no, DP in a defensive role? Too much attacking for mr. Lippi.

God Materazzi...i hope he doesnt throw away the game again...with those damn sideburns of his and that hair.FORZA ITALIA SIAMO QUI CON TE!!!!! :rockman:

Camoranesi should definately be in the starting 11. We need someone who can cross the ball in regularly. Especially when we have a tall striker in Toni, who is known for his great aerial play. Camo brings a lot of speed too.

I just hope they don't play the freakin' long ball from the D(Materazzi) to the strikers. I'm sick of this play, the mid should give 99 % of the balls to them. Also, I sure hope they take chances and start driblling a lot more. You have to run at those defenses instead of just standing there like telephone polls and pass to the back. Camo, Pirlo, Totti and even De Rossi should be the ones creating these chances and shooting from long distance.

Nesta was given the clearance to play and will probably be in the lineup against Ghana. Zambrotta could be ready for the USA, and Gattuso could be ready for the Czechs. Good news (Y)

the expected lineup for Ghana:

Buffon;Nesta,Cannavaro,Zaccardo, Grosso;Pirlo,De Rossi,Camoranesi;Totti;Toni,Gilardino

Im happy with the entire lineup other than Zaccardo. Such an average player, its amazing how Lippi is the only person that sees quality in him. Zaccardo is billed to have more defensive quality than Oddo, I think thats BS. His biggest mistakes for NT have been defensively, Ive always overlooked his below average going forward abilities. Either way, I hope the kid proves me wrong and has a great game... just based on his other recent games (he was terrible against the Swiss).

But look at that mid/attack, we're boasting a pretty attacking lineup. De Rossi is the "DM", and he offers a lot to the attack. Im getting excited. (C)

Lippi to wield axe?

Marcello Lippi may opt to sensationally drop both Andrea Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino for Italy’s game against Ghana, whispers are suggesting.

Both men were being penciled in to start against the Africans in Hanover on Monday, but rumours coming out of the camp this evening suggest otherwise.

It is being claimed that the Milan duo will be omitted from the side and replaced by Simone Perrotta and Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Pirlo has had a difficult last six months with regard to form, but it was thought that he would keep his place in the side.

There is the possibility that Lippi would rather bring in Roma midfielder Perrotta to give a little more substance to the midfield, especially as Francesco Totti is still finding his way after injury.

With regards the possible exclusion of Gilardino, Lippi may be tempted to rest him in favour of Iaquinta.

The Udinese striker, a controversial selection for the final 23-man squad, impressed onlookers by grabbing a brace in the 5-1 win over the Duisburg Under-19 side on Friday night.

Lippi did suggest last week that he wouldn’t make a decision on his starting XI until Monday morning.

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

I think Perotta would be more suited for this game than Pirlo. Having 3 Roma players together might be good for chemistry as well.

Iaquinta for Gilardino is just :|

Anybody else find it really odd that Lippi has basically decided that Iaquinta is the second best striker Italy has to offer???? Whatever, Toni is still playing. Especially with Totti doubts, I actually think playing Perrotta isnt a bad decision. Who wouldve though Perrotta would be starting in our first WC game, considering how poor he was in the 04/05 season.

Not gonna critisize Lippi too much until some games have actually been playing, but if we dont fare too well at this competition Im blaming Lippi 100% and his clear favouritism for some undeserving players, prove us wrong old man.... FORZA ITALIA !!

iaquinta in for gilardino, that's bullsh*t

better totti and and DP play say 60 and 30 minutes respectively i reckon

18.5hrs to go

f*ck how can you discard Pirlo when Totti isnt 100%?

typical Italy playing so many defensive mids

In their final training session, Camoranesi was not part of the starting 11...

This was the squad that will probably be used


=================Buffon=================

==Zaccardo===Cannavaro====Nesta===Grosso===

==============De Rossi==================

======Perotta============Pirlo============

================Totti===================

============Gilardino===Toni==============

what's up with TLN, weren't they supposed to show some Italy games and have a special show later with Alf and cie?

TLN sucks!!! I don't care about the games since we see them on TSN, RDS and Sportsnet but give us some Alf, Marcantonio and stupid fanatics action. :p

Great first game, all i cared about was getting the 3 points, but ill definately take the nice play we saw.

Even though Iaquinta scored, I still dont want him starting over Gila, although I think he will against USA. Zaccardo had a pretty good game too :o

Overall a brilliant formation by Lippi. Perrotta and Pirlo were Italys best players, and both won the midfield battle. De Rossi was subpar, but still pretty good. Totti is starting to gain form, and nice free kicks. Gilardino was setting up the attackers well, and I hope he keeps place ahead of Iaquinta. Toni looked dangerous and he'll surely score. Grosso was suspect on D, probably Italys worst starter, which isnt so bad considering everyone played well. Nesta is the best CB in the world, pure class. Cannavaro is second best ;). Buffon did well on the 1 shot.

.... and Del Piero was awful. I dont wanna see him anymore, hes old and slow and deadly combination.

As for who starts against the US, im unsure. If Zambrotta is healthy, id replace Grosso with him. Who wouldve thought id ever be saying Zaccardo should start (C) .

Perrotta and Pirlo were Italys best midfielders today, so I think they keep place and maybe Camoranesi over De Rossi. Totti to start behind Gila and Toni.

very satisfied. 3 points were all that mattered and now we have some confidence. we really controlled the game in every aspect. we defended very well giving ghana nothing but a 35 yard drive from essien. and in attack we forced a new WC record of 100 corners in a game. we put some constant attacking pressure on the yielding probably 10+ shots that really tested the keeper.

canna and nesta were brilliant. loved that backheel by nesta to break up the counter, and cannavaro has the best vertical on italy. zaccardo put in a real solid performance and can have no complaints. grosso wasnt getting up and down like he normally does but i expect zambro to replace him.

pirlo was easily the MOM. his goal was class, and his passing was good. he tracked back well and showed good stamina. perrotta had a very nice showing, playing up and down the field all day. i feel that de rossi's was hindered due to his early card. it really took him out of the game for like 30-45 mins. he didnt want to get another and get subbed off. camo came in and played alright. he came in during lock down mode and we just used the counter.

totti put in the display i was hoping for. supplying plenty balls for the forwards and getting some cracks on goal. 60 mins was perfect for him. toni was a terror. i love a tall man with some skills. he should have had a couple of goals, but they will come. gila was average. had some chances and links up with toni well but i wanted him to get more involved. iaquinta.......he scored and im happy but he better return to the bench. del piero was on for 7-8 mins, touched the ball 4 times and lost it four times. i still think if he can reproduce he super sub form from juve, he should be first option upfront.

bring on the americans.

i am not sure about gila wtf he didn't look sharp, toni was class though

totti was okay, but he looked pretty sharp i saw some good passes and a nice free kick.. he is still not 100% so thats probably why

the rest of the team also looked good

but f*ck they need to be better if they wanna beat brazil, with that alien ronaldinho lmfao

also I kinda felt gattuso missing and zambrotta f*cking injuries...

and why isn't cassano here? what happened?

yeah zambrotta was definitely missed. we picked up the slack with gattuso but i missed his heart and passion.

i think it's safe to say, gilardino didnt win anyone over in this game, but im confident he will step it up.

and cassano just didnt get playing time at madrid for lippi to take him "cough" (hypocrit) "cough". i think it is sad but no time to look back on that now.

.... and Del Piero was awful. I dont wanna see him anymore, hes old and slow and deadly combination.

you say that time and time again, and time and time again you're proved wrong

he had an awesome season, and you've just written that off with 10 minutes of play

other than that i agree with most of what you said

yeah, that's the way i feel. he was given 10 mins, albeit a rather poor 10 mins, but he proved this season that he is great off the bench. he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

I loved the feeling when iaquinta scored though.. it was like... finally cause I thought ghana are gonna equalize so I was like on the edge of my seat the whole time

amazing I love the world cup

exactly. his celebration was real passionate too. i didn't care who scored, as long as we put the game away. but in all honesty, we should have killed it off with toni, gila or perrotta.

he went to Mars :(

Congrats... you guys have a very strong NT... seems equal, or even better than that team form Euro 2000! :rockman:

Italy will definitely top the group, and they'll have no problems getting past their oponents in the next round... i mean, the possibilities are: Croatia, Australia or less likely Japan... good teams, but none of them stand a chance to stop this Italian team... :jap:

Azzurri Ratings
------------------------------------------------
Gigi Buffon: 6.5
The Juventus ‘keeper was rarely called into significant action thanks to Ghana’s inaccurate and sometimes erratic shooting. Yet he was ready when called upon, as Michael Essien knows.

Cristian Zaccardo: 6
Seen as the weak leak in the side before the game, Zaccardo did worry at times when he was dragged out of position. Roma’s Christian Panucci, left at home in Italy, remains a better option.

Fabio Cannavaro: 7.5
Another commanding display at the back for the Juventus stopper. Cannavaro proved to be a difficult wall to get over last night. Was also dangerous in the opposition area from set-pieces.

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

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

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

Daniele De Rossi: 6
The booking which he recklessly collected early on compromised his performance, even if he did put himself about as usual. Was perhaps fortunate to not concede a penalty.

Simone Perrotta: 7
Picked ahead of Camoranesi in midfield, he certainly didn’t let his side down. A non-stop runner and tackler. Perrotta should have netted in the second half, but went for power instead of placement.

Francesco Totti: 6.5
Struggled to find his position in the early exchanges but slowly integrated himself with some delightful touches and passes, as well as a stunning free-kick. He’s on his way back.

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

Luca Toni: 6.5
A real handful for the Ghana defence even if he went missing for large periods of the second half. Almost crowned his World Cup debut with a stunner until the crossbar got in the way.

Substitutes

Mauro Camoranesi: 6
Replaced Totti in the second half to give Italy more width but contributed little to the
cause. His lack of urgency, both in attack and defence, was infuriating.

Vincenzo Iaquinta: 7
Added some renewed pace to the Azzurri attack and was rewarded for his efforts by making the game safe with his first international goal. Will he now start against America?

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

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


Zambrotta Back for Italy
--------------------------------------------------------------
There is more good news for Italy after their 2-0 win over Ghana last night as Gianluca Zambrotta has been declared injury-free.

The Juventus stopper missed the Hanover tie because of a thigh strain, but medics have handed him back to boss Marcello Lippi on Tuesday.

“Zambrotta joined the rest of the squad this morning and is getting back to full fitness,” stated doctor Enrico Castellacci.

“I think we can now all consider him to be back at the disposal of the Italian national Coach.”

Zambrotta featured in a very light practice game this morning and he could return to action on Saturday against America.

The tactician will now use the next few days to assess his options, given that the marauding Zambrotta can play both as a full-back on the right and left.

Meanwhile, Castellacci has ruled out any significant problems for Francesco Totti after the knock he picked up against the Africans.

“He suffered a slight twist to his knee, but there are no problems and we are tranquil,” he continued. “He’ll be fine for the immediate future.”

The Azzurri now have just one injury problem to resolve in the form of dynamic midfielder Gennaro Gattuso.

“He’s working hard to get back,” added the medic. “He’ll undergo more tests on Wednesday. We are going forward with caution, yet with optimism.”

Gattuso, who picked up a thigh strain in a friendly with Switzerland, may miss the entire group phase.
------------------------------------------------

Hmm.... I was actually impressed with Cammo's skill and energy off the bench.

look at the votes and comments by the adnkronos site. :rolleyes:

That shows you how 99% of the media in Italy are anti-Juve. It is scandalous
that the media post BULLSH*T like this.


Roma, 12 giu. (Ign) - L'esordio col Ghana tra promossi e bocciati
Arbitro Simon 2 (Come i rigori non dati al Ghana)
Dispiace parlar male di un collega, ma il brasiliano sembra scelto da Moggi per come favorisce smaccatamente gli italiani. Vero che ammonisce De Rossi, Camoranesi, Toni e Iaquinta, ma per due nonrigori non visti è un prezzo che anche la triade avrebbe sottoscritto senza chiedere sconto. Salvo poi incazzarsi per l'eccessiva permissività sui falli-killer
Buffon 6
Una partita senza troppi patemi. E' bastata una parata per vincere la sua 'scommessa'
Zaccardo 6
Miracolato, arriva in Germania col biglietto di Panucci, antipatico a Lippi. Riesce a non sfigurare più di tanto
Cannavaro 6
Il capitano mostra sicurezza, senza sbagliare nulla. Come avrà fatto senza flebo al braccio?
Nesta 6
Non è al massimo e si vede, però di classe (e non solo) con il tacco blocca un contropiede degli africani
Grosso 5
Prima ringrazia Zambrotta. Ma poi forse pensa che era meglio la panchina. Troppo emozionato, si blocca senza trovare la posizione. Dalla sua parte il Ghana fa paura
Perrotta 9
Vederlo in campo fa pensare che Lippi sia un allenatore. E già è tanto, ma lui stupisce ed è il migliore degli azzurri. Non si ferma un momento, avendo un'altra marcia e quasi sfiora il gol nel finale
Pirlo 8
In linea con Totti trova il gol con un tiro dai 26 metri e sblocca un match difficile. Poi rallenta e cincischia, per fortuna sciabatta verso Iaquinta che raddoppia. Gol e assist
De Rossi 6
Debutto difficile ma alla fine porta a casa la pagnotta: un'ammonizione e due falli da rigore, ringraziando l'oculista e la moglie dell'arbitro
Totti 7+
Inizia lento ma gioca sempre di prima. E riesce lo stesso a fare la differenza, velocizzando una squadra che sembra spesso avere il freno a mano tirato. Due i pezzi migliori: la faccia stranita perché ha segnato pure Iaquinta e il gavettone a Peruzzi
Camoranesi 4 (10' s.t.)
Resta nel tabellino per due aspetti: non si è tagliato i vcapelli e riesce lo stess o a farsi ammonire. Lippi aveva azzeccato a lasciarlo in panchina, ma poi non resiste al tentativo di farsi del male con l'argentino e lo schiera
Gilardino 5
Lotta, combatte rientra, copre, aiuta. Potrebbe essere il miglior sostituto di Zambrotta, solo che a quest orittmo si dimentica del ruolo di attaccante, sparando in bocca al portiere del Ghana
(19 s.t.) Iaquinta 3 poi 8
Poi si dice che i miracoli nel calcio non esistono! Gioca quattro palloni. Il primo fuorigioco, ma aveva ragione lui, il secondo fuorigioco ma aveva ragiobne Koffour. il terzo strategico in area lo 'padella'. Per il quarto accenderà un cero a S.Pirlo
Toni 7
Il centravanti tuttigol rompe una traversa ma non centra la porta. Tanto impegno, ma a vuoto
(37' s.t.) Del Piero sv
Chi l'ha visto?
Lippi 7 poi 2 poi 8
Il Marcello nazionale azzecca la formazione (schierandone una totalmente sperimentale) poi passati in vantaggio si fa prendere dal libellulum che è in lui, ovvero la paura che l'attanaglia e gli viene il braccino. Risultato tutti dietro a soffrire. Dura leggere la partita senza qualcuno che ti suggerisce al cellulare, e allora tra Inzaghi e Iaquinta sceglie l'azzardo e probabilmente si brucia la sua dose di fortuna per ii mese di giugno

_______________________________

Ref Simon 2; The Brazilian looked like he was chosen by Moggi to favour the Italians.

Buffon 6; Only needed one save to win his bet.

Cannavaro 6; Didn't miss a thing. How did he do that without a syringe in his arm?

Camoranesi 4

Del Piero no vote, whoe saw him?(This one I can agree with)

Lippi 7 then 2 and then 8

The 2 for was when Italy started defending. It's tough reading a game when you don't have someone giving you some suggestions on the phone.

.

hahaha i reckon it's funny...it's just that stupid that it's funny

perrotta with a 9! he was good, but i'd still give MoM to pirlo

italy should keep the line up the same except for zambrotta in grosso out

Gattuso makes rapid recovery

Gennaro Gattuso returned to training today, while former Italy boss Dino Zoff believes the Azzurri are one of the best sides in the World Cup so far.

The Milan midfielder had been ruled out for two weeks with a muscular strain last Wednesday, but is already back working with his teammates this morning. Although he is highly unlikely to feature against the USA on Saturday, at this rate he will be ready for the final Group E game with the Czech Republic.


Italy's other injury doubt, Gianluca Zambrotta, is well on the road to recovery and should start this weekend against the Americans.


Marcello Lippi’s men got off to a strong start in this tournament, beating Ghana 2-0, and ex-Azzurri Coach Zoff admits he was impressed by the debut. “It was an excellent start against Ghana and there were no particular longueurs during the tie,” explained the man who took them to within a Golden Goal of the Euro 2000 title.


“In fact, I think we probably created more in the second half, which was logical as Ghana had to push forward and leave more space at the back, which we could’ve taken more advantage of. All things considered, it was a perfect opener and I’d say the main contenders for the trophy are Italy, Brazil and France. Francesco Totti played well and it’s an encouraging sign, as he can only improve as time goes on.”


Italy legend Gigi Riva was also optimistic following the relatively comfortable victory in Hanover, proving that the Calciopoli scandal has not affected the squad. “We had waited with interest for the moment in which we’d test ourselves on the field and could focus only on the football. It went well and Vincenzo Iaquinta showed his fine form in training, which is why he convinced Lippi and earned his place in the side.”


Andrea Pirlo and Udinese striker Iaquinta, who came on as a substitute, got the strikes that see Italy trail the Czech Republic in Group E on goal difference, so the USA tie will be crucial to maintain this momentum.


“We won the opener and now have to see how we’ll fare against the stronger sides,” continued Riva. “USA aren’t a poor side, so it would be a mistake to go into Saturday’s game with this belief. It’s interesting to note that all of the giants have struggled to some degree.” The Americans were defeated 3-0 by the Czech Republic in their debut, left reeling by a Tomas Rosicky brace and Jan Koller header.
=====================================

I can't wait until we have our full squad fully fit. Get back quick Gennaro!

Alright, well apparently consistency isnt a reflection on our play at this tourney.

What the hell was that performance yesterday? A man up on the AMERICANS, and we couldnt score,,, even though we pretty much had possesion for 35 minutes.

Lippi is worse than Trappatoni ever was. His favouritism for undeserving players is borderline embarassing. Bringing on Del Piero over Camoranesi cost us the game. Instead of great players on either flank (Zambrotta on left , Camo on right)... Lippi decides bringing on a slow old man is the way to go (Y). I dont think Del Piero had enough backheel giveaways, maybe next game he can just give the ball directly to the other team, just to save time. You guys say im wrong in my assesment with Del Piero, but what has he done in past 2 games,, Other than a long range effort yesterday on Keller?


Iaquinta was a mess as usual. This was the PERFECT game for Inzaghi to come in and score one of the 30 crosses that came in unmet. What is wrong with Lippi !?!?!?!?!

,,,, and good old Zaccardo. The media, and fans have been continuously critisizing Lippi for picking him over Panucci,,,, and it FINALLY all came apart. A ridiculous own goal, when he wasnt under pressure at all. Just outstanding stuff. and than he got nutmegged later until Lippi finally just took him out.

The positives... Pirlo has been our best player so far, another great game. Everything went through him. Zambrotta was at his best, and through him and Pirlo our entire offence went through. Gattuso also didnt look injured at all, and he'll be key in the Czech game. Gila scored a nice goal, even if he didnt really touch the ball the entire second half.

So in the end, we still lead the group and a win against the Czechs guarentees we get 1st place.

With all that said, If Lippi plays our best 11 against the Czechs I think we can do it. We need a shakeup in roster, and this is what Id do.

(what Id start)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Gila :::::::: Toni ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Totti :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::: Gattuso :::::::::::::::: Camoranesi :::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Pirlo ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: Zambrotta :::::: Cannavaro :::: Nesta ::::::::: Oddo :::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Buffon :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

NO Iaquinta or Del Piero as subs. Perrotta for Totti if we're defending a lead, and Inzaghi or Grosso on if we need a goal.

I think the De Rossi suspension is fantastic for you. If both are healthy, De Rossi on his best day can't compare to Gattuso on his worst.

FORZA AZZURRI :rockman:

i thought DP was good against the US

once he came on, there seemed to be more of a link between the midfield and attack, and he didn't seem to give the ball away too much

i have no idea what you mean that he was crap, but camoranesi may or may not have been better

i think the real problem is totti, screw him, he's had two world cup games to be played into form, and that's two too many, italy was playing with 10 men all game

that's why cassano should've been picked, it'll never happen, but i'd play 4-4-2

-----------buffon----------
oddo-cannavaro-nesta-grosso
----------pirlo-gattuso------
camoranesi---------zambrotta
--------toni-gilardino--------

I actually really like that lineup (Y)

I dont think anyone can say Totti has been a flop, hes coming back from a serious injury and basically hadnt played a competitive game since February. That being said, Id still start him over DP ,,,, who ill admit im a bit too harsh on. Cassano shouldve been on roster.

my computer crashed last thursday and its been killing me not to be able to talk about what has gone on.

the US game. what more can you say. de rossi's red was obviously justified, mastroeni's was justified, and so was pope's. terrible disappointed in de rossi, what was he thinking. i'm really hating how people are going off on italy because we couldnt beat the states. that game was one of the most odd matches i think ive ever watched, with many underlying circumstances that affected the outcome. i can't stand people who talk like they know what the hell is going on when in reality actually know jack ****. nothing angers more. but this happens every major tournament, so ive become accustomed to it.

gattuso came in and played unreal. pirlo had another fantastic game. zambrotta is zambrotta, end of story, gila's header was magic, but then became invisible. lippi pulled the trigger on the changes too early. AND GOD SAKES, WHY IAQUINTA? biggest waste of space on the field. perfect time for inzaghi and nothing. im actually gonna stop myself here, cause im too mentally exhausted to talk about this anymore.

on to the czechs. with baros, koller and ujfalusi out i know we will be fine. our defence is the best in the tournament, and am 100% confident on how we will do. im ecstatic that gattuso recovered early, and now all those DM's dont look so bad. time for the gattuso-pirlo-camo midfield combo. totti should continue to start, partnered by toni and gila.

totti vs ghana, he played quite well and no one should have any problems with him. against the states, it was quite obvious how we were starting the match. calm the storm of the US attack, which we did, get a goal on the counter, which we did, and then take control of the game on the counter and put away another, which we didnt cause of the red card which forced totti off, tactically. so i dont know how you could complain about his play.

i also really like that lineup. i think it should and probably will be used in the 2nd half. but i doubt grosso or oddo will see the pitch. lippi would probably put barone in a wide position. so in a perfect world that would be the best line-up but in a lippi world players like barone, iaquinta and zaccardo continue to play.

haha suddenly everyone loves Inzaghi (H)

believe me when i say, we love inzaghi about 20x more than iaquinta

I love Inzaghi if he beats Czech Republic

FORZA AZZURRI!!!

4 and a half hours from game time. Please win guys :(

welll, the first round is done. We were unbeaten, scored 5 goals, won the group and most importantly avoided brazil.... so why am i disappointed?

Our defence has been outstanding. Cannavaro is the defender of the tourney, and we basically didnt concede a goal.... Zaccardo scoring on his own net under no pressure shouldnt count against what Canna, Buffon and co.

Our path to the semi final is .... pretty favourable... on paper.

the US was supposed to be our 'easy' game in the group, and they gave us the most problems. In the week before the World Cup, we played both the Swiss and Ukraine... and had two very unimpressive draws. In 2006, we beat Holland 3-1 and Germany 4-1 and impressed a lot in both. Italy plays to the level of their opponents, look at what happened at Euro 2004 in supposedly the easiest group. I'll admit, if we can beat the Aussies, the Swiss-Ukraine draw is kinda favourable..... but Australia has been really impressive so far, and completely outplayed a Croatia side who had advanced would have said was a much harder draw for Italy..... Plus we always have to start every game with a man down (because Totti is playing )


My ratings for players:

Buffon - 7.5 - hasnt been beaten yet, despite some strong performances from Ghana and Pavel Nedved.

Cannavaro - 9 - Outstanding. Hasnt put a foot wrong, and has actually been offering something on set pieces.

Nesta - 8.5 - Flawless against Ghana and USA. Sorely missed.

Grosso - 5 - too slow for this level, sorry to say. Can deliver a great cross, and has been alright going forward but because of his lack of his pace leaves huge holes on the counter.

Zaccardo - 5 - Played his best ever game against Ghana, which wasnt amazing but just good for his standards. Than was a complete disaster against the US. Id like to hear Lippi justify his selection now.

Zambrotta - 7 - If there was ever a case where we could duplicate a player, wed have quality from both flanks. Not as effective on the right as on the left, I expect Lippi will recognize this in time for Australia game.

Pirlo - 7.5 - Basically our entire offence against Ghana and US. The surprise of the tourney for me, hes been at his best when most ppl (possibly including me) wrote him off after a subpar season with Milan. He's no indespensable. doesnt get an 8, because he gave away some balls against Czechs. His play has been the reason Totti hasnt been relied on too much.

De Rossi - 5 - Everybody had high hopes for him. Too many fouls against Ghana, and not enough output. And than he disgraced himself against US.

Gattuso - 6.5 - How did we ever question his place in lineup? Stepped up in De Rossi's absence and outplayed him in every way. Even offering on the offensive, and had a basically clean goal disallowed against the US. His celebration with Lippi was also class.

Perrotta - 6 - One of the best on the park against Ghana, tireless running and impressive in attack. Had a mixed game against the States, but played on after injury. Surprisingly started against the Czechs, and was decent. A big question mark from now on. Still, whether he starts or comes off the bench, a very important player.

Camoranesi - 5.5 - Pretty disappointing against Czechs when given chance. Still, he adds a dimension to our lineup nobody else can... mostly in part because Lippi brought no alternatives

Totti - 5.5 - What was with his showboating against the Czechs? Ruined offensive attacks by trying to chip Cech, and failing misarably every time. Game against Aussies has to be make or break. Hasnt recovered from injury.

Gilardino - 6 - Was a solid partner in attack against Ghana, and scored a beauty against the States. Was all alone in third game, and really couldnt do much with the lack of service. Should retain starting place.

Toni - 6 - Defied all logic and kept off score sheet in first round. Looked very dangerous against Ghana, and unlucky he hit the crossbar. Was unlucky to be benched against Czechs. If he starts against Aussies, and doesnt perform, thats probably his last chance... assuming we can still progress.

Iaquinta - 5.5 - I'll never know what Lippi sees in this guy over a lot more deserving Italian strikers who were left at home. Maybe he scored against Ghana, but that goal was gifted to him by Kuffour. Thankfully Lippi has listened to everybody and picked Pippo ahead of him.

Inzaghi - 6 - Maybe he missed some chances, but he always puts himself out there in ways Gila and Toni havent. If he doesnt start against Aussies, has to be the first man off the bench

Materazzi - 6.5 - His great form of late with Azzurri continued. A completely different player for country than for club. A lot more composed at the back. I believe he can replace Nesta well for the time being.... Lets not forget hes still Materazzi, the same guy who chipped Julio Cruz from half.. a feat most world class strikers couldnt dream of

Barone - 5 - summed up my feelings with his selection with his cross late in the game against Czechs, which was about 100 feet behind the net.

Lippi - 6 - Lucky to get a 6. Picked a great lineup against Ghana, which neutralized their impressive midfield... and than made ridiculous subs against the States you wouldnt expect from a man with such experience... has continually kept faith with an out of form Totti. His continuous decision to select Zaccardo against everyones opinion finally backfired in his face. Im not writing him off. He's a world class coach, and I hope he proves it.

Its time to give Oddo a chance.

My lineup against Australia:

::::::::::: Toni ::::::: Gila ::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::: Totti ::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::: Perrotta ::::::::::::: Gattuso ::::::::::
:::::::::::::::: Pirlo ::::::::::::::::::::::::::
: Zam :::: Matrix ::: Canna ::::: Oddo :::::::::
:::::::::::::::: Boof ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Totti and Toni given 60 min to impress, otherwise Camoranesi and Pippo to be brought on.

100% agree with you mikey. on the eve of the game, i have to say, im rather calm. usually im a nervous wreck. go figure, since it is now the knockout stages. im sure come gametime i will be my normal self.

for the game, one of the 3 forwards are to be on a very tight leash. i mean, if we dont score in the first half, or are having problems containing the aussies in the middle of the park, we have to strengthen it up with a 4th midfielder.

i pray to God, that lippi doesnt pull any ridiculous changes by bringing on iaquinta or barone. stick to whats working, end of story.

never for a second have i underestimated the aussies, hell, i wanted croatia. but in all respect to the aussies, we should have no problem. i am very confident of progressing and everyone get ready for luca toni to step up.

FORZA AZZURRI

what the hell what's wrong with nesta?

Any links?
C'mon guys i am in class, help a brother watch the game. :$

here is what lippi said after the match...

"After that, the quality of our organisation and our spirit saw us through. We passed the ball well out of defence. Then at the end (Fabio) Grosso was superb and (Francesco) Totti perfect in tucking away the penalty. Let's hope that gives him a lift. He had trouble lasting the distance against the Czechs, and that's why I gave him a breather today. I intended bringing him on when the match had settled down and that's what I did."

I guess he knows what he is doing... all I know is that our best line up is

buffon
grosso
nesta
cannavaro
zambrotta
gattuso
perotta
pirlo
totti
toni
gila

and that's what I wanna see

I got a question. Anyone know what Toni's goal celebration was about? He was like putting his hand to his head and "cranking " it like a tuner or something. Appiah of Ghana did the same thing when he scored versus USA.

Toni always does that, hell if I know what it means though

Appiah started copying him this season at Fenerbahce. I think they're still friends from their time together at Brescia.

I read somewhere (if im not mistaken), its dedicated to his friends like saying "can you hear that, dudes?!"

I cant remember correctly but I think I read that in a local newspaper :$

the ticket to berlin has been booked. FORZA AZZURRI FORZA ITALIA.

what a great and dominating display. bring on whoever. i can't wait for sunday.

Congratulations guys!!! WE'RE GOING TO BERLIN!! :D:D (i still cant believe it) but hey, finals are there to be won. we're not there yet. FORZA RAGAZZI

Pagelle: Azzurri ratings
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy reached the Germany 2006 Final thanks to a performance that will go down in World Cup history. We rate the Azzurri lions.

Gigi Buffon: 7.5
Crucially kept the score at 0-0 in extra-time when he denied Podolski with a fine stop. Always ready when needed, Buffon’s reputation continues to grow.

Gianluca Zambrotta: 7
A constant menace on the right for Germany, Zambrotta offered his usual mix of defensive and offensive qualities. Almost snapped the bar with a thunderous shot in extra-time.

Fabio Cannavaro: 7.5
What a stopper! Another all action display from the captain who was again the star at the back for the Azzurri. He even started the move for Italy’s killer second.

Marco Materazzi: 6.5
Returned to the side after suspension and after a nervy start, which saw some typical Matrix fouls, he grew into a rock at the back.

Fabio Grosso: 7.5
A decent performance was transformed into a stunning one when he sensationally curled Italy into the World Cup Final. He’s grown as the tournament has gone on.

Andrea Pirlo: 7.5
Italy’s rhythm dictator in the middle of the pitch. He saw plenty of the ball and made sure he made use of it. His blind assist for Grosso was class personified.

Gennaro Gattuso: 8
Fantastico! Although on a yellow card going into the game, the Milan man basically nullified the German midfield threat on his own with tackles and positioning of the highest quality.

Simone Perrotta: 7
His runs from deep were a constant threat and he should have perhaps given Italy the lead. His versatility has been key and he deserves his place in the side.

Mauro Camoranesi: 6
Perhaps Italy’s most disappointing player on the night even if he did get himself into good positions at times. Seemed to lose his nerve before being replaced.

Francesco Totti: 7
Impressed for the first 75 minutes with some sublime passes from deep positions, before he visibly tired. Undoubtedly had greater impact for Italy than Ballack did for Germany.

Luca Toni: 6
A match of great sacrifice from the Fiorentina man even if he struggled to make the contribution he was hoping for. Only had one real chance but was denied by Metzelder.

Alberto Gilardino: 7
Took no time to get into the game with some clever lay-offs. Almost became the hero of the night when his individual effort in extra-time saw him strike the post.

Vincenzo Iaquinta: 6.5
Thrown on in extra-time to give Italy more power and pace on the right. He may have his critics, but arguably did a job for the Azzurri.

Alex Del Piero: 7
Came on in the second period of extra-time to seal the game with a superb goal after basically running the entire length of the field. We’ve waited some time for such a night.

Marcello Lippi: 7
Made some courageous attacking substitutions when his predecessors would have gone defensive with the option of a penalty shoot-out. He wanted a united team, he’s got one.

so far, the partying has been amazing. what an awesome moment to be in.

the more i read about the final, the more my stomach turns, the more stress i feel, the more nervous i get. man this tournament is shaving years off my life, but man is it worth it.

just wondering, what are everyones plans for the final? where are you watching it? and where have you been celebrating the wins of the tournament?

for me, i go to the italian cultural center in the city, where we got about 200 people out for round robin and the between 400-500 people for the elimination stages. the atmosphere is amazing. so for the final, i will be there again, in the very front row as we go to save seats 4-5 hours before the game.

and after the wins, we go straight corydon which is winnipegs little italy. celebrations of the aussie, ukraine game were awesome as we would stop traffic and dance in the streets. but for the semi, they closed down the street so we could parade. it was amazing.

now the final is upon us, and im dieing in anticipation. sunday can't come quick enough.

I'm having trouble sleeping because of the freakin' Nazionale. :p
I'll be watching it at home. I don't want to go to anywhere else to watch it. I guess I'm superstitious. I admit I'm really nervous. We always get it in the a*s from those Frenchies. :( I hope we get our revenge.

Time to go to the pharmacy and buy some Zantac and Pepto. :crazyboy:

Alone in my room. I can't take it when people speak during matches and give commentary. :$ I can get VERY frustrated..... but after the matches I'm open to everyone again :amika: ... well actually that depends on the result.

i completely understand. i hate the random comments from the ignorant fans. it drives me crazy. my original plan was to watch it with like 10 of my closest friends at my friends house but half of them bitched out to go watch it at the center. so i joined suit, reluctantly, but the atmosphere is that of a real stadium and the joy and ecstasy that follows a win is unmatched.

it truely has made this tournament special.

I wouldve went to Toronto to watch games, but I work during the day, so I really only have enough time to go home and watch game... that and basically all of our games have been weekdays... until sunday :D

Im gonna go to st.clair in Toronto and watch it with the HUUUGE crowds of wops.... Although i might watch it at the skydome, and than if we win celebrate in st.clair.

:bob:

I was on St. Clair for the win against Germany and had a great time. I will be back there again on Sunday, and if all things go as planned, have one of the greatest parties of my life :)

Forza Italia!

Im an at home watcher myself. My dad's a HUGE calcio fan, brought me into it, so I watch the games with him. Then when Italy wins it's down to James St. in Hamilton. It's basically carloads of italians driving down Barton street where the party starts at about Sherman Ave. And it goes all the way up about 4 more intersections to James street. They closed it off after the Germany game cuz there was so many people partying everywhere. It's no St Claire street but it'll do just fine.

I was on St. Clair for the win against Germany and had a great time. I will be back there again on Sunday, and if all things go as planned, have one of the greatest parties of my life :)

Forza Italia!

Ill be there too buddy,,,,

come find me, ill be the with Italian jersey and a huge flag, shouldnt be hard to find me ;)

Congrats guys, you deserve it.

Congratz italia...deserved winners

Awesome job guys. F*ck all the haters. Nobody is innocent of the games uglier elements, and the fact is that without skill, orginization, and passion, nothing is achieved. Italy had that all world cup and now the job is done. My hats off

****

dont celebrate too hard ;)

CAMPIONI DEL MONDO CAMPIONI DEL MONDO CAMPIONI DEL MONDO

we did it. just a quick shout out to all of our italian SG members. greatest moment of my life and im sure all of yours.

can't wait to talk more about this but im off to party till 6AM

FORZA ITALIA CAMPIONI DEL MONDO

I can't write enough words to express how I felt, and how I feel right now...Here's a summary..

CAMPIONI DEL MONDO 2006. BEST DAY OF MY LIFE!!!!!!

First time I have cried tears of joy in my entire life. Sitting in that bar with 100 other people, and watching Grosso put away that final ball, it just erupted like no other. I was laughing and crying at the same time, and gave my dad the biggest damn hug I've ever given. I don't think I've ever had a happier moment in my life. St. Clair was RIDICULOUS. I would reallly love to see the number of people because my dad said this is WAYY more than in 82, and there were 100,000+ that time.. Wow you could barely move, but the singing and dancing and jumping, and just pure excitement was awesome.

My god my ears are ringing and I can barely hear myself talk but it was WORTH IT!!!!!

The game itself was so nerve-wracking. What a crappy penalty to start the game, but a fantastic display by Italy to keep their composure and tie it up.

This still feels like a dream... I cannot comprehend the emotion I just went through in the last 8-9 hours of football and partying...

They did it guys...They overcame the odds, and sent millions of Italians into an eruption of gigantic proportions.

Enjoy this day, and remember it. I will for the rest of my life.

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/3589/italia11em.jpg

Me on St. Clair in all my glory :)

:Bow:
Lippi bows out on top
Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has resigned, a press officer for the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Wednesday.

The 58-year-old Lippi led the Azzurri to their first World Cup title since 1982 on Sunday when they beat France on penalties in the final in Berlin.

Lippi took over from Giovanni Trapattoni in July 2004 after Italy's disappointing exit in the group stages of Euro 2004.

In two years under Lippi's guidance, Italy lost only twice - a 2-0 defeat on his debut against Iceland and a 1-0 loss to Slovenia, both in 2004.

:Bow: Grazie Mr. Lippi. :Bow: Words just don't express the gratitude we owe you. Living legend.

:Bow: Mr. Lippi

http://www.soccergaming.tv/attachment.php?attachmentid=128607&stc=1

Thanks for everything Lippi. :Bow:

Legend.

Grazie mille Lippi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!FORZA GRANDE CAMPIONI!!!!FORZA AZZURRI!!!!!QUI NON SALTA...E UN FRANCESE EH OH OH OH OH!!!!! :lui: I posted this also in the Circo Massimo Party thread that i made but i was just wondering if any of you have seen a copy of the video of the players on the stage in Rome singing?Canavarro sang a song to Pessotto,Host sang c'e solo un capitano song....it was great!It gave me chills.

Fieri di essere italiani.Grazie grande portiere.Grazie Buffon!

Donadoni named new head coach. Decent. (Y)

Donadoni named Italy boss Thursday 13 July, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Roberto Donadoni is the new Coach of world champions Italy after the departure of boss Marcello Lippi last night.

The 1990 and 1994 World Cup player was in pole position to succeed the Viareggino and he’s been confirmed in the role this evening.

Donadoni, born in 1963, started his playing career at Atalanta before a highly successful move to Milan where he became one of Italy’s best ever wide-midfielders.

The Bergamo-born ace, who also enjoyed a spell in the MLS with New York Metrostars, took up coaching in 2001-02 when he was named as Lecco boss.

His impressive spell with the minnows saw him win the Livorno job where he caught the eye and subsequently joined Genoa.

However, his Marassi stint lasted for just three games as he was quickly sacked by fiery President Enrico Preziosi.

Donadoni returned to Livorno during the 2004-05 campaign where he kept the Amaranto in Serie A after their struggles under axed tactician Franco Colomba.

Yet he left the Tuscan outfit in sensational circumstances last term when despite being as high as sixth in the table, he quit after being publicly criticised by chief Aldo Spinelli.

Donadoni is thought to have signed a two-year contract, even if that has yet to be confirmed, and will be presented to the media on Tuesday in Rome.

Any gossips on what will Lippi be doing next? :fool:

hmmm i'm not sure if donadoni is ready to coach the national team, but i guess he deserves a chance before he's written off

he's no lippi though

i dont understand!All these coaches that brought their teams so far (Klinsmaan,Lippi,Hiddink) and they all quit after the first competition.If i were Lippi i would have atleast tried to win the Euro...but whatever.GRAZIE GRANDE LIPPI!!!! :rockman: :rockman:

Lippi left because they(Italian Federation) wanted him out when the scandal broke up. People made t-shirts with "Lippi is not my coach" and "Cannavaro is not my captain". Lippi kept it in and when he won the WC they wanted him to stay but he told them to screw themselves. Good for him I say.

ALL these pseudo-reporters, Federation and fans that wanted him out and Totti as captain cheered when Italy won the WC. They are DAMN HYPOCRITES!!!

Lippi left because they(Italian Federation) wanted him out when the scandal broke up. People made t-shirts with "Lippi is not my coach" and "Cannavaro is not my captain". Lippi kept it in and when he won the WC they wanted him to stay but he told them to screw themselves. Good for him I say.

ALL these pseudo-reporters, Federation and fans that wanted him out and Totti as captain cheered when Italy won the WC. They are DAMN HYPOCRITES!!!

Well Said, Lippi and klinsman couldn't have had a better exits. Both exceeded their expectations and only to say, you're welcome and good luck. (6) :rockman:

*sniff, sniff*.......That Drakkar Noir smell sure is very strong in this thread, eh?

http://www.soccergaming.tv/attachment.php?attachmentid=128650&stc=1

CAMPIONIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

spent the past hour or so watching clips from world cup on youtube, f*cking unbelievable we're world champions (Y)(Y)(Y)

anybody know where i can get pretty hi rez (or at least big) pictures from the final + celebrations? Or know where i can posters/shirts/dvds and such, im gonna splash out a lot of cash on memorabelia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj3VNUbgxNU

^^^ that ones my favourite... lets just say when they show the Grosso goal, with the commentator, its best theres no woman around me ;)

The Germany game will always be the one I remember this world cup for.


CAMPIONI DEL MONDO !!!!!! WORLD CHAMPIONS !!!!!!!


(C) (C)

Here are 2 gallery's with lots of pics, Mikey.

http://mundial.wp.pl/gid,8385967,kat,26695,galeriazdjecie.html?ticaid=1 1ffa

http://mundial.wp.pl/gid,8387338,kat,26695,galeriazdjecie.html

Pretty good quality

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ehbfgISDEU&mode=related&search=

how's that for a moment of commentary:


BERLIN HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!



sends shivers down my spine

I got a frame with ex-Juventus player Canna raising the cup with the rest of the players around him. AMAZING!!!

i think i have that to mark, my dad bought it at the sports club. says italia campione del mondo at the top, and materazzi's header in the bottom corner?

and of course the team photo with canna holding the cup

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ehbfgISDEU&mode=related&search=

how's that for a moment of commentary:


BERLIN HERE WE COME!!!!!!!!



sends shivers down my spine
great stuff

martin tyler's commentary was good too, he just says "GLORY FOR ITALY"

i think i have that to mark, my dad bought it at the sports club. says italia campione del mondo at the top, and materazzi's header in the bottom corner?

and of course the team photo with canna holding the cup


no, I found a pic on the net and know a guy that makes these things.

no, I found a pic on the net and know a guy that makes these things.


that's pretty cool.

This might be my next addition :rockman:

http://cgi.ebay.com/OFFICIAL-FIFA-WORLD-CUP-TROPHY-REPLICA-ITALIA-CHAMPS-06_W0QQitemZ280009089016QQihZ018QQcategoryZ101738Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem#ebayphotohosting

anyone knows where i could download the matches??
no streaming.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cj3VNUbgxNU

^^^ that ones my favourite... lets just say when they show the Grosso goal, with the commentator, its best theres no woman around me ;)

love it

contender!

Anyone know why Gattuso Sprewelled Lippi like that in that clip? How come I've never seen or heard of it before?

Per le gare di qualificazione a "Euro 2008" ITALIA-LITUANIA, in programma a Napoli il 2 Settembre 2006 alle ore 20.50, e FRANCIA-ITALIA, in programma a Parigi il 6 Settembre 2006 alle ore 21.00, il Commissario Tecnico Roberto Donadoni ha convocato i seguenti calciatori e collaboratori:

ABBIATI Christian
AMELIA Marco
BUFFON Gianluigi
BARZAGLI Andrea
CANNAVARO Fabio
DAINELLI Dario
GROSSO Fabio
ODDO Massimo
PASQUAL Manuel
ZACCARDO Cristian
ZAMBROTTA Gianluca
AMBROSINI Massimo
DE ROSSI Daniele
GATTUSO Gennaro Ivan
MARCHIONNI Marco
PERROTTA Simone
PIRLO Andrea
SEMIOLI Franco
BONAZZOLI Emiliano
CASSANO Antonio
DI MICHELE David
GILARDINO Alberto
INZAGHI Filippo
ROCCHI Tommaso


i'm happy to see cassano in likewise with marchionni, good to see donadoni gving plenty of newer players a chance

well, its time for the WORLD CHAMPIONS to step to the pitch again :D

not gonna be the team that beat France, definately has a younger and faster feel to it. No Toni, Totti, Nesta, Del Piero, Camoranesi or Iaquinta. When Materazzi got that retarded 2 match ban I didnt think much of it, seeing as he was Nesta's replacement to begin with..... but since Nesta is taking long to recover, having Materazzi wouldve actually been REALLY important. Might be good to see Barzagli play in such big games,,, and hes got the 2006 world player of the year next to him, so he shouldnt have too much trouble.

Not sure about Bonazzoli or Rocchi's selections, and Im sure Casiraghi insistence to have Chiellini with the U21 side is the only reason why Pasqual is in his place.

with Totti, Toni and Camoranesi all out (3 starters) the lineup has to be changed up.

Id go with:

::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Gilardino ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::: Cassano ::::::::::::::::::::: Marchionni ::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::: Perrotta :: Pirlo ::::::: Gattuso ::::::::::::
:: Grosso ::::::: Barzagli :::::::: Cannavaro ::::::: Zambrotta ::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Buffon :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I heard Totti might be staying now...

it has been confirmed that totti has put off his international retirement. but he apparently will only be playing when fully fit and only in qualifiers, no friendlies.

like the line-up mikey, but i wouldn't mind seeing them go with a 4-4-2. but i know don likes the 4-3-3.

also could this be the end of del piero's international career?

and a friend of mine found something a little special on the federation website, so i thought i would share it with everyone



















http://www.figc.it/italiano/primo_piano_05/img/foto_primo_piano_02_large.jpg

also, a little bird told me, that puma have renewed their contract with italia, and will continue their sponsorship. apparently, they beat out kappa to get the world champions signature. they better make these jerseys look good, or i will be extremely pissed.


now i can't wait for this saturday to see the new jerseys.

are they gonna have new jerseys,,, or just change the crest??

I wouldnt buy the new shirt, because im sure if they unveil a new one theyll only use it until a couple months before Euro 08 and than get a new one.... thats of course assuming we qualify for that tourney ;)


by the way, i still cant say the words 'italy are world champions' without having a huge smile on my face :amika:

I also saw another logo on the FIGC site

http://www.figc.it/club_italia/html/index.htm

But they'll probably just put that logo modena posted. It was attached to the news message that they will play with a new 4 star logo.

also could this be the end of del piero's international career?


i think it's pretty likely

although he'd deserve some sort of tribute game when italy play a friendly

its about that time.... any of you seen any WOrld cup DVDs out there?

Id love to get one with Fabio Caressa's commentating

mikey, you are in luck. if you go on ebay, you can get a 4-part series made by la gazzetta dello sport. all in italian.

1st CD chronicles all the games up to the Ukraine match. the 2nd shows an indepth look at the semi and finals. the 3rd is all about the tournament. and the 4th is about the celebrations in italy.

they are made in italy, so conventional north american DVD players wont work. you need some kind of transfer or something. but you can play it on your computer if you have a DVD player.

each dvd costs like $30-40, but they are well worth it. i already have 1 and 2.

http://i7.ebayimg.com/06/i/07/f0/e6/3d_2.JPG http://i6.ebayimg.com/06/i/07/f2/33/76_2.JPG

oh and mikey, almost all of it is commentated by fabio caressa. they got coverage from sky italia and rai. so you get a little bit of boring rai commentating.

Italy Suffer Cassano Blow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy’s plans for their European Championship qualifier against Lithuania have been hit by an Antonio Cassano injury.

The Azzurri starlet was expected to start at Naples’ San Paolo on Saturday until he limped out of training this evening.

Cassano picked up an ankle problem, the same right one which troubled him last season, after a challenge with Gianluca Zambrotta in a training game.

The Real Madrid man will now undergo a series of tests to evaluate whether Roberto Donadoni will be able to field him at the weekend and on Wednesday against France.

“Cassano made an irregular movement and felt pain,” said Italy team doctor Andrea Ferretti this evening.

“However, the pain did lessen even if we decided that it would be better if he sat out the rest of the session.

“Will he recover in time for Saturday evening? I’m optimistic that he will be at the Coach’s disposal.”

The Bari prodigy isn’t the only concern for the Coach after Massimo Ambrosini also failed to complete the session.

The Milan man, who captained the side in the 2-0 loss to Croatia earlier this month, has a thigh problem and could return to his club on Friday.

Daniele De Rossi trained on his own but only as a precautionary measure and should be available for the ties.
----------------------------------------------------

damnit

Buffon: It's Cassano's Tme
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Gianluigi Buffon claims the defeat to Croatia was good for Italy and that the time has come for Antonio Cassano to fulfil his potential.

The Real Madrid starlet is expected to start upfront in a 4-3-3 system for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania this evening, ending a one-year absence at international level.

“Cassano has matured,” said the goalkeeper. “Now the time has come for him to make that leap from mere promising talent to become a real champion. His technical abilities can give us all that extra step up in quality.”

Buffon is one of the Azzurri heroes of Germany 2006 who missed out on Coach Roberto Donadoni’s debut, a 2-0 friendly loss to Croatia.

“The loss against Croatia did us good, as it put our feet back on the ground,” said the World Cup winner.

“Now we can no longer afford to make mistakes. The public could turn and criticise us if things don’t go well with Lithuania, but the important thing is to celebrate when you get results. I have to say that before that tournament, there wasn’t such a strong team spirit, and the credit for that goes to Marcello Lippi.”

The Juventus goalkeeper was surprised to hear Francesco Totti’s announcement that he wouldn’t wear the Italy jersey again until 2007, requiring a rest period to fully recover from his fractured ankle.

“I am sorry to hear that. I know he’s going through a period of doubt and confusion, but his decisions must be respected.”

--------------------------------------------

i can't wait for the game.

whats the score so far and are italy playing well, (Cassano and Cannavaro) how are they doing as well?

Ehh, not please with a 1-1 result with Lithuania, the first "Real" game after winning the title. We must step it up for a finals repeat come next week.

whats the score so far and are italy playing well, (Cassano and Cannavaro) how are they doing as well?

Cassano and Gattuso were Italy's best players. Canna was ok. Cassano dribbled left and right but couldn't find the net.

even though pippo scored, i would have rather had gilardino start. i also thought cassano was our best player, oddo played well too. lithuania wasnt that bad, congrats to them :jap:

we played really well, just were very unlucky not to score. Lithuania capitilized basically out of nowhere on their only chance.

Why did Donadoni start 3 DM's against Lithuania??

Inzaghi is a great poacher, but anywhere apart from the 18 yard box, and hes LOST. Why was he playing so shallow?? HOW DID PIPPO MISS that open net chance?? Luca Toni shouldve been called up.

Cassano looked great, but im not gonna lose site this was against Lithunia.... like some other ppl are when Rooney or C.Ronaldo have great games against minnows and think that means a lot. I'll judge him on the France game more.

Considering France will have a MUCH bigger phychological motivation to beat Italy (ie. revenge), and Donadoni hasnt really figured out the NT setup, such a big game has come WAYYYY too early.

my first question is why didn't we play zambrotta? i hope it is because donadoni wants him well rested for the france game, which as mikey said has become quite important.

cassano was unreal. sure it was lithuania, but confidence is a great thing to have when you are about to play france. he was absolutely robbed when he embarassed 3 defenders and then placed it well only for it to be tipped wide. he was great to watch.

how did inzaghi miss the open net? i still can't believe it. why in the world was de rossi taken off? perrotta was a ghost in the 2nd half and deserved to be taken off for marchionni. i thought de rossi was having one hell of a game, with his passing and tenacious tackling and tracking back. gattuso was gattuso. played well. oddo had a real solid game but our crossing, overall as a team, was very poor

vs france, i would like to see this line-up:

Cassano---Gilardino
De Rossi---Pirlo---Gattuso---Marchionni
Grosso---Cannavaro---Barzagli---Zambrotta
Buffon

i think the 4-4-2 would be better suited to play france.

honestly, i could also see zambrotta replacing grosso. i want gilardino to start, but i think inzaghi will retain his starting place. i just hope that he gets subbed off much sooner.

overall, we should have won, we missed alot of chances and now we face a tough game vs france. cant drop points now.

ok everyone......off the bandwagon. (H)

man, i think we're gonna hear crickets in this thread after that last loss.

donadoni, is definitely walking a tight line. after our successes, if he can't turn this around, he could be one of the shortest serving coaches for la nazionale. we deserved to lose. sure the first goal should have been called for offside and we were unlucky with cannavaro's deflection. but we were getting played off the pitch.

sure, our league hasn't started, while almost everyother one has. sure, our players are not in game shape and lack game intensity. sure, we were missing four starters from the final, while france was just missing zidane. but it just doesn't matter. you can't go out and win the world cup, to just come back and play terribly. it is embarassing. i am confident that we will rebound, but this is the worst possible start.

honestly, i can't be mad, because i can easily settle myself down by saying that we won the world cup. believe me it will come in handy the next four years, but for the present, i hate seeing us underachieve and lose. i hate losing period.

which brings me to donadoni. i understand that he is opening the door for all players to have a fair shot at la nazionale, but in such important games, such as qualifying, why are you bringing players who have absolutely no international experience in friendlies, let alone qualifiers. you bring the players with experience and know how to get the job done. once the serie a season begins, and players start showing themselves in games, then bring them into the established side through friendlies.

so far, donadoni's in game management has been poor. his subs have been atrocious, leaving on ineffective, tired players and then for the players who deserve to come off, bring on the wrong replacement.

perrotta put in a solid 45 mins in both games, but completely disappears in the second half. in the lithuania game, he did such but de rossi who was having a hell of a game was taken off. grosso has been pretty bad, except for maybe a couple of his great runs. his marking has been terrible and is often caught ball watching. and we depend on him on the left to get forward because perrotta isn't a natural winger, and he has failed to do so. semioli. i like the fact that he is in the set-up, but to give him the start in his first competitive internationl, vs france, was not a good call by donadoni. since our side isn't game ready, why not sure up the midfield by putting de rossi in. we were getting railroaded in the midfield and i found that semioli was a liability on the right. i called for marchionni to start but it may have been the same results.

since we have some great depth at the wingback position, why don't we push zambrotta into the midfield. put grosso and oddo as wingbacks and slide zambrotta in the midfield. he is one our greatest assets and when we get dominated he is forced to play back. he could be that gamebreaker if we gave him more freedom to go forward as a winger.

once we have our full strength line-up, like france did, i know we will dominate. this period, for donadoni though, could make or break him and at the moment his is failing terribly. i have faith in him and i know he knows what he is doing, but he needs to realize how to win games ugly, the way great sides do.

as for the rest of the qualifying campaign, i expect a 12-1-1 record and qualification (H). and to get my spirits up, i am now going to watch the shoot-out (H).

boys, no matter how bad we play at times, we are CAMPIONI DEL MONDO.

donadoni :kader: why did he drop cassano and gilardino? no offence to del piero, but do people really expect him to be around for 2008? and when did iaquinta become a right midfielder? i'd rather have camoranesi there and i dont even think he's that good of a selection

anyways, 0-0 at ht vs the ukraine


edit: full time 2-0 better second half with the introduction of di natale, still not impressed with donadoni

great control and strike by Toni. team looks like it is regaining its form but still has work to do. Great to see Buffon :rockman:

The Italian team singing Azzurro before the world cup.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nns0qK9iK1I

Gattuso's voice......... just shocking!!

actually, that is the version of azzurro that was sung by the euro 2004 italian national soccer team. you can see that cassano, fiore, corradi, di vaio etc are there, who were not part of the wc06 team.

the song sung for the wc06 was cuore azzurro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpLEWRh3srk

Thats a good tune, u know were i can download just the tune by itself?

digging this bad boy from the grave...

'SuperPippo' Gets Azzurri Recall

'Pippo' Inzaghi has been rewarded for his clinical finishing, with Roberto Donadoni making space for him in the Azzurri squad.

The Milan poacher has been named in the squad for Italy's Euro qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Lithuania.

With Luca Toni out with a foot injury, Inzaghi could well start up front, though Lucarelli, Quagliarella, Rocchi, Di Natale and Del Piero have all been called up.

Italy are currently fourth in Group B, but only two points behind joint leaders France, Ukraine and Scotland.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Abbiati (Torino), Amelia (Livorno), Buffon (Juventus);

Defenders: Barzagli (Palermo), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Materazzi (Inter), Oddo (Milan), Pasqual (Fiorentina), Tonetto (Roma), Zambrotta (Barcelona);

Midfielders: Diana (Palermo), De Rossi, Perrotta (Roma), Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Del Piero (Juventus), Di Natale (Udinese), Inzaghi (Milan), Lucarelli (Livorno), Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Rocchi (Lazio).

We're lucky Buffon exists, right side of midfield is low on quality. After Nesta and Canna...:|

Nice to see Quagliarella and Rocchi there, everytime I see either of them play they do impress me especially Quagliarella.

looking at those forwards cassano really needs to be there, let alone totti

but obviously he can't be

good to lucarelli given a call-up though, always been a fan

i'd like to see quagliarella given a good run

HUUGE game against Faroe Islands tomorrow, should be a cracker.

More importantly, what the f*ck has happened to the Azzurri, only 1 year after winning the world cup???

Totti refusing to play was bad enough, but now even worse, Nesta has basically announced he has no desire to play for Italy anymore. Despite Cannavaro's monstrous performance in Germany, Nesta is by far our best defender, and still relatively young. We seem to have no great defenders waiting in the wings. Legrottaglie (not that young) and Ferrari both failed at their attempts. Barzagli seems the likeliest player, but thats really only because hes never played in a big match and had the chance to fail (other than the QF against Ukraine which was a cakewalk anyways). Hopefully he gets a move to a bigger club this summer, and he can get some experience in some big games.

The problem really is that the big 4 Italian sides seem hesitant with buying any Italian central defenders. Its nice to know we have bucketloads of talent up front for the future, but I dont see any future Nesta's or Cannavaro's in the pipleline. Materazzi has seemed to peek as a player recently, so thats the short term plan..


So the big game tomorrow. I'd love to see Italy get a 8-0 scoreline against one of these minnows, but I think we all know better. I think it'll be 3-0, in a very static performance. Zambrotta is out injured.

This is what Id like to see fielded tomorrow:

Buffon; Barzagli, Gamberini, Oddo, Tonetto; De Rossi, Perrotta, Pirlo, Di Natale; Lucarelli, Quagliarella.

We're gonna win the game regardless of whatever Donadoni puts out there. I think this is the perfect way to experiment with some players in an official non friendly game. With Nesta quitting, we NEED to give Barzagli some chances, and Gamberini as well. Cannavaro and Materazzi should play in the game against Lithuania though. Looking at the midfield callups, kinda blah to me. I'd play with Pirlo in deep spot, supported by De Rossi and Perrotta with Di Natale in the fantasista role. I'd love to see Lucarelli (he deserves it after so many goals) and Quagliarella (major talent), but I think Donadoni will do otherwise. With Lucarelli publicly saying hes deserved more chances, i think playing lucarelli from the start would result in him scoring at least a brace, and making donadoni look foolish. We have better offensive midfielders than friggin Diana DONT WE??!?! DONT WE !?!?!

What Donadoni will play:

Buffon; Cannavaro, Materazzi, Tonetto, Oddo; Pirlo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Perrotta; Inzaghi, Di Natale.

Is there really a need to play 3 hardworking holding midfielders? Gattuso is important against strong opposition for his ballwinning skills, but I think he's pretty useless against such inferior teams, when really all of his purpose is taken away.

Pippos had a great career, but we have plenty of strikers who can offer much more at this time. He'll get his start (100% because of UCL final), and bag 2 or 3 goals. Boring


Squad

Goalkeepers: Abbiati (Torino), Amelia (Livorno), Buffon (Juventus);

Defenders: Barzagli (Palermo), Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Materazzi (Inter), Oddo (Milan), Pasqual (Fiorentina), Tonetto (Roma), Zambrotta (Barcelona);

Midfielders: Diana (Palermo), De Rossi, Perrotta (Roma), Ambrosini, Gattuso, Pirlo (Milan);

Forwards: Del Piero (Juventus), Di Natale (Udinese), Inzaghi (Milan), Lucarelli (Livorno), Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Rocchi (Lazio).


::::::::::::::::::

I would like a 4-4-2 with Delpiero and Inzaghi upfront... They were really selfish and brutal in their Juventus days together when it came to scoring goals... Almost no team could stand against such an offence...

I LOVE the starting lineup Donadoni is putting out today (Y)(Y)(Y)

:::::::::::::::::::::::: Buffon ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
: Oddo ::::: Cannavaro ::::: Matrix :::: Zambrotta ::::
:::::::::: De Rossi ::: Pirlo ::::: Perrotta :::::::::::::::
:::::::::: Quagliarella :::::::::::::: Di Natale :::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::: Inzaghi ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

I would love to see Quagliarella get on the score sheet, Di Natale has been one of the few superb players for Italy since the World Cup and SupperPippo is always good for a garbage goal or too.

It depends on the opponent, but when Italy plays a lesser team like Lithuania, I think Gattuso's abilities are wasted. De Rossi will offer a lot more goin forward, and Perrotta is a complete workhorse. YAY !

I thought he shouldve started the game against Faroe Islands,,, but wow FABIO QUAGLIARELLA !!!!

two outstanding goals before half,,,, every time he gets the ball, he has the potential to do something amazing. BRAVISSIMO !! This guy is just one of the numerous young attacking talents we have !!

(id say his value was at $8M before this game,,, but its now at probably $12M,,, Sampdoria must be loving this)

Quaglierella, what a fantastic strike on that 2nd goal.

I think we have our new starting foward.

how old is he and where does he play?

23, Sampdoria

azzurri vs france at the san siro in september...anyone have any predictions?

raymond domench is an idiot for his comments about the azzurrini

i just hope there arent anymore premature retirements

I'm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkk, Now wheres the 2007-2008 Serie A Thread?

Yuck, terrible performance. Fallen behind into 3rd place. Just get rid of Donadoni damn it.

- Aquilani should have started. He's had a superb start for Roma.
- Miccoli should have been called up and started over DP. DP tries too much, helps the mid but is getting old and can't do it 90min for Juve and Italy.
- Give Amauri the Italian citizenship.
- Brazagli was good.
- Oddo ran all day but Pirlo never passed him the ball when he was always open.

- Aquilani should have started. He's had a superb start for Roma.
- Miccoli should have been called up and started over DP. DP tries too much, helps the mid but is getting old and can't do it 90min for Juve and Italy.
- Give Amauri the Italian citizenship.
- Brazagli was good.
- Oddo ran all day but Pirlo never passed him the ball when he was always open.
agree agree agree and agree

inzaghi wasn't up to much, DP needs to be a a super-sub for italy, but playing him as a LW at this stage of his career isn't fair

lucarelli=crap

i thought pirlo was great

Squad called up today against South Africa and Georgia

Gk: Amelia (Livorno), Buffon (Juventus), Curci (Roma)
D: Barzagli (Palermo), Bonera (Milan), Chiellini (Juventus), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Oddo (Milan), Panucci (Roma).
M: Ambrosini (Milan), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Mauri (Lazio), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Pirlo (Milan).
F: Di Natale (Udinese), Foggia (Cagliari), Iaquinta (Juventus), Lucarelli (Shakhtar), Quagliarella (Udinese), Toni (Bayern Monaco).

Perrotta, Zambrotta, Aquilani, Camoranesi and Materazzi are out injured and Cannavaro is suspended.

There's one glaring absence from this squad, Del Piero was dropped (Y):clapwap:,, everybody praises his attitude and professionalism,,, but he's been acting like a baby for a while now blaming everybody else for his consistently poor performances. I hope this is finally the end of his mostly mediocre Azzurri career,,

Pippo has also lost his place, but compared to the form of Toni and Iaquinta this season, it was a given. I think its strange that Lucarelli was in great form in Serie A last season, but was ignored. Now hes playing in Ukraine and is consistently getting called up.

Good to see Montolivo getting called up, its a shame Rosina is injured as I feel like he wouldve gotten a much deserved call.

Id start: Buffon; Barzagli, Panucci, Oddo, Chiellini; Pirlo, Ambrosini, De Rossi; Di Natale, Quagliarella, Toni for Georgia match

against South Africa, Id like to see:

Amelia; Gamberini, Barzagli, Grosso, Bonera; Gattuso, Montolivo, De Rossi, Foggia; Quagliarella, Iaquinta/Lucarelli

Why do you hate Del Piero so much? I would consider him as having a slump...he still is a very good striker...

Although I agree, the forms of Toni and Iaquinta have been flat out specatcular so far.

I'm surprised about Panucci coming back...shouldn't he be a bit too old...?

However I'm sad even now that Nesta retired...he's had such horrible luck in the national team...

Why do you hate Del Piero so much? I would consider him as having a slump...he still is a very good striker...

Although I agree, the forms of Toni and Iaquinta have been flat out specatcular so far.

I'm surprised about Panucci coming back...shouldn't he be a bit too old...?

However I'm sad even now that Nesta retired...he's had such horrible luck in the national team...


I dont hate him, I just think its horribly unfair that he continues to be called up for the NT, and sometimes even start ahead of players who are in far better shape,, solely because of what hes achieved in the past..

Id say there is realistically 20 Italian forwards who deserve a spot on the NT over DP,, At best he should be a "super" sub for Juve and thats all.

Panucci is back because we havent really produced too may top quality central defenders of late, and hes played there for roma recently and has top class experience. Its a real shame Nesta seems to have so much bitterness towards the NT

I dont hate him, I just think its horribly unfair that he continues to be called up for the NT, and sometimes even start ahead of players who are in far better shape,, solely because of what hes achieved in the past..

Id say there is realistically 20 Italian forwards who deserve a spot on the NT over DP,, At best he should be a "super" sub for Juve and thats all.

Panucci is back because we havent really produced too may top quality central defenders of late, and hes played there for roma recently and has top class experience. Its a real shame Nesta seems to have so much bitterness towards the NT

he doesn't deserve a place in the national team right now, but your long standing hatred of DP is for the most part unwarranted

quite often you've been proven wrong by DP's performances in the past

I dont hate him, I just think its horribly unfair that he continues to be called up for the NT, and sometimes even start ahead of players who are in far better shape,, solely because of what hes achieved in the past..

Id say there is realistically 20 Italian forwards who deserve a spot on the NT over DP,, At best he should be a "super" sub for Juve and thats all.

Panucci is back because we havent really produced too may top quality central defenders of late, and hes played there for roma recently and has top class experience. Its a real shame Nesta seems to have so much bitterness towards the NT

Mate, I agree, DP isn't at his BEST EVER FORM right now, but mate, come on! He's the legendary DP!!! You never know when he could all of a sudden burst into a goal frenzy!! That's why I think it's a good idea to have him on the NT...for security, LOL ;)

Yeah, too bad Nesta has such hatred for the NT...I keep hoping he's going to come back...but I doubt it...:(

Ha, no players from Inter were called up to the Italy squad, that's sad.

Ha, no players from Inter were called up to the Italy squad, that's sad.

the only italian players in Inter are Toldo and Materazzi :evil:

congratz to squad azzurri :)

Ha, no players from Inter were called up to the Italy squad, that's sad.

Arsenal of Italy :D

any other Italian football fans here who are way past fed up with Lippi's excuses?

Xifio, looks like you like to exhume dead threads.

^ dude, seriously just stfu already !!

^ dude, seriously just stfu already !!

Thank you!

Too bad he doesn't seem to understand it.

he's young.

And from Sydney. The city that Melburnians' don't really like that much... :D

Xifio, looks like you like to exhume dead threads.

Actually, I'm kind of glad he dug up this thread, I had trouble finding it.:D

And yeah, I think every azzurri fan is tired of Lippi's excuses, especially his excuses for not calling up Cassano. He says we'll come around by the time the WC is here, and I just think he's terribly wrong. The way we are playing, we'll be lucky if we can even make it past the 1st knockout round, provided we make it of course. I mean for ****'s sake our strikers haven't scored in what is it now, 4 matches? I mean if it wasn't for Kaladze's terrible luck we would not have won.

What happened to Amuari's case? will he wear Azzurri shirt or selecao?

I think Amauri is still waiting for that passport.

FANTANTONIO
Cassano has been getting better and better since his move to Samp, and he is definitely the most talented Italian in Serie A ... on skill and performance there is absolutely no justification whatsoever to his exclusion ... and he is no longer "Cassanata", based on how convincingly he has taken on his leadership responsibility at Samp ... looks like Peter Pan finally grew up ... I don't see what reason there is left for Lippi, especially because Fantantonio's vision and creativity is exactly what is so glaringly lacking in the Azzurri performances ... if Cassano gets called up and he repeatedly fails, then I understand shunning him ... but not giving him just as much a chance as everyone else is just inexcusable ... he should be given his due, especially considering the number of forwards in recent years who have sucked (and continue to suck) at the international level and yet are/were given an extended period to prove themselves ...


LIPPI'S LOGIC
the big problem is not that Italy won't qualify; they will, because the group is not the most challenging ... but qualifying is one thing, challenging at the World Cup is another ... Lippi claims that Italy are a "tournament team", and rise to the occasion when the occasion arrives ... well, the Confederations Cup was an "occasion" which the team were expected to challenge for and Lippi claimed they would be challenging for ... what happened to his theory there?

granted, after the tournament he's made a few changes, but he's still leaving out the best Italian available with illogical reasoning ... if he is so illogical about one aspect, surely the people cannot accept that he is thinking logically about everything else ...

his illogicality continues when it comes to calling up naturalized players ... he says that it is ok to call up Amauri because we've been talking about him for a while, but it NOT ok to consider others like Thiago Motta who have made themselves available ... well, Lippi claims he is old fashioned when it comes to naturalization, but the problem is not only that he decides to suddenly make an exception, he's making it with illogical reasoning ... unlike Amauri, Thiago Motta is a second generation Italian, and Motta held an Italian passport before applying for his Brazilian passport ... if anything, Motta is "more Italian" than Amauri in an "old fashioned" sense ... so then why say that Motta won't be considered? if he is not good enough, so be it ... but why not even consider him? look, I'm not discussing whether naturalized players should be called up or not, I'm pointing out the lack of logic in Lippi's reasoning ... his declaration that other naturalized players won't be considered betrays his lack of logical thought ...


A NATION'S IRE
it is not a secret that the topics of Cassano's non-selection and Lippi's lack of satisfactory explanation has caused public furore amongst Italians and Italian supporters worldwide ... but will it really take a World Cup debacle before Lippi's position is questioned or the man himself admits to his mistakes?! unless Italy gets the easiest group ever drawn (which is possible coz the World Champions will be top seeds), the second round does not look like a guarantee, let alone a challenge for the trophy ... I cannot imagine the nations ire upon this man if, after all this bullcrap, the team fails as miserably as their performances indicate they will ...

so it's official ... Lippi will not pick Cassano for the World Cup ... after months of skirting the issue, Lippi has finally come out and said something concrete ... la Gazzetta dello Sport are having a field day with this story, and it is articles galore on their website ...

so that is that ... I will remain in protest of Lippi's team through to the conclusion of Italy's World Cup run ...

one more thing ... Lippi is an old man ... and old people, especially those under a lot of stress at that advanced age, are usually in danger of suffering heart attacks, or other health complications that could compromise their participation in the workforce ... let us, erm, hope that no such fate befalls Mr. Lippi in the coming months ...

Not to worry. The sooner we get knocked out the sooner Prandelli is appointed.

ohohoho! can you imagine if that happens? i can't wait to see Lippi's side flop, and for an [unbiased, and] attacking coach like Prandelli to take charge ...

amen to that

very nice posts enjoying it.im not a italy fan but it doesnt feel good to see them play like they are.one long pass into the box if anyones there then fine otherwise kick someones ass(i kinda llike this part by da way).i dont get it why isnt cassano playing???why does lippi have to think of bringing back totti a player who left on his own declaring his only love is roma???i think theres some politics involved in it and so is the case of france.the bigger italian clubs should try and buy italian talent rather than too many foreigners.they should enhance their youth system and trust the likes of sebastian giovinco,supermario marco motta,santon and all.it would obviously build their confidence.i remember reading an interview by giovinco saying he regrets being italian.surely spending the money on gaeteno for juve would have been much much better than melo.whatever guys dont lose hope all is gonna be well from next season.atleast a start will be there.best of luck

totti has been good this season, cassano doesn't score goals

totti has been good this season, cassano doesn't score goals

thats true but for that u guys have gilardino n all

so why should cassano go?
he also goes quiet in the big games

so why should cassano go?
he also goes quiet in the big games

thats a good point havent thought about that

I hope Lippi was watching ... nothing against Juve or their fans, but a Cassano winner -- especially one that pulled something out of nothing -- could not have come against better opposition than Lippi's beloved ...


so why should cassano go?
he also goes quiet in the big gamesstill think so?

Yeah, don't listen to the idiots who say Cassano goes quiet in the big games. I can recall numerous games against Juve, Milan, Lazio, and Inter where Cassano has played big and scored some decisive goals. Cassano detractors probably remember one big game where he was less than stellar and use that as the centerpiece for their argument. Yesterday, he was brilliant and he should have had a hat-trick. Still though, Lippi isn't calling him, he made up his mind a long time ago, no point arguing this point anymore.

Still though, Lippi isn't calling him, he made up his mind a long time ago, no point arguing this point anymore.I've accepted it (look at my sig), but I still relish every time Fantantonio gives reason to question Lippi's decision ... a bit of venting from me, I suppose, nothing more ...

If I don't post this, no one will: Lippi's 30-man preliminary squad selection.

Goalkeppers: Buffon, Marchetti, De Sanctis, Sirigu;

Defenders: Bocchetti, Bonucci, F. Cannavaro, Cassani, Chiellini, Criscito, Grosso, Maggio, Zambrotta;

Midfielers: Camoranesi, Candreva, Cossu, De Rossi, Gattuso, Marchisio, Montolivo, Palombo, Pepe, Pirlo;

Forwards: Borriello, Di Natale, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Pazzini, G Rossi, Quagliarella.

I nominate De Sanctis, Cassani, Candreva, Gattuso, Pepe, Bochetti, and Quagliarella to stay home. The final 23-man squad will be destined to struggle against New Zealand anyway, so who cares who Lippi brings. No Cassano, No Party. :)

I nominate De Sanctis, Cassani, Candreva, Gattuso, Pepe, Bochetti, and Quagliarella to stay home. The final 23-man squad will be destined to struggle against New Zealandnot that it's logical, but Simone Pepe is one of Lippi's favourites ... I don't see him being left behind ...

Maybe Di Natale will play great like in the league? I don't see any other starlets, maybe De Rossi in midfield and Chiellini in defense?

I do think Cassano is Italy's best player at the moment and it's very strange he won't be in the WC.

so... who's replacing lippi after we get eliminated in the group stages?

not that it's logical, but Simone Pepe is one of Lippi's favourites ... I don't see him being left behind ...

You're right, but if I was Italy's coach, Pepe would get to watch the World Cup from the comforts of his couch like he deservedly should. Not national team material.

@Horatiu, Di Natale will not replicate his Serie A form for the national team. I hope he does, but i know he won't, he's yet to transform his excellent club form onto the international stage, and I'll never forgot that horrendously poor penalty he took against Spain at EURO 2008.

As for Italy's best player this season, that award might have to go to Miccoli, with Cassano a close second.

And yes, this team is built on the excellence of De Rossi, Chiellini, and Buffon, they form the backbone of this team and they'll carry this Italy team most of the way. This team will need superhuman performances from those three if this team goes anywhere in the tournament. Italy should just play for set-pieces and chuck all the corners and free-kicks to Chiellini's head as he is the best aerial threat we have. De Rossi should also have an order to shoot from anywhere within 40 yards if he's given the space. \

so... who's replacing lippi after we get eliminated in the group stages?

Best men for the job would be Prandelli or Capello. The FIGC is stupid though, they could hire someone like Zola or Conte. You never know what the FIGC has up their sleeve.

Hiring Zola would be awesome, I think he would set up a very fun team to watch and reinvigorate the Italian flair the national team used to have.

So you want to see Donadoni part II? Yeah, no thanks. Zola isn't ready to coach a national team.

- Miccoli should definitely be in the final 23, along with Cassano ... but I think anyone who watches calcio knows this already ... no need for me to badmouth Lippi one more time ...

- Zola would suck ... I'm very glad that Prandelli is so strongly linked with the post -- he's my preference ... Carletto wanted the post quite badly when decided to leave Milan, and must have thought he had a shot when Lippi's selection crashed and burned at the '09 Confed Cup; but I don't think he would consider himself available for the position now ...

I was actually hoping Ancelotti would fail at Chelsea so he would get fired and come coach the Azzurri, but you're right it's too late now.

Don't you think he would just play the same old Italian players? And use the same tactics of Milan?

No, he wouldn't. :)

Prandelli would be very nice indeed

http://www.football-italia.net/may18p.html

Lippi has cut Candreva, not surprising, but Grosso! Damn, Lippi, you actually made the right decision.

too little too late however

Prandelli in talks with the FIGC for the Italy job. :)

ranieri also backed him for the job too (Y)

Prandelli is now officially the next coach. :)

http://it.violachannel.tv/dettaglio-ultimora/items/comunicato-stampa.4295.html

just fantastic! :bouncy:

the "I told you so"s rung loud on Lippi's ears I hope ... that stubborn-as-a-mule motherf*cker, after all the poor performances in the friendlies and the qualifiers, to the disaster that was the Confed cup, to the outcries from of almost an entire nation (not to mention the fans abroad), didn't f*ckin listen, and a World Cup experience/chance has been thrown away ... what agony for fans who saw it coming since he took over, and especially since last year ... glad he has left in such sporting disgrace ...

the sporting disaster, coupled with the failure of the EURO 2016 bid, will allow Italian football to perform some self-analysis, and build for the future ... that is the silver lining ...

I think we all can't wait for Prandelli to start work, both for his performance-based selection, and his preferred setup and style of play ... he must succeed to drive home the point ...

first training session, and Prandelli has apparently got them running an attack-minded 4-3-3 ... not a surprise, but excellent news nonetheless ...

on another unsurprising note, Fantantonio and Super Mario were quite chummy:

http://img708.imageshack.us/img708/4428/75864523.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/5752/22990614.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/7126/83934050.jpg

can't wait to see what they both get up to both on the pitch and off together

f*cking mental ... must the same moron in the mask who somehow boarded his own team's bus to throw a flare at a player ... makes no sense ... one or two mad Serbian ultras may have cost their nation fines, sanctions, and possibly points ... disgrace!

Just points? Serbia are going to get expelled from competing in 2012. UEFA are going to make an example out of them. Complete set of idiotic fans that brought politics into sport are going to ruin it for team and the mentally stable fans that support Serbia.

Just points? Serbia are going to get expelled from competing in 2012. UEFA are going to make an example out of them. Complete set of idiotic fans that brought politics into sport are going to ruin it for team and the mentally stable fans that support Serbia.

those are realy idiotic fans, hooligans... what they did was not good in any way... if they realy love their (our) country, they shouldn't act like this... a bunch of morons... the reason why they did what they did is because they don't like our goalkeeper, Stojkovic, because he was playing for Red Star and now he is playing for Partizan, angry rival... i am a red star fan and i don't like Stojkovic, butt i don't support that kind of behaviour...

This isn't about Club rivalries and players switching to rival teams, the whole set-up behind this hooliganism is politically motivated. Serbian ultras staged for this match as a protest without any regard for the resulting penalties, sporting and disciplinary, the Serbian National team would face. I saw an Albanian flag burned, fascist salutes in a country where they are banned, and banners overtly referencing political issues(one said Kosovo is Serbia, or some **** like that). If you think this was about a trivial matter like a club team rivalry, you're mistaken.



Oh, and Serbian Ultras clashed with Italian police outside the Marassi and re-enforcements from Torino and Milano have to be brought in. Bye bye, Serbia! Thanks for the 3 points. I hope those ultras enjoy the ****storm that's gonna have their team banned from competition.

I wonder why the Italian police allow them to enter to the stadium, i read they were causing troubles around Genoa before the match.

because it was premeditated....we'll find the reasons later

I wonder why the Italian police allow them to enter to the stadium, i read they were causing troubles around Genoa before the match.


What I don't understand is why Serbian officials in charge of overseeing the traveling supporters allowed these fans to travel to the stadium in the first place given the prior knowledge that these ultras would stage a riot.

What I don't understand is why Serbian officials in charge of overseeing the traveling supporters allowed these fans to travel to the stadium in the first place given the prior knowledge that these ultras would stage a riot.

Irresponsibility. And maybe a bit of ignorance too or maybe they just didn't care, which sounds a bit stupid.

http://video.sky.it/?bclid=632601937001&bctid=633000961001#video


Puts a smile on my face. Wish I could have cracked some skulls like that. Would have killed to have been one of those officers so I can beat the **** out of that scum for having the game suspended.

The Serbs were playing Italy, hated their goalkeeper and end up burning the Albanian flag?

That is retarded. What did the Albanian flag have anything to do with the game or the goalkeeper anyways?

Stupid nationalistic crap.

players called up for the Romania friendly:

---------------------------------------------------------
MIRANTE Antonio F.C. PARMA
SIRIGU Salvatore U.S. CITTA’ DI PALERMO
VIVIANO Emiliano F.C. BOLOGNA
ASTORI Davide CAGLIARI CALCIO
BALZARETTI Federico U.S. CITTA’ DI PALERMO
BONUCCI Leonardo F.C. JUVENTUS
CASSANI Mattia U.S. CITTA’ DI PALERMO
CRISCITO Domenico GENOA CRICKET AND F.C.
GASTALDELLO Daniele U.C. SAMPDORIA
RANOCCHIA Andrea GENOA CRICKET AND F.C.
SANTON Davide F.C. INTERNAZIONALE MILANO
AQUILANI Alberto F.C. JUVENTUS
DE ROSSI Daniele A.S. ROMA
DIAMANTI Alessandro BRESCIA CALCIO
LEDESMA Cristian S.S. LAZIO
MARCHISIO Claudio F.C. JUVENTUS
MAURI Stefano S.S. LAZIO
PIRLO Andrea A.C. MILAN
BALOTELLI Mario Barwuah MANCHESTER CITY F.C.
GILARDINO Alberto A.C.F. FIORENTINA
PAZZINI Giampaolo U.C. SAMPDORIA
QUAGLIARELLA Fabio F.C. JUVENTUS
ROSSI Giuseppe C.F. VILLARREAL
---------------------------------------------------------

- great to see Ranocchia get his senior call

- very happy with the Balzaretti selection; he's been on fire for a while now for Palermo

- Cristian Ledesma is the latest player to be called up after being naturalized through marriage; good for him

- Cassano has been left out for the friendly to sort his club contract sh!t out

4-3-1-2 i'm thinking

it's a friendly, so I expect to see a few experimental setups, especially with a few debutants to be judged ... 4-3-1-2, 4-2-3-1, 4-3-2-1, 4-3-3 ...

EDIT: I'm curious: with Cassano out, who do you see playing 'in the hole', if it is to be 4-3-1-2 at some point?

aquilani or pirlo, maybe even rossi but i doubt

yeah, I'd like to see Aquilani start there ... but I'm concerned that he'll drop Diamanti into the hole, with Alberto having to play in an attacking central midfield role ... Diamanti is an alright player, but I don't think he's good enough to be the nazionale's trequartista ...

I haven't seen anything of Diamanti at all all I know is that Zola signed him when he was coaching in England.. Balotelli could be a possibilty too, with Prandelli basically labelling him as a direct replacement - although he doesn't really fit the role all that well imo

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ecco la lista completa della numerazione azzurra per la partita di domani.

Portieri: 1 Viviano, 23 Sirigu, 15 Mirante;
Difensori: 16 Cassani, 19 Bonucci, 17 Ranocchia, 3 Criscito, 20 Astori, 7 Balzaretti, 13 Gastaldello, 2 Santon;
Centrocampisti: 14 Aquilani, 5 De Rossi, 6 Mauri, 21 Pirlo, 4 Ledesma, 8 Diamanti;
Attaccanti: 10 Balotelli, 11 Gilardino, 9 Pazzini, 18 Quagliarella, 22 Rossi.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

well, Super Mario's got Cassano's jersey, so it wouldn't be a stretch to see Prandelli play him as the fantasista ... I rate Balotelli very highly, and it would be interesting to see what he can do ... I'd still like to see what Aquilani could do there, maybe in a 4-2-3-1 (Balotelli on the left, Rossi on the right, Pazzo up top) ... Diamanti listed as a midfielder almost confirms what I thought about Prandelli deploying him as a trequartista ...

Romania aren't going through their greatest moment, but Goian and Chivu know calcio well, so it will be a good enough test for the attackers ...

Romania aren't going through their greatest moment, but Goian and Chivu know calcio well, so it will be a good enough test for the attackers ...

Haha... Goian a good enough test for the Italian attackers ?! It will be more like Christmas morning for them if he plays. The dude is crap.

I was trying to be respectful :D ... sadly, Chivu can be lumped in with Goian in that category too nowadays ... Cristi has been one of my favourite players for a long time, but the persistent injuries over the years have left him a shadow of the player I loved to watch from 2000-2005 ... still, it won't be a cakewalk, and that's about what's needed for this still newly assembled Italian team ...

Diamanti was poor.

Balotelli is going to up and retire from International football. And he'll be right to do it too. I wouldn't represent a country that treated me like that, and he's rich too, so there's really no reason he ever has to go back to those assholes. Wonder if he can switch nationalities; he's under 21 and as far as I'm aware he's only been capped in friendlies thus far. He really needs to think long and hard about this before he reports for another match with the Azzurri.

KKK is an American organization ... should non-whites and non-white immigrants reconsider their US citizenship because of them, thereby giving the KKK exactly what they want?

Dan, you clearly hate Italy based on some very limited experiences, and use any excuse to hurl some slander ... it's disgraceful, and you're making yourself look a right idiot ...

Balotelli himself has talked about how he has no problem with racism in Brescia, where he and his family reside ... he's called attention to the fact that a small group of racists doesn't warrant a reaction, especially during the match, because that's exactly what they want, though he hopes such things don't happen ... and he's declared his pride and joy in playing for the Azzurri ...

also, don't forget that Samuel Eto'o wanted to walk off the pitch due to persistent racist chants in Spain ... but to brand the entire Spanish nation as racist would be a most ignorant, and small-minded act ... just like it would be with Italy or any other nation, unless fundamental and substantial evidence is provided to prove the point ...

get over your hatred, it's unbecoming ...



---


Diamanti was poor.unsurprisingly ... though hardly anyone really impressed apart from Balotelli ...

Balotelli is going to up and retire from International football. And he'll be right to do it too. I wouldn't represent a country that treated me like that, and he's rich too, so there's really no reason he ever has to go back to those assholes. Wonder if he can switch nationalities; he's under 21 and as far as I'm aware he's only been capped in friendlies thus far. He really needs to think long and hard about this before he reports for another match with the Azzurri.

Hey are you still unemployed after bumbling your way through law school as a drunken, mediocre, C- student? Because I hope you find a job in your chosen profession so you can finally have something to do to keep your unproductive ass busy so you aren't tempted to post jealous ramblings on internet forums.

KKK is an American organization ... should non-whites and non-white immigrants reconsider their US citizenship because of them, thereby giving the KKK exactly what they want?

Dan, you clearly hate Italy based on some very limited experiences, and use any excuse to hurl some slander ... it's disgraceful, and you're making yourself look a right idiot ...

Balotelli himself has talked about how he has no problem with racism in Brescia, where he and his family reside ... he's called attention to the fact that a small group of racists doesn't warrant a reaction, especially during the match, because that's exactly what they want, though he hopes such things don't happen ... and he's declared his pride and joy in playing for the Azzurri ...

also, don't forget that Samuel Eto'o wanted to walk off the pitch due to persistent racist chants in Spain ... but to brand the entire Spanish nation as racist would be a most ignorant, and small-minded act ... just like it would be with Italy or any other nation, unless fundamental and substantial evidence is provided to prove the point ...

get over your hatred, it's unbecoming ...



---


unsurprisingly ... though hardly anyone really impressed apart from Balotelli ...

If Eto'o was Spanish I would say the exact same thing. He's being abused by HIS OWN FANS! Okay the KKK is an American organization... tell me professor, how many white hoods to you see at US Internationals? How often do our own fans berate Altidore for his skin color? Never? You don't say! But it's totally the same and I'm just an idiot! Jesus ******* Christ what is wrong with you two dip****s. Sure I dislike Italy, but ONE OF THE PLAYERS IS BEING SUBJECTED TO RACIST ABUSE CONSTANTLY FROM HIS OWN FANS!!! Why the **** should he accept that? The treatment of Balotelli right now by his own ******* fans is equivalent to the treatment of Jackie Robinson by Dodger fans over 60 years ago. There is 60 ******* years of difference in treatment here... many Italian fans are behaving like white Americans did before the Civil Rights Movement, before integration, and before anything approaching actual equal rights.

And regarding Spain... I have not been silent about the absolutely horrendous racist garbage that goes on in Spain at all, but tell me again fellows, how often have their Internationals been subjected to racist abuse from their own fans? I don't remember a case. I remember a very ugly game against England which should have been abandoned a few years ago, but it's not like that was being directed at Senna. So what do you want me to say? Iniesta should quit Spain because his fans do monkey chants at Ashley Cole? Well, maybe so, but THAT isn't the same thing as what's going on here either.

Am I'm the stupid one; I'm the biased one. You guys think "oh, it's just a few people, suck it up kid" because you're fans of Italy. **** that and **** you. Piece of **** enablers.

EDIT: And for the record I didn't say "HE SHOULD QUIT ITALY" I said he needs to think long and hard before representing them again. That's obvious IMO. Like I said, I wouldn't put up with **** like that. Maybe it's not that big of a deal to him.

If Eto'o was Spanish I would say the exact same thing. He's being abused by HIS OWN FANS! Okay the KKK is an American organization... tell me professor, how many white hoods to you see at US Internationals? How often do our own fans berate Altidore for his skin color? Never? You don't say! But it's totally the same and I'm just an idiot!the analogy was about acting in a way that gives the racists what they want, which you clearly missed ...



Jesus ******* Christ what is wrong with you two dip****s. Sure I dislike Italy, but ONE OF THE PLAYERS IS BEING SUBJECTED TO RACIST ABUSE CONSTANTLY FROM HIS OWN FANS!!! Why the **** should he accept that? The treatment of Balotelli right now by his own ******* fans is equivalent to the treatment of Jackie Robinson by Dodger fans over 60 years ago. There is 60 ******* years of difference in treatment here... many Italian fans are behaving like white Americans did before the Civil Rights Movement, before integration, and before anything approaching actual equal rights.the USA is a bastardized nation created millenia after the rest of the world was populated and organized; it is multiethnic by default ... integration will naturally take longer in other parts of the populated world ... but, like I said, Balotelli himself talked about how he felt Brescia was a multiethnic community, and he and his family has never faced any racial abuse there ...

btw, the match was played in Klagenfurt, Austria ... and the "supporters" chanting that racist crap weren't your stock football supporters, but an official hooligan organization whose agenda includes racial abuse ...

that leads into the fact that you're ignoring the difference in culture regarding the importance of sports:

- in Italy, affiliation with certain clubs is implied affiliation with certain political parties due to the storied pasts of the various clubs; sport, especially football, is an extremely powerful political tool -- just ask Silvio Berlusconi and the members of his Forza Italia party ...

- in the US, sports teams are franchises, run like a business, and did not develop from local club teams which the local community used to play in; there are no inherent political implications when someone supports a team ...

I'm not saying one is right or wrong, but the histories of the clubs are not ignored by some, and the social importance of football is still quite strong ... it can be used as a vehicle to convey a positive message, or it can be exploited by bigots to get attention for themselves ... with the latter, the only moral course of action is actively and patiently working to eradicate the root causes of such behaviour ...



And regarding Spain... I have not been silent about the absolutely horrendous racist garbage that goes on in Spain at all, but tell me again fellows, how often have their Internationals been subjected to racist abuse from their own fans? I don't remember a case. I remember a very ugly game against England which should have been abandoned a few years ago, but it's not like that was being directed at Senna. So what do you want me to say? Iniesta should quit Spain because his fans do monkey chants at Ashley Cole? Well, maybe so, but THAT isn't the same thing as what's going on here either..Eto'o is a Spanish citizen ... he doesn't play football for Spain, but that doesn't mean he isn't a citizen ... I don't think it matters anyway ... the world is a multi-ethnic place ... zero tolerance against racism is the only answer, no matter what reasons racists may have ...


EDIT: And for the record I didn't say "HE SHOULD QUIT ITALY" I said he needs to think long and hard before representing them again. That's obvious IMO. Like I said, I wouldn't put up with **** like that. Maybe it's not that big of a deal to him.don't try to go back on yourself ... you were wondering aloud if Balotelli could switch nationalities, and that makes the implication that "he should quit Italy", or at least explore the options to pursue such a course of action ... and, in my previous post, I've already called attention to the fact that though, he would like the racist chanting to stop, he doesn't think one small group of racists in any way compromises the happiness he feels from representing his country ...

1) Eto'o citizenship doesn't mean anything as I never suggested Balotelli should renounce his citizenship.

2) Your point was clearly NOT about giving racists what they want and any reading of your paragraph clearly shows that. Your point was "It happens in Spain too! But it's only a few people anyway, so no biggie."

3) The EU follows more international protocols than the US, and human rights, racism, and hate speech are far less protected than in the US. So there is no excuse for first world Western Nations to "lag behind" the US when their laws are much more intolerant of that kind of behavior.

4) Your point about club affiliation doesn't mean anything because we aren't talking about club fixtures. Okay... so they were members of a club's racist hooligan organization, so what? This isn't a game against Lazio or whatever. And that still misses the point that if I was a black player and I was transferred to a club with a reputation for racism (Lazio maybe) and I got abused by my own fans, I would refuse to play for that club as well. If they supported me and abused the opposing players I'd be similarly offended and might think about abandoning matches and getting the abuse to stop, but I'm not sure it would keep me from turning out for the club.

Hey are you still unemployed after bumbling your way through law school as a drunken, mediocre, C- student? Because I hope you find a job in your chosen profession so you can finally have something to do to keep your unproductive ass busy so you aren't tempted to post jealous ramblings on internet forums.

I'm employed. And LOL at you calling me jealous. At least I don't suffer from such an inferiority complex that I support a foreign nation ahead of my own country. Oh, guess what, I'm actually a Brazil fan now; your attacks on me are pathetic and fueled with jealousy. BTW, congrats on Jersey Shore.

And I'm sorry, are you seriously insulting my job situation and my law school grades? In this economy? When you don't even know me or what my grades actually were? I'm sorry counselor, exactly where is your law degree from? For that matter do you even have a college degree? I'm thinking no, because even a pseudo-academic would know that you can't graduate without a 2.0 in any field. Maybe your associate's degree had different standards, I don't know.

EDIT: And law isn't my chosen profession. I hate it and plan to get out when it's feasible. Seriously, don't get into it.

repost, coz you posted after I edited my last post to include a response to the edited part of your previous post:EDIT: And for the record I didn't say "HE SHOULD QUIT ITALY" I said he needs to think long and hard before representing them again. That's obvious IMO. Like I said, I wouldn't put up with **** like that. Maybe it's not that big of a deal to him.don't try to go back on yourself ... you were wondering aloud if Balotelli could switch nationalities, and that makes the implication that "he should quit Italy", or at least explore the options to pursue such a course of action ... and, in my previous post, I've already called attention to the fact that though, he would like the racist chanting to stop, he doesn't think one small group of racists in any way compromises the happiness he feels from representing his country ...




1) Eto'o citizenship doesn't mean anything as I never suggested Balotelli should renounce his citizenship.I was merely making a necessary factual correction ...




2) Your point was clearly NOT about giving racists what they want and any reading of your paragraph clearly shows that. Your point was "It happens in Spain too! But it's only a few people anyway, so no biggie."it's called repetition for effect, and is a literary device that can be used to call attention to analogous scenarios:KKK is an American organization ... should non-whites and non-white immigrants reconsider their US citizenship because of them, thereby giving the KKK exactly what they want?

Balotelli himself has talked about how he has no problem with racism in Brescia, where he and his family reside ... he's called attention to the fact that a small group of racists doesn't warrant a reaction, especially during the match, because that's exactly what they want, though he hopes such things don't happen ... and he's declared his pride and joy in playing for the Azzurri ...


3) The EU follows more international protocols than the US, and human rights, racism, and hate speech are far less protected than in the US. So there is no excuse for first world Western Nations to "lag behind" the US when their laws are much more intolerant of that kind of behavior.sure ... but just because it isn't tolerated by law, it doesn't mean the law eradicates racism ... it just makes the crime and punishment clearly defined ... and I'd have to consider it foolish of anyone to ignore the fundamental difference in the development and ethnic integration of the USA compared most any other country in the world ...


4) Your point about club affiliation doesn't mean anything because we aren't talking about club fixtures. Okay... so they were members of a club's racist hooligan organization, so what? This isn't a game against Lazio or whatever. And that still misses the point that if I was a black player and I was transferred to a club with a reputation for racism (Lazio maybe) and I got abused by my own fans, I would refuse to play for that club as well. If they supported me and abused the opposing players I'd be similarly offended and might think about abandoning matches and getting the abuse to stop, but I'm not sure it would keep me from turning out for the club.you've conveniently ignored my point about the cultural difference when it comes to sports, and focused entirely on the club affiliations part; well done ...

you've conveniently ignored my point about the cultural difference when it comes to sports, and focused entirely on the club affiliations part; well done ...

Because there's no meaningful ******* difference! UNLESS YOU ARE SUGGESTING THAT RACISM FROM ONE'S OWN FANS IS TOLERABLE BECAUSE OF THIS DIFFERENCE! Is that what you are suggesting? If you think this racism is tolerable because of cultural differences then I can sort of understand what the **** you are saying. Of course you'd be embarrassingly wrong, but at least you would make sense. Xifio, you are my least favorite kind of person on the internet. The guy who likes to argue and nit-pick about EVERYTHING and never actually debates or addresses points head on; you always seem to misconstrue what your opponent is saying. Sometimes to a small degree, sometimes to a large degree, but it's always significant enough that you never fully consider and deliberate over what is actually being said. You're excellent at eviscerating straw men and paper tigers though, I will definitely admit that.

Oh, a literary device? What's that? Tell me more Mr. Joyce.

Because there's no meaningful ******* difference! UNLESS YOU ARE SUGGESTING THAT RACISM FROM ONE'S OWN FANS IS TOLERABLE BECAUSE OF THIS DIFFERENCE! Is that what you are suggesting?sport as a vehicle vs. the historical political affiliations of clubs ... you don't see the difference? the latter refers to the founders and former members of these various clubs, and how their political ideologies shaped the membership and the subsequent supportership of those clubs ... sport as a vehicle is the use of the popularity and reach of sport as a platform to convey a certain message, including racists or political activists trying to gain some free TV time during the broadcast of the sporting events ...

If you think this racism is tolerable because of cultural differences then I can sort of understand what the **** you are saying. Of course you'd be embarrassingly wrong, but at least you would make sense.I guess you don't understand when I repeat the point about the difference in the development and integration of the USA as compared to other countries ... people came to the USA fleeing from religious persecution in Europe ... and the USA's extremely short history saw the country develop due to the heavy immigration to its shores from various parts of the world ... that was in addition to the descendants of the African slaves brought over to work in the former colony slowly being integrated into free society ... all that happening in the last 3 centuries makes it pretty darn recent ... this is stark contrast to the history of the rest of the populated world, whose lands are constantly saturated with people, and relies on technological advancements in infrastructure to try and squeeze more people into the same square area ... the integration and development of multiethnic societies happen slower in areas of the world that have been saturated for many millenia (including Europe), as compared to largely unpopulated lands whose development only dates back a couple of centuries (the USA) ... in other words, the rate of inculcation of tolerance and general acceptance of multi-ethnic communities cannot be compared between Europe and the USA ... one can only persevere with a zero tolerance approach, while trying to address the root causes of the development of such behaviour in the respective modern societies ...

Just because there are historical-cultural-social-political reasons for this continuing racism does not mean that an individual has to put up with it.

I think where we are differing is that you are trying to explain the reason why these certain racist fans exist. That's all well and good and I understand most of your reasons and knew about most of it already. The disconnect is that I started this off saying BALOTELLI AS AN INDIVIDUAL, a rich individual who holds another passport, is currently representing a country that FOR WHATEVER REASON has a few vocal fans who are racist pieces of **** who are probably sucking a lot of enjoyment out of his international caps. And being that he is rich, extremely in demand in his chosen profession, and holds another passport, he needs to really consider whether he wants to continue to turn out for a team and get treated like ****. That's what I'm saying. To an individual who can literally go to any nation in the world as a footballer and was raised in an apparently very tolerant and accepting city like Brescia, he needs to think about whether he wants to keep putting up with these stupid assholes.

And for the record, I don't REALLY consider Italy a very racist place either. There are some pretty shocking right wing ultras for some clubs, but generally it's not that bad. Spain is FAAAAR worse and then the Eastern European Countries are bad too, for example Romania. But... it looks like he'll have to put up with **** for 90 minutes of every cap, and does he really want to do that? I don't know if I would.

Pretty sure if I was representing the country I grew up in I wouldn't give a **** what a few hundred fans thought of me, i'm the one on the pitch not them

a rich individual who holds another passport, is currently representing a country that FOR WHATEVER REASON has a few vocal fans who are racist pieces of **** who are probably sucking a lot of enjoyment out of his international capsother passport? what other passport? his only connection to Ghana is through the biological parents who abandoned him ... he wasn't born in Ghana, so the only way he could apply for Ghanaian citizenship is to prove his ties to the country by establishing ties with his biological parents , which he has said he doesn't want to do ... he was born in Italy, raised in Italy, so there is no question for him as to who he would represent ... and he's made it clear that no small group of racists are going to run him out of his own country ...


But... it looks like he'll have to put up with **** for 90 minutes of every cap, and does he really want to do that?a Serie A match was stopped when racist chants were heard by the referee; and he got the racists removed or silenced when he made it clear that the match would be abandoned unless the group responsible were silenced ... the match resumed shortly afterwards, with a rousing cheer of approval for the referee's actions ... the FIGC have set the precedent for themselves, and I expect them to take preemptive measures to deal with the potential issue when hosting international fixtures (and when disbursing tickets to traveling Italian fans) ...

I'm employed. And LOL at you calling me jealous. At least I don't suffer from such an inferiority complex that I support a foreign nation ahead of my own country. Oh, guess what, I'm actually a Brazil fan now; your attacks on me are pathetic and fueled with jealousy. BTW, congrats on Jersey Shore.



Which foreign nation is it that causes me to have this inferiority complex? Because it cannot be Italy since I've held an Italian passport my whole life. Oh, and nice jab at me there with the Jersey Shore mention, as if that actually struck a nerve with me. You're as pathetic as your highly unoriginal, lame attempts at mocking me by using something related to New Jersey to demean me.

And I'm sorry, are you seriously insulting my job situation and my law school grades? In this economy? When you don't even know me or what my grades actually were? I'm sorry counselor, exactly where is your law degree from? For that matter do you even have a college degree? I'm thinking no, because even a pseudo-academic would know that you can't graduate without a 2.0 in any field. Maybe your associate's degree had different standards, I don't know.

Ah, yes, blame the economy. And you're right, I only know you well enough to deduce that you are a raging douchebag.



EDIT: And law isn't my chosen profession. I hate it and plan to get out when it's feasible. Seriously, don't get into it.

???(H)

Well, you clearly did choose law as your profession at some point if you stated that you plan to get out of it, implying that you are in that field. Smart move on changing professions, though.

I am employed and I'm currently a "lawyer". It sucks. Don't get into it. Huge mistake on my part to get into such a boring field filled with assholes bordering on psychopaths (and before you say anything, in real life I'm the most laid back dude you'll ever meet). Desperately searching for legitimate exit options every day of my life.

I think the Azzurri squad should do a cover version of Gob & Franklin Bluth's ''It Ain't Easy Being White or Brown'' from Arrested Development. That'd go over well with the fans I bet!

xvgCvT9xX7A

I think the Azzurri squad should do a cover version of Gob & Franklin Bluth's ''It Ain't Easy Being White or Brown'' from Arrested Development. That'd go over well with the fans I bet!

xvgCvT9xX7A

Oh God, I love that.

Gangsta gangsta, yo.

no real surprises in Prandelli's selection:

---------------

Portieri: Buffon (Juventus), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);

Difensori: Astori (Cagliari), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Criscito (Genoa), Chiellini (Juventus), Maggio (Napoli), Ranocchia (Inter);

Centrocampisti: Aquilani (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Giovinco (Parma), Mauri (Lazio), Montolivo (Fiorentina), *Motta (Inter), Nocerino (Palermo), Palombo (Sampdoria);

Attaccanti: Borriello (Roma), Cassano (Milan), Matri (Juventus), Pazzini (Inter), Rossi (Villarreal)

---------------

I like it for the most part ...

good to see Nocerino getting the call; when praise is being heaped on the mercurial talents of Pastore and Iličić, it is unsurprising if not too many people take notice of his contribution ... we'll soon see if he is now ready to make the step up to the international level ...

Giovinco gets his shot too ... can't see him starting, but is a chance for him to impress Prandelli ...

shame Balzaretti recently got injured; fate is cruel ... Super Mario's another injury absentee, but he's got tons of time, and he's pretty much a guaranteed selection once he's fit ...

despite leading Udinese in some stunning results against the big boys this season, Toto Di Natale is left out ... he's looked ageless, but he's ALWAYS disappointed for the Azzurri ... I guess he's destined to be remembered as a club player (and international flop) ...

I still don't think think Borriello is international material ... I don't rate Mauri ... and I've had over a decade of watching Thiago Motta, and I still don't like him (he's a decent player, but I think he's error-prone, and he's a pussy, so he won't be diving in to win too many 50-50 balls) ...


as it's a friendly, I'm hoping against hope that Prandelli starts Ranocchia ahead of Bonucci in the back 4 ... IMO, Cassani-Andrea-Giorgio-Mimmo is the best combination ...

the midfield is where there's obvious scope for experimentation ...

in attack, a trident of Rossi-Pazzini-Cassano would be cool ...

Why Matri?

==================
CONVOCATI

Gianluigi Buffon (Juve), Salvatore Sirigu (PSG), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli).

Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), Giorgio Chiellini (Juve), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Leonardo Bonucci (Juve), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino), Domenico Criscito (Zenit).

Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juve), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Antonio Nocerino (Palermo), Thiago Motta (Inter), Alberto Aquilani (Liverpool), Andrea Pirlo (Juve).

Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Antonio Cassano (Milan), Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma), Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal).

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


great selection ... I love Prandelli ... just wish he'd play 4-3-3 with Mario, Antonio, and Pazzo up front -- would be awesome to see an attacking contest between the former and current World Champions ...

Italy must call Osvaldo or Argentina will. He is amazing, in top10 of the game right now.

Italy must call Osvaldo or Argentina will. He is amazing, in top10 of the game right now.even Mauro Zárate is eligible (not comparing them; just saying) ... but Italy have excellent options in attack already ...


---

a 2-1 win over the World Champions to mark Prandelli's 1-year anniversary ...

not a memorable match: a very soft penalty for Spain, and a lucky deflected winner ...

Rossi, Captain Cassano, and Balotelli should all have scored at least one of their clear chances ...

MoM was Montolivo ... even without including that superb finish, he was excellent ... won't help Milan's cause to sign him at a lower price though, which sucks ...

Montolivo should sign for Milan, he can help them in champions league.

Montolivo should sign for Milan, he can help them in champions league.

I always thought he's overrated... but considering the fact that Seeforf is 35, Ambrosini is 34 and Gattuso is 33, I guess Milan should indeed go shopping for some midfielders...

watching Prandelli's Italy is like watching the Barcelona from the early to mid 00s: trying to unselfishly pass the ball around the opposition defensive wall and into the net, while not pulling the trigger quick enough (if at all) ...

but at least an on-the-ground passing system is being embedded with an established squad, which bodes well ...

I remain optimistic of an Italy-Holland dream final ...

with all respect no way :)
Germany - Spain

nice brace for Cassano to round out the qualis ... that first goal was a sweeet volley! and beautifully teed up by Daniele De Rossi -- my love for him continues to grow, be it in Prandelli's Azzurri, or as the Roman Libero under Lucho ...

apart from that, Osvaldo made his debut:

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/1571/xifiocassanoosvaldodebu.jpg

good for him ... no shortage of attacking options for next year's EUROs, which means no need for the likes of Borriello or Gilardino in the squad!

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/2139/xifiomarioincasa.png http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/1412/xifiofantantonioprandel.jpg

Super Mario at home, Fantantonio called up for morale but still recovering physically, and Matri starting ... so, I'll be watching Holland instead, and will catch this on replay ...

wouldn't mind seeing a 0-0 result (basically: no goals scored with either few chances created, or plenty wasted by the attack; and a cleansheet for the defence) ... if anyone is to get a goal, hopefully it's Nocerino ...

even if the US win [after a poor attacking performance from Italy, and a sh!tty setpiece goal for the USAmericans] that'd be fine by me: it'd force Prandelli to pick his top attacking talent and work with him/them on moulding the right attitude/image ...

USA USA USA!!!

Clint Mother******* DEMPSEY!!

awesome, I'm quite pleased with that result (for the aforementioned reasons) ... now I kinda wish Toto Di Natale was also selected, so he could have been lumped in with Matri in a toothless performance ...

anyway, congrats Dan, enjoy the win!

I hate that the US is playing Italy and Mexico counters it by playing ******* Colombia. Stupid FMF.

http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/5871/xifiofantantonioprimook.png

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/5790/xifiofantantoniogioca.jpg

he may not be able to help Milan stay in Europe tomorrow, but he's got a month to be match-fit and ready to lead the Azzurri at the EUROs! :bob:

Do you reckon he'll make it?

so far, I see every reason to be optimistic (Y) ...

Xifio, what do you think of PDC's chances of making the euros?

well, Prandelli's tried out Ogbonna's versatility at LB, because it's not exactly the strongest area at the moment ... but I think PDC's competition for a spot on the plane would be Balzaretti ... luckily for De Ceglie, his rise to form has coincided with your team's return to form -- plenty of goals, and multiple consecutive cleansheets, against traditionally very good teams; it's the kind of stuff Prandelli looks for ... if he can keep up his sudden and rapid progress, his chances to be named in Prandelli's preliminary EURO squad should be good, I think ...


---



meanwhile, more good news for the front line: Pepito's back from injury too!

oNXBL5clfIg

:biggrinx:

We're looking good for the Euros following Cassano and Rossi's return. I think I'll have PDC at LB over the likes of Balzaretti or Criscito. This would be my team:


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



Maggio--------Bonnucci------------Chiellini------ De Ceglie



---------Nocerino----------Pirlo------------De Rossi



-------------------------Montolivo----------------------



-----------Cassano-----------------------Rossi--------------------


Bench: Viviano, Abate, Criscito, Marchisio, Aquilani, Di Natale, Balotelli

Bonnucci? Please no.

^ agreed (coz Barzagli is better) ... also, there'd be 12 subs ...

but looking at a starting XI, with all options available, right now I'd go with:

GK Gigi

RWB Maggio
RCB Barzagli
LCB Giorgio
RWB Mimmo

RCM DeRo
CM Pirlo
LCM Marchisio/Montolivo

XF Mario
XF Pepito
XF Antonio

the obvious objection is that the forwards wouldn't track back enough ... that's valid ... but I'd suggest that the right motivation is what's needed from the manager, to stimulate more industry from the obvious candidates for the 6 matches to glory ... I think if anyone can manage it, it'd be Prandelli ...

I'm also hoping that the choice to play 4-3-3 is taken out of Prandelli's hands due to the sheer quality of the personnel available ... but he has been reluctant to play that system (though I'm inclined to blame the lack of availability of all 3 top forwards at the same time), so here's what he's probably thinking of in the attacking sense:

CAM Montolivo/Marchisio/T.Motta

ST Rossi
ST Cassano

I'm not a fan of Thiago Motta ...

Just leave Angelo I still want him in Green-White-Green.

hah, no dice!

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9656/xifioazzurriogbonna.jpg

he's the direct understudy to Chiellini ... I'd be very surprised if he wasn't selected for the EUROs ...

Just leave Angelo I still want him in Green-White-Green.

Not going to happen :biggrinx:

Bonnucci? Please no.

My bad. Can't believe how I overlooked a much better CB in Barzagli...

Seems wrong to handcuff the great Maggio by making him play so much defense. You should play 3-4-3 like Napoli.

hah, definitely don't want to see Prandelli's team try to employ Napoli's tactics (I assume you were just showing your love for Christian, anyway), but the idea of tinkering with a hypothetical formation is appealing ... here's a potential hybrid using elements of Prandelli's concepts put through my own sieve of team selection and positioning ...


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::Cassano::::::::::::::::::Balotelli:::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::Rossi:::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::Montolivo:::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::Pirlo::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:Criscito:::::::::::::::::::::::::::Maggio:
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::^::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::|:::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::Chiellini::::::|::::::Barzagli:::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::|:::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::De Rossi:::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::Buffon::::::::::::::::::::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

hah, no dice!

http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/9656/xifioazzurriogbonna.jpg

he's the direct understudy to Chiellini ... I'd be very surprised if he wasn't selected for the EUROs ...

Nigerian soccer is run by idiots.

Prandelli won't pick suspended players ... and he can't pick players who aren't playing ... somehow Prandelli needs to be convinced to pick Balotelli on talent alone ... hmmm, I'm genuinely worried about his chances of being selected for the EUROs ...

He NEEDS to go, there shouldn't even be thoughts about it if he is fit, also watched a training video, Cassano seems good (Y)