Gli Azzurri - La Nazionale, Italy National Football Team

milanator · Sep 7, 2012

yagami7gnr said:
Tactically, Italy needs an alternative-support to Pirlo. Quite frankly, he is the little engine that could; however, if he gets injured Italy is for the wc-consecutive embarrassment of their life. Diamanti in this game showed how average he really is. Youth injection maybe needed plus a proper trequartista next to the forwards.

I think Pirlo can be compensated with a mid of Motta, De Rossi, Montolivo and a movement-player, I´m not saying this is going to be a 100% compensation, but we should get away with it.
Diamanti is creative, but overal he is not good enough, he is a good joker in the last minutes when the pace of the game slows down, therefore I can understand him being called up.
If Italy develops a winger like Camoranesi, 4-3-3 would be nice, such a player would add enough width to alow somebody like giovinco, Balo or Rossi to play on the other wing, but two of them would be to narrow in my opinion.
I think 4-3-1-2 is still the best atm, although we lack a real treq, but better than a 3-5-2 wit ? on the wings.

SpartanMilan · Sep 7, 2012

Italy needs to work on integrating Verratti so they have a vice Pirlo.

due to the lack of a real CAM, I think they should stick to the 3-5-2 or 4-3-3.

Abate has experience at RWB when he was in Torino and played well at the role, so he might be the next guy to get a chance there since Maggio seems over the hill. Schelloto also could be an option there, as well as De Sciglio if he continues to perform.

On the left side I think it is time for Italy to call up Contento, he has said he would rather play for Italy then Germany and he fits the role. Give him the chance, plus he has experience at the highest levels, which will be good for the team as a whole.

Kasoka · Sep 7, 2012

Contento is totally average. Don't know what you want from him. Did you ever see him on a regular basis? Did you ever talk with a bunch of Bayern fans about him? Or did you just see 1 or 2 games in the CL from him? He was good in this 2 games, but he wasn't Antonini-Barca good!

In Germany they laughed about his comments that he rather wants to play for Italy than Germany. Just because no one things he ever will be good enough for Italy or Germany.

Sage · Sep 7, 2012

Kasoka said:
Contento is totally average. Don't know what you want from him. Did you ever see him on a regular basis? Did you ever talk with a bunch of Bayern fans about him? Or did you just see 1 or 2 games in the CL from him? He was good in this 2 games, but he wasn't Antonini-Barca good!

In Germany they laughed about his comments that he rather wants to play for Italy than Germany. Just because no one things he ever will be good enough for Italy or Germany.

agreed, solid at best.

Senatore_M84 · Sep 8, 2012

SpartanMilan said:
Italy needs to work on integrating Verratti so they have a vice Pirlo. .

yes... it's called 'friendlies'

SpartanMilan · Sep 8, 2012

I think he would fill the LWB role better than what Italy currently has, and he is still only 22.

Prince couldnt make the German NT, but getting a chance with Ghana really helped him grow as a player.

the fact that Italy has been using Giancheri at LWB when he has barely played at Juve is telling. Give another option a chance

also, if he does break out, its better to have him locked to Italy

Kasoka · Sep 8, 2012

SpartanMilan said:
I think he would fill the LWB role better than what Italy currently has, and he is still only 22.

Prince couldnt make the German NT, but getting a chance with Ghana really helped him grow as a player.

the fact that Italy has been using Giancheri at LWB when he has barely played at Juve is telling. Give another option a chance

also, if he does break out, its better to have him locked to Italy

Comparing Contento and Boateng doesnt make any sense. Different stories.
Boateng won the award of the best talent in Germany 2006 (Fritz-Walter-Medaille) and was highly rated, while Contento .. well .. is just Contento. He doesn't have the talent to 'break out'. Without talent age is irrelevant. Boateng didn't have the mentality for the German NT, Contento doesn't have the quality. Simple.

Complaining about Giaccherini and wanting Contento is like complaining about Antonini and wanting Mesbah.

btw, Italy has good left-backs. Balzaretti, Criscito and Santon. Giaccherini has no future in the national team on long-term basis, no need to worry about that. Sooner or later Prandelli will go back to a four-man line anyway and than he will count as midfielder. And Italy has to many midfielders who are better than him.

Albertini · Sep 8, 2012

what an embarassment. was lippi on the bench? im horrified that he's probably going to freeze criscito out of the national team lippi-style, he's one of the best LB in the world and his case didn't even go to trial unlike bonucci. can't remember the last time prandelli messed up like this.

I thought from the beggining that the 3-5-2 was completely wrong. The only support for the forewards comes from the wingers. when those wingers are giacherinni and maggio then you're going to have problems. maggio should never play international football again. his performance against russia still gives me nightmares, today he was horrible. at one point he chested the ball down for their striker to have a free shot on goal. diamanti should have been used behind two strikers, or machiso.

if there's no CAM then use a 4-3-3. destro player on the right wing for roma against inter and teamed up well with osvaldo. giovinco could have taken the left. diamanti shouldn't be blamed for his performance, he's a good player but had to drop too deep after de rossi's injury. with denmark/czech republic coming up it going to be a long qualification

acm55 · Sep 8, 2012

Maggio evaluates Sofia performance
By Football Italia staff

Christian Maggio gave himself “6 out of 10” for his performance in Italy’s 2-2 draw with Bulgaria.

“We knew it was a very difficult game and they would raise their efforts because they were facing Italy. We ran into some problems, but ultimately can be content with the draw,” said the Napoli winger.

It was moments after the Azzurri switched from a 3-5-2 to a 4-3-1-2 that Bulgaria drew level, most notably with Maggio out of position.

“We changed system and immediately conceded the equaliser, so that was annoying, but it wasn’t because we went to a four-man defence,” he insisted.

“I can always do better and know when I play badly, so I’d give myself a 6 out of 10 today.”

In the first half Italy rarely attacked down the right, which is Maggio’s hunting ground.

“It wasn’t the plan, no. During the week we tested various options and many things can change during a game. We didn’t play much down the right, but made the most of other solutions.”

The Azzurri were often seen arguing and pulling each other up for mistakes during a tense game in Sofia.

“We knew that at that moment we were struggling and not doing what we should. It’s normal to be more tense in those moments, so we have to do better at staying calm and playing it simple.”

acm55 · Sep 8, 2012

Bulgaria - Italia 2-2 Ampia Sintesi 07/09/2012 -- doppietta Osvaldo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9ZENZtxBlM

Polotelli · Sep 8, 2012

Well Italy kinda sucked a lot yesterday

Prandelli underestimated Bulgarie, a lot of weird choices he made yesterday

Ramzee · Sep 8, 2012

Almost all team looked very sloppy with many misspasses, lazy attitude etc. Players clearly weren't ready mentally for the match.

Sophie · Sep 8, 2012

This is what happens when you leave all the Milanisti on the bench

Robinho7 · Sep 8, 2012

Italy NT never gives a shit unless they are not counted on by their people.

acm55 · Sep 9, 2012

Osvaldo-Destro against Malta?
By Football Italia staff

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo looks set to keep his place in the Italy side against Malta, but Mattia Destro steps in for Sebastian Giovinco.

The Azzurri were held to a 2-2 draw against Bulgaria in Friday’s World Cup qualifying opener.

Osvaldo bagged a brace, his first ever senior international goals, and is expected to start at the Stadio Braglia in Modena on Tuesday evening.

However, Giovinco could be dropped following a sluggish performance in Sofia, making way for the more attack-minded Destro.

This would create an all-Roma front pairing, as they are also teammates at club level.

Cesare Prandelli is also expected to shelve the 3-5-2 system again in favour of a 4-3-1-2 with Alessandro Diamanti as the trequartista.

Mattia Cassani and Federico Peluso could replace Christian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini.

Daniele De Rossi has already been sent home after picking up a thigh strain during the Bulgaria match and could well be out for a month, so Antonio Nocerino steps in.

acm55 · Sep 9, 2012

Buffon unveils Italy 'tension'
By Football Italia staff

Gianluigi Buffon admits “someone talked a bit too much” on the field in Bulgaria after Italy’s tense and argumentative draw.

The Azzurri were often seen berating each other for mistakes during Friday’s 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw in Sofia.

“We always struggle a little in the first few qualifiers, then when you are tired it can happen to lose sharpness and become more tense,” Buffon told La Stampa.

“This is why someone talked a bit too much on the field.”

The pitch-side microphones picked up several conversations, including Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Pirlo discussing who was meant to charge down a shot and repeated instructions to Christian Maggio and Sebastian Giovinco on their positioning.

Meanwhile, Buffon is widely expected to sign a contract extension with Juventus over the next few days.

The goalkeeper should put pen to paper on a deal holding him in Turin until June 2016.

acm55 · Sep 10, 2012

Italy probable XI v Malta
By Football Italia staff

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli is set to switch back to a 4-3-1-2 system, with Mattia Destro in attack, for Tuesday’s game against Malta.

The Azzurri started their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday with a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria, but the CT is set to change tactics and personnel.

The 3-5-2 will be benched, while there will be alterations in every department of the team for tomorrow’s tie in Modena.

Fiorentina’s Mattia Cassani is set to replace Christian Maggio on the right in defence, while Federico Peluso or Angelo Ogbonna will be used as a left-back.

Milan’s Antonio Nocerino will replace the injured Daniele De Rossi in midfield and Roma’s Destro should partner club mate Pablo Osvaldo up front.

Juventus’ Sebastian Giovinco, who started in Sofia, will be dropped. Bologna’s Alessandro Diamanti should start behind the front two.

Italy probable: Buffon; Cassani, Barzagli, Bonucci, Peluso/Ogbonna; Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio; Diamanti; Osvaldo, Destro.

MilanMB · Sep 10, 2012

i kind of like that italy got so many players in the NT first XI.

Cl, league and NT will take their toll on them.

Eccolo · Sep 10, 2012

MilanMB said:
i kind of like that italy got so many players in the NT first XI.

Cl, league and NT will take their toll on them.

? I guess you mean Juventus players

MilanMB · Sep 10, 2012

Eccolo said:
? I guess you mean Juventus players

of course.

acm55 · Sep 11, 2012

FT: Azzurrini thumped by nine man Irish!
By Football Italia staff

Italy's Under 21s ended their qualification campaign for the 2013 Euros with a humiliating 4-2 defeat at home to a Republic of Ireland side that ended the game with nine men.

The young Italians were already through as Group winners, but were keen to preserve their unbeaten record, whereas the Irish were already out. Devis Mangia, presiding over only his second competitive games as Azzurrini boss, selected a strong side including Genoa's Ciro Immobile and Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy for the match at the Stadio Giuseppe Capozza in Casarano.

Things went badly wrong as early as the 23rd minute however, when Sean Murray caught out Italy 'keeper Mattia Perin with a sumptous lob. The hosts equalised ten minutes later through Cesena defender Luca Caldirola, and seemed to be in complete control when Irish defender Derrick Williams was sent off and a penalty awarded shortly before half time.

But Immobile missed the spot kick, and remarkably, Noel King's 10 men found themselves 3-1 up inside 15 minutes of the second half, Aaron Doran and Conor Henderson both netting.

There was then a power cut which suspended play for 25 minutes, but Italy's misery was only temporarily postponed, Doran on hand to make it 4-1 in the 75th minute.

There was another red card - for Ireland's Anthony Forde - and yet another power cut - before El Shaarawy scraped back a slither of respectability for Mangia's boys with a consolation goal in the dying seconds.

Italy Under 21s 2 Republic of Ireland Under 21s 4

Scorers: Caldirola 35 (I), El Shaarawy 95 (I), Murray 23 (R), Doran 57, 82 (R), Henderson 58 (R)

Italy U 21: Perin; Faraoni, Caldirola, Masi, Crescenzi; Rossi, Sala (Viviani 46), Marrone (Laribi 69); Immobile (Da Luca 57), Gabbiadini, El Shaarawy

R.O.I U 21: McCarey, Doherty, White, Egan, Wlliams; Henderson, Forde, Carruthers, Doran; Murray, O'Kane

Ref: Kruzliak (SVK)

Missed pen: Immobile 38 (I)

Sent off: Williams 37 (R), Forde 83 (R)

Sage · Sep 11, 2012

future is bright

acm55 · Sep 11, 2012

Daiiiiii ragazzi!

acm55 · Sep 11, 2012

91' 2-0 Peluso...

OMG

yagami7gnr · Sep 11, 2012

Italy sucked again. They won but they sucked against a very below average team. Insigne did more than Diamanti in 5-10 minutes. Marchisio and Nocerino do not seem that are ready to be starters. The only clear opportunity for Malta was when Osvaldo lost the ball in midfield and all of the sudden it was the 2 cb plus Peluso against 3 Malta players. Where was Pirlo-Marchisio-Nocerino? If Malta had a skilled player in their attack, it could have been bad for Italy.

Kasoka · Sep 11, 2012

yagami7gnr said:
Italy sucked again. They won but they sucked against a very below average team. Insigne did more than Diamanti in 5-10 minutes. Marchisio and Nocerino do not seem that are ready to be starters. The only clear opportunity for Malta was when Osvaldo lost the ball in midfield and all of the sudden it was the 2 cb plus Peluso against 3 Malta players. Where was Pirlo-Marchisio-Nocerino? If Malta had a skilled player in their attack, it could have been bad for Italy.

SpartanMilan · Sep 11, 2012

Sage said:
future is bright

already had won group, dont think they really cared l

plus Balotelli, Insigne, Destro, Borrini, Santon, Verrati etc all are young enough to play in the U-21 Euro next year

seriously name another nation with more young attacking talent at the moment in Europe?

CalcioFan · Sep 12, 2012

yagami7gnr said:
Italy sucked again. They won but they sucked against a very below average team. Insigne did more than Diamanti in 5-10 minutes. Marchisio and Nocerino do not seem that are ready to be starters. The only clear opportunity for Malta was when Osvaldo lost the ball in midfield and all of the sudden it was the 2 cb plus Peluso against 3 Malta players. Where was Pirlo-Marchisio-Nocerino? If Malta had a skilled player in their attack, it could have been bad for Italy.

Marchisio provided a great assist.

Nocerino on the other hand, yes, shouldn't be a starter.

This is what Italy does all the time. They suck in qualifiers. They don't have their full team either.

Balotelli, Cassano, De Rossi, Chiellini and Balzaretti were missing.

Milanista_7 · Sep 12, 2012

CalcioFan said:
Marchisio provided a great assist.

Nocerino on the other hand, yes, shouldn't be a starter.

This is what Italy does all the time. They suck in qualifiers. They don't have their full team either.

Balotelli, Cassano, De Rossi, Chiellini and Balzaretti were missing.

Nocerino played very well for italy tonight you have to give him credit for that.

But overall it wasnt a great performance by azzuri they dont seems to be in great form. But they always begin a qualfication poor then finish strongly let see what happens...

Sage · Sep 12, 2012

destro has the worst beard in history, horrible.

Gli Azzurri - La Nazionale, Italy National Football Team

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