The Azzurri Thread

[Xifio]

the Fluminense game doesn't count as an actual friendly, but it was good to see Insigne shine, and Immobile prove that he's still sharp ... didn't change Prandelli's mind much though:

Tonights game:

(4-3-2-1): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti; Candreva, Marchisio; Balotelli.

Darmian the only new name in the starting XI for the England match ... can't wait for Saturday evening ...

 

[Xifio]

MDS confirmed out, Paletta in, Chiellini LB:

and news now of a possible injury for Buffon ... wtf ...

 

[Mus]

Ughhhhhhh at least woy will start welbeck and not sterling to kill Giorgio

 

[Sir Didier Drogba]

I am hearing Welbeck has a slight knock and is unlikely to play.

 

[Mus]

But he has to play Welbeck starting + someone dedicated to marking Pirlo and the game is ours

 

[Mandieta6]

I find it really weird that you use the 1st person while not being Italian.

 

[Sir Didier Drogba]

Balotelli could have a big world cup. Pirlo's job now seems to be to distract everybody whilst Marchisio scores. You shut down the game very well - back to the old Italy

 

[Mus]

I find it really weird that you use the 1st person while not being Italian.

Not via residence

 

[yoyo913]

Paletta had a solid match, no mistakes, made good decisions under pressure.

 

[Back Door Skip]

His only bad decision was to go with that horrible comb over instead of a buzz cut.

 

[Mus]

He's had a good season, much better than Bonucci

 

[Filipower]

Still, this has to be the worst or at least one of the worst Italian center back duos of all time in a major comp.

 

[MaSsiVe]

I remember Paletta at Liverpool...he was atrocious.

 

[ARIAGA II]

He was part of the defense that conceded 6 goals against Arsenal 4 of which came from Baptista.

 

[Mus]

Still, this has to be the worst or at least one of the worst Italian center back duos of all time in a major comp.

Bazagli is really good though, and Paletta is 3rd choice

 

[Xifio]

I enjoyed that win, despite the fear of fatigue leading to parking the bus towards the end ... fantastic for Mario to start the tournament by grabbing the winner ...

Still, this has to be the worst or at least one of the worst Italian center back duos of all time in a major comp.

yeah, I think so too ...

 

[Xifio]

refused to get out of 2nd gear against Costa Rica ... honestly, I didn't mind that approach, considering how even at that speed Balotelli could/should have buried the game long before it got out of hand ...

still only need a draw to qualify, but avoiding Colombia would have been nice ...

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Suarez is possessed, that draw is going to be tough.

 

[Mus]

It was obvious from a while back we'd lose/draw this, Uruguay will be a huge challenge..

 

[Xifio]

let's face it, the real reason Italy lost is because they were receiving support from the English, which is an instant curse at any international tournament ... now, they'll go back to calling the Italians "wankers", and normality will be restored ...