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Espana v Italia: Big Boys Clash

June 22nd, 2008 | By: chris | 38 Comments »

Espana v Italia – LiveBlog here

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:

‘Nuff said.

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

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Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 38 comments.

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By Johnny (ASR) | June 22nd, 2008 at 10:49 am

If Donadoni gonna change his defense again you can say goodbye Italy. Leave it as it should be. De Rossi, Grosso and Zambrotta will assist Panucci-Chiellini.

Posted from Netherlands

By Bashar | June 22nd, 2008 at 11:09 am

By both I meant Panucci or Materazzi.. Somehow I’m not worried about Chiellini..

Posted from United States

By Rohmer | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:49 pm

oh god…still an hour to go, i can hardly wait though. i need to find sth to kill my time instead of getting too nervous.

Posted from Taiwan

By Chris | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:52 pm

Lineup is in:

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

By Rohit Bharati | June 22nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm

wateva it is..ITALIA is gonna lead!!..thts for sure!!..

FORZA AZURRII!!!!!!!!

Posted from India

By pat | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:00 pm

according to corriere

FORMAZIONI UFFICIALI – Queste le formazioni ufficiali in campo:
ITALIA (4-3-1-2): 1 Buffon; 19 Zambrotta, 2 Panucci, 4 Chiellini, 3 Grosso; 22 Aquilani, 10 De Rossi, 13 Ambrosini; 20 Perrotta; 18 Cassano, 9 Toni. A disp. 14 Amelia, 17 De Sanctis, 23 Materazzi, 5 Gamberini, 7 Del Piero, 11 Di Natale, 16 Camoranesi, 15 Quagliarella, 12 Borriello. Ct Donadoni
SPAGNA (4-4-2): 1 Casillas; 15 Sergio Ramos, 5 Puyol, 4 Marchena, 11 Capdevila; 6 Iniesta, 19 Senna, 8 Xavi, 21 Silva; 9 Torres, 7 Villa. A disp. 23 Reina, 13 Palop, 18 Arbeloa, 2 Albiol, 20 Juanito, 3 Navarro, 12 Cazorla, 14 Xabi Alonso, 22 de la Red, 10 Fabregas, 16 Sergio Garcia, 17 Guiza. Ct Aragones
Arbitro: Fandel (Germania)

By Gabriella (ASR) | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:11 pm

FORZA AZZURRI!!!!

I cannot wait!

By Rohmer | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:22 pm

Chris, i just knew that you won’t do the liveblog today. but i want to thank you here for everything you’ve contributed to do the liveblogging, even im disappointed still grateful to you, please trust me as im being sincere. so now enjoy wacthing. and of course FORZA AZZURRI!!!!

and i hope toni can garb a goal today.

Posted from Taiwan

By Chris | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm

Thanks much Rohmer, it’s very appreciated.

By Football Italy, Spain's turn. | June 22nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm

http://futbolitalia.blogspot.com/

Hey mate, hate to disagree with you on this one. Spain has a very powerful team this year and if Italy teams up on Villa another player will make the goal.

If Spain gets Italy out of their defensive cave and wears them out attacking hate to say it but Italy is done for.

Bets in Las Vegas are 2×1 for Italy but I am betting for Spain this time.

Feel free to check out my website in Spain:

http://futbolitalia.blogspot.com/

Posted from United States

By Turnberry18 | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:32 pm

Bravo Spain…brilliant night for football

Posted from United States

By james | June 22nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm

Commentator on Italian National TV (RAI1):”In tutta onesta’e’ passata la squadra che lo meritava di piu’” What poetic justice. The Cheatalians beaten at their own game. OUTta here … “NON gioco piu’ me ne vado.. (con la coda tra le gambe…)”

By Daniel | June 22nd, 2008 at 5:32 pm

What is it with Andy Gray… “Good Luck Cesc” was that really necessary? Can someone remind him he no longer works for the anti-Azzurri British media? Italy played very well defensively but Luca should have been shot for that performance …. why Donadoni didn’t throw Di Pierro and Quagliarella on earlier I don’t know… I am bitterly disappointed but wish Spain all the best for the remainder of the tournament. I hope they go the whole way. Russia will be tougher second time around but the Germans are too slow at the back and when Villa and Torres cut them to shreds in the final it will show what a good job Italy did tonight to shut them out… let the re-building begin and please let it NOT involve Luca Toni …

Posted from United States

By Pedro Morgado | June 22nd, 2008 at 7:32 pm

Portugal tambien celebra triunfo. Viva la Espana!

Posted from Portugal

By from the us of the a | June 22nd, 2008 at 7:35 pm

Today was yet another perfect example of the Italian’s artistry in rolling around like a bunch of sissies. It seems that half of the training is teaching them how to roll across the grass to gain the ref’s attention not to mention that just as in the ‘06 World Cup against the U.S. and so many times prior to that the Italians were playing with a 12th player… the Referee. Evey time the Italians squeeze in the next level by luck and then they seem to add Reff’s on to their pay roll that’s how they win. How are these so called “World Champions” playing so shitty in an international championship? They suck and this time around the world saw they’re shitty, ugly ways of soccer. The Spanish were superior in every way and although somehow the Dutch lost the day prior to that they too were superior to these sissy’s game. ha ha ha ha ha ha ha Watching these little wussies loose today filled my heart with joy. EVEN with the help of the Referee this time they couldn’t pull it off.

By from the us of the a | June 22nd, 2008 at 7:41 pm

Although I like Buffon… real men and the better team won today!

By Tuta | June 22nd, 2008 at 7:47 pm

You know the USA should know its place when it comes to football (soccer you call it?) they’re no match to Italia, hell they’re no match to whatever european team!
in 1994 they didn’t even have enough fields to host the WC
some how they turned their american “football” field into “soccer” fields!
Italia won the world cup before america even knew football!
Russia deserved to win and beat holland just like spain would’ve deserved to win if they scored! BUT they didn’t. Di Natale and De rossi wasted penalty kicks. they hardly earned that! Donadoni gave the match away!
the refereeing was fare and square! several misses for the italian side and several for the spanish side.
you obviously don’t know what you’re talking about in regard to italy and the refs… no actually you have no idea about any of what you’re talking about!

you’re a bitter loser… that’s what you are. but that’s alright you’re new to football “soccer” you don’t have history and don’t know how to deal with loss! so piss off please!

By dimitri | June 23rd, 2008 at 10:17 am

my favorite team italy

By white is right | June 23rd, 2008 at 8:47 pm

so what was toni going to do to the abuelo porchetta? send him where? oooo poor toni had to shave his moustache off since he didnt poach one goal : ( its not the bundesliga everyday.

Posted from Spain

By Don-a-Donkey | June 25th, 2008 at 10:17 am

The Italians was lucky to get through to this stage once again. They just barely beat France to make it to the 1/4 finals with a dive & a own goal from T Henry..Forza El DOLPHINO!

Spain played with much more passion throughout the game rather than the El Dolpinos with a defensive strategy. But what else could italy really do?? nothing! Not even with Toni, there top striker. ITALY your players are OOOOLLLLDDDD they need a zimmerframe now..c’mon…get some younger players in!

Lets all say thanks to the italian manager, Donadonkey! for his great leadership in italian football.Ha ha. Italy has had this comming since 94… good luck for the future Ciao and va fongool.lol.

Posted from United Kingdom

By TonyITA | June 25th, 2008 at 10:37 am

Don-a-Donkey — you Spanish twat.. 4 stars on our shirt says it all… Does the Euros get a star on your shirt? NO — I hope to fuck that Russia fuck you guys over — with all your great talent — you couldn’t score past our OLD team after another 88years and 120 minutes you still would not have scored — come on RUSSIA

Posted from United Kingdom

By white is right | June 25th, 2008 at 10:30 pm

oooo why thank you.

4 stars…the past, present is zero. Spain as many other teams find it hard to score since the italians are infamous for piling up in the box, i admit they position well and the team flocks together on offense and defense but thats what happens in the sport; a team stays back and another holds possession, not rocket science. I could also argue italy doesnt want possession since they dont know what to do with the sphere without pirlo, your entire current success is based on that sole player since toni is everything but gifted. Rossi is a good successor but nothing comparable yet. The fact that italy has won in many occasions usually by the bare minimum proves they prefer to look back instead of ahead, the australia match example displays the infamous italian way. Even ESPN made a mockery add saying “if winning is an art….” all the images displayed unsportanship behaviour by the italian team. Its great italy has 4 stars, obviously they’re good, nobody can argue that but i prefer other schools than la italiana, i never complain about the french, braziian, british etc ask yourself why.

Posted from Spain

By lamagica | June 25th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

still at it whitey? waste your time all you want TRYING to discredit our team. we’ll let the statistics provide the rhetoric for us. dont you think the fact that you keep coming back regurgitating the same shit shows the obvious inferiority complex you have? i mean there seems to be more effort on your part coming in here to recycle your shit than you put in discussing your next game. it has been 4 days you know. get over your complex, buddy.

Posted from Canada

By silvio | June 26th, 2008 at 6:20 am

lol. ( United Kingdom) you actually have a comment about italy.win or loose italy always makes it to the big stage. now from the United Kingdom, you dont even qualify for most tournaments or get knocked out at the early stages.so in your place i d keep quiet cause the 4 star generals will always be better than your loosin team.what you got 1 star, hahahahahaha.and to the spics you actually get a win and your big time now.in shoot out lol.ease up and prove your selves more b4 talkin outta your asses.

By azzurro | July 1st, 2008 at 6:41 am

@ white is right
4 stars are not the past, 4 stars are the hystory of soccer. And last star is still the present at least up to 2010. Where is Spain in the hystory of soccer? in the middle of nowhere. Yes you are Euro champion and so what? Even Greek, Danmark won euro championship but what is the rank of this teams?
World championship is a completely different matter and only few teams (brazil, Italy, Argentina and Germany) can claim the rights sure not Spain. You never argue against french, brazil, british? I know this is because with these teams you do not have a row of 88 years of losses and by the way even with last Euro game you cannot clain you won.
Enjoy your victory now since you can have a bad wake up in the near future.

Posted from United States

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