The Azzurri Thread

[Filipower]

Nice one, but Cassano-Di Natale upfront is kind of meh.

 

[Xifio]

nice article (along with the other two he wrote, that he references) ... my favourite part is of course this:

For what it’s worth, Italy have developed a very clear and modern tactical identity under Prandelli. He has sought to replace the tradition of defensive, counter-attacking, opportunistic football with an attractive possession oriented game based around a 4-3-1-2 and a ‘rotating midfield square’ in which players with piedi buoni interchange positions so as not to give their opponents any reference points.

I've obviously been saying it for a while now, but most are reluctant to modify their antiquated notions (catenaccio? pfftt) ... and it's also the reason why I said in my previous post that have no problem with Prandelli continuing to use his favoured 4-3-1-2 ...

but if 3-5-2 has to be tried, Bonucci would not be involved in the ideal XI ... with him involved from the start, I don't think Italy's defence would be good enough to hold off the likes of Spain or Germany or Holland in knockout match ...

the only way I would play 3-5-2 is with De Rossi in the back 3 instead (so, L to R: Chiellini, De Rossi, Barzagli), Montolivo in place of Marchisio at LCM, Pirlo regista of course, Nocerino at RCM, and Balotelli partnering Cassano up front ... otherwise, stick with the program, Prandelli ...

 

[Filipower]

My kids won't know there ever were players called defenders.

 

[Xifio]

f*ck!!

 

[Arnau]

Italy to win the title and Juventus to be stripped of its Scudetto

 

[Mus]

Criscito is a big hit.

Still hoping to see a Gio - Toto - Mario forward line at some point

 

[Xifio]

Verratti and Destro would have been unknown jokers, but I don't really see what is being gained by taking Diamanti and Giaccherini ... guess you need motivated workhorses to keep the talented automatic starters from becoming complacent in training ...

anyway, surely a late change to call up Paolo de Ceglie (in lieu of Diamanti or Giaccherini) would have been worth it? with Mimmo out, the only genuine left wingback in the squad is Balzaretti -- Ogbonna is a left-footed CB, who can, like Chiellini, also play LB ... in hindsight, it may even have been worth talking to Diego Contento about playing for Italy, just to have had options ... oh well ...

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Contento wouldn't be worth it. Let the kid actually play for a club team before he gets an International callup.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

"I think I am a genius, but not a rebel," Balotelli told France Football. "I have my life, my world, I do what I want, without annoying anyone. I believe I am more intelligent than the average person."

 

[Rocky]

Let's give him the benefit of the doubt until someone tests his IQ.

 

[Xifio]

 

[Arnau]

Cassano is always laughting

 

[Mandieta6]

Guidos.

 

[Deisler]

http://www.calciomercato.com/calcio-germania/ogbonna-maxi-offerta-del-bayern-839012

Man that would probably be our best investment if there is any truth to that. Ogbonna the new Kuffour

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Saw this headline: "Monti wants Italian soccer halted for 2-3 years"

You and me both buddy.

 

[Xifio]

---

really looking forward to finally seeing what Prandelli has prepared ... at work, but gonna be taking an extra long lunch break to watch as much of this live as possible ... from what Prandelli said, he's going to try 2 different systems in the 2 halfs; I'm personally hoping that the preferred formation is this:

Buffon

Maggio
Barzagli
Chiellini
Ogbonna

De Rossi
Pirlo
Marchisio

Montolivo

Balotelli
Cassano


he better not split up Mario and Fantantonio, coz I will be pissed ...

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Lol

 

[Xifio]

was an excellent match ... Prandelli did what I wanted with the midfield and attack ... the Spain game will be a lot fun ...

Still hoping to see a Gio - Toto - Mario forward line at some point

did you see it?

 

[ShiftyPowers]

was an excellent match ... Prandelli did what I wanted with the midfield and attack ... the Spain game will be a lot fun ...

What are you thinking, 7-0?

 

[Mus]

did you see it?

Neg. It was my birthday so I was out and missed the game.... From what i've read online it was decent in the start then things started getting crazy and structureless with a mass amount of substitutions.

How was the trident? Horrible?

Heard the Napoli players + Montolivo had absolute shockers, especially Maggio vida facebook..