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Houston, We Have a Problem.

June 5th, 2006 | By: Josh | 38 Comments »

Our first step in WC preparations: discard the “we’re traditional slow-starters” line of horsecrap.

Mi dispiace ragazzi, but I’m not buying the “experimental tune-up” line from the Azzurri camp, starting with Lippi. I think it’s a lame excuse to boost the morale of the players and to quell the concerns of the fans. I think the two friendlies have shown that we’re lacking the vital delivery from the midfield. This was a huge problem in 02, and was not addressed at Euro 04 (hence all the long balls and early exit).

I’ll also reiterate that I think it’s foolish to wait before we peak because in this day and age, you can’t afford to flounder– the competition is too strong– and in our case (i.e. in this summer’s world cup) it will lead to one of two results:
a) first round exit or
b) facing brasil in the round of 16

We can sit here and talk about how we’ve got just as much talent as Brasil (we do) and how we want revenge from 94 (we do), but the fact remains that the teams with the best midfields will go far in this tournament. Our midfielders are hugely talented but they have not been playing well together. In fact, their play has been hideous.

I think we’ve all been wanting this problem to go away or to improve somehow, but I’m ready to acknowledge our shortcomings. In this regard, I’m ready to admit that Rino Gattuso might be the most overrated player in world football. I’m beginning to wonder how he gets playing time, let alone is included in the team. He’s a decent destroying midfielder, but scores a fat ZERO in the creativity department. De Rossi is a better choice, but even so he’s no Steven Gerrard.

The England midfielders are total players, gritty, solid players who push forward deftly. It pains me to admit that they’ve got the necessary ingredients, but I’m afraid that they do. I’d estimate our comparitive skills as follows:

Offensive/Defensive
Gerrard 8 8
Lampard 9 7
J. Cole 8 6
Beckham 9 7
Carrick 8 5

Totti 9* 6*
Pirlo 7 5
Camoranesi 8 7
De Rossi 6 7
Gattuso 4 8

* when fit.

I’ll take our forwards over theirs any day of the week, but I think they’ve got a formidable backline. And if we lose Zambrotta (well know more tomorrow), it would be fair to give them the advantage in that department as well. In the grander scheme of things, they’re playing well together, with lots of passion and imagination, and they’re supporting one another. We on the other hand, are not seeing any of that… but hopefully we’ll “peak” sooner than expected or predicted….

The Ghana match will be a straw in the wind.

Tags: Brasil, Brazil, England, Italy, Lippi

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Comments

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

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By Gino | June 5th, 2006 at 4:04 pm

All I’m saying is the return of Zambrotta is what this team needs. Just phenominal. If you have a change go back and watch Italy-Sweden in Euro 2004.

Posted from Canada

By Roberto | June 5th, 2006 at 4:06 pm

Good post Paul. I’m not saying I’m right these are purely my opinions.

The only reason I go on about England is I live here and they really have gone overtime this year as if they are destined to win it and getting to the final is deemed as failure. I just think they are a little over-confident. The last World Cup they were pessimistic because they had a tough group in Sweden, Argentina and Nigeria but now they see they have an easier group they are already looking at the next round (even further than that). Paraguay are no mugs and I truly think this could be a tough game. Trinidad are pretty awful but people seem to forget that a lot of these players play in England so they know the tempo and how England play. Who would have though Northern Ireland would beat England that night ?

If the right Totti turns up then this is Italy’s gain, if we get the Totti of Euro 2000 turn up then we can go all the way. On his day this guy is untouchable. But if the WC 2002 and Euro 2004 Totti turns up then forget it as this can only be negative on the team.

Our forward line is superb, Luca Toni has exploded on the scene the last 2 years and for a big guy has a very good touch. Gillardino doesn’t get a lot of credit for some reason. If he get’s a chance he’ll stick it away. He’s a poacher\finisher, we don’t want him running with the ball taking players on. He just needs to get on the end of assists and crosses and I’m confident he can do the business.

De Rossi, he is our Steven Gerrard. Rampaging Rossi, he get’s stuck in and does not get enough credit for how techinically gited he actually is. Gattuso has never done it for me so De Rossi has to start. Pirlo when given time and space can pull the strings and we need this creativity in the team as we can’t rely soley on Totti. Camoranesi, very hot and cold. Sometimes I can see why he warrants his place. Other times I pull my hair out. Just gets the nod as I can’t see anyone else to take his place.

Zambrotta is a big blow as he has probably been the Azzurri’s best player over the last 4-5 years. Considering how bad we’ve been that’s a compliment to him. Nesta and Cannavaro are top draw, just need to pray no injuries or suspensions intervene. Materazzi can stick to warming the bench, DO NOT LET HIM ON THE FIELD !!! Grosso looks ok as well so no complaints there.

The one thing I like about Lippi’s Italia is the reluctance to hit the long ball even though we have big Luca Toni upfront. We have always been strong defensively and there is no need to change that but include some good counter attacking with that and we can be a very effective unit.

Im’ content at the mo. Let’s just see what happens when it all kicks off on the 12th.

By Paul | June 5th, 2006 at 4:43 pm

Thanks Roberto, of course, these are only my opinions as well. I am in agreeance with you on many of these issues.

I think Lippi NEEDS to find a way for De Rossi to be on the field. I think this would help Totti as well because it will increase his comfort level since the duo has played together so much.

Akbar, in theory your formation could make sense but Cassano is not on the team and Zambrotta has likely been ruled out for the first two games. Plus, I don’t think Lippi has any real intentions of starting del Piero unless he determines Totti is useless in current form, which he isn’t. And Lippi is certainly not a media driven coach. He has stuck with the same players he used throughout qualification, even threatening to take Vieri when everyone told him Bobo was washed up. Speaking of qualification, they played a 4-3-3 almost exclusively, so I can’t see them turning their backs on that formation, although a 4-5-1 can be made very similar.

I for one trust that Lippi knows what he is doing. He’ll make the right decisions when the time comes. He understands all of these players better than any of us ever could, so he should be given the benefit of the doubt.

Posted from United States

By Massimo | June 5th, 2006 at 5:15 pm

Anyways I can’t believe how close we are to the world cup. I’m excited and I know Italy will play well. The last two friendlies do not reflect in any way what they can achieve.
I agree about the guy that said we should play Brasil soon. Italy Brasil will be an amazing game and regardless of the score it will be a memorable one. If you don’t have games like that it is not a world cup. It will be a Korea 2002 World cup, where the final was pathetic and the Turkey Korea match for third place has been forgotten by everyone except me for I found it extremely disgusting that my brain will not make me forget.

Anyway, whoever you think are the strongest teams I want them to play against Italy.
In 1982 Italy won in the greatest style possible by beating every single strong team. I want that to happen again.

Posted from Italy

By Massimo | June 5th, 2006 at 5:17 pm

Did I mention how disguisting I find anything that has the words “Korea” and “Soccer” in the same sentence?

Posted from Italy

By Abe | June 5th, 2006 at 5:43 pm

I agree with Massimo, if Italy is going to win the World Cup, then I want them to win by beating strong teams, not by beating China, Sweden and Turkey or something like that…everytime I think about the 2002 WC I think about how Brasil actually got to the final in the first place…and Oh lets hope the refs are fair this time!

Posted from United States

By Calciatore Somalo | June 5th, 2006 at 6:05 pm

Forza Azzurri!!!
I think Italy will win the 2022 World Cup! Sorry, but that is the way it is. They will not win the world cup this time around, no way jose.. Good luck for making the second round, but please no Catanacio OK.
As for England, they are overrated as their their players are. Nowadays it pays to have a strong media that publcizes your players around the world and makes them bigger than what they really are. Lampard, Gerard, Roni, Wlacott, Owen, these are the only good players in the team the rest are rubbish.

Posted from United States

By Vin | June 5th, 2006 at 6:45 pm

A few guys have posted here asking “Why don’t we just go with the long ball and blast it up to Toni?”

Read Calciatore’s post above mine, and you will see the reason: PEOPLE DON’T WANT TO SEE THE CATENACCIO.

How is this related to the long ball? It’s obvious if you have ever played the game… or even if you are an avid spectator. In the catenaccio, the defense holds until a counterattack can be mounted… and guess what – the counterattack in catenaccio usually starts with a LONG BALL.

We can’t have both, ragazzi. Pick one:
A) Attacking style, (which I have yet to see executed successfully by gli Azzurri)or
B) Catenaccio, with the long-ball counter attack.

Personally, I think we have the personnel to do either… but we have to PICK ONE and stick with it… and my vote is for the Catenaccio! Why? Because that is the Azzurri way. The reason it’s criticized so much around the world is because teams HATE playing against it. Think of how frustrated it makes the opposing sides! They play on our half of the field for 90 minutes and muster maybe one goal… meanwhile, if they let up the pressure, commit an error, or fatigue… Zap!You have six blue shirts charging at the opposing keeper, making him wet his shorts.

Also, regarding the comments about a weak midfield… we’ll see. I think as long as you have at least two Romans in the midfield at the same time, they should gel properly, once they get accustomed to the forwards’ positioning.

Posted from United States

By Anto | June 5th, 2006 at 6:46 pm

Just look around @ the last round friendlies that Brazil & england played…Brazil vs Newzealand(no disrespect to the kiwis, though what kind of serious competition did they provide??) ++ Jamica 6-0??? cmon guys get behind italia & lose all the negativity..

Posted from Australia

By Neo | June 5th, 2006 at 7:41 pm

According to Channel 4, Arrigo Sacchi expects the Azzurri to comfortably qualify from the group stage.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun5k.html

Posted from United States

By Vittorio | June 5th, 2006 at 7:59 pm

Yeah, I have no problem with catenaccio. Who gives a crap what the rest of the world thinks? I remember in Euro2000 (sigh), how everybody was blasting the Italian style, but I loved the fact that everybody else hated it. Negative soccer my ass, why is it that “defense wins championships” is such a celebrated concept here in America for football,basketball, baseball, and then when it comes to soccer, defense is “negative.” I appreciate watching attacking soccer, but I appreciate winning the most.

Honestly, unless Totti comes into form, I think our squad is the catenaccio dream. Good defenders, and big Luca Toni up front. If Totti can regain his Roma form, then by all means lets see us attack.

Posted from United States

By Neo | June 5th, 2006 at 8:09 pm

So I found this World Cup Predictor on BBC Sport. Here are my predictions:

Quarter Finals:
Germany – Argentina
Italy – France
England – Holland
Brazil – Spain

Semi Finals:
Argentina – Italy
Englang – Brazil

Final
Italy – England

That would be a dream World Cup!!

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/shared/spl/hi/predictor/html/football/world_cup_06/default.stm

Posted from United States

By Lang | June 5th, 2006 at 8:19 pm

Vin, I agree that the Italians should indeed continue to play catenaccio, which I actually think is beautiful soccer. The difference between the long balls played so often in the Premiership and the long balls played in catenaccio is that in order for the latter to work, they simply MUST be to the feet (or chest) of a target man. They are not simply clearances, as they are in the Premiership, which are best launched into the empty spaces behind the defense, often toward the corner flags.

The people that criticize catenaccio are the same people who are ruining the game now by insisting on high scores, lighter balls, etc. It all comes from a lack of true appreciation for the subleties of defense, possession and organization. People nowadays want what I call fast-food football – quick, direct and soulless.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Vin | June 5th, 2006 at 9:48 pm

The people who want fast-food fotball, Lang, should just go watch the indoor game.

I will admit that going into these friendlies, I thought we would see a new faccia of Azzurri calcio. With our strong forwards, I thought for sure we’d see a viscious, proactive attack.

This has not been the case. Is it too early to tell if the the proactive attack won’t work? Perhaps… but the big show is around the corner, so it’s time to settle back and do what the Azzurri do best… and that is the catenaccio.

By the way, does anybody know who first called the style catenaccio?

Posted from United States

By Chunder | June 5th, 2006 at 9:49 pm

I don’t like catenaccio and I don’t think it works well anymore.
Italy have won recently under Lippi playing attacking football and that’s the way I’d like to keep it. One thing that I hate is watching the Italy team retreat into their half and get more and more nervous as the game goes on. They let the other team have control of the ball and eventually, the other team inevitably scores.
I find it so annoying because I know that they can play good football and they just give up. I think it is a fear of losing that does this. Please don’t play that way!

Posted from United States

By marco DeMichele | June 6th, 2006 at 3:39 am

The thing that i dont understand ia that 6 montha ago wit hjust about the same team we were demolishing teams, and i would have to say that even if u hate the azzuri you could still watch the match and say danm thats good soccer .. i mean against hollan fo the first 55 minutes they barley touched the ball and that was with there best team (although they didnt have van nisteroid we didnt have totti) so i hope that its just coz its the frendlies but otherwise we r in trouble and could maybe see an early exit

Posted from Australia

By Roberto | June 6th, 2006 at 5:34 am

Hold on.. “the counterattack in catenaccio usually starts with a LONG BALL.”

Whoever said that is in a very small minority as the long ball is not what we want to see.

Watching how Lippi’s team plays we very rarely hit the long ball even with big Luca Toni upfront. I agree sometimes you have to go direct but passing, flowing football is a lot better and this Italian team are capable of that.

People are moaning about these friendlies but we have have played 2 teams which qualified well and are also going to be at the final. We could have won both to be fair (and maybe lost). But these are friendlies (somebody should have told the Swiss that), we look in good shape and players have not hit any peak form yet which doesn’t bother me.

Let’s just qualify from our group and see what we can do. I think potentially we can do it but who knows.

Stop being so pessimistic !!!!

Posted from United Kingdom

By Lang | June 6th, 2006 at 6:34 am

GREAT NEWS, everyone! Finally this was posted in English on Channel4.com. The results of the scan are in and Nesta is expected to be ready for Ghana, Zambrotta is expected to be ready for the USA.

Read the brief article here:

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun6e.html

Not that Zambrotta being back in the side will be a complete panacea, but I do think his presence makes quite a difference.

Posted from United Kingdom

By Robert | June 6th, 2006 at 8:07 am

I believe an Argentine coaching in the Serie A coined the term “catenaccio.” Herrera, maybe? If I’m wrong, please tell me who it was…

Posted from United States

By Vittorio | June 6th, 2006 at 8:31 am

Good memory Robert. It was before my time, but wikipedia confirms it (click the link on my name).

Posted from United States

By Josh | June 6th, 2006 at 8:40 am

Respectfully, I’d like to note that I’m trying to be realistic, not pessimistic.

Lang, thanks for the uplifting news on Zambro. I’ll make a bigger note.

Paul, I think Gerrard is the most well-rounded midfielder in the world. And as much as I hate to admit it, I think Beckham is vastly underrated in terms of his defensive skill (not his tackling– but in fairness, he’s all over the pitch, fighting to win balls, win back possession– and he’s effective).

I agree with those of you who think that Totti should sit if he’s not 100%. I don’t think he’s ready. It might be better to introduce him, along with DP in the 60th minute, to prove their mettle.

De Rossi, all the way.

Where is Liverani goddamnit?

Catenaccio –> can’t help but to use the long ball.

If you think we could simply resort to catenaccio after two years of attacking style play, you might as well take a moonbeam back to 82, scoop up Rossi, and beam back to the future. Actually, might as well go back a bit further and grab Meazza while you’re at it.

But more importantly, if you think we should resort to the catenaccio, then you agree with me that our midfield’s in poor shape at the moment.

The Zambro news is a boost to our midfield.

Posted from United States

By Josh | June 6th, 2006 at 9:08 am

Correction: I’d rate Totti a 10 in terms of offensive skill, certainly in relative comparison to the English players.

Compared to international legends, Pele, Zidane etc, he’s a 9.

Totti could go down in history as a 10, and rank alongside Maradonna et al;
he’s in full control of his own legacy.

Will the real Franceso Totti please stand up?

Posted from United States

By mek | June 7th, 2006 at 9:17 pm

Josh…

Carrick 8 5

???

more like a 5 8 mate… hopefully the italian national team are as slack as you when it comes to scouting =D

Posted from United Kingdom

By enzo | June 9th, 2006 at 2:45 am

I have never been a fan of catenaccio, where the tactics are to have a highly organized and effective backline defense which is intended to prevent goals, and the team to play with one man forward in the hope of a quick counter-attack to to grind out 1-0 wins over opponents. It was made famous by Argentinian trainer Helenio Herrera of Inter Milan in the 1960s. If Italy continues with such an outdated, frustrating and defensive form of play then I hope it loses, even though I love the Azzurri. To try and maintain a 1-0 advantage during today’s style of play is like playing russian roulette.

Posted from Australia

By Kemel | June 9th, 2006 at 3:17 am

I am an italian fan an i agree with chunder.Long ball is boring and rubbish. The azzurri well have to soak up tooo much preesure and will eventually conseed.example euro2000 final.They will also conseed free kicks an penalties when they play defensively and relie on the long play.example euro2000 semi finals. we need the ball at the creative players feet are oout wide to the fullbacks especial zambrotta who crosses the ball well for big Toni. Totti as to play a Roberto baggio role like 94 and Italy will be a formidable challenged for Brazil. Brazil is not as strong as Italy defensively and the full backs could get caught out(long ball would work when countering against then. Attacking they are unstoppable. If Gerrard and Lampard can coe exist in the English side, Rooney(as good as totti) fit, Owen in form, with a good defence (Neville the exception)England sould be unstoppable. However the ball is round and i am praying for Italia.

Posted from United States

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