Collective Exhale: Zambrotta’s OK

Here’s the brightside if Nesta is out- Matrix will be the likely replacement. And this way he’ll probably pull in his redcard in a group stage match we “should” win, rather than in an elimination matchup where it would really hurt us.

Anybody think the “Zambrotta being out for Ghana” announcement might be a bit of gamesmanship? I think Grosso is an able replacement in either case, but I’m not so certain we won’t be seeing Zambrotta on June 12th.

Posted from  United States

Ha ha!! And then he’d have to serve a two-game suspension!! That would be ideal!!
Matrix = the pits.

Posted from  United States

I actually genuinely do not think that Zambrotta will play on the 12th. That said, if he were miraculously fit and able, perhaps we could play with a 3 back, five midfield (or four), 2 striker (or 3). Ghana’s strength is in their midfield with Essien rather than up front, and this way we could avoid using Matrix (and playing, whether he’s sent off or not, with a man down).

This would be the proposed lineup:

Buffon

Grosso Cannavaro Zambrotta

Gattuso Pirlo

Camoranesi Totti De Rossi

Gilardino Toni

Most reports seem to suggest that though Nesta might be fit to play against Ghana, there is a greater likelihood that Zambrotta is fit to play against USA. My scenario, therefore, only applies to the peculiar possibility of Zambrotta somehow finding himself fit for Ghana and Nesta being unavailable. Still, my proposal does have some flaws. 1) If Zambrotta were healthy, he might not be fit enough yet to play with only 3 in the back (a very taxing setup). 2) If he can’t play, I’m just not sure Oddo is responsible enough to play in a 3-man backfield (Zaccardo almost certainly isn’t). 3) The azzurri have been playing 4-3-3 quite well, including, I dare to say, these past two games in which though the team may not have looked sharp, we all have to admit, they did not break down structurally. They never looked particularly penetrable (the only goal coming off a mistake by Materazzi). I’d love to hear some of your thoughts and proposals.

Posted from  United Kingdom

That leads me to another thought, a question that I’d like to pose to some of you who have seen De Rossi play more than I have. How does De Rossi do out on the wing? It seems some of his tackling ability might be wasted, but also that he might have the pace and fitness to fare well out there. Any ideas?

Posted from  United Kingdom

Lang, you’re asking for it when you say that we played a 4-3-3 “quite well” these past couple of games…. But to go easy: I’ll have what Lang’s having!!

Seriously though, I like your formation (i.e., if forced to use a 3-back lineup).

Ghana’s also got Stephen Appiah, let’s not forget about him.
You know, I’ve played against a lot of players from Ghana and aside from skill, the thing that has struck me the most about Ghanans is their physical strength. They are astonishingly strong people.

So…Perhaps we’ll actually WANT Materazzi to play in this one. If nothing else, he’s a club. We’ll need some muscle to contend with the Ghanans. No, before you all berate me, I take it back. I do not want Materazzi to play. Ever.

Posted from  United States

I haven’t seen Stephen Appiah play for over a year but can anyone tell me if he’s improved since his playing days at Juventus? I really wasn’t impressed by him when he was a Juve player..

Posted from  United States

I wouldn’t use Zambrotta in a 3-man backfield, not that he’s not fully capable of playing in such formation, but simply because it would be a waste of his attacking abilities. In a 3-5-2 formation, he would be optimally used further up the field in a left or right winger..

Posted from  United States

In this latest article from Channel 4, Lippi is said to be leaning toward a 4-4-2 formation.

Personally, I trust Lippi…He knows exactly what his problems currently are.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun6k.html

Posted from  United States

I guess it makes sense that one formation has Pirlo, and the other replaces him with Totti.

I guess also that the front spots are settled: Gila and Toni, with Iaquinta and Inzaghi as super subs.
Not bad.

To be honest, I am not sure that I prefer one set over the other. Either way, my main worry is that over-zealous Africans (with something to prove) might be a little rough with our guys. I feel that with the African style out on the pitch, there is a good chance somebody’s going to be injured.

Posted from  United States

Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the insightful comments regaurding gli Azzurri, I’m learning a lot about the team by reading your exchanges. My question is can I, from the US, get the games via satliveonpc.com or is that service only available in the UK? Can any of you answer that for me. Much appreciated.
Salve, Matteo

Posted from  United States

Matteo, I think there will be plenty of simulcasts streaming on the web for free. Don’t waste your money, amico.
——————————

Ragazzi: great to hear that Lippi’s finally considering to do what’s best for the whole (sitting a questionable Totti). Don’t get me wrong, if Totti’s fit, he’s indispensable, but if he’s not ready, let’s not let homage and gratuity spoil the team’s chances.

If Totti’s not fit (despite an excellent recovery) and our coach is beginning to admit it, I think it’s fair to conclude that Wayne “the imbecile” Rooney will have zero impact in the world cup (regardless of playing time).

Posted from  United States

Matteo, you can definitely use satliveonpc.com for the Italy game, viewing from the US (I am American). But like Josh says, if you do a bit of research, you’ll probably find it for free. That said, I was too pressed for time recently to do any research and so I bought the yearly subscription which is only 4 pounds (6-7 dollars) and it kind of saved me alot of trouble.

Neo, that’s a good point. It would limit Zambo’s ability to involve himself in the attack

Posted from  United Kingdom

Josh, I don’t see the point in even bringing Totti if he’s not going to be on the field. He’s obviously healthy, he’s just not into the flow of the game yet. The only way he’ll get into the flow is by playing, not potentially coming off the bench for 10-15 minutes at the end of an already decided game. I say if you have him, use him. If he’s anonymous for most of the game, so what, he doesn’t really play that much defense anyway. It will be worth it when he slices open the Ghanaians or Czechs or Americans.

Posted from  United States

Anybody near/in NYC… I found a place that’s showing the matches in high def. on a big screen.

Posted from  United States

i think Italy well get the cup finally ,hehe,Czechic’s strengh is inneglectable, which will be American team’s most rival contesting the second place in group E,even so ,out of group will meet the Brazil………..

Posted from  China

Can I ask anyone what’s Satliveonpc.com like? Is the quality good? Does it show any boxing from the states at all?

Bobbyd

Posted from  Japan