For Fabio

Plus in the second half we were too defensive. It seemed like Italy had 10 men vs France’s 11.

Posted from  Canada

When Luca Toni is on he will score with any ball he gets. So I say keep feeding him he will eventually score. Hopefully he scores a ton of goals vs. Spain. He is as tall as all 4 Spanish defenders put together so he should have many chance to score from the air.

I think we played good defensively today. That is probably our weakest link so far this tourney so the more practice the better. The defense needs to gel. It looked pretty solid today. We are probably going to have to rely on them vs. spain which is a fast small attacking side.

Italy played ok, however there is much room for improvement. The Don has to go. His poor judgement is killing the team’s morale. Bring back Lippi ASAP. Now that Pirlo and Gattuso aren’t in the quarters, it’s time for some other guys to shine. We can beat Spain, especially if history keeps repeating itself (aka Italy starts slow and builds momentum, Spain starts strong and falls flat as time goes on). I also agree, these long ball plays aren’t working, switch it up. Build some plays up. We have the skill, let’s use it. France was, by far, not supposed to be a challenge with the way they played this tourney. We should have had another 3 goals minimum on them.

Lastly, props go out to Netherlands for doing the honourable thing, and playing to win, rather than playing however would benefit them in the long run (aka losing to Romania to knock out Azzurri and Les Bleus). Looking forward to watching Italy’s game against Spain on sunday.

Posted from  Canada

Great vid. Thank God Cassano kept on the briefs….

I love Panucci and all.. But I don’t know if he will cut it against the speedy Spaniards.. I wonder whether Barzagli or Gamberini coming in might be better.

Posted from  United States

For some reason, I can’t see the video of Cassano running around in his tighty whiteys. Perhaps it’s a sign?

I don’t think anyone will disagree that the Don has to go. This team is putting in better performances, but we’re still a shadow of Berlin.

When Luca Toni is on he will score with any ball he gets.

Yeah, but how long can we wait? I think Borriello is not good at all but jesus even he would hit have hit one of those sitters.

Posted from  United States

I share Bashar’s concern.

I would pack the middle. Call me crazy but play a 4-5-1 (or some variation) since Cannavaro is not there. Play to Italy’s strengths. Spain is not used to tight marking and physical play. This is a perfect opponent for the aerial game. Puyol and Ramos are solid but Toni may prove too much for them. Also, make sure you have players that like to kick from the 18m area or before like de Rossi and Aqualani: kick, aerial (and I agree with Omar they shouldn’t rely on it), pack the middle to support the attack and defense.

Take as much away from Spain’s brilliant passing game as possible.

My friend makes me die. He says Spain is already psyched out. Imagine, they roll through their group only to draw Italy. You can sense the world holding their breath with the thought of Italy marching on. I love it. The Oakland Raiders of soccer.

All anthems are nationalistic and outdated.

Props indeed must go to Holland. But I never thought they would do otherwise. Not for a minute.

Posted from  Canada

I guess, but I think given our start, the writing is on the wall. If we happen to succeed, Donadoni will jump back to club football. If we crash and burn, he’ll be sacked. Public opinion in Italy is already very against him. (Although it was against Lippi too, pre-WC but for other reasons)

I can’t see us succeeding and a fairly young coach like the Don wanting to stay.

Posted from  United States

Well, I’m glad Italy got the win…obviously. But looking ahead to Spain, I’m not sure what to expect. Not having Pirlo and Gattuso is not a good start. But I guess those are the breaks. Spain has looked very strong and Italy is going to have to have to find some strength on the back line. All I can say is that it’s a real shame we don’t have Cannavaro or Nesta. Nonetheless, I still hope Don doesn’t come out with a 5-4-1.

Luckily, Spain have a habit of choking and not getting past any QF. I hate to see them pick now to break that trend…

Aquilani should start in Pirlo’s place since Alberto is going to be the next Andrea. I’m serious, too. When I watch Aquilani, I see so many similarities between him and Pirlo and I see so much potential as well. Think about it, Aquilani can play a deep defensive role just like Pirlo. Aquilani can play the conductor’s role and negotiate the midfield, just like Pirlo. And Aquilani has rock star hair, just like Pirlo. Not to mention that Aquilani can score from practically any spot on the pitch. Hopefully Donadoni recognizes Aquilani’s skill and plays him, but I doubt it.

Ambrosini, who played great today and closed down the game well, will most likely start in Gattuso’s place (which is fine because they do the same tasks).

So if Italy ends up winning this damn thing, does Donadoni stay? I still would like to see Lippi return to his rightful place on the Azzurri bench.

The Italia v Spain match has so many interesting sub-plots. For one example, the tradionally slow starting Italy is starting to find its form at the most important stages of the tournament. Meanwhile, Spain is the team that traditionally starts out fast but implodes at these stages. Should be interesting to see what stereotype rings true on Sunday.

squiggy,

a 4-5-1 could work but it’s gotta be an attacking 4-5-1. We’re talking Ambrosinni playing deep middle and trying to fill in Gattuso’s shoes with some hard play. Gotta get Matterazzi back in there and adjusting for Grosso flying up the wing.

Aquilani might get his chance here. Don’s gotta pull out all the stops. We get past Spain and I feel pretty good….playing Holland again would be nice.

John V, I agree with everything you say right until Materazzi. No way. The Spanish will cut him up like the Dutch did. I think the Chiellini, Panucci partnership is doing ok and it’s the best Italy has at this time. Just support it and consider Gamberini if you must.

Just my opinion.

Posted from  Canada

I like italian team in these seasson,
and please do it in next time,

From Indonesia.
Nana For MALOMO

Posted from  Australia

chris – facing the same problem as a couple of other people – cant view some videos on the offside suddenly – any suggestions?

Posted from  Switzerland

I can watch the video, no problem

If italy go for de rossi perrotta camoranesi aquilani cassano toni we´ll be fine against spain.
Italy 2 x 0 Spain. Toni to score once and Cassano to grab another

Posted from  Brazil

Couldnt see the video.

Youtube anyone?

Posted from  United States

here is the link to that Cassano clip

http://www.d1g.com/video/show/2056877

What does everyone see in Perrotta? Doesn’t have a first touch to save his life!

Posted from  Australia

Thanks Gabriella (ASR), for the link to the video!….Yeah, funny S#&% to see Cassano half-naked….he certainly loves attention, uh?….great to see ITALIA advance, now we gotta handle them tough Spaniards, its gonna be a hell of a good game.

Everyone, click on Gabriella’s link if you haven’t seen that video, somehow she found some Arab link which has the clip crystal clear….Awsome job girl! I love a girl whose really into the game, especially AS ROMA! Thanks Gabi!

I WANT TO SEE ITALY LOOSE AND I WANT THEM TO CRY, THEN THEY CAN HOLD EACH OTHER HALF NAKED IN THE LOCKER-ROOM.

Italy is a beautiful place but the soccer they play…
(in Borat voice)..NOT SO MUCH. Their soccer is scarppy. long ball, dives, and screams.
MUTTO MALO.

Posted from  United States