Group F: ITA, PAR, NZL, SVK

[Sonny.Bill.Williams]

pirlo needs a decent rest and with him resting he'll acclimatise better and he'll come back and kick some ass

 

[Senatore_M84]

andrea knows even he can't save this team Lippi called up. Good job pirlo! Save yourself

 

[Sasha]

No Pirlo = No Hope.

 

[Wild]

You had hope ?

 

[SpartanMilan]

Camo needs to be left and Cossu needs to come in his place. Pirlo needs to stay and they need to hope they can get through the group stage and unleash Pirlo after. Maybe Iquinta's injury will flair back up and they can bring Rossi. Lippi has made Italy into a joke, hopefully he knows what he is doing

 

[hdcantona]

with Cardozo and Roque Santa Cruz, I reckon Paraguay will get through in 2nd...

 

[Sod-Lod]

Friendly: Switzerland 1-1 Italy Inler 10 (S), Quagliarella 14 (I) Geneva

Switzerland 1-1 Italy; Inler 10 (S), Quagliarella 14 (I) Geneva

Fabio Quagliarella's looping header cancelled out Gokhan Inler's opener, as Italy tested different players in their 1-1 draw with Switzerland.

The Azzurri lost their opening friendly 2-1 to Mexico on Thursday and completely revamped the line-up, as only Gianluca Zambrotta kept his spot. With news Andrea Pirlo could miss the tournament with a calf strain, Marcello Lippi opted to experiment with Andrea Cossu, who will be added to the squad if Pirlo pulls out before the June 13 deadline. He started down the right in a 4-3-3 system beside Fabio Quagliarella and Giampaolo Pazzini, while Riccardo Montolivo played in midfield.

Switzerland have also qualified for the World Cup and had a stuttering warm-up schedule. They had several Serie A players, including Lazio’s Stephan Lichtsteiner, ex-Milan defender Philippe Senderos, Reto Ziegler of Sampdoria, Udinese’s Gokhan Inler and former Lazio star Valon Behrami.

Italy had also drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in friendly matches before the victorious World Cup campaigns in 1982 and 2006. Both of those were played in Geneva.

There was an early scare when Chiellini at full stretch failed to effectively connect with Lichtsteiner's low cross, so it flashed out for a corner. Montolivo's daisy-cutter of a free kick struck Pazzini's heel by mistake and the Azzurri were visibly more aggressive than their sluggish Mexico performance.

Switzerland broke the deadlock with their first real opportunity after 10 minutes. Udinese midfielder Inler cut in from the right to commit two Italy players, including Montolivo, before smashing a left-foot screamer in at the near post from outside the box.

Italy fought back and equalised just four minutes later. Montolivo chipped up a cross from the left for Fabio Quagliarella's clumsy intervention. The ball went back up into the air and this time Quagliarella picked his moment with a looping header into the far top corner.

A Gelson Fernandes cross-field pass found Behrami for a shot that Zambrotta bravely charged down with his body. Switzerland were furious when Christian Maggio's handling offence outside the area was not spotted by the referee.

Zambrotta was again decisive with a sliding tackle to intercept a Fernandes pull-back from the byline, while moments later Alexander Frei gathered from Lichtsteiner for a weak finish that Federico Marchetti was able to block.

Goalkeeper Benaglio had to come flying out to almost the corner flag to block Maggio, who was alone running on to a long Gattuso cross-field pass.

It was a friendly, but Gattuso and Blaise N'Kufo had a brief scuffle. A sweeping free kick found N'Kufo at the back post, but Zambrotta got a touch to it and put him off.

Maggio's cross only grazed the head of Pazzini, who threw himself at the ball in the six-yard box under pressure from Philippe Senderos. The move continued and again Pazzini was unable to make proper contact at full stretch.

Simone Pepe was originally expected to start this game and he replaced Cossu at half-time, moving to the left so Quagliarella went to the right. Swiss Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld only changed his goalkeeper.

Within 70 seconds Pazzini had pounced on a Grichting defensive error to burst into the box, but the defender scrambled it clear under immense pressure. Soon after Quagliarella flicked the ball in to the six-yard area, where both Pazzini and Pepe desperately battled and could not bundle the ball out between a sea of Swiss legs.

Bad news for Switzerland when Behrami suddenly pulled up in midfield clutching the back of his right thigh. The West Ham full-back limped off, making way for Tranquillo Barnetta, and it remains to be seen if it is a serious setback.

Palombo smashed over from distance, while he also placed an inch-perfect cross-field pass for Maggio, but the Napoli full-back's first touch let him down. Antonio Di Natale replaced goal-scorer Quagliarella on the right flank.

Di Natale skipped past a defender for his low cross-shot to be captured by the goalkeeper in the six-yard box. Alberto Gilardino came on for Pazzini and Domenico Criscito replaced Zambrotta, handing the captain's armband to Gattuso.

Ziegler's cross-shot flashed across the face of goal with substitute Eren Derdiyok just failing to make contact. On 82 minutes there was a pitch invasion from a lone fan who was eventually marched away by the stewards.

Di Natale was taking on Grichting in a one-on-one and pulling the trigger when Ludovic Magnin swooped from behind to take the ball.

Gilardino worked as a defender to nod Hakan Yakin's free kick away from Barnetta at the back post. Vincenzo Iaquinta came on for Gattuso in the final minutes and a 4-4-2 system with Pepe and Iaquinta on the flanks.

Magnin was booked for a very late sliding tackle on Palombo, who was down for a while and had to be helped off the field by two members of the medical staff. He made way for Daniele De Rossi.

In the final minute a dangerous Hakan Yakin free kick whipped a metre past the near post, though Marchetti had it covered.

Marchetti had to make his first real save of the match at the 92nd minute, as Shaqiri went on a powerful solo run before unleashing a left-foot missile that stung the Cagliari goalkeeper's gloves.

Switzerland: Benaglio (Woelfli 46); Lichtsteiner, Senderos, Grichting, Ziegler (Magnin 81); Fernandes (Shaqiri 87), Inler, Huggel, Behrami (Barnetta 58); Frei (Hakan Yakin 75), Nkufo (Derdiyok 67)

Italy: Marchetti; Maggio, Bocchetti, Chiellini, Zambrotta (Criscito 81); Gattuso (Iaquinta 85), Palombo (De Rossi 88), Montolivo; Cossu (Pepe 46), Pazzini (Gilardino 76), Quagliarella (Di Natale 66)

Ref: Piccirillo (Swi)

++++++++++​

Lippi: 'There are no reserves'

Saturday 5 June, 2010
Marcello Lippi insists “there is no first and second team, just Italy” after an experimental side drew 1-1 in Geneva.

“I had said the plan was to play two games with two different teams,” he said after completely revamping the line-up from Thursday's 2-1 defeat to Mexico.

Only Gianluca Zambrotta kept his place in the starting XI for the draw with Switzerland.

“These are all great players, why must this not be considered 'Italy'?

“There is no first and second team, everyone is involved and this match shows what has been done in another three days of training. We were much fresher.”

Gennaro Gattuso is not expected to start in the World Cup, but impressed in Geneva with a typically gritty performance.

“Rino is an important player for the Nazionale and the group, Whether he plays an hour or the entire match is irrelevant, he makes his mark.”

Italy had also drawn 1-1 with Switzerland in friendly matches before the victorious World Cup campaigns in 1982 and 2006. Both of those were played in Geneva.

 

[Pedro]

with Cardozo and Roque Santa Cruz, I reckon Paraguay will get through in 2nd...

or maybe even first

 

[Sod-Lod]

Pirlo: "I'm better, the pain is diminished" 06/08/2010

"The left calf injury is healed and the pain has decreased."

Good News for Italy and specially Lippi.

 

[Sonny.Bill.Williams]

Maestro will dominate

 

[Sod-Lod]

Vieri: "Italy can win back the world" 06/08/2010

Vieri: "Italy can win back the world"

06/08/2010 23:00 by Francesco Quintavalle
Source: repubblica.it

© photo of James Morini

Christian Vieri for a meeting today in Milan, La Gazzetta dello Sport believes strongly in the enterprise blue: "This year we can repeat the company in 2006. Lacking a bit of brilliance, even if the friendlies did not go well we should not be negative. It 's the group that wins and is the group that can do well. One person alone can not do anything. On the other hand is a team game. " According to Bobo, charisma and ability to Lippi could make a difference: "He is a believer in the group, moreover, has won everything there was to win. None better than he can know how things go."

 

[Milanista]

or maybe even first

dont under estimate slovakia please. they have hamsik. he knows our italian defence. im not suprised if slovakia wins italy

slovakia 8 points ( wins italy and wins new zealand, draw paraguay )

 

[SpartanMilan]

"The left calf injury is healed and the pain has decreased."

Good News for Italy and specially Lippi.

does this mean he plays in the first game?

 

[anth183]

dont under estimate slovakia please. they have hamsik. he knows our italian defence. im not suprised if slovakia wins italy

slovakia 8 points ( wins italy and wins new zealand, draw paraguay )

2 points for a draw?

 

[Cristina]

does this mean he plays in the first game?

No, he will miss the first game for sure. If all goes well, he'll be back for the last group game on June 24 v. Slovakia.

 

[Sasha]

Gonna keep the Leo sig until our first game. Then it'll be 100% Italia.

 

[hdcantona]

Gonna keep the Leo sig until our first game. Then it'll be 100% Italia.

that is a quality sig...

 

[Milanista]

2 points for a draw?

sorry i mean 7 points

slovakia wins italy and new zealand , tie paraguay. beware of hamsik. you have been warned

 

[Sod-Lod]

Pirlo, examination results "reassuring" Italy: Party Unity awards for 150 years

Pirlo, examination results "reassuring" Italy: Party Unity awards for 150 years

Italy grows at home hope to see Pirlo on the field last group match against Slovakia. National team doctor, Dr. Castellacci, described as "comforting"the outcome of the new magnetic resonance calf which the midfielder was subjected to Johannesburg. Meanwhile, the Blues have decided to devote part of compensation from the World Foundation for the celebration of 150 years of 'Unity of Italy.

And 'the answer to the clan Italy statements made by Minister Calderoli in recent days, calling for austerity in their premiums for the national coach Marcello Lippi.

 

[Kalac#16]

Not as shit as most people think; especially with Pirlo out.

Forza Azzurri!

Gilardino to be used as a sort of Torres type forward? Okay.

Why is Iaquinta running backwards? That's not going to do much good, is it?

 

[Senatore_M84]

Not as shit as most people think; especially with Pirlo out.

Forza Azzurri!

nah it really is.... look at lineups of other teams.

I see 3 class players.... de rossi, cheillini, buffon... a few good players who if in a better squad wouldn't ruin a team, but no real game changer

 

[Kalac#16]

nah it really is.... look at lineups of other teams.

I see 3 class players.... de rossi, cheillini, buffon... a few good players who if in a better squad wouldn't ruin a team, but no real game changer

I don't think Pirlo in that team would make that much of a difference anyway. That front line is horrible for a top international team. Every top country has better than that.

 

[Senatore_M84]

I don't think Pirlo in that team would make that much of a difference anyway. That front line is horrible for a top international team. Every top country has better than that.

pirlo alone wouldn't. Pirlo + Cassano would probably make them dangerous enough to get to uarters.

Still as shit as the front line is..... zambrotta? Cannavaro? You seen them recently??? Maggio's defense is terrible, but it wouldn't be in issue if those 2 were primed

Italy is Italy, and I'll never discount them in international tourney BUT this has to be weakest Italian team i've ever seen in my life

 

[Kalac#16]

pirlo alone wouldn't. Pirlo + Cassano would probably make them dangerous enough to get to uarters.

Still as shit as the front line is..... zambrotta? Cannavaro? You seen them recently??? Maggio's defense is terrible, but it wouldn't be in issue if those 2 were primed

Italy is Italy, and I'll never discount them in international tourney BUT this has to be weakest Italian team i've ever seen in my life

I think you can discount them from winning, get far, likely, don't think they'll be able to do much against the top teams though.

 

[Senatore_M84]

I think you can discount them from winning, get far, likely, don't think they'll be able to do much against the top teams though.

yeah, ive justs seen them up there game v. big teams too often and pull it to a 0-0 draw. Spain in euros is prime example

 

[Kalac#16]

Italy - Brazil will be dull.

 

[Sod-Lod]

Cannavaro: "Awards? We unite, not divide", Lippi in Dubai? Not decided

Cannavaro: "Awards? We unite, not divide", Lippi in Dubai? Not decided

Captain Cannavaro said the decision to donate part of the World Prize for the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy: "We wanted to do something positive, without controversy and without provocation seemed fair to give a signal in a difficult moment, we at Nationwide to merge that we are more divided. " Alleged future Lippi to Dubai with him: "I made my choice of life. I think that has not yet decided. "

No provocation: the initiative of Cannavaro and Buffon, that if National were to win the prizes in the world South Africa, and donate a share of those funds to the foundation for the celebration of 150 years from the Unification of Italy, is only a signal . "Everyone is free we did not talk percentages, because we did not talk with the Federation of prizes. Padania? not want to think about, I really hope that all tifino for Italy. We are a nation that lives on the ball, we throw towards a single goal. "

Cannavaro then does not hide the surprise for the suggestive idea of Lippi in Dubai: "I read myself and made me laugh. I must not convince anyone. I made my choice of life. Dubai is the sea, is hot, it would be nice for him. "

The thought of Italy captain then moves to the blue sull'esordio World, scheduled for Sunday against Paraguay. "If we put our weapons in the field we can play with everyone. I am confident. part of all is a bit 'skepticism, but we are fielding our tradition, our desire and our pride. " Cannavaro has also condolences to Mandela on behalf of the group: "We would have loved it. "

June 11, 2010

 

[Fiero]

That's what's always said about Italy, isn't it? I'm not expecting them to win the World Cup or even reach the semis, but they have an easy route and should reach the quarter finals. Lippi isn't an idiot no matter what, he's a master tactician and he knows how to make the team click.

 

[Wild]

pirlo alone wouldn't. Pirlo + Cassano would probably make them dangerous enough to get to uarters.

Still as shit as the front line is..... zambrotta? Cannavaro? You seen them recently??? Maggio's defense is terrible, but it wouldn't be in issue if those 2 were primed

Italy is Italy, and I'll never discount them in international tourney BUT this has to be weakest Italian team i've ever seen in my life

Pirlo + Cassano would have meant better creativity but its as u said + surprisingly their defense as crap as it gets.
Lucky for them they have Buffon but I doubt he could confront big teams on his own.
I still cant believe that the mighty Italy isnt having a solid defense.

 

[Senatore_M84]

Pirlo + Cassano would have meant better creativity but its as u said + surprisingly their defense as crap as it gets.
Lucky for them they have Buffon but I doubt he could confront big teams on his own.
I still cant believe that the mighty Italy isnt having a solid defense.

I think it's partially big clubs just not developing players or giving young italians a chance....

look at barca who is core of spanish team

look at milan from past, juve from past etc. etc. .... Maldini was a good defender from his beginning but let's not underestimate fact he was starting consistently from 19/20 next to baresi and co. and got chance to play in biggest games and reach his potential at a younger age, I see the same parallel in spain with someone like Pique....
Guys like costacurta, ferrera were good defenders who grew confidence cause they got chance to play for big clubs and big games which is what players need. I don't think anyone would ever say they were star defenders, but put in a backline with guys like baresi for ex.

Now italy has to trust a) 37 year old cannavaro or b) guys like bocchetti, bonucci who have talent but haven't played on that level yet.

Even a youngster like Santon, will all the talent, rots the bench at Inter.

Italian clubs just don't give there talented gives the patience to grow in big clubs anymore