Italy v. Portugal Friendly 2-6-08 Selections

[djcash50]

Originally Posted by talk2smc

-well i was able to watched the second half and was quite impressed for the most part. i heard zambrotta had an injury (groin), doesnt look bad, so thats good. almost everyone got time of the pitch, except Aquilani and that one i dont understand perhaps bc he is still gaining match fitness, and if so- understandable. i do think Quagliarella should have been on the pitch earlier, but it is clear that Donadoni wants Toni and Di Natale up front. the third man if he goes 4-3-3 is up in the air. Palla, Iaquinta, Cassano, who knows.
The most promising part for me is that Buffon is still in his prime. But Amelia looks pretty damn good too. many saves against a pretty offensive minded squad.
just goes to show you that silly stepovers wont win against quality intelligent football. Quaresma's goal came off of a mere knick of the ball by Cannavaro i believe, so one minute error. Otherwise a 3-0 shut out against a top Euro squad. im certainly pleased.

I wouldn't call it 3-0 as our goals against Portugal were created by accident.

I will say though, portugal looked like they were just playin kick ball, while italy wanted the win. Let's hope the match in March against Holland is going to be any good...

[talk2smc]

Originally Posted by djcash50

I wouldn't call it 3-0 as our goals against Portugal were created by accident.

I will say though, portugal looked like they were just playin kick ball, while italy wanted the win. Let's hope the match in March against Holland is going to be any good...

hmm i dont know about that. 90% of Toni's goals are like the one he scored today, either with his feet or head, he is a predator, like Pippo. hes gonna wait on a spilled ball or a good service. no accident there. Pirlos shot was on target just was helped by a bit of a deflection, and Quag's goal came from hard work from Di Natale and then Perrotta getting into the box. no accidents for me, perhaps not a flowing as we have played before, but set up goals nontheless.
as Donadoni put it post match- not too much to complain about if we win friendlys like that. 3-1 dominating the match with one small error, that someone other than a player like Quaresma would send over the bar. and this game without a couple key players as well.
most certainly encouraging today.

So is aerial play some kind of foreign concept to Portugal's defense? They looked horrendous clearing and controlling balls in the air and crosses, and Toni should have had more goals than one.

Why didn't Aquilani play

[XDPD7]

I thought that friendly with Holland was cancelled due to both countries being in the same group at euro 08

Originally Posted by XDPD7

I thought that friendly with Holland was cancelled due to both countries being in the same group at euro 08

Yeah, the Holland game was cancelled, on march 26 it'll be Italy-Spain.


I was impressed by Azzurri last night, because usually they don't turn up for friendlies.
This time it was Portugal who didn't turn up, espescially in defense.

All Azzurri's forwards linked up really good - Toni, DiNatale, Palla, Quagliarella (there's gonna be some tough competition for attacking roles for EURO2008).

And sound goalkeeping by Amelia, he deserves a bigger club (maybe Milan?).

But there's no point in making too much fusss about this game, or the Spain game, it's all about the EURO.