------------------------------

M.Motta--------------Cannavaro-------------Chiellini----------Criscito/Santon


-------------------De Rossi--------Palombo--------Marchisio-----------------

-----------------------------------Cassano----------------------------------

----------------------Quagliarella-------------Rossi--------------------------

That of course is just my opinion :cool:

[talk2smc]

Italy should play like this:

------------------------------------Buffon----------------------------------

M.Motta--------------Cannavaro-------------Chiellini----------Criscito/Santon


-------------------De Rossi--------Palombo--------Marchisio-----------------

-----------------------------------Cassano----------------------------------

----------------------Quagliarella-------------Rossi--------------------------

That of course is just my opinion :cool:


possibly, but not with Lippi or at least, at the earliest after WC2010.

currently-
Motta 1 cap
Criscito- 2 caps
Santon- 4 caps
Palombo- 12 caps
Marchisio- 1 cap
Quagliarella- 16 caps
Rossi- 10 caps
Cassano- 15 caps


plenty of talent. not much experience at all. then again, you have to play to gain experience. but this wont be the starting XI for the WC, that much is certain.

[Yonathan]

possibly, but not with Lippi or at least, at the earliest after WC2010.

currently-
Motta 1 cap
Criscito- 2 caps
Santon- 4 caps
Palombo- 12 caps
Marchisio- 1 cap
Quagliarella- 16 caps
Rossi- 10 caps
Cassano- 15 caps


plenty of talent. not much experience at all. then again, you have to play to gain experience. but this wont be the starting XI for the WC, that much is certain.

Yeah I know that it's just my fantasy eleven, I agree with you with they are never gonna play like that or something. He's like the italian Domenech:p

[talk2smc]

Yeah I know that it's just my fantasy eleven, I agree with you with they are never gonna play like that or something. He's like the italian Domenech:p

whoa whoa:p Lippi may call on the old guard, he may resort to old tactics at times.

BUT- we won a WC with him and our record with him at the helm is good. we all remember the Donadoni era, and most of us welcomed Lippi back.

hes no Domenech, thats for sure. :o i.e. cant win with arguably one of the most talented groups of players, 3 DM's against teams who cant score goals, players out of position etc. :p

[Yonathan]

whoa whoa:p Lippi may call on the old guard, he may resort to old tactics at times.

BUT- we won a WC with him and our record with him at the helm is good. we all remember the Donadoni era, and most of us welcomed Lippi back.

hes no Domenech, thats for sure. :o i.e. cant win with arguably one of the most talented groups of players, 3 DM's against teams who cant score goals, players out of position etc. :p

Haha, but seriously he's got loads of talents just wating for the call up but I think that if Italy secure their spot to WC in the next match he's gonna try new players for the up coming qualifying matches and I hope, really hope that both Cassano and Totti will come back.

[rollosan]

well, im getting a bit concerned.
3 games now without scoring yea? plus the Switzerland friendly...

couldnt watch the whole thing, but benefiting from 2 own goals is certainly not how i would like to see Italy getting on thru the qualifiers...

and not that it matters for us to enter the debate, as Lippi picks the team. but the lack of goals could certainly end with more creativity from a player like...Cassano.


concerning indeed. I think they lack a man that can assist the two strikers (whoever they are) properly. Pirlo plays too close to the defense right now. Cassano could be the man, but then again it would probably mean sacrifying Pirlo to protect more the defense. And he's important as the whole game goes through him. If De Rossi or D'Agostino can play that role, then I'm fine with Cassano. Otherwise I think Pirlo should just play way more advanced.

[talk2smc]

concerning indeed. I think they lack a man that can assist the two strikers (whoever they are) properly. Pirlo plays too close to the defense right now. Cassano could be the man, but then again it would probably mean sacrifying Pirlo to protect more the defense. And he's important as the whole game goes through him. If De Rossi or D'Agostino can play that role, then I'm fine with Cassano. Otherwise I think Pirlo should just play way more advanced.

based on current form, i feel Pirlo should sit. and that midfield place adopted by a more forward D'Ago, a deeping lying Rossi, or cal up Cassano, or recall Totti.

the last 2 options which wont occur. but Pirlo isnt cutting it right now. and De Rossi cant really play effectively up that high.

[Yonathan]

based on current form, i feel Pirlo should sit. and that midfield place adopted by a more forward D'Ago, a deeping lying Rossi, or cal up Cassano, or recall Totti.

the last 2 options which wont occur. but Pirlo isnt cutting it right now. and De Rossi cant really play effectively up that high.

Agreed. I think that Lippi should try playing D'Agostino in that role Pirlo has right in the next match or something cuz when Italy play the attack goes through Pirlo and if he has a bad day, which has happend many time rencently Italy won't win many matches if they don't buy Kaladze:p

[eurotrash]

LOL I was lolling irl after "our" second goal:D Maybe Kaladze wants to play for Italy and is showing us he's got scoring boots.

[phat]

The chances of Cassano getting the call up are slim to none. We need a trequartista for sure. Lippi call up Gio!

[zaffo]

The chances of Cassano getting the call up are slim to none. We need a trequartista for sure. Lippi call up Gio!
As much as I'd love to see it, its not going to happen if he cant get games at Juve.

Personally I'd test out D'Agostino in the deeper role, with Pirlo reverting to the trequartista role. And see how that works, it could reinvent Pirlo a bit more and would help cover his weaknesses a bit more.

[talk2smc]

with current form tho, Pirlo shouldnt even be playing. and D'Ago is only getting part of a game because De Rossi was suspended.

so it is getting a bit tricky in the midfield. shame AA is injured, he could easily slot in Pirlo's position.

as far as trequarista, thats where the problem lies. the only proper Italians suited for the role are Totti, Cassano, Giovinco, and perhaps Balotelli. all of whom right now Lippi wont call.

[rollosan]

Giovinco is a good option. Although he needs to play more at club level.
Another option for that role would be Foggia, he has the talent, but I think he plays more of a winger role at the moment

[talk2smc]

thought Pirlo would be dropped today, but started and providing a beautiful ball to Grosso, who one timed the finish. great goal from him:)

Buffon in the 25th minute was outstanding. always amazes me with his saves, at first i thought it was in, but seems he punched it before crossing the line.

the Gila/Iaquinta interplay was beautiful as well, and very happy to get a goal from the strikers after a bit of a drought


4 points ahead of Ireland now, and even with a loss v them in October, we should still take top spot on the road to S Africa

:)

[Venator]

Why is Palombo not getting more starts, if I might ask?

[talk2smc]

Why is Palombo not getting more starts, if I might ask?

of course you can
in my view, i would say a couple of reasons.

one, he plays for Samp, and not one of the bigger clubs. (not really a strong point tho, but probably does contribute to having only 12 caps)

but mainly its because he is a very poor man's De Rossi. why play Palombo, when we have Daniele? they are almost identical. for example, when De Rossi was suspended this past Sat v Georgia, Palombo played, and played well.
but De Rossi is probably 3rd choice on the team sheet for Lippi after Buffon and Canna.

also, Lippi has recently been calling up Marchisio, who plays a similar role as well. so it seems Palombo is about 3rd or so in line for the DM spot.

and thats just currently.
of course when fit Gattuso usually is in the squad. so its basically De Rossi and Gattuso and thats it for DM.



but i do like the player, never really complains, and is a hard worker. theres just better than him in that particular position.

[phat]

The trequartista role needs to be settled and fast. IMO, Pirlo's poor form is partly due to the fact that opposing defenses don't need to mark a trequartista (Totti WC2006). If they have to worry about 2 strikers and a trequartista the marking becomes exponentially more difficult. It gives Pirlo more freedom hence making our midfield much better.

Trequartista's available:

Gio
Rosina
Foggia (more of a winger)


------------Pirlo-------------
Camo--------------------DDR (Marchisio)
------------Gio--------------

Marchisio played a fantastic match, who needs Gattuso:p!

v/UfXH-wFRu-g
v/Jq8XDIWe1OE

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/oct4r.html

well im not too surprised tbh. a win in Ireland means South Africa, so i was confident Lippi wouldnt throw in any curveballs.

Buffon, De Sanctis, Marchetti
Bocchetti, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Gamberini, Legrottaglie, Santon, Zambrotta
Camoranesi, D'Agostino, De Rossi, Gattuso, Marchisio, Palombo, Pepe, Pirlo
Di Natale, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Quagliarella, Rossi


no Amelia? odd...tho i rate Marchetti highly, i would have dropped De Sanctis
Cassano, obviously not included as Lippi would have it
Di Natale back is very good news given his current form
surprised at Quag in there, been pretty inconsistent so far in Serie A...

[Yonathan]

http://www.football-italia.net/oct4r.html

well im not too surprised tbh. a win in Ireland means South Africa, so i was confident Lippi wouldnt throw in any curveballs.

Buffon, De Sanctis, Marchetti
Bocchetti, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Gamberini, Legrottaglie, Santon, Zambrotta
Camoranesi, D'Agostino, De Rossi, Gattuso, Marchisio, Palombo, Pepe, Pirlo
Di Natale, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Quagliarella, Rossi


no Amelia? odd...tho i rate Marchetti highly, i would have dropped De Sanctis
Cassano, obviously not included as Lippi would have it
Di Natale back is very good news given his current form
surprised at Quag in there, been pretty inconsistent so far in Serie A...


Hope he starts with Di Natale, this guy is on fire and we better use it before he dosen't have it, I'm not saying that Di Natale isn't a good player really but with his current form it could add a extra dimension to Gli Azzurini.

[talk2smc]

shame for Marchisio as i felt he impressed when with the NT so far...

but the injury could be more than just pulling out of the QF's. looks like he will be out for Juve for a while.

[Yonathan]

shame for Marchisio as i felt he impressed when with the NT so far...

but the injury could be more than just pulling out of the QF's. looks like he will be out for Juve for a while.

Still no Cassano.... but I hope Lippi starts with Di Natale that's the least Lippi could do if he not calls-up Cassano.

[cipro]

The under-20 have a quarterfinal game against Hungary in 2 hrs. I am surprised we made it this far considering we took our B/C squad to Egypt. Rocca is a great coach. I hope he takes over Casiraghi's job with the U-21 team.

Here's some of the players that could have gone:
Def: Ariaudo, Bellusci, Angella, Santon
Mid: Poli, Forestieri, D'Alessandro, Petrucci
For: Balotelli, Paloschi, Marilungo, Macheda, Mendicino, Okaka

Obviously, the clubs wouldn't have released all of these players. I think if Rocca had 2-3 of these players we could have gone all the way.

[capo]

Am I reading this right - 3 red cards to Italians, 1 to Hungary and both managers ejected sometime during the second half??? :eek:

[talk2smc]

Still no Cassano.... but I hope Lippi starts with Di Natale that's the least Lippi could do if he not calls-up Cassano.

unlikely as Di Natale hasnt played for NT in quite some time since the injury.

Lippi has said he will field a similar squad to our other qualifiers, so it should be Iaquinta and Gilardino up front.

[talk2smc]

4-2-3-1

Buffon, Zambrotta, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grosso, De Rossi, Palombo, Camo, Pirlo, Di Natale, Iaquinta


Rossi out, Di Natale on that wing, Gila to the bench, Vincenzo the lone man up front

[talk2smc]

what happened to the all whites uniforms?:confused:

well done to Trap on Whelan's goal, straight from the training ground and no one marking?:mad:

Camo always giving his best for the NT pulling us back tho:)
Legro having quite a poor game imo, go back to Turin.

unbelievable to concede like that in the last 5 min. was NOT pleased to see us mark a FK in that manner,
but Gila to equalize putting us thru! awesome. you cant buy character and grit like that with 10 Ronaldos.

Camo MOTM. WERE HEADING TO SOUTH AFRICA!!!

[phat]

v/BJ5aDs_zgPs

South Africa here we come baby!!!

[talk2smc]

hope we see quite a different Italy in the Cyprus match, im sure the atmosphere in Parma will be great given that we've qualified...and the players who got us there should be allowed to experience it, but i still think we need to see younger players and use this game with no outcome...

i would like to see:
Marchetti, Chiellini, Bocchetti, Gamberini, Santon, Palombo, Gattuso, Di Natale, D'Agostino, Rossi, Quagliarella

4-2-3-1 perhaps? Marchetti should def be in given Buffon's injury, Chiellini id like to see at LB even if just to give Zambrotta/Grosso a rest. Canna could slot in for Gamberini/Bocchetti and probably will given his Parma roots + it will help keep fitness.
Santon needs to play. be it LB or RB.
Palombo did fine and should play again imo, give De Rossi a break.
D'Ago and Rossi need to start in there, Pepe off the bench at half i hope and Quag is the only FW that hasnt really played yet

[Yonathan]

Gilardino saved us once again, it was also a intresting starting XI but why did Lippi start with Quag instead of Di Natale who's been brilliant?

[talk2smc]

Gilardino saved us once again, it was also a intresting starting XI but why did Lippi start with Quag instead of Di Natale who's been brilliant?

Quag was probably to experiment as was most of the squad, as with Di Natale, Lippi knows what he gets. Quaglia is a bit more inconsistent...

nice to Gila on form, as much as im not a huge fan, those were classic goals from him. crossing headers and predator instincts in the box.

what a goal from Michael for Cyprus tho as well!


and as everyone is weighing their opinion on Lippi's post match comments...have to say i agree with him.

in a game that didnt matter- Italy still went out to play to win, fought back from 2 goals down, with a squad that probably rarely played together in training, and several youngsters and that days after qualifying for the WC...

cheer them on and support, i was saddened to see it to be frank...:( just shows the expectations of the Italian NT everytime they suit up.

[cipro]

I think we should use Santon as the starting RB. Zambrotta has lost a lot over the past couple of seasons. Zambro should be used as a sub for RB, LB, and midfield if it suits the tactics. This is all contingent on Santon getting playing time for Inter in the league and CL.

Camo is still very good for us but I don't think he has the stamina to play as many minutes as we'd hope for in South Africa. We definitely need a vice-Camo. Pepe's work rate and defensive commitment are good but I don't know if he has the quality against the top teams. His shooting ability is terrible.

Quags really doesn't deserve to be on the team, though he was OK yesterday. I think he made an assist and would've scored the third goal had Gila not gotten the last touch.

I was disappointed in Gamberini and Rossi is inconsistent.

Our best performance in my recent memory was the game against Bulgaria where we fielded this midfield and attack:


-----Iaquinta-------Gila

--------------Pirlo
Marchisio----DeRossi----Camo

I hope Aquilani does well with Liverpool. I remember he was awesome in the WCQ against Montenegro where he scored 2 goals. It was the best game I've seen him play in a blue shirt. He reminded me of Hamsik with his runs inside the box. If he's on form most fans will forget about Cassano. The 4-3-3 has to go.

Last WC, Totti go injured and he was about 1/2 the player he could have been in that tournament. Last EC, Canna got injured.
Let's hope everyone can stay healthy this time around.

[Rival39]

v/BJ5aDs_zgPs

South Africa here we come baby!!!

that was such an ace pass that chellini made to iaquinta. awwww yeeeeaaa

[zaffo]

Zarate to play for Azzurri?
There are rumours that if Argentina continue to ignore Mauro Zarate, Marcello Lippi will call the Lazio striker for Italy.

He would be the latest of the ‘Oriundi’ – South Americans who play for the Azzurri – to switch sides after Mauro Camoranesi and soon-to-be Amauri.

Zarate is available immediately for selection, as he already has an Italian passport because his mother was born in Catanzaro.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, the hitman could be a late addition to the 2010 World Cup squad.

Despite his splendid form for Lazio, he has only ever played for Argentina at Under-20 level and so is not tied down to that nation by FIFA’s rules.

However, it would be a turnaround for Lippi, who stated he was not interested in any more Oriundi after Camoranesi and Amauri.

Others put themselves forward for consideration, such as Inter midfielder Thiago Motta and Roma’s Brazilian winger Rodrigo Taddei, but the Coach ruled them out. (http://www.football-italia.net/oct24f.html)

[Yonathan]

Zarate to play for Azzurri?

He's more than welcome to play for us!!

[talk2smc]

no thank you. Lippi would say no to Cassano but pick up Zarate?:rolleyes: lets hope he is smarter than that

[TheLionLyon]

Quick question. How's Italy right back situation? Present and future.

I ask because, similar to the Zarate situation, we (France) have a young, future star coming up named Sebastien Corchia at right back and I just found out he's dual Franco-Italian (how about that :p). Father is Italian and the player has an Italian passport and everything. He's represented France at youth and under-21 level, but he's only 18.

[talk2smc]

Quick question. How's Italy right back situation? Present and future.

I ask because, similar to the Zarate situation, we (France) have a young, future star coming up named Sebastien Corchia at right back and I just found out he's dual Franco-Italian (how about that :p). Father is Italian and the player has an Italian passport and everything. He's represented France at youth and under-21 level, but he's only 18.

well its Zambrotta's now, and most likely will be during WC2010...

however, its most likely a fight between Santon and Motta in the future

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/nov8l.html

squad for Holland and Sweden friendlies.

call ups for Biondini (having a great year for Cagliari) and Candreva, who is a great talent with Livorno, a bit Cassano like, who of course not called up again.

Maggio and Cassani in there in defense with the usual suspects, i was hoping for Motta but thats probably due to his injuries lately.

De Rossi will surely be replaced as well, after his fractured cheekbone today v Inter. so thats leaves a further place in the midfield.

Pazzini back is good, he deserves it. but Palladino?:rolleyes:

[cipro]

Montolivo called up to replace DDR:rolleyes: I know you don't rate Palladino, and neither do I, but he's playing pretty well lately and has looked good for the Azzurri IIRC. He still doesn't warrant a callup, but Lippi has to compensate for ignoring Cassano and Miccoli.

I hope Aquilani features in Pool's match aganist B'ham today.

[talk2smc]

Montolivo called up to replace DDR:rolleyes: I know you don't rate Palladino, and neither do I, but he's playing pretty well lately and has looked good for the Azzurri IIRC. He still doesn't warrant a callup, but Lippi has to compensate for ignoring Cassano and Miccoli.

I hope Aquilani features in Pool's match aganist B'ham today.

he did for all of about 5-10 minutes, and is no where near fitness, tho i would have loved him getting the call.
he would still be better than terrible Montolivo. he just doesnt have the mentality to wear the NT strip.

Palla...eh. i mean, yea hes playing better, but you are right. its basically call ups to replace Cassano, Miccoli, Pellisier even who Lippi hasnt called.

[talk2smc]

0-0 in Pescara v. Holland.

Candreva with a nice debut, he was threatening at times, Palombo very solid. but in truth it was a game with few chances. Rossi coming on made an impact tho, he needs to be starting imo.

ok so seeing how the debate has gone on for months now....

in Lippi i trust, let me say that.

but the lack of goals lately has to be of some concern.
between Gila, Di Natale, Rossi, Iaquinta, Quag, et al we just arent scoring.
now why dont teams score?
A. not getting the forwards the ball
B. not finishing well

its clearly a matter of A. being the problem, we arent putting in thru balls, crosses in enough to get the forwards/AMF's scoring.

how to fix? CREATIVITY. you see what im getting at....can we not just call up Cassano? even if its off the bench for 10-15 per match. we NEED a Totti type player in the squad, and we have NONE.

anyway, not much time left for experimenting either, Wed match v Sweden, and then one more friendly in March i think, then WC.

[talk2smc]

1-0 in Cesena v Sweden:)
goal from a defender, Chiellini, however the forwards in this very experimental squad were threatening all night.

nice to see Di Natale with the armband, he spoke highly of the honor, but it would have gone to De Rossi had he been fit.

ok, so lets have it boys. Lippi says theres 6 places available. heres my squad for South Africa now that all the qualifiers are over and the pool of 32 selected.



Keepers:
Buffon, Marchetti, De Sanctis
easy. stay healthy Gigi....but i have much more confidence in Marchetti than Amelia

Defenders:
Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, Bocchetti, Santon, Criscito, Gamberini
the first four are locks and probably the starters, Santon for his versatile positioning but he needs to get playing, he is a gamble, Bocchetti solid, and Criscito best of the rest

Midfielders:
De Rossi, Pirlo, Palombo, Marchisio, Camoranesi, Gattuso, Candreva
Rino for the dressing room, plus he still gives his all but cant play a full 90, De Rossi a beast, needs to play every minute for sure, Camo only true winger, Marchisio was killing things pre his injury, Palombo perfect fill in for De Rossi and shown he can hold his own w/o, Candreva the X factor

Forwards:
Iaquinta, Gilardino, Rossi, Di Natale, Pazzini
Vincenzo and Gila locks, Rossi can turn a match, Di Natale is versatile, Pazza has earned it, we know Cassano wont be chosen,

IF injuries come up, first call up:

Keeper: Amelia
Defender: Legrotagglie
Midfielder: Aquilani/Biondini
Forward: Quagliarella


i have to say, regardless of form over the next few months- Lippi will and should choose players who have been part of the set up, and not just the hot prospect in the next months. (Perrotta was a surprise pre 06, but he played his part in earlier matches if i remember)


so for me, if everyone fit, starting XI
Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso, De Rossi, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Marchisio, Gilardino, Iaquinta

[Whoah10115]

I find it hilarious, Italy's courtship of Amauri. The fact that he's even being considered is insulting.


He's not even a prospect. He's 27. He had two good years, neither of them a full season, at Palermo. He then played a decent season last year at Juventus and has been shit this season. And it's not like he's shown many signs of being world-class. Oh yeah, he isn't Italian at all and, regardless of what anyone thinks, wouldn't pick Italy if he knew Dunga was really in for him. Who is he to be considered for either squad?


Thiago Motta is another one. Has shown over a long period of time he could be a great player but, unfortunately, was always injured. He goes and has ONE season last year at Genoa (playing 24games?) and he says shit about his dream now is to represent Italy at a World Cup, as the Selecao never bothered to pick him before...what did he ever do to get considered, much less picked? Oh yeah, and he's not Italian.


I don't see why Lippi would be interested in either of them, much less the former.

[talk2smc]

I

I don't see why Lippi would be interested in either of them, much less the former.

as far as i can tell he isnt.

he has said he wont make many oriundi players part of the NT other than Camoranesi really when/if he is fit.

Amauri was overrated at Palermo, said it then, and said Juve were stupid to pay that much money for him, which i have been proven correct.

why when we have Iaquinta, Toni, Gilardino, Rossi, Quagliarella, Di Natale, Pazzini, Balotelli, Cassano even and possibly Totti would we worry about Amauri:rolleyes:

[Whoah10115]

as far as i can tell he isnt.

he has said he wont make many oriundi players part of the NT other than Camoranesi really when/if he is fit.

Amauri was overrated at Palermo, said it then, and said Juve were stupid to pay that much money for him, which i have been proven correct.

why when we have Iaquinta, Toni, Gilardino, Rossi, Quagliarella, Di Natale, Pazzini, Balotelli, Cassano even and possibly Totti would we worry about Amauri:rolleyes:


Maybe the talk has died down now but he was certainly interested before. I hope not, not that Iaquinta is a good choice ;)

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/feb13f.html

i wonder if everyone will go crazy now and criticize Nesta, as they did Totti. probably not im sure:rolleyes:

anyway, for the chances on winning in South Africa, ours our better with Nesta there, starting or on the bench.

particularly with an out of form Cannavaro...:o I would rather have a healthy Nesta pair Chiellini, than Gamberini, Legrotagglie

[talk2smc]

any of the Juve lot have any updates on some injuries...im getting a bit concerned for SA as some of these players need to be playing before the end of the spring...

Iaquinta?
Cannavaro?
Grosso? (maybe more due to Zac's selection, im not sure)
Camo?

[talk2smc]

Goalkeepers: De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo);
Defenders: Bonera (Milan), Bonucci (Bari), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Maggio (Napoli), Criscito (Genoa);
Midfielders: Pepe (Udinese), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan), Marchisio (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Cossu (Cagliari);
Forwards: Borriello (Milan), Di Natale (Udinese), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli).

Italy squad in full for the Cameroon friendly. alot of injuries, so im pretty sure this is all makeshift, and a good time for Lippi to see a few players he hasnt.

Sirigu, Cossu, and Bonucci debutants. Amelia....needs to look at this and think of his chances for South Africa.

Borriello and Di Natale back in is a good thing as well.

[NUFC2007]

Goalkeepers: De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo);
Defenders: Bonera (Milan), Bonucci (Bari), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Maggio (Napoli), Criscito (Genoa);
Midfielders: Pepe (Udinese), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan), Marchisio (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Cossu (Cagliari);
Forwards: Borriello (Milan), Di Natale (Udinese), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli).

Italy squad in full for the Cameroon friendly. alot of injuries, so im pretty sure this is all makeshift, and a good time for Lippi to see a few players he hasnt.

Sirigu, Cossu, and Bonucci debutants. Amelia....needs to look at this and think of his chances for South Africa.

Borriello and Di Natale back in is a good thing as well.

That sucks, No Balotelli.

He has looked very good recently.

Do any of you think that he will make it for the Summer?

I have a feeling the boy will destroy Chelsea next week at Stamford Bridge.

[Nerazzurri4life]

That sucks, No Balotelli.

He has looked very good recently.

Do any of you think that he will make it for the Summer?

I have a feeling the boy will destroy Chelsea next week at Stamford Bridge.

he will 100% not make it

[cipro]

Balotelli deserves to go over Quags. He has more goals and assists in all competitions plus he has CL experience. He has more to offer the team. If only he played for Juve:p

Poor Giovinco should have left Juve as soon as they signed Candreva.

Cossu is a good little man too. He doesn't score many goals but hopefully he'll do good defensive work. I hope he's a good fit. He's near the top of the assist charts two years in a row.

Here's a stat site.

Serie A stats - espn soccernet (http://soccernet.espn.go.com/stats/topassists?league=ita.1&year=2009&cc=5901)

Napoli has the second highest attendance after Inter.:cool:

[talk2smc]

Lippi wont choose him. he has said he wants him to go thru the U21 process as many others have, and anyone who knows Lippi knows that he is about the old guard and the team as a unit. which means Balotelli wont be selected under him.

what i dont understand- anyone can help me this? is that Abete has stated the new boss will be chosen in May PRE South Africa.


why does it make sense to announce the new boss for Italy before the players and Lippi go to the biggest tournament? furthermore, it undermines Lippi as there has been no concrete evidence Lippi wont stay on...in addition, all the candidates that ive read so far have distanced themselves from the position..

why not let the players and Lippi prepare for the WORLD CUP in relative peace and make the announcement after the tournament, even if you know the new boss...

:confused::confused::confused:

[talk2smc]

was impressed with Bonucci, i think he may be an addition for the defense in South Africa, Marchetti surely the no. 2 from now on...Cossu i think quite a longshot to be included however.

shame about Rannochia as he would easily be there as well.


can someone tell me please where the goals are going to come from in Africa?:(:confused: i mean, how many dour draws are we going to have...we just dont seems to score anymore.

[NUFC2007]

sounds like Balotelli had a great performance for the U-21's.

Perhpas he is what your Azzurri need infront of goal or as your creative spark.

I really hope he goes.

And Talk2smc, what did you make of the dive against Australia at the last World Cup which won you guys a penalty and got you through the group stage?

For me, if that was not given, Australia were going to win that game, they seemed the stronger side at the time and the more likely.

I know man many people who feel Italy should not have been World Champs given how they got through against Australia.

I feel that Karma will bite Azzurri in the behind this WC.

[talk2smc]

sounds like Balotelli had a great performance for the U-21's.

Perhpas he is what your Azzurri need infront of goal or as your creative spark.

I really hope he goes.

And Talk2smc, what did you make of the dive against Australia at the last World Cup which won you guys a penalty and got you through the group stage?

For me, if that was not given, Australia were going to win that game, they seemed the stronger side at the time and the more likely.

I know man many people who feel Italy should not have been World Champs given how they got through against Australia.

I feel that Karma will bite Azzurri in the behind this WC.

ace...it was 06. we won the trophy. Totti still had to ice it as he did. :rolleyes: what do you think of Zidane acting like a fucking idiot? what do you think of Henry cheating? what do you think of Maradona, cheating? what do you think or Moreno in 02? what do you think of Ovrebo? what do you think of calciopoli? :rolleyes:

get over yourself.

on to proper discussion---
for Balo, i know you are in love with him. however, its highly unlikely he will be there. but yes, i am excited about the prospect of Okaka and Balotelli leading the line for Gli Azzurri one day.

shame that Rafa is killing Aq's career, he wont be in South Africa, no Dossena either, flopping all over. Candreva needs to step it up at Juve too to get in there, as Lippi has stated many times, not many place up for grabs unless players are injured.

[NUFC2007]

ace...it was 06. we won the trophy. Totti still had to ice it as he did. :rolleyes: what do you think of Zidane acting like a fucking idiot? what do you think of Henry cheating? what do you think of Maradona, cheating? what do you think or Moreno in 02? what do you think of Ovrebo? what do you think of calciopoli? :rolleyes:

get over yourself.

on to proper discussion---
for Balo, i know you are in love with him. however, its highly unlikely he will be there. but yes, i am excited about the prospect of Okaka and Balotelli leading the line for Gli Azzurri one day.

shame that Rafa is killing Aq's career, he wont be in South Africa, no Dossena either, flopping all over. Candreva needs to step it up at Juve too to get in there, as Lippi has stated many times, not many place up for grabs unless players are injured.

LOL calm down LOL

Just wondering because all of my Italian m8's could not understand why everyone was hating on Italy after their World Cup win.

As for Zizou, I was close to tears when he did it. I'm English so you know what I think about Maradona.

As for Balotelli, the kid is awesome. You are right I am in love with him LOL. I hope he goes to World Cup so badly. He will tear it up. He will also tear Chelsea up next week in the UCL, trust me;).

[talk2smc]

the history of football is littered with moments of blatant cheating and you pick a debatable tackle/dive by Grosso in 06 to cite...what do you think ill say to you. :confused:

again, Balo isnt going, sorry. youll have to wait to Brazil and hope he behaves. depending on who comes in after Lippi, might be like him and not want Cassano/Balotelli types. ( i highly doubt that tho, im sure the next coach will be a progressive manager and will integrate him fully into the squad as long as he plays well)

[JuveDrughi]

I agree with Lippi. Balotelli needs to grow as a player and a professional, and that is the purpose of the U-21 system.

Give him time, and he'll carve it up.

I'm glad to see nobody is harping about the "old guard" that Lippi plans to use. He made a great point the other day, stating that you don't need youth to play in a month long tournament. The "old guard" is only two or three years past "young" and those years make no difference in a tournament of 7 (potential) games. Experience and maturity counts for a lot.

Looking forward to this summer, but I agree with some of you: Italy needs to start scoring and it doesn't look like it's going to come.

[Nerazzurri4life]

the good thing about the 'old guard' is their experience and ability to defend properly

however, it is the same old guard that is unable to create many chances on goal...

we'll see what happens, but something needs to happen up front.....

the old guard was good before, because there was always superior quality up front for italy, but this is quite a unique situation where there is no standout striker for italy (very weird)

gilardino is so-so, toni is so-so, quagliarella is rubbish and cannot score goals, toto ain't an out-an-out striker and so on...

no vieiri caliber striker at all...

[Nikolai]

Balotelli doesn't deserve to be in the national team yet, nor do I think most people in Italy would want him. He has the raw talent to be world class, but he needs a suitable coach to mould him into a proper player - Mourinho obviously isn't that guy. Whoever takes over Inter at the end of the season when Mou inevitably leaves needs to have the strong personality and disciplined approach to train him, someone like an Alex Ferguson or Fabio Capello

[talk2smc]

the good thing about the 'old guard' is their experience and ability to defend properly

however, it is the same old guard that is unable to create many chances on goal...

we'll see what happens, but something needs to happen up front.....

the old guard was good before, because there was always superior quality up front for italy, but this is quite a unique situation where there is no standout striker for italy (very weird)

gilardino is so-so, toni is so-so, quagliarella is rubbish and cannot score goals, toto ain't an out-an-out striker and so on...

no vieiri caliber striker at all...


all of this is 100% accurate.
when have we never really had a prominant striker? its nuts!

i am quite nervous tho...Toni most likely wont be called, if he does he wont start, Quagliarella scores inconsistent spectacular goals which isnt the best in a 7 match tournament, Gila is decent- with proper service, and as you say Toto is a bit of everything up front, but he cant seem to transfer his Udinese form to the Nazionale...

i dont see us conceding many v Paraguay, New Z, and Slovakia. but i think they will be 1-0 or the like wins.

[NUFC2007]

Well I wouldn't be so sure that Balotelli won't be at the World Cup. The President of the Italian FA has just backed Balotelli for the World Cup squad. So has Casiraghi the U-21 coach.

'Lippi can count on Balotelli'
Thursday 4 March, 2010
http://www.football-italia.net/mar4p.html
The President of the FIGC Giancarlo Abete believes Mario Balotelli has shown enough maturity to deserve a place in Marcello Lippi's World Cup squad.

The 19-year-old striker has been outstanding recently for Inter, putting pressure on Lippi to call him up despite reservations about his temperament.

Speaking to Sky Sport 24, Abete said: “Balotelli is mature and Lippi can count on him, but it's up to him to decide.

“I am not a coach, but a director who respects the role of the coach. The judgement is up to him, just as it is up to Mourinho when Balotelli is with Inter.

“The player's quality isn't up for discussion. Yesterday I signaled that he sacrificed a lot with the Under-21s. He put himself at the service of the team for the entire match.

“Mario did well even if there wasn't a victory. I hope in general that Lippi has a difficult decision in May with players who are healthy and in form,” Abete concluded.



Casiraghi also backs Balotelli
Thursday 4 March, 2010
http://www.football-italia.net/mar4y.html

Under-21 Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has given his backing to Mario Balotelli’s World Cup hopes. “It’s up to him now.”

The Inter striker is perhaps known more for his bad behaviour and arrogance than his football skills, but has been very impressive for his club in recent months.

FIGC President Giancarlo Abete suggested SuperMario is ready for the senior Italy squad’s trip to South Africa this summer.

“He is growing a great deal in terms of his behaviour and attitude,” confirmed Under-21 boss Casiraghi after a 2-0 win over Hungary.

“He’s doing very well and yesterday when we went down to 10 men, he pitched in to help the team.

“Balotelli is a player who has nothing ‘normal’ about him. The future all depends on him.

“The World Cup is in his hands, his feet and his head.”

[talk2smc]

who picks the squad? Casiraghi...Abete?

[NUFC2007]

who picks the squad? Casiraghi...Abete?

Lippi.

Who reports to Lippi on U-21's?

Do you believe that the president of the Italian FA possibly having a word with Lippi in favour of Balotelli will have no influence on his final decision?

[talk2smc]

Lippi.

Who reports to Lippi on U-21's?

Do you believe that the president of the Italian FA possibly having a word with Lippi in favour of Balotelli will have no influence on his final decision?

....yes...:confused: do YOU think that all of Italy, to the point where in friendly matches fans invade the pitch in support of Cassano's selection, all the media, the polls, and players pushing Cassano into the team has changed Lippi's mind...:confused: has it? no.

why would Abete saying anything matter to Lippi. Lippi is going to pick his players. theres only about 6 slots left, hes confirmed that. over the past 6-8 months he has "auditioned" uncapped players so to speak. Bonucci, Marchetti, Candreva, Cossu, Biagianti, Biondini, Rannocchia surely would have pre injury, Santon, and more.

and yet who hasnt been called... unless perhaps his first match for Gli Azzurri will be against Paraguay. ie. doubtful, but possible. im not betting on it tho.

[JuveDrughi]

That's a good point. Who Lippi "auditioned" are the only likely candidates to go to South Africa. Those we want (Balotelli, Cassano, et al) are not going to go. The only player that may go that wasn't in any friendlies will be Nesta, and that is only if Lippi can convince him.

Gilardino could be the goal scorer, if he is fed the ball properly. That's where Qualiarella and Totti come in. They both can score, but they also add to the creation of goals. I'd like to see those three (or Borriello/Di Natale instead of Totti) in a trident attack.

On paper (or, a video game!) I'd have Rossi supporting Gila (or Pazzini), but they don't have the experience to do so.

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/may2l.html

pre WC squad for the training sessions Lippi scheduled in Rome. but as it says, no Roma or Inter players, which really means only no Roma players:o in the squad due to the Coppa final mid week.

this is probably only to determine fitness and the last 4-6 slots left open in Lippis mind.

[phat]

Not bringing Balotelli would be a huge mistake, Santon as well.

[talk2smc]

Not bringing Balotelli would be a huge mistake, Santon as well.

i would agree, i think both should go, provided they are fit. ( i think Santon currently injured, didnt have the year this year he did last...)

Balo is a headcase tho and as proven with Cassano, Lippi wont take him.

i dont know how much playing time they can get tho, but the experience of a WC would be enough for this time around given their ages.

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/may11l.html
30 man squad announced, no surprises.

Legrotagglie out, good.
Rossi in, awesome :)

still has to be cut down, but im concerned. not sure how Cossu fits in with the team, no clue how Candreva gets in based on the second half of the year, happy with Bonucci, how Gattusso gets in over Perrotta is beyond me...

7 strikers, so Rossi, or Quag will be cut for sure.

Lippi has his faith in the old guard, but those Juve players sucked ass for most of the year, and we are missing alot of creativity. i think we are fortunate to be in the group we are, and hoping Lippi can work more 'team' miracles than he did in 06, we will need it.

[souseiseki]

3 best italian forwards missing

[XDPD7]

8 players from Juventus? Gattuso? I don't think I saw him play a game this season. Has Lippi been watching Serie A at all this year??? These guys can't compete against other Italians weekly, why the hell are they included in this squad with a chance to represent Italy. Cassano, Totti and Miccoli not even selected. Ridiculous.

[talk2smc]

Santon was probably a longshot, im glad Balotelli isnt there, but Miccolli should feel hard done even tho he knew it was coming.
dont understand as i said how Rino gets in there and not Perrotta, and i think all of Italy will be very upset if we bow out early, and site Lippi's stubbornness not taking Cassano. :(

lets hope it doesnt happen, we should be able to get top in our group wrapped up before we even meet Slovakia.

[Whoah10115]

I think it's very possible Cameroon beats you in the 2nd round. Lippi has not done the job this time around.

[talk2smc]

"Mario and I are like each other. I know him. He is a good lad, but he goes with his instinct too much."

“Then again he is only 19. I was worse at his age. I didn't listen to anyone. But in the end I paid for it. I haven't won anything.

“This is why I hope Balotelli finds someone to teach him the right path because you must be convinced to change, but it takes someone who makes you mature.”

Cassano on Balotelli....

he (Antonio) has really matured since moving to Samp. he really should have been included, i dont think he should have started per say, but i think Italy will struggle for goals this tournament. :( ill be happily surprised tho...but i think it will be much like qualifying. 1-0, 2-0 late on goals, not that creativity just defensively solid if the Juve players dont fuck things up as they did for club.

[nguyen_milan]

I have to admit I dont have too much faith in this Italy teams. Last time, we were under alot of chaos but the players were at their prime.
This time, the DF is quite good but Im worry about the MF and especially FW. All the FWs are average at best and anyone can at least dribble and create for others? Can I trust Rossi? can he even make the final cut?
Well, I hope I am wrong but I wont let my expectation too high this time. After all, how many times a team can defend the title with a worse team?

[talk2smc]

Grosso and Candreva sent home today.

first of, i will NEVER forget Grosso's Tardelli-esque celebrations with the PK, 06. NEVER. :D

however, it doesnt change the fact that he sucked it up all year, as did anyone else in a Juve shirt.

Lippi's got to cut the squad by 5 more- for me...cut


De Sanctis (tho it will probably be Sirigu), Quagliarella (tho it will probably be Rossi), Pepe, Bocchetti, and Cossu.

but without Cossu, theres nooooooooooooo playmaker in there. up to De Rossi to be pushed higher than when he plays with Roma.

[talk2smc]

it seems Prandelli will be the new coach post Lippi

i dont know why they want to announce it BEFORE the WC, makes no sense to me, just wait until after whatever result comes from the cup and then we can see...but all signs now point to Prandelli

i think he will do well, he will have Euro 2012 to show what he can do, he made Fiorentina overachieve with a light squad so i think he will bring the same tactical "get the best out of what ive got" mentality

i also think its a good sign for things to come, as Ancelotti will stay in London a bit longer. so by Euro 2012, depending on how things have been going with Prandelli, it might make room for Carlo post Euro 2012 which is the man Abete and co. really want. (hes always said he'll come back to Roma tho;))

[talk2smc]

http://www.football-italia.net/jun01dd.html


well theres the final cut...


Cassani, Sirigu, Rossi, Cossu, and Borriello cut.

Camo in, yet he gets injured today, chance he could be ready for Paraguay. Gattuso in, Pepe in, Bocchetti in :rolleyes:


well, in Lippi i trust, but certainly wanted Rossi in there. dont see how Quagliarella offers more. we call on the old guard again, lets hope we pull things together.

[Whoah10115]

Honestly, you could not have a worse squad. It was fuckin hilarious lookin through this list. What the fuck is he thinking? I'm sorry, Dunga, Domenech, even Maradona should be forgiven a little. How many stupid players (and I don't mean bad, I mean stupid) are on the list? Pepe, Iaquinta, Gilardino. And what Quagliarella has done...Pepe???? OMG, this list sucks so bad.


I know this is an annoying post, but I can't fathom he put this list together.