Checking In On… part II

And now, we present part two of “hmmm…..what’s going on with that guy?”

Vincenzo Iaquinta: OK, fine… it is a bit peculiar that Iaquinta can only score from the penalty spot these days. I’ll give you that. But he’s big and he’s trouble in the box, so don’t dismiss him out of hand. Still, facts are facts, and Udinese can’t score with or without him. And you have to wonder if all the transfer talks (Tottenham, Rome, etc.) maybe got in his head. And of course, the dreaded toe injury, in case you’d forgotten. Bottom line: if people fall out of form (Pippo, Vieri, etc.) then he could slide into the squad. As it stands right now? It’s not going to happen.

Gianluca Zambrotta: Spent a little time on the shelf with a groin injury. In case you’re thinking “hey, wait a second. Didn’t he…” yes. He was injured in Korea/Japan 2002. It’s a cruel trick his body plays on him, this injury bug at key times. He must talk a lot with Chris Armas of the US. Anyway…he’s back now, and don’t expect him to miss the trek to Germany, especially as he comfortable in the back or in the midfield.

Morgan De Sanctis: Your guess is as good as mine. This guy is an enigma wrapped in a mystery; he had some fantastic games in Europe in 2005 and yet it just doesn’t translate to Serie A for him. The odds of De Santctis playing at all in Germany are small anyway, but you can never have enough good keepers. My money is on Amelia from Livorno to push him off the 23 man roster by the time the weather warms up in Germany.