Let’s recap. The date is April 1st, and fittingly so. It seemed like a April Fool’s Joke when Pazzini was given a red in the third minute (incidentally, it’s also the last time I think he played for us). Down to ten men, we were still able to grab a lead before the half via Iaquinta. Late in the second half though, Liverpool reject Robbie Keane equalized, and we were left wondering what had just happen. Did we really go down to ten men so early? Did Simone Pepe really play for 55 minutes while Rossi sat on the bench the entire time? And worst of all, did we really choke in the end?

That turned out to be a minor blip in our qualifying campaign. Say what you want about luck or fortune, but the only thing that the table cares about is points. Out of the 53 or so teams trying to qualify from UEFA, only 5 have more points than us: the Netherlands, England, Spain, Germany, and Russia. We have 20 points from 8 games. For comparison’s stake, come the 8th round of Serie A, no team will be able to get 20. After 8 rounds in the EPL, only Chelsea has 20 or more (21). Our record isn’t bad, though the play has been spotty.

A win, a convincing one at that, will finally get us through to South Africa and calm the complaints, if only for a while.

Italy News

Call ups here. Word on the strada is that Lippi is going to field the following formation:

Buffon; Zambrotta, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grosso; De Rossi, Palombo; Camoranesi, Pirlo, Iaquinta; Gilardino

A 4-2-3-1 a la Spalletti’s Roma. The back four is as strong as we’re going to get with Lippi considering the absence of our captain. De Rossi and Palombo should hopefully be able to direct play and shield the back four well, but there’s no telling whether or not they’ll gel. It’s interesting to see Iaquinta out on the flank when I would put him on top and maybe Rossi behind him, but we all know how Lippi works by now.

It’s a typical Lippi formation. Focus on age and experience, light on creativity. Ultimately it doesn’t really matter who he sends out there, if we can get the win. And we do tend to come out on top in qualifying when we need to- just ask Scotland.

Ireland News

Trappatoni’s call ups are here:

Goalies: Shay Given, Keiren Westwood, Joe Murphy.

Defense: John O’Shea, Kevin Foley, Richard Dunne, Stephen Kelly, Kevin Kilbane, Eddie Nolan, Sean St. Ledger, Paul McShane, Darren O’Dea.

Midfield: Aiden McGeady, Damien Duff, Darron Gibson, Glenn Whelan, Keith Andrews, Liam Miller, Stephen Hunt, Andy Keogh, Steven Reid, Liam Lawrence.

Forwards: Caleb Folan, Kevin Doyle, Robbie Keane, Shane Long, Leon Best.

They’re not a bad team by any means. Given is one of the top goalies in the Prem and a major reason why City are doing so well this year. O’Shea and Dunne are quality in the back, and we all remember what Keane did to us. Interestingly, both Italian coaches are too stubborn to call up their nation’s best: while Lippi refuses to call up Cassano, Trap and Stephen Ireland got in a fight and neither seems willing to give in. That can only be good for us.

Prediction: 3-0 win for us. De Rossi, Gila, and Grosso scoring. We need a convincing win and we’ve been waiting for it for too long. Forza Azzurri!

]]> http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/lets-finish-the-job.html/feed 33 http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/azzurri-stars-of-the-future-catania-and-some-thoughts-on-cassano.html http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/azzurri-stars-of-the-future-catania-and-some-thoughts-on-cassano.html#comments Tue, 24 Mar 2009 18:17:38 +0000 Julian http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/azzurri-stars-of-the-future-catania-and-some-thoughts-on-cassano.html Chris from the Catania blog gives his opinion on who deserves a spot on the Azzurri:

The potential for national side call-ups from Sicily’s “other team” is usually slim, as players with promise have usually moved on before they attain national attention. This year is a bit different, however, as there are two candidates that would be a good fit on Gli Azzurri today.

The first is striker Giuseppe Mascara, a Sicily native, who has bagged a team-leading 9 goals for Catania so far this season, and is a part-time captain. He is neither the fastest, nor the best-looking of Italy’s potential strikers, but had a deft touch around the goal, and is prone to scoring timely goals in key games. Of course, he featured in one of Serie A’s highlight goals this season, scoring from midfield in the Sicilian derby a few weeks back. He would certainly not be a starter on the international stage, but could be a nice late substitute when a scoring touch is required.

Second, goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri has been nothing short of spectacular this year, and it is not unreasonable to credit him alone for Catania’s nearly-assured survival in Serie A. Though the Rossoblu’s defence has generally played stoutly in front of him most games, he can always be counted on for 2-3 critical saves during any given match. I can’t think of anyone playing better between the sticks in Italy this year, Buffon notwithstanding. Not only should he be on the Italy squad, he should be playing. The downside is, if he keeps playing like this, it probably means his stay in Sicily will be short.

Catania thus have two players, a striker and a goalie, who have a valid shot at being in the Azzurri one day in the future. But probably not with Lippi at the helm.

For those of you who haven’t heard yet, the Great Man is refusing to give a reason as to why he won’t call up Cassano. The only thing he is saying is that it’s not related to his temper. An excuse which I find to be utter bullshit. Listen, we- and by “we” I speak mostly for myself- have given Lippi a pretty loose leash. We begged for him to come back, hoping it could erase the memory of Donadoni’s Azzurri. Has it? We’re joint top of our qualifying group but only after shoddy displays and hugely questionable decisions. We’re still not playing with the vigor and desire that was so evident in Germany, and it baffles me that none of the guys on the pitch seem to know how to beat an opponent one-on-one. We’ve seen zero real difference compared to what Donadoni did, besides the fact that we seem a bit luckier. Luck does not last forever.

Cassano isn’t just any player. No, he’s one of the few who can call himself one of the most naturally talented players out there. He’s not super fit but he can just do things with the ball most other guys can’t even think of. Lippi does need to tell us why he’s not calling up Cassano. Cassano deserves it, as he undoubtedly has the skill to not only be on the team, but start and even have the entire team work around him. We as fans deserve it, because we deserve to see Cassano play. We need the dynamicism and pace that Cassano brings. If Lippi is willingly choosing to ignore that, the least he can do is explain why.

Some would argue that we just have to take the call ups for what they are and move on. And to an extent, that’s true. But Lippi, by refusing to call up Cassano, is showing that he’s actually inferior to Donadoni to a degree. The Don at least called up Cassano and played him for the Euros. Yes, his starting 11 was often baffling, but at least we had all the guys who really deserved to be there get called up. Lippi is ignoring players and not even giving us reasons. That my friends seems to be a rather large step back. Donadoni, in the end, at least brought the best guys with him (well, mostly). Lippi isn’t.

For more thoughts on the Cassano situation, check out Francesco’s views on the topic.

Tomorrow: A preview of the game against Montenegro.

But a lot has happened in this year. Looking back now, a few things stand out. We crashed out of the Euros. Lippi returned. Rossi and Giovinco are well known- at least to Juve/Villareal fans and readers of this blog- and Luca Toni is well, in a poor run of form. And some guy named Julian took over the Italy World Cup Blog.

Overall it was a poor year for the Azzurri. I think when we look back on 2008, more than anything we’ll remember it as a transition year. The Euros showed us that our squad is just too old, and we need to get younger guys into the mix. Donadoni showed us that he really wasn’t ready to coach the national team, or any team that has any ambition to achieve anything. But more than that, we saw hope. A poor Euro showing is nothing if it means we can use the experience to defend our title in 2010.

So for the year in review, I’m using a report card format. And because I’m lazy, I’m only doing a few key players. Feel free to argue about this in the comments section:

Lippi: B This squad under Lippi has been an interesting one. The united, defense-first squad that was in Germany isn’t there. But neither is the ball out attack and scrappy play Donadoni went for. It’s somewhere in the middle. We don’t look quite as disjointed as we did a year ago, but we’re nowhere near looking like the squad that overcame all in 2006. Our play is rather predictable, as our attack is still mostly based on the fullbacks crossing the ball to a big target man. And with defense looking weak, we need to change it up. Lippi so far has shown a calculated, careful method. He’s slowly integrating youth and new guys into the team. So while it hasn’t been eye dropping joga bonito, we are getting results. Numbers don’t lie and we haven’t lost under Lippi since what, 2005? We’ve had close calls- see his first game when he took charge for a second time- but a combination of luck and skill keep us going.

He needs to introduce a trequartista/ attacking CM asap. We need to play more up the middle, and we are in desperate need of guys who can dribble. Cassano’s exclusion remains a mystery, and why he sticks with Toni while shunning explosive bombs like Quags is unkown. But he’s doing what Donadoni couldn’t- winning, and winning consistently.

Chiellini: A+ I feel like I talk about him all the time on the blog, but 2008 should go down as the Year of the Giorgio. How important was he?

Game 1 of the Euros: Chiellini doesn’t play, Italy concedes 3.

Games 2, 3 and 4: Chiellini plays, Italy concedes one, and only due to a poor decision by Zambrotta.

And he’s only 24. It’s all too common to hear people complain that Italy isn’t turning out world class Nestas and Maldinis anymore. But Chiellini and Santacroce could be the two to prove those people wrong. Watch him.

Toni: C Earlier in this year, he was unstoppable, and it’s easy to forget that. From June onwards, he was as useful on the field as a baby hippo, only with less pace. He’s on the wrong side of 30 and it really seems like Lippi should drop him. But how? He’s still great in the Bundesliga, and we really don’t have any other target men to replace him. Until Balotelli or Acquafresca explodes (or Gila fulfills his destiny), I don’t think Lippi will drop him.

But just because it’s from the Jefferson’s don’t mean it ain’t true Lippi won’t drop him, doesn’t mean that he gets off the hook. I realize he’s never been a pacey player, but he has to start scoring again. If he could recapture his form from earlier in the year, I’d be thrilled. He could potentially earn a higher grade for next year, but for this year he was average- his first six months were great and the last 6 sucked. Like the rest of the team, he just needs some consistency.

Amauri: F After all that hoopla, he finally comes out and says:

“I know that Italy are considering me, but I am Brazilian. It’s an honor to know that both teams want me, but if the Seleçao’s call up came I would realise a dream. Since I heard Dunga’s words about me, I’m the happiest person in the world.”

And you know what? I agree and I’ve been saying the same thing the whole time. The man is Brazilian. He’s not Italian, and no piece of paper can make him Italian. But he gets an F for dragging out this whole affair. This was quickly becoming the Christiano Ronaldo: Real Madrid or Man U? of national teams. I wish him the best on Brazil- just not against us in January.

Me: ? While watching the Euros over the summer, I first found theoffside.com and I quickly fell in love with it. When I found out that they had openings to post, I was thrilled. I applied for the job here, and I was ecstatic when I got it. I still feel the same way now as when I did when I first started blogging- I love it. How have I done so far? What would you grade me?

Let’s end this on an uber cheesy cheer!

2008 wasn’t so great.

2009 could be fine.

And in 2010, let’s do it [win the world cup] again!

No more cheers like that from me- I promise.

If there’s one positive, one compliment, one guy who has to come out of the Euros being labeled as the “Hero” of Italy, it’s without a doubt this man:

Just kidding. I could write a whole post about how Luca Toni choked worse in this tourney than Spain has the past 44 years (And yeah, I know that now with Spain finally winning, I can’t make these kind of jokes anymore). Even in this picture, it looks like he knows he just isn’t doing what he’s supposed to be: scoring. And hence, he’s basically whining. Cause when you’re the striker that the whole team was built for and you forget how to shoot the ball, you become practically useless. Thanks Luca. Thanks a lot.

But let’s look at the real hero for Italy.

Was there ever any doubt that Gigi Buffon would be Italy’s player of the tournament? He’s been the best goalie in the world for years and is still arguably so, though Casillas is rising in prominence. Buffon was an absolute monster the whole tournament. The biggest two examples of his greatness being Mutu’s penalty save (more on that in a bit) and his fingertip save on Benzema against France.

Many would rightfully say that almost all of Italy’s older players need to leave the team, but Buffon is definitely not one of them. It’s easy to forget that he’s only 30, which in goalkeeping years is still pretty young. I can see Italy keeping him until, at the very least, Euro 2012 and probably even WC 2014. He let in more goals this tourney than the last, but c’mon- our defense was nowhere near the same quality without Nesta and Canna. But my God did he underline his worth against Romania. How many goalies can dive the wrong way, slap the ball, and then clear it off their foot? It was a save that reeked class. And more importantly, Buffon is one of the most passionate players out there. Anyone else see his reaction when Pirlo scored the penalty against France? The Spanish call Casillas “Saint Iker”; if he’s a Saint, Buffon is a god.

Finally there’s one other major positive that we can pull out of the tournament: we have the young guns to successfully transition. I think it’s safe to say that a number of international careers are over (or at least, should be). Toni flopped hugely and I would get rip of him tomorrow. Yeah, he was important in qualifying but the whole team was built around this guy scoring. He looked like he wouldn’t be able to score in a game against Derby. Did he have bad luck? Maybe, but that’s irrelevant. We need strikers who can score. In terms of other players who should get axed, Materazzi is more of a joke than calling Inter an “Italian” team, and Ambro never looked like he belonged in the shirt. So we need young guns to replace them, and the good news is that we have them. The Azzurrini won the Toulon tournament, and it’s only a matter of time before guys like Giovinco break into the first team. But let’s not overlook the young talent already there. De Rossi is everything an Azzurri player should be- great at his role and passionate in playing. Aquiliani also has potential, and I think we covered GC already. So our average age for this tourney was near 30, but by WC 2010 it should be down quite a few years.

Overall, Euro was a disappiontment. But too much happened too controversially to say how it would’ve turned out otherwise. What if Canna wasn’t injured? What if van Nistlerooy didn’t score that first goal? What if Luca Toni remembered how to run? We don’t know and it’s impossible to tell. But we do know that the Azzurri can pull out positives from this tournament and look forward to the next one. The one that really counts. The one where we can defend our title.

That being said, for my first few entries I thought we could take a quick look back at the Euros
I know some of this has been beaten to death but bear with me. We will eventually look ahead to WC 2010 and some things that we have to do in order to defend our title.

But before then, there seems to be some misconceptions about how Italy did at Euro. Some people even branded Italy as a “failure”. Those people? Ignorant. Sure, there was a lot of stuff that didn’t work out for the best, yeah, but a lot of stuff that did.

Italy crashed out of Euro 2008 in usual Azzurri fashion: controversially. We could go over the long list of things that proved decisive in the tourney (starting with Mr. Van-Nistel-I’m-Offside-Rooy) but we should look at some of the positives:

We learned that the Azzurri are multifaceted. In the past, the old cliche of catenaccio usually held true. Even Lippi’s squad, united and winning as it was, was primarily defensive. But in this tourney, we saw glimpses of a new Azzurri. An arguably better Azzurri: one that constantly attacked. The biggest glimpse of this came in the Romania game (Unsuccessful as we were at scoring there. Thanks Toni). Donadoni isn’t the smartest or brightest coach in football- far from it. Hell, he’s not even amongst the best Italian coaches (Spalletti and Prandelli might have something to say about that), but he did add a new attacking dimension to the team.

Second, we learned that Georgio Chiellini is an absolute monster at defense. I know I just said that one of the positives of the tourney is that Italy attacked more than ever, but defense still wins championships (as the old saying goes). Yeah, Italy struggled at first without Canna, but what team wouldn’t after having him at the back for so long? It took a horrible experiment in the Netherlands game- and by “experiment,” I mean, “Let’s see if Materazzi is still as bad now as he was for Inter all year”- the team was able to reshuffle. And hell, for 3 games in row starting with Romania, Buffon and co. only let in a single goal. By the last game against Spain, the defense was a rock. There’s no denying who the young star of the tourney was for Italy (De Rossi doesn’t count cause he was introduced in WC 06, but more on him in a bit). GC had some brilliant tackles and his position was usually stellar. Even when he was caught off, he had the speed to make up for it. Ladies and gentlemen, I think Italy has found a new centerback for the next decade.

Tomorrow, we’ll look at the one other superstar of the tournament for Italy, and look ahead at how the team can transition for WC 2010. After that, expect regular updates about all things Azzurri.

Welcome aboard!

“The Italian Football Federation would like to confirm that Donadoni’s contract has been allowed to expire.”

“President Abete met Donadoni today in the FIGC’s offices and during the course of the meeting they reviewed the work done over the last two years and the European Championships.

“While stressing his sincere respect for Donadoni on a personal level and appreciating his hard work and professional conduct, the President informed the Coach that the FIGC didn’t intend to continue his contract.”

I have to admit, on some levels I was quite frightened this wouldn’t happen, because the FIGC is the same organization which hired him, after all (along with a slew of other stupid decisions). Well thank the heavens for good decision making. Now we can only hope they put on their thinking caps and grab a guy with actual qualifications this time around (no, Roberto Mancini doesn’t count).

Of course, the strong belief is You Know Who will make his triumphant return shortly. We can only hope.

(Just wanted to get the news out there. Will conjure up some potential replacements for discussion later.)

I thought the Azzurri post was the highest of the high, reserved for those who’d truly accomplished something and with the foresight to accomplish more. Certainly not a place for an untested young coach whose main qualifications going in hovered around nepotism. Most have been saying this from the beginning, and it took only the first game to realize it was time to focus on 2010. There was so much wrong with this tournament on so many levels, including the game against Spain, and he is the prime reason.

The problems with the Spain game began during callups. If you can foresee a game where you’ll have to tie the back four together with a rope, which you should because it is a major tournament and these things happen, then perhaps an alternative to Grosso would’ve been a smart idea. Fabio was hardly at fault, but hardly the best option, either (as evidenced by the 17,000 times they attacked his side). I love Fabio, but a world class vacuum of a defender he ain’t. Again…foresight.

And why call up SIX forwards if you’re not going to use them? Quagliarella enjoyed his cup o’joe against the Romanians, and I hope Borriello enjoys the chapped ass he got from the bench. Good call ups there; as opposed to, say, some more defensive cover. Cassano wasn’t in sync the way we all had hoped, but he’s certainly a talent worthy of a spot, for this tournament and the future. Di Natale was fine in his short spell against Spain and obviously a victim of the scrapped tridente. Del Piero? Start was mediocre, substitutions were closer to what we’d expect from the supersub. But I have one major gripe with his substitution in the Spain game. I’d like to have seen him on for Cassano and Di Natale a bit later – though certainly not 110th minute – but that’s neither here nor there. Logic would dictate he was brought in at the very least to take a pk unless he could Houdini a rabbit out of his arse. So where was he during pks? Where was the freshest set of legs? Fifth? If that? Are you shitting me? Are you really that arrogant/stupid as to think #5 is a sure thing? Yeah, Buffon is Buffon, but Casillas is no slouch. Hardly a time for anything but winning the one in front of you. This, to me, provided Donadoni made the list (was told he did), is a clear indication of what we were up against all tournament: the coach.

As for Luca Toni, I don’t know what to say. Not deserving of the hate he’s suffered – he was, after all, the only avenue of the offense for most of this tournament and thus the main target of the opposing defenses – but he was far, far away from his Bavarian form. At some point, somebody (that’d be you, Don) needs to either change the guard or formulate a Plan B. But until the very end, it was hoofing it to Toni. Still with the whole of Italia, down on its knees praying he’d find that spark. Didn’t happen. Hello, goodbye.

The rest of the team performed admirably on the defensive end, and put on a clinic for the Spaniards. The midfield and fullbacks each quite clearly had a leash, the resulting gameplan to defend defend defend and hope for three attackers to find some chances. The backline became almost a back seven and defensive shape was the phrase of the day – something they kept very, very well. Chiellini was MOTM and Zambrotta was pretty impressive himself, considering he actually got up the pitch once or twice to throw in some brilliant crosses. No qualms whatsoever up against a wildly gifted Spanish attack.

The problem, of course, is that to win games you must score. Playing English longball has not worked for the duration of the tournament and yet that was always the first option (Panucci is enjoys the long balls a bit too much at Roma, so as much was to be expected from him – pining for an EPL return, methinks). Yeah, Toni went down easily, but sometimes I wondered whether or not that was a tactical ploy on his part. I mean, nothing else was working. Hoping for free kicks in the Spanish half was the best thing the attack had going. And with that, we saw a frustrated, ill-supported key component of the squad unable to fully exploit his talents. Theme of the tournament.

I’m not sure there’s much else to say, or that there’s much more I want to say. Now’s the time to focus on the future. Yes, we all believed because it’s either in our blood or because those four stars indicate something – usually both – but this always appeared to be the inevitable outcome. Maybe Donadoni will become a good coach someday (doubtful) but at the very least he was not suited for this job at this time. We can only hope this squad learned invaluable lessons as they head towards the one that really matters: defending the World Cup. With the sheer volume of grossly talented youngsters coming through, one that we may never see repeated in our lifetimes, the future is mighty bright and optimism is not encouraged, it’s expected.

Now bring back Marcello and let’s do this right.

Well this is an unexpected treat. After the Dutch debacle the team was dead on their feet, with a coach in well over his head and heading for a pink slip. The Romania game provided little hope, because once again the tournament had succumb to a decisive refereeing error, and the Oranje junior varsity would surely make way for the Tricolorii’s date with the knockouts. But we’re here, and it’s no longer mission impossible. It’s an Italian team on a quest for another title.

With the historic azzurro shirt comes pressure, but I’m of the belief no team will face the same level of pressure Spain does until La Furia Roja actually win something – be it this year or whenever. I think if we were to all go into “club mode” for a moment, we’d take at least half that team on our beloveds in a fantacalcio heartbeat, and the same can be said for some years previous. Problem is it never translates to the pitch; the talent simply doesn’t produce championship football, whatever the hell the reason may be.

That doesn’t mean, of course, that they’re any less dangerous. All it takes is one, and this team may very well be it. So if anything, the Azzurri need to up their game to match the pressure the Spanish face. They feature a monstrous attack that showed up with the world drooling over Fernando Torres,only for David Villa to steal the spotlight and more than his fair share of the goalscoring spoils (four to nil). Though I’m not sure I need to remind anyone of Villa’s qualities, what with that bullshit goal he scored in the friendly earlier this spring and all. Midfield is also overflowing. (If you can bench Cesc…) And the backline has good, solid, dependable players.

Of course, these are all parts, not one. It’s not about the best eleven, it’s about the best one. That’s what wins trophies. Does Spain have the better team? That remains to be seen. Azzurri teams pride themselves on becoming one. The deeper the tournament gets, we can only hope the bond becomes stronger.

As far as the Azzurri go, the story remains the absence of Andrea Pirlo. Yes, Gattuso out isn’t ideal, but he hasn’t exactly been playing lights out and is more readily replaced than The Mane. This makes way for Don favorite Massimo Ambrosini as a more defensively inclined mid along with Daniele De Rossi. The question is who replaces Pirlo…

Rumor has it Alberto Aquilani will start, and I’ll say I’m just shocked it hasn’t happened earlier. Not for reasons most would assume, though. Yes, the kid has supreme talent and flashed amazing qualities this year, but he was also frequently injured and aside from the beginning of the year, had trouble finding consistent form. I’m more surprised simply because of the gushing praise coming from everyone in the Azzurri camp to begin the Swissaustrian adventure. Gigi Buffon even said he may become the best midfielder in the world. I mean, I’d have the kid’s babies and even I wouldn’t say that. This led many, including myself, to believe he was tearing Coverciano and the Alps apart like a savage wolf. May or may not be the case, but we can only hope it is and that if he starts, it translates to the pitch.

The rest of the lineup is fairly settled. Not sure I’m putting much stock into this 4-1-4-1 bidness. I hardly believe anything I read in the media (particularly if it’s in Ga**etta – unless it suits my wants), so you’re on your own with that one. I tend to think he’ll stick with the 4-3-1-2 with De Rossi in the middle being flanked by Ambro and Aquilani with Perrotta just ahead. In a game like this, having a trio in the center who are familiar with one another only helps – though it’s not necessarily a substitute for quality.

What we do know, however, is we’re in Azzurri territory now. Group stages are often a warmup. Perhaps, as we saw with Germany two days ago, the boys will click at just the right time. After all, they’ve got a reputation to uphold.

Games

Spain
10/06/2008 - Russia 4 – 1
14/06/2008 - Sweden 2 – 1
18/06/2008 - Greece 2 – 1

Italy
09/06/2008 - Netherlands 0 – 3
13/06/2008 - Romania 1 – 1
17/06/2008 - France 2 – 0

Russia? Can’t exactly call it a throwaway game, but Spain was incredibly clinical in front of net (or offside, Mr. Fabregas) and Russia looked much better than the scoreline would indicate. Not to mention Russia has gone into Mr. Hyde mode in the last two games. If that game was played again I’d venture to guess it goes much differently. Sweden? A late moment of brilliance from Villa or else that was a fairly deserved draw. Greece? Junior varsity…and it was Greece.

In short…haven’t a freakin’ clue.

Squads

Italia

1 Gianluigi Buffon
2 Christian Panucci
3 Fabio Grosso
4 Giorgio Chiellini
5 Alessandro Gamberini
6 Andrea Barzagli
7 Alessandro Del Piero
8 Gennaro Gattuso
9 Luca Toni
10 Daniele De Rossi
11 Antonio Di Natale
12 Marco Borriello
13 Massimo Ambrosini
14 Marco Amelia
15 Fabio Quagliarella
16 Mauro Camoranesi
17 Morgan De Sanctis
18 Antonio Cassano
19 Gianluca Zambrotta
20 Simone Perrotta
21 Andrea Pirlo
22 Alberto Aquilani
23 Marco Materazzi

Spain

1 Iker Casillas
2 Raúl Albiol
3 Fernando Navarro
4 Carlos Marchena
5 Carles Puyol
6 Andrés Iniesta
7 David Villa
8 Xavi Hernández
9 Fernando Torres
10 Cesc Fábregas
11 Joan Capdevila
12 Santi Cazorla
13 Andrés Palop
14 Xabi Alonso
15 Sergio Ramos
16 Sergio García
17 Daniel Güiza
18 Álvaro Arbeloa
19 Marcos Senna
20 Juanito Gutiérrez
21 David Silva
22 Rubén De La Red
23 Pepe Reina

Key Injuries

Azzurri: Barzagli is out, which is really no huge loss right now. Fingers crossed, that’s all.

Spain: Puyol seems close to 100% after being pulled from the Sweden game. I’ll paint your house if he misses this one. Seems to be the only quasi-hobbled one.

Projected Lineup

Buffon;
Zambro, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso;
Aquilani, De Rossi, Ambro;
Perrotta;
Cassano, Toni.

Think he stays with the 4-3-1-2, Donadoni has shown a propensity for the safe route before, and makes two straight lineup swaps for Pirlo and GG. Simple as that.

Key Matchups

There are so many matchups here it’d take a year to go through.

Luca Toni v Holy Fuck What Are You Doing: Most here have the presence of mind to notice what Luca brings to the table does not start and end with goals. For starters, that touch which forced Abidal into the final was gorgeous and for most, that ball bounds into the hands of Coupet. Then there’s his ability to hold the ball, distribute and then regain position. However, he’s a world class striker who was making it rain in Bavaria all year. He’s better than this and sooner or later he’ll come around. It doesn’t have to be soon, but it sure as hell can’t be too late.

Donadoni v Replacing Pirlo: We can talk better squad choices, but there isn’t a guy in Europe, much less available for Azzurri spot duty, who can replace Pirlo. It’s a huge void and a position to be filled most coach’s would rather not think about, much less have to actually fill. That doesn’t mean, however, that his position can’t be adequately covered. Andrea hasn’t been on world beating form for 90 minutes a game this tournament and what’s to say changing the focal point of the team around a bit may help shake things up for, say, Toni a bit. Instead of that ball over the top, the one-two play of Aquilani and Perrotta may pull the keeper out of position for a rebound to get the big man feeling his oats again. Or many other possible scenarios. Plus there’s the added defensive qualities of a guy like Aquilani; after all, Pirlo making a tackle is an international event. Makes Spain working through the midfield a bit more difficult – and though their forwards are lethal, I think most would concede this game needs to be won in the middle third.

Andrea is the second to last person I’d like to see on the bench during a meaningful game (Gigi, duh), but that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. They will all, however, need to all play close to 100% for us to kinda sorta forget he’s not on the pitch.

Casillas v Buffon: Speaking of…

How often in major tournaments do goalkeepers decide the fate of a team? There’s no one you’d rather have, but Casillas ain’t bad either. Could be a 0-0 for the ages.

Azzurri Four v Spanish Two: When strikers are as hyped and on fire as Villa, I’m often more worried about the other guy in the pair. One demands so much attention it frees up opportunities for the other, if by faulty design or accidentally. Hell, the absurd form which saw Torres into this tournament may have helped Villa in a clear example of this. Yes, David Villa is a helluva threat and on form right now for sure, but both of these guys need to be paid equal attention, or else it could come back to bite them in the arse.

Spain v History:

When: 2045 CET
Where: Vienna, Austria
Streaming: Here
Liveblog: None most likely, going to enjoy this one. (But someone will have one on the front page.)

FORZA ITALIA

Check out what happened last March…

But above all, What these two teams have in common is that they both got screwed badly by South Korea in the 2002 World Cup.

Forza Azzurri !