View Full Version : Italy
http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/9086/italyflag8qy.gif
Goalkeepers:
1 Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
12 Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio)
14 Marco Amelia (Livorno)
Defenders:
6 Andrea Barzagli (Palermo)
5 Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus)
3 Fabio Grosso (Palermo)
23 Marco Materazzi (Inter Milan)
13 Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
22 Massimo Oddo (Lazio)
2 Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo)
19 Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus)
Midfielders:
17 Simone Barone (Palermo)
16 Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus)
4 Daniele De Rossi (Roma)
8 Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan)
20 Simone Perrotta (Roma)
21 Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Forwards:
7 Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)
11 Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan)
15 Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese)
18 Filippo Inzaghi (AC Milan)
9 Luca Toni (Fiorentina)
10 Francesco Totti (Roma)
Reserves:
Morgan De Sanctis (Udinese)
Daniele Bonera (Parma)
Marco Marchionni (Parma)
Franco Semioli (Chievo Verona)
Dragonfly
08-05-2006, 21:24
I think Italy might be the new Spain - the big international disappointment.
Original?
08-05-2006, 21:27
Like they weren't already? At least Sweey has some good news.
I like Italy. Great individual players, poor team :(
pbchillin
08-05-2006, 22:14
We're going to win it. I really think we are going to do well, and you can see i'm all in shape with new avatar and sig, oh yea.
greenegg
08-05-2006, 22:15
Italy who?
I think Italy are in a good place going in to the World Cup, most of the title speculation and pressure has been directed elsewhere and yet there's a lot of skill there. I'm looking for Italy to sneak up on the competition a bit and get a good result. Who knows, if Toni or maybe Pippo gets hot, they might even have a shot at the title.
Dragonfly
08-05-2006, 22:31
I honestly think Italy could reach the semi-final. They're definitely good enough.
Luca Toni all the way babyyyy. 30 goals until now this season, well 1 game left anyway. Can't wait to see him on the big stage!
ive always liked Italy and Holland,But obviously England.But i reckon they will do well.
More Italy news: Aimo Diana will miss the World Cup through injury. He would've been one of the players that would conceivably get picked ahead of Mauro Camoranesi who, after his performance on Sunday against Palermo, seemingly won't possibly be able to miss out on the squad which is a shame. In fairness he had a good game, but we've got better players (i.e. Marchionni).
Anything but Camoranesi really.
We will done the same thing in passed world cup...so...we will eliminated early...but...we are the first to believe in this team....FORZA ITALIA!...not Berlusconi's partite :laugh:
Original?
10-05-2006, 00:15
I'd love to shoot the Argentinian prick...
Meh...i used to like Italy like a second team...but much prefer Holland now...
Lippi will name his Italy squad at either 3:30pm or 5pm UK time today (some discrepancy on that). However, Livorno goalkeeper Marco Amelia has told reporters that Lippi called him up last night to tell him that he is included whilst adding that Lippi told Cristiano Lucarelli the reasons for omitting him - something which the Italian media have been reporting this morning.
Hmm italy have a strong chane of winning imo there one of the top 3.
Btw like that avatar
Not sure about their chances. I'll await the full squad.
Marcello Lippi's full-squad
GK:
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus)
Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio)
Marco Amelia (Livorno)
DF:
Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus)
Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus)
Alessandro Nesta (Milan)
Fabio Grosso (Palermo)
Andrea Barzagli (Palermo)
Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo)
Marco Materazzi (Internazionale)
Massimo Oddo (Lazio)
MF:
Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus)
Gennaro Gattuso (Milan)
Andrea Pirlo (Milan)
Simone Barone (Palermo)
Daniele De Rossi (Roma)
Simone Perrotta (Roma)
F:
Francesco Totti (Roma)
Luca Toni (Fiorentina)
Alberto Gilardino (Milan)
Filippo Inzaghi (Milan)
Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus)
Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese)
Reserves:
GK: De Sanctis (Udinese)
DF: Bonera (Parma)
MF: Marchionni (Parma)
MF: Semioli (Chievo)
My views to follow soon, and well done TochaMan! ;)
5 forwards, can you lend Spain just 1? In all seriousness, are 5 forwards needed? what formation do you guys play now days?
I reckon Italy have great chances to get to the semis, maybe even the final. I just hope this game fixing scandal doesn't disturb the players too much.
5 forwards, can you lend Spain just 1? In all seriousness, are 5 forwards needed? what formation do you guys play now days?
We've picked 6 forwards ;)
We play 4-4-2, but invariably at least one more will be used as a substitute during a game.
I'm happy with the squad although I feel that Marchionni deserved Camoranesi's place. I am VERY happy that Tavano isn't included. To be honest, it is what everyone generally expected with perhaps the only talking point being Marco Amelia's inclusion as third-choice goalkeeper ahead of Udinese's Morgan De Sanctis. I expect the starting line-up to be:
GK: Buffon
RB: Zambrotta
CB: Cannavaro
CB: Nesta
LB: Grosso
CM: De Rossi
CM: Pirlo
CM: Gattuso
AM: Totti/Del Piero
CF: Gilardino
CF: Toni
Excellent team there Sweey....in wich team play Grosso? Is he good?
Excellent team there Sweey....in wich team play Grosso? Is he good?
Grosso plays for Palermo but is widely expected to move to Inter Milan this summer. He's a fairly solid player, but not the best at defending.
That's odd, an Italian defender who can't defend ;)
Quite a good starting eleven still, certainly has potential to go far....but Italy's has had more good teams in the past.
This time we have Gilardino to miss chances, instead of Vieri ;)
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/38091000/jpg/_38091198_vieri150.jpg
He doesn't look too happy ;)
My face doesn't even stretch that far :huh:
EDIT: Actually no, it just did.
I'm so glad he's injured, just a shame Aimo Diana is as well. He's a good midfielder.
To be honest, he never looks happy. Then again, there isn't much reason for cheering :tongue:
(his wife doesn't look too bad though>)
Lippi can leave at home..people like...Inzaghi,Gilardino,Baron e(Lippi don't know someone called Liverani...)...
Totti's isn't bad either ;)
Roscio, considering the formation being played, I don't think Liverani would work as well as De Rossi, Pirlo and Gattuso. You're right about him probably being better than Barone though. Gilardino and Inzaghi both deserve to go. Iaquinta is the one I don't agree with, he doesn't score enough goals and doesn't use his strength well enough.
I don't see Iaquinta....Lippi had take Iaquinta for world cup??...Oh shit...
I should take..........Rocchi :P
Rocchi, Lucarelli, Di Michele....these and plenty of others deserved it more than Iaquinta.
Materazzi is there instead of Bonera :no:
eeheh...I love Materazzi...it's a DOG! :laugh: ...if he don't take ball...he take leg :laugh: ...
eeheh...I love Materazzi...it's a DOG! :laugh: ...if he don't take ball...he take leg :laugh: ...
But then he gets a red card :huh: we've already got Totti getting sent off as it is.
I like him..because...it's only in his specie...fight...fight...every time...a Gladiator! ...i like this type of players ;)
The ones that elbow their opponents? :tongue: You must love Tacchinardi.
Tacchinardi...he's Juventino!...I hate him! :D
Tacchinardi...he's Juventino!...I hate him! :D
:laugh:
Lorenzinho
16-05-2006, 10:59
Claudio Gentile. He could fair give players a bash around. Zico once said that Gentile was the best defender he'd played against as he was so skilled at elbowing you in the ribs just as the referee turned away.
Dragonfly
16-05-2006, 11:04
That's a quality squad, but like Spain, they're lacking width. I guess it's gonna be 4-3-3 also.
I always fancy Italy to do well and this time is no difference, but they have baeen a disappointment lately.
The width will be provided only by the wing-backs, or Camoranesi if he is in central midfield. Apart from that, a lot of the width will have to be provided by the playmaker with the strikers making runs of various random shapes in order to try and open space up.
There is a derth of wingers in Italy which doesn't help much. That's why I wanted Marchionni, a man who can play on either wing, in the squad ahead of Camoranesi.
I said a while ago i expect Italy to reach the semis at least, i still stick by that. This could be the tournament when Italy and Spain finally perform to their best.
I said a while ago i expect Italy to reach the semis at least, i still stick by that. This could be the tournament when Italy and Spain finally perform to their best.
I get this horrible feeling that your statement will come back to haunt us. I'm expecting us to screw it all up again, despite the undoubted talent running through most of the team.
I havent kept up too well with serie a this year. But what about Di natalie I dunno if hes been good this season, but I would have thought he would have been included.
i dont know why iaquinta was in the squad i would have chosen lucarelli over him
Iaquinta is in because of his build - he's built like Toni and Vieri, but Vieri who has been even more useless than Iaquinta and was virtually guaranteed a place is injured. Lucarelli is of a similarish build, but I believe Lippi feels he won't be able to use Lucarelli as a target man the way he can with both Toni and Iaquinta.
Di Natale hasn't been too good this season, Di Michele has clearly outshone him as have others including Tavano who I never wanted in the Italy squad.
I get this horrible feeling that your statement will come back to haunt us. I'm expecting us to screw it all up again, despite the undoubted talent running through most of the team.
Yeah well look at the last few world cups. 1994, lost on pens in final, 1998, lost on pens to host nation and eventual winners,2002, lost to host nation after another game of dodgy decisions. There's always been a fine line for Italy, their luck may change.
i dnt think italy will screw up. they will definatly beat ghana, usa may be tricky but they will beat them,the czechs will be tough and i think they will probably draw with them
Coming back to convocation I can say that there are some problems...
1)In Midlefield there isn't someone who "jump" the opponent and cross in the middle area ;)
2)In attack we have copies...all central scorer...we must have a players that play wide....
3)Iaquinta is indecent!!
Is there even a word for "wide" in Italian?
Azz...I don't know..I wanted to say "ALA"...the real translation is Wing ;)
Azz...I don't know..I wanted to say "ALA"...the real translation is Wing ;)
Well, it isn't centrocampista ;)
Lorenzinho
16-05-2006, 20:27
2)In attack we have copies...all central scorer...we must have a players that play wide....
I disagree. Del Piero is more of a second striker. If we could somehow get Del Piero and Totti playing together and then Luca Toni upfront with Del Piero then we'd be fine.
It could/should look something like this:
-----------------------------Toni---------------
--------------Del Piero--------------------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------Totti-------------------
In most cases you'd expect the target man to be where Del Piero is but I'm trying to show that Del Piero would drop off, linking with Totti, whilst Toni makes his runs.
Potentially lethal.
I disagree. Del Piero is more of a second striker. If we could somehow get Del Piero and Totti playing together and then Luca Toni upfront with Del Piero then we'd be fine.
It could/should look something like this:
-----------------------------Toni---------------
--------------Del Piero--------------------------
------------------------------------------------
------------------------Totti-------------------
In most cases you'd expect the target man to be where Del Piero is but I'm trying to show that Del Piero would drop off, linking with Totti, whilst Toni makes his runs.
Potentially lethal.
Except for the fact that Del Piero is completly useless.
Except for the fact that Del Piero is completly useless.
This season he's been tremendous. And remember, I'm Mr Anti-Del Boy himself. I don't like him, but this season he has shown the form of old. However, the point most people seem to miss is that he is far, far more useful as a substitute. To that end, he can burn out when started.
Exactly. Useless isnt a word that can be used in combination with Del Boy.
I disagree. Del Piero is more of a second striker. If we could somehow get Del Piero and Totti playing together and then Luca Toni upfront with Del Piero then we'd be fine.
I haven't count Del Piero... :laugh: he's completely useless ;)
Is there even a word for "wide" in Italian? Pavarotti
Pavarotti
We have a winner!
Original?
17-05-2006, 15:14
Cracky I used to think you weren't half bad... then you made that comment.
Del Piero and Totti together do not work they both play in the same hole, they get in each other's way and prevent each other from shining. As for Del Piero being most effective as a substitute I don't agree. As long as he doesn't get burnt out from playing every week as Capello has him do, he would be fine. There's no reason he can't start he can make just as much impact, see the Juventus vs. Fiorentina game where he netted the vital equaliser from a half chance, he was on from the beginning. Without that goal AC Milan could have caught up.
Cracky I used to think you weren't half bad... then you made that comment.
Del Piero and Totti together do not work they both play in the same hole, they get in each other's way and prevent each other from shining. As for Del Piero being most effective as a substitute I don't agree. As long as he doesn't get burnt out from playing every week as Capello has him do, he would be fine. There's no reason he can't start he can make just as much impact, see the Juventus vs. Fiorentina game where he netted the vital equaliser from a half chance, he was on from the beginning. Without that goal AC Milan could have caught up.
Moggi had it all sorted :tongue:
I'll have to tredge through the Juventus thread and find which game it was when he impressed me so much. If I could then get highlights I could show people what I mean.
pbchillin
17-05-2006, 17:37
If it interest anybody, maybe for your pes5, Italy Squad numbers:
1. Gianluigi Buffon
2. Cristian Zaccardo
3. Fabio Grosso
4. Daniele De Rossi
5. Fabio Cannavaro
6. Andrea Barzagli
7. Alessandro Del Piero
8. Gennaro Gattuso
9. Luca Toni
10.Francesco Totti
11.Alberto Gilardino
12.Angelo Peruzzi
13.Alessandro Nesta
14.Marco Amelia
15.Vincenzo Iaquinta
16.Mauro Camoranesi
17.Simone Barone
18.Filippo Inzaghi
19.Gianluca Zambrotta
20.Simone Perrotta
21.Andrea Pirlo
22.Massimo Oddo
23.Marco Materazzi
You can find all here when announced, only some have been so far.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup_(squads)
I like Italy. I think that they have a pretty good team and they can make it at least to the quarters.
Cracky I used to think you weren't half bad... then you made that comment.
Del Piero and Totti together do not work they both play in the same hole, they get in each other's way and prevent each other from shining. As for Del Piero being most effective as a substitute I don't agree. As long as he doesn't get burnt out from playing every week as Capello has him do, he would be fine. There's no reason he can't start he can make just as much impact, see the Juventus vs. Fiorentina game where he netted the vital equaliser from a half chance, he was on from the beginning. Without that goal AC Milan could have caught up.
Well the fact is when I've seen him play he's been rather average, but maybe Iv'e just seen him on his bad days. But the fact that he still doesnt start reguarly for Juve, even with Ibrahimovic's pathetic form, says it all.
He is undoubtly a shadow of the player he was before his injuries. Which is unfortunate as he was rather good once.
Oh and he's never really performed at the big international tournaments either.
Well the fact is when I've seen him play he's been rather average, but maybe Iv'e just seen him on his bad days. But the fact that he still doesnt start reguarly for Juve, even with Ibrahimovic's pathetic form, says it all.
He is undoubtly a shadow of the player he was before his injuries. Which is unfortunate as he was rather good once.
Capello doesn't like Del Piero so that's partly to do with it. Basically it works like this: If I'm saying something good about Del Piero, either he actually did magnificently or the world is going to end straight after I finish my sentence. I truly believe I am his biggest ever critic...and he deserves it every single time.
And no, he's never performed for Italy at tournaments as you've just added. This is his last chance to do so I believe. Will he? Bloody hope so!
Lorenzinho
23-05-2006, 16:12
http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.asp?hlid=388853&CPID=4&clid=119&lid=8&title=Beckenbauer:+Italy+will+ struggle
What an utter cockmuncher. He's obviously jealous that we raped his country sideways with a rusty brush the last time we met. Fanny.
http://home.skysports.com/worldcup/article.asp?hlid=388853&CPID=4&clid=119&lid=8&title=Beckenbauer:+Italy+will+ struggle
What an utter cockmuncher. He's obviously jealous that we raped his country sideways with a rusty brush the last time we met. Fanny.
I agree....(BarnDoor, is that you?!)
Marco Tardelli has responded similarly to Beckenbauer's claims. Let them say what they want about the state of Italian football, I couldn't care less. The only stupid part was when people were calling for Lippi to step down a couple of days ago. He's got no reason to do that and I'm glad he's been given backing.
sukhy2004
26-05-2006, 15:19
I have quite a good feeling about Italy this summer. With their attack, Toni, Gilardino & Totti, they can destroy any team in the world, with a rock solid defence & a classy midfield Italy have what it takes to go all the way this summer & I throughly expect them to win the World Cup.
I have quite a good feeling about Italy this summer. With their attack, Toni, Gilardino & Totti, they can destroy any team in the world, with a rock solid defence & a classy midfield Italy have what it takes to go all the way this summer & I throughly expect them to win the World Cup.
Rock solid defence? What rock solid defence?? Apart from Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro and Buffon there isn't much in defence. The reserves are not up to an acceptable standard, they're simply the best of what's left. Totti is ridiculously inconsistent for the national side as is Del Boy. I'm expecting Toni to do well but Gilardino is hit-and-miss for me when he's not a lone striker.
Classy midfield? Pirlo gets too easily overrun and he's going to be starting so Gattuso is going to have to put twice as much work in. If Camoranesi is given the nod ahead of De Rossi as I now expect, we're going to have two plonkers in midfield instead of just Pirlo.
Confidence is nice but expecting us to win the World Cup is nothing more than a dream. Especially with Materazzi lurking in the background :no:
I agree....(BarnDoor, is that you?!)
Marco Tardelli has responded similarly to Beckenbauer's claims. Let them say what they want about the state of Italian football, I couldn't care less. The only stupid part was when people were calling for Lippi to step down a couple of days ago. He's got no reason to do that and I'm glad he's been given backing.
I thought he said Italy will struggle because of the Mogg/Juve scandal, it's a fair point by Der Kaiser.
Although, I'm getting really tired of Franz these days. Can't open a newspaper or watch a Worldcup related program on TV without him predicting the chances of Trinidad and Tobago. I really couldn't give a fuck, as his prediction skills are equal to to a cardboard.
If it interest anybody, maybe for your pes5, Italy Squad numbers:
You can find all here when announced, only some have been so far.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2006_FIFA_World_Cup_(squads)
Grazie, bello.
I thought he said Italy will struggle because of the Mogg/Juve scandal, it's a fair point by Der Kaiser.
Although, I'm getting really tired of Franz these days. Can't open a newspaper or watch a Worldcup related program on TV without him predicting the chances of Trinidad and Tobago. I really couldn't give a fuck, as his prediction skills are equal to to a cardboard.
The dude knows probably as much about modern day football as Pele.
Zambrotta has an injury :(...
Gianluca Zambrotta must undergo tests after he pulled up with a muscular problem during today’s Italy test.
“I hope it’s nothing serious,” said the Juventus full-back. “It was a normal move, I just stretched a little too far and felt the muscle pull.”
The defender was taking part in this morning’s match against San Gimignano when he limped off with the left thigh injury.
“It’s certainly a muscular problem, but not due to tiredness or my fitness levels. Quite simply, the muscle didn’t hold up.”
This has been a troubled season for Zambrotta, who has suffered a series of muscular injuries, and the Azzurri medical staff are on red alert just weeks ahead of the World Cup opener against Ghana on June 11.
The entire Italy squad will have 24 hours off to vote in local elections, but Zambrotta is taking no chances.
“I will stay at the training camp tomorrow for treatment. I want to participate in the tournament and therefore look after my body. I don’t feel like travelling to much at the moment.”
Today’s friendly tests also saw Francesco Totti in fine form with one of his trademark chipped goals.
“I called my book ‘Now I’ll chip the ‘keeper’, so I had to try it,” joked the Roma captain. “This rest day comes at just the right time, as it has been an intensive week. We’ll be charged up for the two friendlies against Switzerland and Ukraine.”
Did you know? At the World Cup finals in Italy in 1990 the average goals per game was the lowest in the history of the tournament (a measly 2.21).
Looking forward to seeing Gilardino in action, should be interesting to see how he does.
Original?
29-05-2006, 00:16
Did you know? At the World Cup finals in Italy in 1990 the average goals per game was the lowest in the history of the tournament (a measly 2.21).
Did you know keeping pointless facts to yourself is appreciated in most circumstances.
Did you know keeping pointless facts to yourself is appreciated in most circumstances.
:laugh:
Nesta also limped out of the game Zambrotta was injured in - a 10-0 win over a Florence based amateur team with Gilardino hitting five, Inzaghi three and Totti one. Not sure about the other goalscorer.
Lorenzinho
29-05-2006, 10:23
Nesta out aswell? It just keeps getting worse and worse.
Did you ever get that way where you really thought it could be a certain team's year then something like this happens and your hopes start to steadily disappear until you actually start considering Trinidad and Tobago for the World Cup?
Looks as though both Nesta and Zambrotta will be absolutely fine although Zambrotta probably won't play in the first warm-up match with Switzerland. Personally I'd rest him for the game against Ukraine as well, Nesta too.
pbchillin
29-05-2006, 20:36
Looks as though both Nesta and Zambrotta will be absolutely fine
Good news, just hope noone else gets a knock or injury during the build up games.
Zambrotta is out of the opening game with Ghana (big blow in my opinion as we've no other full-back anywhere near as solid or cultured when going or forward).
Interesting that in the match with Switzerland, Lippi has decided to start with both Del Piero and Totti and seemingly pick only one striker - Gilardino expected to play ahead of Toni.
A 1-1 draw with Switzerland who were much better tonight. Del Piero and Totti together didn't work, but nor did the strange experiment of Iaquinta and Toni. Grosso picked up an injury and Zambrotta is already known to be definitely out of the Ghana game and possibly the USA game too. If Grosso's injury is bad enough, we don't have a left-back for the opening match. As suspected, Nesta didn't play so it was nice (sarcasm there) to find out Materazzi is third-choice centre-back if Nesta or Cannavaro are suspended/injured for a game.
----To me best knowledge Italy should line up like this
--------------Toni
-------Gila
------------------------
--Camoranesi-------?
----------Pirlo
---------------Gattuso------
Zambrotta------------------
---------Fabio-Nesta----?
---------------------------
-------------Gigi
--------------Toni----Gilardino-----------
------------------Totti------------------
------------------------------Camoranesi
-----------Gattuso----Pirlo---------------
Zambrotta*------------------------------
-------------Cannavaro--Nesta--Barzagli*
-----------------Buffon------------------
*Oddo can replace Barzagli at right-back or Grosso can play at left-back with Zambrotta at right-back (meaning both full-backs will be equally advanced). In the above system, the left-back will get forward more than the right-back.
Original?
31-05-2006, 22:03
--------------Toni----Gilardino-----------
------------------Totti------------------
--------Pirlo----Gattuso----De Rossi-------
Grosso--------------------------Zambrotta
-----------Cannavaro--Nesta------------
-----------------Buffon------------------
Would be my preferred formation, but I find Sweey's more likely.
I prefer yours as well Original? but this is Lippi (aka Camoranesi's long-lost father) that we're dealing with.
News (and it isn't good):
Nesta is struggling with the same thigh muscle that saw him limp out of the friendly match a week ago and was substituted for this same reason against Ukraine. Lippi has also hinted that Daniele Bonera may replace Zambrotta in the World Cup squad. That would be a massive blow to the team.
Ugh. I just have to pray that I don't have to watch Camoranesi play in the World Cup. :(
Gennaro Gattuso is out for 15 days and is probably going to be replaced. More bad news :no:
TochaMan!
07-06-2006, 17:19
Gennaro Gattuso is out for 15 days and is probably going to be replaced. More bad news :no:
Look on bright side, Sweey: now De Rossi might finally crack the starting line-up ;)
Unless he cracks his body in some way first :huh:
He was certainly cracking other people's bodies in that last match :huh:
Just trying to even up the score I'm sure ;)
He was certainly cracking other people's bodies in that last match :huh:
Well, he is a replacement for Gattuso? :D
Damn, seems as Italy are going through wars or something.......
I'm sure nearly every team has lost at least one player from their origional World Cup squad.
Lorenzinho
08-06-2006, 12:24
Ah jings almighty. Things like this can sometimes help a team in a strange and indirect fashion. We shall see...
Perrotta is favourite to replace Gattuso - not De Rossi which is strange.
Original?
08-06-2006, 16:42
Perrotta is favourite to replace Gattuso - not De Rossi which is strange.
Hopefully he was already in the starting line-up instead of Camoranesi ;)
Bonera has been sent home so Zambrotta won't be leaving the squad. The expected line-up for the Ghana match tomorrow night is:
Buffon
Zaccardo :no:
Nesta
Cannavaro
Grosso
Pirlo
De Rossi
Camoranesi
Totti
Gilardino
Toni
Well, thankfully dirty Camoranesi was dropped and we started with the far more useful and determined Perrotta.
It was a decent performance but there are many things to fix, not least getting people (Grosso and Gilardino in particular) to look UP when they're in the box. Toni could've had a bloody hatful instead of Grosso trying to shoot from a stupidly acute angle and Gilardino trying to drive the ball between the goalkeepers legs when Toni is standing unmarked to his left. The decision to replace Totti with Camoranesi was a poor one - Del Piero should've come on. We could still have gone 4-4-2 with Perrotta down the right and Del Piero down the left. He prefers playing up-front but I think he'd rather play on left wing than not play at all.
Zaccardo was far better than he normally is but Grosso struggled with the defensive aspect of his game which isn't the biggest surprise - Zambrotta is needed back urgently. Pirlo looked strong for once - and needed to be against Essien and Appiah who were the two most impressive Ghana players for me. When Ghana were making mistakes at the back we should have capitalised - other teams aren't going to give us so many chances to score. Nice to know that Totti isn't badly injured as he was starting to control the game prior to his substitution.
Lippi isn't happy with Grosso - which is a good thing:
Marcello Lippi concedes he was unhappy with Fabio Grosso's performance against Ghana and explained the Simone Perrotta pick.
"The match went exactly as we expected it to. We knew Ghana would have something more than us in certain areas of the field, especially the midfield, but that we had other qualities that could make the difference. These showed themselves over the 90 minutes," he said after the 2-0 victory in Hanover.
"I was very happy with the performance and not remotely disappointed! Our midfielders managed to almost always close them down and prevent any real chances."
The Coach made a couple of surprising choices for his starting XI, with Francesco Totti and Perrotta of Roma pushing out Alessandro Del Piero and Mauro Camoranesi, but Totti limped off with a bruised calf.
"Totti has a bruise, nothing more, and I was very pleased with his fitness levels. I was already set to replace him with another midfielder when he got that injury, so it was fortuitous. It's something I always do - ending the game with an extra man in the middle."
Perrotta's inclusion was unexpected, but proved a good choice, as he ran tirelessly in midfield and was one of Italy's best players on the night.
"For the past two or three days I have been considering this option, as I had injuries to contend with, but I've seen him on fine form in training and had already decided to play Perrotta."
The one issue Lippi had with the overall performance was the lack of pressure coming from Palermo full-back Fabio Grosso, who was on due to Gianluca Zambrotta's injury.
"I had told Cristian Zaccardo to defend a little more and Grosso to push forward, but he was kept back by Ghana's attacks and couldn't come out as much as I would've liked. Everyone played well and I was impressed by the reaction of the bench, as they all lived through this experience with great enthusiasm."
The next match is against the USA on June 17 and Zambrotta could well be fit for that tie. The pressure is on the Americans, who lost 3-0 to Group E leaders the Czech Republic.
"You enjoy the celebrations of this match, but the next game is already in my mind. We'll have a half-day of rest and at least the first test has been passed. The Czech Republic are a very impressive side and they are run mainly by the midfield, though I think Milan Baros will come in and change their tactics slightly."
I was surprised with shithead Camoranesi coming on as well. That tackle on Iaquinta was gruesome and worth a red card, just after he called offside.
Yeah I agree with that but the offside overrules it - at least Kuffour didn't do it when he had the chance to do so for Iaquinta's goal.
Well, the ref can give a red/yellow card after he calls for halftime for example? He can even give a red card to subs! I think it's strange that it would/could be overruled.
I was wondering what would happen - its dangerous and deserves a red as the player could've been badly injured but at the same time the call was made. We won though, that's what counts. Iaquinta isn't injured either. He might even start the next game :huh:
pbchillin
13-06-2006, 10:52
Nice result, Grosso looked a bit dodgy, and we were quite wasteful in front of goal. To be fair Camoranesi played quite well when he came on.
What did people think of Toni last night? I thought he looked like Italy's main attacking threat. Main reason i ask is cos he's in my dream team ;)
I thought he did very well and was lively. He took up good positions, used his physique well and deserved to score when he hit the underside of the crossbar. If Grosso and Gilardino would LOOK UP when they're in the box, Toni could easily have had two.
Yeah. I said weeks ago i thought Italy would reach the semis at least. Nothing happened last night to change my mind. Cannavaro and Nesta is probably the best centre back pairing in the competition. Only thing lacking is a bit of pace going forward. If Totti is back to 100%, that could make up for it though. I think they'll comfortably beat USA now, winning the group will be crucial with Brazil waiting for the runners up, most probably.
Italy's defence had trouble with Ghana's unpredictable attacking patterns. I hope for Italy's sake Zambrotta can show why he is the best leftback around.(Next to Gio, of course ;) ) Given though, Cannavaro was quality.
Italy will meet someone from Brazil's group, and they(Brazil) are bound to win their group, so Italy better do that too or they will meet Brazil.
Can't see us beating the Czechs unless some of the problems highlighted last night are fixed quickly. I fully expect a tough match from the USA. Bruce Arena isn't an idiot and will quickly rectify the problems they encountered against the Czechs. Not so sure Ghana will do the same. I just hope the Czechs struggle with Ghana's physical power. Nedved will be going down for the entire game, clutching his leg and crying in pain as he always does.
Italy should have no troubles with the USA
Jan Koller is fit to play for the Czechs against us but will miss the Ghana game beforehand. Whether they'll risk him from the start remains to be seen.
Original?
13-06-2006, 11:56
To be fair Camoranesi played quite well when he came on.
No he didn't, every time they got the opportunity to break Camoranesi stopped with the ball and wasted the chance. He is also a dirty little batard!
I was waiting for that Original? :laugh:
Ever moment he got the ball and a Ghanese was running behind him, my fantasy took a run with me ;)
(And Camoranesi would run and break every bone)
Italy will meet someone from Brazil's group, and they(Brazil) are bound to win their group, so Italy better do that too or they will meet Brazil.
Hope we finish second so we can give the Brazilians an early exit ;)
Seriously, Italy-Brazil would be my dream final.
Azurri players against Ghana:
Buffon - Stopped the few shots that Ghana got on target. Made a vital save when Ghana got their best opportunity with an Essien half-volley. Played it safe when the ball was played back to him, and his long balls were okay for the most time. Good consistent performance, that showed us that we can once more rely to Gigi if we are going to be in trouble.
Zaccardo - Hardly made an impact on the right. Seemed lost at times in the first half, thank god he gathered some focus to play better in the second half. His often left his man unguarded and some of his attacking decisions were pretty bad. Hope Zambrotta is back when we play against the US. Although Zaccardo might still get a start as Grosso played even worse yesterday.
Nesta - Good game from Nesta, nothing spectacular though. I guess it's always a good game for center backs when you don't concede any goals. Some good interceptions, and his opening passes were pretty good throughout the game, especially in the first half when Italy played more attackingly. Connected well with Cannavaro, which has not always been so self-evident.
Cannavaro - Great game for the Italy capitain. Lead the defense as usual, never made a mistake. Cleared the ball when he had to, and left much of the playmaking to Nesta when he had the time to play the ball.
Confident in his interceptions, and he didn't leave any doubts in headers either. Overall a very good start of the tournament to the Italian central defence. Both Nesta and Cannavaro looked very good.
Grosso - Not too many positive things to say about Grosso's performance really. His defending was unsure (better than Zaccardo's at times though), and his attacking lacked serious pace. Didn't make crucial errors, but didn't impress me either.
Perrotta - Didn't rise to his usual standards yesterday. Didn't really leave a mark in 90 minutes. I guess he did his job okay, but you couldn't really see him on the pitch. Made a good pass to Gilardino at the early stages, but Gila hit the post. Had a very good scoring opportunity when played through by De Rossi, but made a bad decision with his shot. Needs to make more of an impact, although I believe Gattuso will take his place when he gets fit.
De Rossi - Had a pretty good game in my opinion, although the start seemed quite slow with him. His passing game was pretty solid, and his positioning was often spot on. Matched the physical Ghana midfield outfit with his tackles, and showed he has the guts to take on anyone. Helped Pirlo with the defensive side of the game, and also played a good through ball to Perrotta after a nice interception. Made some good tackles, but unfortunately got a yellow card. I still waited more from him and Perrotta working together.
Pirlo - Player of the game at least according to Fifa. Had his moments, the goal was a very nice shot, and some of his passes were spot on as usual. One of his best matches in months, but he can still do better. Did his defending job surprisingly well without Gattuso. His passing was safe when needed but sometimes I feel Pirlo's playmaking slows down the game too much.
Totti - Admitted himself he wasn't going to be 100% fit, but Lippi decided to play him. Probably a good decision as Totti as always a morale boost to his team. Had a good free kick in the first half from about 35 metres, but some of his through passes left a lot to be desired. Hopefully he can reach his full potential as the tournament procedes.
Gilardino - Gilardino's performance was quite the picture of his spring campaign. Had some good chances but he ust couldn't score. Bad luck or bad skill? Maybe both. We know he can score, but he needs to get back on form. Connected well with Toni a few times.
Toni - Well everyone was expecting a goal from the Serie A top scorer, and he nearly scored. Should have got his foot in the way of Perrotta's pass in the first half. Later on he showed his best skills as he won the ball lifted up by Gilardino, and hit the crossbar with a clean shot. Although he didn't score in the game, he showed some dangerous moments, an I believe Lippi will have faith in him.
Subs:
Camoranesi - Played for over half an hour (still over half an hour too much) and performed better than in 90% of his games for Juve during last season. Made some good interceptions, and got a yellow card (Surprise!). His dribbling was appauling, but overall his performance was a lot better than I had expected.
Iaquinta - Played an awfully lot better than Gilardino, and scored after a good pressure on Kuffour. Received a horrible tackle from the Ghana defender, but came back to the pitch after a while and scored. Made some good runs, and was a constant threat to the tired Ghana squad.
On Ghana: Had some problems with organising both the attack and the defence. Some horrible tackles, especially by Kuffour on Iaquinta (should have been red carded even though the ref had already blowed the whistle :angry:) and Essien on many occasions.
I can't see EPL games, but if that's what Essien has done all season, I cannot understand why anyone rates him at all. Without outstanding players by his side like Malouda, Juninho, Lampard and Makelele he is nothing!
Original?
13-06-2006, 14:01
Buffon - Stopped the few shots that Ghana got on target. Made a vital save when Ghana got their best opportunity with an Essien half-volley. Played it safe when the ball was played back to him, and his long balls were okay for the most time. Good consistent performance, that showed us that we can once more rely to Gigi if we are going to be in trouble.
Zaccardo - Hardly made an impact on the right. Seemed lost at times in the first half, thank god he gathered some focus to play better in the second half. His often left his man unguarded and some of his attacking decisions were pretty bad. Hope Zambrotta is back when we play against the US. Although Zaccardo might still get a start as Grosso played even worse yesterday.
Nesta - Good game from Nesta, nothing spectacular though. I guess it's always a good game for center backs when you don't concede any goals. Some good interceptions, and his opening passes were pretty good throughout the game, especially in the first half when Italy played more attackingly. Connected well with Cannavaro, which has not always been so self-evident.
Cannavaro - Great game for the Italy capitain. Lead the defense as usual, never made a mistake. Cleared the ball when he had to, and left much of the playmaking to Nesta when he had the time to play the ball.
Confident in his interceptions, and he didn't leave any doubts in headers either. Overall a very good start of the tournament to the Italian central defence. Both Nesta and Cannavaro looked very good.
Grosso - Not too many positive things to say about Grosso's performance really. His defending was unsure (better than Zaccardo's at times though), and his attacking lacked serious pace. Didn't make crucial errors, but didn't impress me either.
Perrotta - Didn't rise to his usual standards yesterday. Didn't really leave a mark in 90 minutes. I guess he did his job okay, but you couldn't really see him on the pitch. Made a good pass to Gilardino at the early stages, but Gila hit the post. Had a very good scoring opportunity when played through by De Rossi, but made a bad decision with his shot. Needs to make more of an impact, although I believe Gattuso will take his place when he gets fit.
De Rossi - Had a pretty good game in my opinion, although the start seemed quite slow with him. His passing game was pretty solid, and his positioning was often spot on. Matched the physical Ghana midfield outfit with his tackles, and showed he has the guts to take on anyone. Helped Pirlo with the defensive side of the game, and also played a good through ball to Perrotta after a nice interception. Made some good tackles, but unfortunately got a yellow card. I still waited more from him and Perrotta working together.
Pirlo - Player of the game at least according to Fifa. Had his moments, the goal was a very nice shot, and some of his passes were spot on as usual. One of his best matches in months, but he can still do better. Did his defending job surprisingly well without Gattuso. His passing was safe when needed but sometimes I feel Pirlo's playmaking slows down the game too much.
Totti - Admitted himself he wasn't going to be 100% fit, but Lippi decided to play him. Probably a good decision as Totti as always a morale boost to his team. Had a good free kick in the first half from about 35 metres, but some of his through passes left a lot to be desired. Hopefully he can reach his full potential as the tournament procedes.
Gilardino - Gilardino's performance was quite the picture of his spring campaign. Had some good chances but he ust couldn't score. Bad luck or bad skill? Maybe both. We know he can score, but he needs to get back on form. Connected well with Toni a few times.
Toni - Well everyone was expecting a goal from the Serie A top scorer, and he nearly scored. Should have got his foot in the way of Perrotta's pass in the first half. Later on he showed his best skills as he won the ball lifted up by Gilardino, and hit the crossbar with a clean shot. Although he didn't score in the game, he showed some dangerous moments, an I believe Lippi will have faith in him.
Subs:
Camoranesi - Played for over half an hour (still over half an hour too much) and performed better than in 90% of his games for Juve during last season. Made some good interceptions, and got a yellow card (Surprise!). His dribbling was appauling, but overall his performance was a lot better than I had expected.
Iaquinta - Played an awfully lot better than Gilardino, and scored after a good pressure on Kuffour. Received a horrible tackle from the Ghana defender, but came back to the pitch after a while and scored. Made some good runs, and was a constant threat to the tired Ghana squad.
I agree with this for the most part, only things I might suggest is that Iaquinta has received more praise than he deserved, let's not forget that by the time he was playing up front he had a lot more space as Ghana pushed forward. I also think that you've failed to give Toni quite enough praise, his movement up front was fantastic as usual and only due to a lack of vision by supporting players did he fail to score.
Camoranesi is also over praised, admittedly he did play better than we may expect, but let us not forget exactly how bad we expected him to play! He doesn't deserve to wear an international shirt, much like Owen Hargreaves.
Most I agree with(again), only De Rossi being an exception. Sometimes his tackling brought Italy in danger(didnt he psuh that Ghana guy down in the box?) and sometimes his tackles were purely focused on the legs, like in the openingg 10 minutes or so where he cut this guy down on the edge of the box.
Most I agree with(again), only De Rossi being an exception. Sometimes his tackling brought Italy in danger(didnt he psuh that Ghana guy down in the box?) and sometimes his tackles were purely focused on the legs, like in the openingg 10 minutes or so where he cut this guy down on the edge of the box.
The tackle in the box was great in my opinion, he played play on the edge though. It was very rough and Italian. :laugh:
The tackling was sometimes risky I agree. De Rossi should have learned better when he played with Emerson :D Rule number one: Always cut down the guys early enough.
Camoranesi is also over praised, admittedly he did play better than we may expect, but let us not forget exactly how bad we expected him to play! He doesn't deserve to wear an international shirt, much like Owen Hargreaves.
I didn't think I could ever over praise Camoranesi, as I hold real disgust towards him these days. He did his job this time (for once), but let's just hope that was all we are going to see of him in this summer :laugh:
And yeah, I agree that Toni played well. I probably didn't make that clear enough. I really hoped he would score as he was very active throughout the match.
It was a great game last night I though. Although Ghana weren't as crap as maybe thought I still think that Italy dominated mainly.
Maybe some of your views will contrast, but I though the defence played a very solid game, the best defencive performance I have seen in this World Cup so far.
It wasn't all about the defence though, the attack played well also, although maybe it just wasn't clicking for a few of the moves, there was still some great play.
Toni looked powerful, great play in the build up to his strike which hit the bar, a great bit of skill, very unlucky.
The side also looked well prepared and organised, set pieces especially seemed to work very well, and resulted in the opener, also made a great chance for Totti.
I was very impressed with Italy, and I still think they can play better.
Media reports in Italy suggest that Alessandro Del Piero expected to play the Ghana match and is now pissed off with Lippi having only been given the final ten minutes or so. He also kicked out at an opponent during a warm-up match if the reports are to be believed. Lippi tried to speak to hmi and he walked off. Sounds more like Totti...
Alessandro Del Piero "flattened" a Duisburg player on the training field at Meidrich, from the team that played a mini-game won 4-0 by the Italians, raising cheers among those present.
Jeremy_u2
14-06-2006, 11:29
Media reports in Italy suggest that Alessandro Del Piero expected to play the Ghana match and is now pissed off with Lippi having only been given the final ten minutes or so. He also kicked out at an opponent during a warm-up match if the reports are to be believed. Lippi tried to speak to hmi and he walked off. Sounds more like Totti...
Sounds like C. Ronaldo.
Original?
14-06-2006, 12:15
Media reports in Italy suggest that Alessandro Del Piero expected to play the Ghana match and is now pissed off with Lippi having only been given the final ten minutes or so. He also kicked out at an opponent during a warm-up match if the reports are to be believed. Lippi tried to speak to him and he walked off. Sounds more like Totti...
To be fair to him if I'd been second best to Camoranesi I'd have gone home, cried and attempted to kill myself. In all seriousness though, this doesn't sound much like Del Piero, though flattening a German always brings a smile to my face.
Two teams used in training yesterday (not sure which goalkeepers were used in each team).
Team one: Zaccardo, Materazzi (wtf?), Nesta, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Totti, Inzaghi, Gilardino.
Team two: Oddo, Barzagli, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, Barone, Gattuso, Del Piero, Iaquinta, Toni.
That is obviously leading to some rumours that Inzaghi will come in for Toni in attack while Zambrotta is expected to start this evening as he is now fully fit. Hmm...
ahmadhussein88
17-06-2006, 10:34
Italy Vs USA
what all ur comment?
do the result win in big score like argentina last nite or just 1-0?
give more commment
http://www.soccerfeast.com
Two teams used in training yesterday (not sure which goalkeepers were used in each team).
Team one: Zaccardo, Materazzi (wtf?), Nesta, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Totti, Inzaghi, Gilardino.
Team two: Oddo, Barzagli, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, Barone, Gattuso, Del Piero, Iaquinta, Toni.
That is obviously leading to some rumours that Inzaghi will come in for Toni in attack while Zambrotta is expected to start this evening as he is now fully fit. Hmm...
That first team cannot be our starting line-up, if Lippi hasn't gone totally mad.
Materazzi over Cannavaro would be just pure madness, as our capitain was one of our best players against Ghana.
I believe Lippi might start Inzaghi over Gilardino, and Gattuso over Perrotta.
I think he'll start Zambrotta but will put Gattuso on the bench and bring him on in the second half. Gilardino needs to rediscover his form quickly - the fact he failed to score a single European goal for Milan this season was a major concern nobody really picked up on. I'd like to see Inzaghi start but I won't be too unhappy if Gilardino does. Iaquinta-Toni would be a mistake.
I think he'll start Zambrotta but will put Gattuso on the bench and bring him on in the second half. Gilardino needs to rediscover his form quickly - the fact he failed to score a single European goal for Milan this season was a major concern nobody really picked up on. I'd like to see Inzaghi start but I won't be too unhappy if Gilardino does. Iaquinta-Toni would be a mistake.
Good point there. We all know Gila can score, but the question is why he doesn't do that? He just needs his form back. I think Lippi should play Inzaghi today, and if he scores he should also play against The Czech.
Iaquinta and Toni is impossible, as they are very similar players. I believe Lippi knows that too.
Two teams used in training yesterday (not sure which goalkeepers were used in each team).
Team one: Zaccardo, Materazzi (wtf?), Nesta, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Totti, Inzaghi, Gilardino.
Team two: Oddo, Barzagli, Cannavaro, Grosso, Camoranesi, Barone, Gattuso, Del Piero, Iaquinta, Toni.
That is obviously leading to some rumours that Inzaghi will come in for Toni in attack while Zambrotta is expected to start this evening as he is now fully fit. Hmm...
Materazzi? :huh:
Original?
17-06-2006, 15:47
Toni is our best powerful forward, with Iaquinta his under-study. At the moment I'd try Inzaghi ahead of Gilardino, but again they're too similar to play together, in the same way you wouldn't play Totti and Del Piero together.
Final training session:
Buffon, Zaccardo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, De Rossi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Totti, Gilardino, Toni.
Zaccardo worries me a lot.
Expected team for the Czech game (we can't afford to rest anyone):
Buffon, Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Grosso, Gattuso, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Totti, Gilardino, Toni.
Original?
18-06-2006, 13:19
Expected team for the Czech game (we can't afford to rest anyone):
Buffon, Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro, Grosso, Gattuso, Pirlo, Camoranesi, Totti, Gilardino, Toni.
Ah... excellent... fucking hate the guy, shame it was Perrotta who took the knock and not Camoranesi, and that it wasn't in the face... and with a shotgun.
De Rossi will be sentenced (yes, you read that right) by FIFA on Friday. Luciano Spalletti has tried to defend him, De Rossi has tried to say he always jumps like that and Lippi, Gattuso and Albertini have all given De Rossi a bollocking. The nicest warning came from Lippi who basically said De Rossi won't have an international career if he doesn't eliminate that disgraceful behaviour from his game.
Some ex-managers have said that Luca Toni should be dropped and replaced by Filippo Inzaghi. I don't agree. It would be great to see Inzaghi but Toni has done nothing wrong.
Lippi also admitted his decision to put Iaquinta on was a mistake - like we couldn't tell at the time he did it!
Nothing definite but it appears that we will definitely play Buffon in goal behind a back-four of Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro and Grosso. The question then is whether we play a three-man midfield with a playmaker or four midfielders with Totti up-front supporting either Toni, Gilardino or Inzaghi.
Don't make any mistakes Lippi...usually when the media want one thing and the coach wants another - and does it - we go out. Remember Trapattoni? He's not allowed back in the country after what he did :ninja:
I think that Toni and Iaquinta would be a pretty good partnership to try out as I think they would work well with eachother.
EDIT: Here's the team,
Italy
01 G Buffon
19 G Zambrotta
05 F Cannavaro
13 A Nesta
03 F Grosso
16 M Camoranesi
21 A Pirlo
20 S Perrotta
08 G Gattuso
10 F Totti
11 A Gilardino
I must say i've expected more from Toni so far. He did ok against Ghana but last game he was disapointing. Maybe a bit harsh. Czechs have Ujfalusi suspended so their defence won't be full strength, maybe today he'll show his quality.
EDIT just seen he's on bench, oh well :(
Lippi doesn't have enough faith in 4-3-1-2 which is something to worry about - but on a different day. 4-4-2 with Totti and Gilardino in attack which I think could work well but Totti is the key man and Camoranesi needs to make sure he DOES NOT act like De Rossi did. He's bloody capable of it. Argentine twat.
Original?
22-06-2006, 14:56
Camoranesi needs to die... get it right.
We won. All we needed to do. Camoranesi is useless, Totti played well for an hour and then starting being a twat trying to score the perfect goal. Pirlo's run into the box was superb - can't believe Inzaghi missed - but all in all we've done our job.
Australia, if we play them next, will run through the team if the same system is played. Guus Hiddink knows what he's doing and has already knocked us out in 2002. Fucking hate them and him - more than I hate Camoranesi.
We won. All we needed to do. Camoranesi is useless, Totti played well for an hour and then starting being a twat trying to score the perfect goal. Pirlo's run into the box was superb - can't believe Inzaghi missed - but all in all we've done our job.
Australia, if we play them next, will run through the team if the same system is played. Guus Hiddink knows what he's doing and has already knocked us out in 2002. Fucking hate them and him - more than I hate Camoranesi.
Yeah, Totti atempted to chip all the time, when he should have just blasted it. Camoranesi should have scored (or at least worked the keeper) from the corner, but all in all, Italy was solid and deserved to win and march on.
I really felt bad though, because I wanted the Czech's to go through, but oh well.
Gatusso made me laugh. I don't know if he was happy or upset when he went and celebrated with Lippi.........I'm sure Lippi looked a bit scared :laugh: .
Yeah, Totti atempted to chip all the time, when he should have just blasted it. Camoranesi should have scored (or at least worked the keeper) from the corner, but all in all, Italy was solid and deserved to win and march on.
I really felt bad though, because I wanted the Czech's to go through, but oh well.
Gatusso made me laugh. I don't know if he was happy or upset when he went and celebrated with Lippi.........I'm sure Lippi looked a bit scared :laugh: .
I wanted to see another replay :laugh: Lippi looked pissed off afterwards..it was Gattuso celebrating ;)
I wanted to see another replay :laugh: Lippi looked pissed off afterwards..it was Gattuso celebrating ;)
My bad, I always get mixed up with the t's and s's in Gattuso's name.
Yeah, Lippi had that "what the hell is wrong with him" look on his face :laugh: .
Any news on Nesta? Will he play the next game?
TochaMan!
22-06-2006, 17:42
We won. All we needed to do. Camoranesi is useless, Totti played well for an hour and then starting being a twat trying to score the perfect goal. Pirlo's run into the box was superb - can't believe Inzaghi missed - but all in all we've done our job.
Australia, if we play them next, will run through the team if the same system is played. Guus Hiddink knows what he's doing and has already knocked us out in 2002. Fucking hate them and him - more than I hate Camoranesi.
HEY! NO BRASIL x ITALY IN SECOND STAGE :) Sorry to not answer you in my MSN but i went to lunch a delicious Italian dish to celebrate :laugh:
My opinion:
- Camoranesi is truly useless.
- Totti played well for someone who is clearly not match fit yet. And dont pick on him because of the lobs he tried :no: We won anyway ;)
- Inzaghi is a lot more efficient than Iaquinta. Even counting that ridiculous header he missed.
- Grosso is still awful. Perrota too.
- I hope Pirlo keeps playing at this level :D
- The defense is still looking great.
- Australia or Croatia wont be able to push Italy out the WC. For me, Italy is already in the quarter-finals.
HEY! NO BRASIL x ITALY IN SECOND STAGE :) Sorry to not answer you in my MSN but i went to lunch a delicious Italian dish to celebrate :laugh:
My opinion:
- Camoranesi is truly useless.
- Totti played well for someone who is clearly not match fit yet. And dont pick on him because of the lobs he tried :no: We won anyway ;)
- Inzaghi is a lot more efficient than Iaquinta. Even counting that ridiculous header he missed.
- Grosso is still awful. Perrota too.
- I hope Pirlo keeps playing at this level :D
- The defense is still looking great.
- Australia or Croatia wont be able to push Italy out the WC. For me, Italy is already in the quarter-finals.
What if Austrailia win by a lot and Brazil lose???? ;) .
HEY! NO BRASIL x ITALY IN SECOND STAGE :) Sorry to not answer you in my MSN but i went to lunch a delicious Italian dish to celebrate :laugh:
My opinion:
- Camoranesi is truly useless.
- Totti played well for someone who is clearly not match fit yet. And dont pick on him because of the lobs he tried :no: We won anyway ;)
- Inzaghi is a lot more efficient than Iaquinta. Even counting that ridiculous header he missed.
- Grosso is still awful. Perrota too.
- I hope Pirlo keeps playing at this level :D
- The defense is still looking great.
- Australia or Croatia wont be able to push Italy out the WC. For me, Italy is already in the quarter-finals.
I think Australia can give Italy problems if they play eachother, Australia have played well so far, they were unlucky against Brazil but if Australia play well against Italy they can probably sneak a 1-0 win
TochaMan!
22-06-2006, 17:53
What if Austrailia win by a lot and Brazil lose???? ;) .
Ok. And hell will frozen over just after that :mellow: To Australia get the first place, it has to win, hope for a Brasil loss (...) and take out the 3 goal difference that Brasil has over them. 100% it wont happen ;)
That ponytail! Only Baggio can pull that off Camoranesi, you twit.
There are certain players that you wish broken legs on, Camoranesi and Materazzi are two of them.
Nesta is definitely out of the next game - so Materazzi is in :huh:
That ponytail! Only Baggio can pull that off Camoranesi, you twit.
Classic :lol:
Original?
22-06-2006, 20:39
That ponytail! Only Baggio can pull that off Camoranesi, you twit.
How dare you swear in the a sentence in which you utter the divine one? :angry:
Italy v Australia is bad news for Italy because of one man - Guus Hiddink. He is a tactical genius and has shown that with his win over Italy when in charge of South Korea as well as the Champions League games between PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan. To say I'm worried is an understatement. I wanted Croatia to win - firstly because I can't stand Australia when it comes to football and secondly because I believe Croatia to be the weaker team.
I thought the game earlier was good for Italy, they didn't play very well but they grounded the result out, which they are probably the best team at doing that in the competition.
I thought Gattuso was good as he kept Nedved and Rosicky reasonably quiet with some good, quick closing down. Also Zambrotta was good giving Italy a lot of width. Totti was a passenger for the whole game I wanted to see Iaquinta or Toni brought on for him. But in the end it was good enough for Italy as they topped the group which was important.
shadow0_0
23-06-2006, 06:14
Italy v Australia is bad news for Italy because of one man - Guus Hiddink. He is a tactical genius and has shown that with his win over Italy when in charge of South Korea as well as the Champions League games between PSV Eindhoven and AC Milan. To say I'm worried is an understatement. I wanted Croatia to win - firstly because I can't stand Australia when it comes to football and secondly because I believe Croatia to be the weaker team.
Makes me wonder what have we done to deserve this?
Original?
23-06-2006, 13:22
Makes me wonder what have we done to deserve this?
Australia are a very dirty side... sorry 'physical side'. ;)
Does anyone know if Nesta is going to be fit for the game against Australia?
Original?
23-06-2006, 13:39
Does anyone know if Nesta is going to be fit for the game against Australia?
Nesta is definitely out of the next game - so Materazzi is in :huh:
A few posts above.
Oh sorry I didn't see that yesterday.
Kill them Lippi, kill thme all.
The tension is getting to Marcello Lippi, who insulted journalists in tonight’s Press Conference and said he welcomes a struggle to beat Australia.
The debate over which system the Italy boss will use, whether a 4-3-1-2 or the 4-4-1-1 used against the Czech Republic, has been raging in the media for several days and it seems the pressure is getting to the Coach.
“I will not give you the line-up,” he slammed. “It’s not a personal issue, but I just don’t want to give my opponents an advantage. I think 90 per cent of Coaches take this approach and you know nothing about Australia’s plans, because Guus Hiddink has hidden his training sessions from you. And you can stop calling me at the hotel at night to ask for information. You’re shameful. If you’re going to be such scumbags, then I’ll start doing the same.”
Lippi almost seemed as if he was about to walk out of the conference, but also turned his ire towards Australia Coach Hiddink – the man who took South Korea to a shock win over the Azzurri in 2002. He said today that this match was “like David and Goliath.”
“That was a very sneaky thing for the Dutchman to say,” noted Lippi. “In modern football, there is no longer such a thing. He played the same trick in Korea and it went well, so now he’s trying again.”
Italy are considered the favourites against the Socceroos, who have never been this far in a World Cup before, but Lippi is aware of the problems they gave Australia, Croatia and Japan in the group stage.
“We have to keep winning and to do that we need luck, grit, quality and the ability to suffer. When you struggle and at the end go through, that means you did particularly well, because you have beaten a strong team.”
Several of the Italy players, including Simone Perrotta and Francesco Totti, have compared Australia to the United States side that held them to a 1-1 draw, but Lippi isn’t convinced.
“The Australians are a very different creature in attack. They have one striker who holds up the ball, they go on the counter-attack, use the wide men and play with a lot of enthusiasm: just like their Coach. Hiddink is a smart man with great knowledge of football. He knows how to motivate his men tactically and psychologically. If anything, I hope we can learn from the lessons of the US game, as we have to close down the spaces.”
Francesco Totti scored a fine goal in training this evening, in which he lined up with Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino. “Will Totti play tomorrow? Come to the stadium tomorrow and you’ll see.”
Italy were originally set to play Monday’s match in their white away strip, but FIFA decided this evening that they will run out in blue. The only difference from the previous games will be white socks.
Italy (Probable): Buffon; Zambrotta, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Grosso; Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso; Totti; Toni, Gilardino
We must win! :realmad:
Totti has been dropped. This is the team for the Australia game:
Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso, Gattuso, Perrotta, Pirlo, Del Piero, Gilardino, Toni.
I feel another Korea coming on.
Shhhh...Don't Speak about shitty korean...and remember,that match was fully tiefed ;)
FORZA ITALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
I don't. Australia don't have home field advantage and dodgy decisions going there way. I can see it going extra time with Italy winning then. 2-1 i think.
Toni better not score, i just dropped him from my dream team :erm:
Totti has been dropped. This is the team for the Australia game:
Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso, Gattuso, Perrotta, Pirlo, Del Piero, Gilardino, Toni.
Ooh! Del is on :happy:
Hope Materazzi can be as useful as he was in his last game (highly unlikely though).
Shhhh...Don't Speak about shitty korean...and remember,that match was fully tiefed ;)
FORZA ITALIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Can i talk about North Korea or is that banned as well?
I feel another Korea coming on.
I feel Austrailia's luck coming to and end at the feet of Toni.
Can i talk about North Korea or is that banned as well?
Ehi,I'm just joking...you should now what happened 4 years ago with the Korea...South Korea! ;)
I feel Austrailia's luck coming to and end at the feet of Toni.
Great! :D ...today is the day of Luca!!
Ehi,I'm just joking...you should now what happened 4 years ago with the Korea...South Korea! ;)
Great! :D ...today is the day of Luca!!
I'm only joking with you mate.:D Seriously i think Italy will comfortably beat Australia. The Aussies will find the Italian defence too much to break down. Italians are the masters of defending.
The Aussies will find the Italian defence too much to break down. Italians are the masters of defending.
Sure!...The DOG Materazzi will play :laugh:
Australias attack has no chance of breaking down Italy's defence in my opinion. They couldn't even get too many decent chances against the Brazilians shaky defence. It might be a tough game anyway, as Italy can always fuck things up by playing too defensivly. Note that Australia's strong point isn't really playing posession.
I'm going to watch the match...FORZA ITALIA!
shadow0_0
27-06-2006, 05:07
Australia are a very dirty side... sorry 'physical side'. ;)
All the whole, we are physical but not dirty (we don't dive as much for a start ;)) I have this theory the physical nature comes from influence from sport like rugby and AFL.
If you look at games we played, you see we dont go out and hurt people.
AgentZero
27-06-2006, 08:07
dirty...dirty is all i can explain it.
Original?
27-06-2006, 12:13
You are a dirty team, you don't often break the rules but you often bend them to their limit. I also don't think you'd be able to note a single dive until Materazzi was wrongly dismissed, I'm not condoning diving but it's a little more understandable. As for Australia not diving, Viduka can go down easily for a guy of such stature. Bresciano's fall for Materazzi's was rather dramatic don't you think?
shadow0_0
27-06-2006, 20:58
It really makes me wonder what people mean by dirty. Compare with what I have seen in this world cup, I have to say we are pretty decent.
As for Viduka, never like him but he has a tough job in the squad. He does flop a bit but he mostly holds his position. Dont forget he often has two defenders wrestiling him.
Bresciano - absolutely. He was milking it. 2 less body roll will be better. But that is the only one in the game.
I agree that there was no dive before the dismissal but that does not warrant it. Does the end justift the mean?
Original?
27-06-2006, 22:02
It really makes me wonder what people mean by dirty. Compare with what I have seen in this world cup, I have to say we are pretty decent.
As for Viduka, never like him but he has a tough job in the squad. He does flop a bit but he mostly holds his position. Dont forget he often has two defenders wrestiling him.
Bresciano - absolutely. He was milking it. 2 less body roll will be better. But that is the only one in the game.
I agree that there was no dive before the dismissal but that does not warrant it. Does the end justift the mean?
As I've said many times, Italy deserved to win it's just a shame that they eventually won by that penalty and not by scoring one of the excellent opportunities.
Anyone else think Inzaghi deserves more chances? This obsession with bringing Iaquinta on is doing my head in. If Toni and Gilardino aren't able to convert chances, surely Inzaghi is the best option?
Clearly not :mellow:
As I'm sure everyone knows, Nesta is out of the Ukraine game through injury and Materazzi is suspended (no shocks there then) so Fabio Cannavaro is likely to be partnered by Andrea Barzagli who needs to take this chance to show Italy have good central defenders other than Cannavaro and Nesta - which I'm not sure is actually the case. I think Cannavaro was always going to be charged with stopping Shevchenko though as he's done it before.
Vincenzo Iaquinta has picked up an injury in training today so Inzaghi might get some time on the pitch on Friday.
Yeah i agree about Inzaghi. He's more of a threat than Iaquinta, could cause Ukraine defenders some problems if he played. I guess he isn't used much because of his age maybe.
4-4-1-1: Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Grosso, Gattuso, Pirlo, Perrotta, Camoranesi, Totti, Toni.
I think we should've stuck with 4-3-1-2 but if we win I don't think I'll care. The only reason 4-3-1-2 hasn't worked is because the strikers have finished poorly.
Good goal by Zambrotta, they can still win the Cup, play germany in semi-final then a Possible (if Brazil lost) France or Portugual. Italy are a great team and would be the top team in europe and one of the top teams in the world if they stopped diving which they dont need with their skill and ability (match fixing)
Gianlucaaaaa Zambrottaaaaaa!!!!!
I think the keeper really should have done better with Zambrottas goal, he seemed to just give up halfway through the dive as if he thought it was going wide.
I know Ukraine have done great to get this far but there just not good enough to be competing at a quarter final. I thought they were better than they actually are. Italy to get another in 2nd half, 2-0.
Ukraine just have to go to all out attack and hope for the best, they could steal a goal and then go back to there normal style. Or they could get hit on the counter attack and conceed a goal or two. But it is no use just staying how they are at the moment because they will never get back into the match.
Lucaaaaaaaa Toniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiii!!!!!!!!
GREAT SAVE BY BUFFON!!!!...and Toni scores!..2-0
TONIIIIIII...3-0...Great Italy tonight ;)
Original?
30-06-2006, 21:29
Excellent Toni deserves his goals, his work has been great all tournament and has been ever so unlucky not to have been rewarded earlier.
Told you lot weeks ago Italy would reach the semi's ;)
They've improved as the tournament has progressed, Germany will be favourites but Italy have the best defence and best centre back (Cannavaro) in the competition. Bloody Toni, has to score once i've got rid of him in my dream team :angry:
Great win. :D
Zambrotta and Rino had great a great game. All players played well, Buffon had some good saves, best keeper in the world, as I have said for ages. ;)
That little Totti clip was great. :laugh:
I've been disapointed by Toni's perfromances up till now because after scoring 31 goals in Serie A i was expecting a lot from him in the World Cup, i thought he will be scoring a lot of goals but he hasnt so far. Now that he has scored 2 goals today his confidence will go up and hopefully he will score more goals
Lorenzinho
30-06-2006, 22:51
Good result.
I have a few points to make:
- Camoranesi is mince. End of.
- Perrota has been absolutely fantastic. He seems to be playing a more attacking role and I feel that it suits him very well indeed.
- Cannavaro has been our best player by a substantial distance. Let's hope he can maintain this level of performance going into the semi final on Tuesday.
I've been disapointed by Toni's perfromances up till now because after scoring 31 goals in Serie A i was expecting a lot from him in the World Cup, i thought he will be scoring a lot of goals but he hasnt so far. Now that he has scored 2 goals today his confidence will go up and hopefully he will score more goals
He hit the bar against Ghana, forced a good save from Schwarzer and missed other chances. It was a confidence thing and with two goals today hopefully that is at least partially resolved.
A great performance, though I was concerned at our inability to kill Ukraine off in the first-half and also by the way we started the second half. Zambrotta was magnificent once more, as was Cannavaro. Barzagli played superbly. Just a shame Camoranesi screwed up moves once more.
Luca Toni = Paolo Rossi.
FORZA ITALIA!!!!!
Gennaro Gattuso = Marco Tardelli? :mellow:
Fabio Cannavaro = Franco Baresi.
Its 1982 all over again.
Baresi wasn't there was he? ;)
The Italian media have been flogging the "Just like '82" line for the last week :lol:
Luca Luca LUCA TONI!!!! Semi-finals here we come! :happy:.
And Lorenzino i completely agree with everything you said.
Lorenzinho
30-06-2006, 23:19
The bloody Italian media. Why can't they refrain from opening their jinxing bloody mouths? Grrr.
I swear they'll jinx us, the bastardos.
I agree with you. They need to leave that alone and just keep quiet.
Lorenzinho
01-07-2006, 00:21
Oh. I forgot to mention...
I thought Totti was very good tonight. Some of his touches were genius to say the least and he looked really up for it. Again, let's hope he keeps it up.
Good result.
I have a few points to make:
- Camoranesi is mince. End of.
- Perrota has been absolutely fantastic. He seems to be playing a more attacking role and I feel that it suits him very well indeed.
- Cannavaro has been our best player by a substantial distance. Let's hope he can maintain this level of performance going into the semi final on Tuesday.
Completely agree with that. I thought this guy was just there to help out the defence, but he is up and down. I noticed that he did notch up a few goals for Roma near the end of the season too. But he has been one of Italy's unsung heroes in this tournament.
It was great to see the Toni celebration at the Big Stage. I like it, not as much as the Violinist(I was so happy to see that in the USA game), but still great to see.
I wanted Sheva to get a goal so bad, when he spun the defenders at the end, I was so excited, referee spoilt the fun though.
Totti looks like he has got a lot of confidence from that penalty he scored. He had such a good game today compared to the last 2 games, he could go on to play a big part for Italy in the rest of the tournament.
Some random stuff mainly related to yesterday:
- Totti seems to be getting back to his best form, this was the first game he actually looked like Totti, not like Frank "I can't pass" Lampard.
- Fabio Cannavaro has been the best player of the tournament so far, no doubt about that.
- Gigi is still number one! Great great game by him.
- Barzagli's marking leaves a lot to be desired, hope we can get Nesta back.
- Zambrotta was just fantastic. One goal + one pass from the right back. Not a bad game really.
- Zambrotta was just fantastic. One goal + one pass from the right back. Not a bad game really.
He also blocked a shot off the line so he saved a goal aswell.
Fabio Cannavaro = Franco Baresi.
Its 1982 all over again.
Yes it is. There is even a match fixing scandal affecting Serie A, like there was in the beginning of the 80's.
Nesta is almost certainly out of the semi-final with Germany. One would hope that Barzagli would keep his place ahead of Materazzi who is available after suspension.
DUISBURG, Germany, July 2 (Reuters) - Italy defender Alessandro Nesta is almost certain to miss Tuesday's World Cup semi-final against Germany because of a groin injury, the team's spokesman said on Sunday.
Nesta missed Italy's 1-0 second round win over Australia and their 3-0 triumph over Ukraine in the quarter-final due to the injury which he picked up during the final group game against the Czech Republic.
"His chances of playing are very remote," said Italian Football Federation spokesman Antonello Valentini, adding that the player had undergone further tests on Saturday.
Inter Milan defender Marco Materazzi, who missed the Ukraine match due to suspension, is likely to return to the starting lineup although Andrea Barzagli, who deputised well in the quarter-final, is another option open to coach Marcello Lippi.
Nesta has missed games through injuries in all three World Cups he has participated in and was absent for Italy's second round defeat to co-hosts South Korea four years ago.
Would you and others rather have Barzagli playing instead of Materazzi then? He did look good against Ukraine but wasn't really tested. Materazzi played very well against Australia before the sending off.
Would you and others rather have Barzagli playing instead of Materazzi then? He did look good against Ukraine but wasn't really tested. Materazzi played very well against Australia before the sending off.
Every time Materazzi plays, you can't guarantee he won't do something stupid and get sent off. It is always risky to start with Materazzi in case he has one of those moments. He did well against both the Czechs and Australians but we're talking about a World Cup semi-final - is it worth the risk?
Every time Materazzi plays, you can't guarantee he won't do something stupid and get sent off. It is always risky to start with Materazzi in case he has one of those moments. He did well against both the Czechs and Australians but we're talking about a World Cup semi-final - is it worth the risk?
Yeah good point. Especially against the Germans, you can't afford to go a man down.
Nesta won't play...but Materazzi is an excellent "reserve" ;) ...
Damn, how long is Nesta out?
Lorenzinho
03-07-2006, 09:23
I have to say Materazzi has surprised me a lot. He's done ok so far, but chanches are, as you've all said, he's the kind of player to do really well then get sent off. NOT what we need against ze Germans.
I hope that Italy do beat Germany because I don't like Germany after they knocked out Argentina, Browski did that 'shhh' thing with his finger which started that brawl.
Hope Gattuso and Cannavaro will carry on their spectacular form and knock Germany out.
Lorenzinho
03-07-2006, 09:30
I hope that Italy do beat Italy because I don't like Germany after they knocked out Germany, Browski did that 'shhh' thing with his finger which started that brawl.
Hope Gattuso and Cannavaro will carry on their spectacular form and knock Germany out.
The single, most confusing post I've ever read. :)
Germany's press continue to attack the italian football and society...continue to write bullshits like this:
"It will be an hell"...
...mah...I hope we win 4-0...then I want to see what will say the press ;)
I hope we don't respond to it in the media. I didn't like Gattuso responding to the heavy criticism of Italian culture - I'd have preferred it if he had waited until the tournament is over.
I hope that Italy do beat Italy because I don't like Germany after they knocked out Germany, Browski did that 'shhh' thing with his finger which started that brawl.
Hope Gattuso and Cannavaro will carry on their spectacular form and knock Germany out.
What? :huh:
The single, most confusing post I've ever read. :)
Haha, Im thinking the same thing, mate. Must've been drinking...
... Anyway, I have four Italians in my Fantasy team so, c'mon Italy, beat the Germans.
Germany's press continue to attack the italian football and society...continue to write bullshits like this:
"It will be an hell"...
...mah...I hope we win 4-0...then I want to see what will say the press ;)
It's not only the Germans though, the Italian football organization has pointed out some things like Frings behaving badly, now the FIFA is bac investigating the whole incident ;)
What? :huh:
Haha, Im thinking the same thing, mate. Must've been drinking...
... Anyway, I have four Italians in my Fantasy team so, c'mon Italy, beat the Germans.
You mean the Metro.co.uk thingy?
You mean the Metro.co.uk thingy?
Yep. Im just above Original? And dont you even mouth off about how high up you are, punk :happy:
Yep. Im just above Original? And dont you even mouth off about how high up you are, punk :happy:
I've shot up the table in the last two rounds :shocking:
I've shot up the table in the last two rounds :shocking:
What position do you sit at now? Im 18th now, Ive shot up quite a bit myself. I had forgot to change players in my team (i.e Nesta and others who went out in the groups) But my teams looking alright now.
I'm up in 2nd place now, with Toni, Totti and Pirlo in my team I could do with Italy beating Germany by a few goals as I am 13 points off 1st place.
What position do you sit at now? Im 18th now, Ive shot up quite a bit myself. I had forgot to change players in my team (i.e Nesta and others who went out in the groups) But my teams looking alright now.
I'm near the top :huh:
I'm near the top :huh:
Happy days, Sweey. How many changes have you made to your team? Ive made 15 changes, which has seen my rake in some points recently. I reckon that my downfall was having too much faith in Ronaldinho (Being afraid to take him out, incase he comes to life) But ah well.
I can only finish as high as like 15th more or less. Ill win the next one in four years time, mark my words.
It has just been anounced that Torsten Frings will be suspended for the semi-final so Germany will lose one of their best players this tournament.
Happy days, Sweey. How many changes have you made to your team? Ive made 15 changes, which has seen my rake in some points recently. I reckon that my downfall was having too much faith in Ronaldinho (Being afraid to take him out, incase he comes to life) But ah well.
I can only finish as high as like 15th more or less. Ill win the next one in four years time, mark my words.
I've made quite a few - probably in the region of 15-20. As with you, it has helped me rake in the points, especially in the last two rounds.
Frings being out could be an advantage to Germany...
Our media had say:
Italians accept this(and smiles) and we will re-pay the critics with the goals :D
I've made quite a few - probably in the region of 15-20. As with you, it has helped me rake in the points, especially in the last two rounds.
Frings being out could be an advantage to Germany...
I can see where your coming from, Frings being out means that Borowski will probably come in and he is a good passer of the ball and is a big presence in the midfield.
Just had to take Frings out of my fantasy league team but it is good news because I saw that Maniche was available for the same amount so I got him instead.
Damn, how long is Nesta out?
I don't think we'll see him again in the tournament. He's been trying to recover from injury too quickly and broke down in training this morning.
EDIT: Just seen confirmation that Nesta has been ruled out of the World Cup.
Lorenzinho
03-07-2006, 21:07
Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has promised to play his natural game in the World Cup semi-final against Germany on Tuesday.
The Milan star would miss the final in Berlin on July 9 if he is booked in the match against the host nation.
However, Gattuso insists he will go into the game not thinking about the possibility of being booked as he bids to help the Azzurri reach their first World Cup final since USA 94.
"I would be happy for Italy to play in the final without me," he said.
"I won't think about the yellow card because if I do, I won't play as I normally do."
Gattuso knows the importance of a place in the World Cup final after relative failures in their last two major tournaments.
Italy failed to make the quarter finals in both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 but the 28-year-old is confident Marcello Lippi's men have the ability to lift the World Cup on Sunday evening.
"Unlike in Korea and Portugal, we have the coach and are more compact," he added.
"This allows us to achieve results even if we are not at 100%.
"I know our fellow countrymen want something big and we must win especially for ourselves and the people in Italy.
"This national team reflects our coach, he is a leader, a strong personality. What I like about him is the willingness to prepare for matches.
"I hope he stays with us when we are world champions."
Great. Our own bloody players are jinxing us. Not WHEN...if!
Also...
Italy midfielder Mauro German Camoranesi is doubtful for the semi-final clash with Germany.
Camoranesi picked up a leg injury in last Friday's quarter final win over Ukraine.
The Juventus winger has been forced to miss Italy's last two training sessions and he is undergoing intensive treatment on the injury.
Italy coach Marcello Lippi is keen to have Camoranesi available for Tuesday's clash and will give him until the last minute to prove his fitness.
Massimo Oddo stands by to replace Camoranesi in the side if the Juventus man fails to shake off the injury.
Italy are also likely to be without Alessandro Nesta for the game as he struggles with a groin problem.
Marco Materazzi is expected to return to the starting XI after being suspended for the Ukraine clash.
Yay. Camoranesi possibly out.
Only downer is Materazzi is most likely in in place of Nesta.
What is Gattuso doing?! Before the Ukraine game he said he wouldn't speak to the press so that we stayed in. Now he can't stop himself!
Lorenzinho
03-07-2006, 21:12
What is Gattuso doing?! Before the Ukraine game he said he wouldn't speak to the press so that we stayed in. Now he can't stop himself!
What d'you mean by "stayed in"?
What d'you mean by "stayed in"?
He hadn't spoken to the press during the group stage and we qualified. He's a bit superstitious so felt that if he didn't speak to the press about the Ukraine game we'd qualify. Why he's now changed his line of thought I don't know.
Lorenzinho
04-07-2006, 01:02
Oh dear God. The Germans, what are they doing?
Anybody hear about them resorting to pure name calling to taunt us? They've been calling us "Spaghettis", "Maccaronis" (amongst others) and have also decided to boycott pizza. They've also been calling us "parasites" and "slimey.
http://soccer.sportsnet.tsn.ca/news_story/?ID=367&hubName=main (Parasite article, loving Nesta's comment)
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul1b.html (Gattuso's response, loving his take too)
http://it.sports.yahoo.com/03072006/2/mondiali-bild-boicottare-pizza.html Pizza boycotting article, if you can read Italian then yay!)
Completely and utterly pathetic. They'd been making fun of how Italians used to be known for being poor and working hard for low pay. My dad walked 5 miles to school in the snow with no fucking shoes on, and as you can tell, he took great offence.
Pathetic.
Oh dear God. The Germans, what are they doing?
Anybody hear about them resorting to pure name calling to taunt us? They've been calling us "Spaghettis", "Maccaronis" (amongst others) and have also decided to boycott pizza. They've also been calling us "parasites" and "slimey.
http://soccer.sportsnet.tsn.ca/news_story/?ID=367&hubName=main (Parasite article, loving Nesta's comment)
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jul1b.html (Gattuso's response, loving his take too)
http://it.sports.yahoo.com/03072006/2/mondiali-bild-boicottare-pizza.html Pizza boycotting article, if you can read Italian then yay!)
Completely and utterly pathetic. They'd been making fun of how Italians used to be known for being poor and working hard for low pay. My dad walked 5 miles to school in the snow with no fucking shoes on, and as you can tell, he took great offence.
Pathetic.
Yes,they have completely disappointed to me... :(
Gattuso:
“I don’t know if the editor of Der Spiegel has some sort of problem because he got beaten up by an Italian as a child or his wife has been cheating on him with an Italian Stallion. I can’t explain it otherwise!"
:laugh:
Gattuso:
“I don’t know if the editor of Der Spiegel has some sort of problem because he got beaten up by an Italian as a child or his wife has been cheating on him with an Italian Stallion. I can’t explain it otherwise!"
:laugh:
I thought Lippi said that
It was definitely Gattuso as I was having a good laugh when I read it on Sunday ;)
It's going to be very tough tonight, they definately have the upper hand (they being Germany, Upper hand being Fan Support/Stadium in Germany etc.) But i think we will win, But it will be very close.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991640.stm
Their predicting Gilardino to come in for Camoranesi going back to their 4-3-1-2 formation. I thought 4-4-1-1 with Totti behind Toni worked quite well against Ukraine. There aren't any other right sided midfielders that could come in i guess.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991640.stm
Their predicting Gilardino to come in for Camoranesi going back to their 4-3-1-2 formation. I thought 4-4-1-1 with Totti behind Toni worked quite well against Ukraine. There aren't any other right sided midfielders that could come in i guess.
I feel that the 4-4-1-1 invites pressure on our defence although I'm not saying 4-3-1-2 is necessarily the right formation. Even turning up seems risky tonight :ninja:
I think 4-4-1-1 is better suited for Totti as he doesn't have to worry as much tracking back to help the midfield, can just concentrate on attacking and picking out Toni. I think you have a decent chance tonight, still one hell of a tough team to beat or even score against. Still fancy Germany though;)
As I predicted a day or two ago:
Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Grosso, Perrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi, Totti, Toni.
Will we go out to the hosts for the third successive World Cup?
Me and a few of my friends have got a sweepstake for this game, each person picks a player from each team and puts £2 into the pot. £16 for the winner, I got Totti and Klose so I am pretty happy.
I think Italy will win 3-0.
Lorenzinho
04-07-2006, 19:44
There aren't any other right sided midfielders that could come in i guess.
The exact reason why we should've brought Marchionni.
I'm over the moon but I don't want to celebrate, not going to go overboard.
A fantastic match, I can't explain how I'm feeling but like the players, we have to keep our feet on the ground.
vBulletin® v3.8.2, Copyright ©2000-2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.