It’s getting about that time. The opening ceremonies and first games are tomorrow, with Monday on the horizon. Given that this is the Azzurri, I feel it’s almost an insult to most people’s intelligence, and even the team, to do a standard preview. We all know who they are because they’re some of the best [...]

That is the best picture in the history of photography. Ansel Adams, eat your heart out. Rino looks like he’s ready for the cover of a grocery store smut novel cover.
There are only a few people I’ll make a point to perk up and listen to when speaking. Lippi is one, of course. Another is [...]

“We can have them. We must not make the opponent too big. That is a Dutch thing. Look at the Italians, they are also afraid of us, be sure of that. They are terrified.”
- Wesley Sneijder
Uh…sure. But I think they’ll be fine.

It’s official, Fabio will be having surgery in Vienna. The bad news has already come, so now it’s time for some good news: Fabio wants back.
“I still have such a strong desire to play and I haven’t thought about quitting. I’m hoping to return in two months.”
At his age, the question obviously entered everyone’s mind: [...]

I just can’t wait for the Euro to start. This little diet of mini friendlies here and there isn’t quite enough to satiate my appetite for International soccer. I’m in full International tourney form with a week before being able to blow my lungs out cheering on our favourite blue boys. I have exhausted all [...]

The Azzurri defeated a lively Belgium squad in a match where Roberto Donadoni managed to try out some stuff ahead of this years Euro. Antonio Di Natale’s brace and Mauro Camoranesi’s crafty goal was enough for the Azzurri. But now everyone and their sister has jumped on the Christmas bandwagon. I don’t care if Di [...]

Italia v Belgium
Today, in Firenze, the Azzurri will take on their one and only friendly opponent before embarking on their attempt at European glory. The game will be a friendly friendly, with the most important outcome being the number of dudes stretchered off the pitch (target number: 0), but there will be a few guys [...]

This is way better than some old english drunken dude streaking and definitely an excellent way to start things off for the Italian squad. A venezualan model and a Stripper from Milano stormed the Coverciano pitch in search of hunky azzurriness. Both girls ran on to the field in the middle of training and [...]

I love that Donadoni called up 24 men for an eventual 23 man roster. Really stick it to the one guy who isn’t quite good enough, doesn’t quite fit in, sleeps with The Don’s wife during training camp, etc. Then when they have to go home, they’ll be ushered away all by their lonesome without [...]

• Canna thinks harder than you.
• Bad news/good news. Bad news: Roberto Donadoni has been given his extension until 2010. Ugh.
Good news: There’s an “escape clause”, one which goes both ways (don’t ask), in the contract which can be invoked within 10 days of the end of the tournament. Right. I’ve got a [...]