Super-Pippo to the Rescue

I think Inzaghi could have been useful saturday because he is a genius when it comes to take advantage of an off-side trap. And Iaquinta is completely useless unless you are counter attacking.
Inzaghi’s best quality is his reactivity and his ability in finding the net. I think he is the real sub. He can get in the field and solve your problems in a few minutes. I would start with Toni and Gila (who are used to play together) with Inzaghi as the first choice as a sub.
I do think Del Piero sadly is living is sunset, and sure he is at the moment too slow to play on the wing. A non factor as you properly said.

I think Toni should start with Gila, and if things aren’t going well by the half, put Pippo in for whomever is doing less.

Perotta is injured, correct? And of course De Rossi is out… so I say throw Camoranesi and Gattuso in to start.

Totti has a yellow card, and I’d honestly just play him for a half; we need him for the second round, if there’s going to be one.

————Buffoddo————–
Oddon—–Cannavotta—Nestuso—Zambravaro

Camoranotti—Pirlardino—Gattesta

—————Tottesi————
——–Tonti——-Gilo

….maybe mixing up their names they are gonna play better

I think you got the tactics all right Pao. Start with Toni and Gila, and then put Pippo on around the 60 minute mark, depending on if a goal/spark is needed or even just to get a run about.

I think Perrotta is ok, and I’d like for him to start as long as he is fit. Camo is still likely to walk onto the pitch and pick up a stupid yellow and then not be as effective, much like in the Ghana game. I like him much better coming in later in the game to create more width when the opposing fullbacks are tired.

I think Totti is ok to go. Even if he gets another yellow, they don’t carry over into the second round from the group stage. Its a clean slate.

Del Piero has been my favorite player for the last decade, but I think most of the comments are correct. He is too slow to be playing in such a wide position. Its unfortunate that Lippi has sent him out there because we saw in the US game that when he drifts to the center of the pitch he can still be effective in creating chances or making his own. To me, he’s a natural sub for Totti, in the spot Totti plays, rather than on the wing.

from what ive been reading this is gonna be the line-up..

Buffon
Oddo Cannavaro Nesta Zambro
Camoranesi Pirlo Gattuso
totti
Toni Inzaghi

thats what I would go with as well

Italy will definately be out of the second round. They have choked big-time in the recent past and will do it agian.

Ok one thing all my fellow Italians. Please stop making comparisons to 1982 and all the old horsesh*t about us being slow starters. We are in trouble against the Czechs, can anybody ever remember beating them. I remember Euro 96 when we got turned over and they were unknowns then. The worst thing that could have happened is that we only need a draw to go through. Typical Italia we will be happy with a draw and only push to win it if we have to. Just like Mexico in the last World Cup it wouldn’t surprise me if we go a goal down. Sorry to be a pessimist but I am disgusted with our last performance, we lacked any kind of heart and passion which seriously worries me.

As for the topic of this post Pippo is not a starter, Toni and Gila should be the front 2 and if we need a change at about the 60-70 min mark Pippo would be perfect to come on. A lot better than Iaquinta.. now he is truly awful and his constant diving gives us Italians a bad name. Also why did Zaccardo start ahead of Grosso, I went to the Scotland game and the warning signs were there for all to see. Del Piero is a sub at best, I have not forgiven him for the chances in Euro 2000 and to be honest he has never done a lot in the Azzurri shirt. Totti may be able to step up and be the next superstar but Italia’s best player is stuck in Spain. Antonio Cassano.

Don’t know about you guys but I am so nervous about Thursday, I know it’s a game but I can’t believe how silly I get. It’s even worse when you live in England and these lot have already qualified playing some atrocious stuff.

My grandpa used to smoke 2 cigarrette boxes each game! I get nervous too, specially the first 20 minutes, and the last 10 when tied or up by 1 (almost every game) cuz these azzurri love to concede late goals. The last 3 competitions we were eliminated by conceding late goals to france, korea, sweden… before that, we were eliminated on penalties in 3 consecutive world cups, Italy is destined to suffer! I hope that changes… for better

This may be disjointed, so apologies in advance…

Firstly, dropping Toni would, I think, blow his confidence. He’s been tipped by many to be the star and so far has failed to score. Dropping Dino, on the other hand, wouldn’t have the same effect. Sure, he’d be gutted, but not as much as Toni.

As for beating the Czechs – we don’t have to. A draw is enough. Let’s face it, we could even get by if we lost (just – if we were lucky!). However, Lippi has shown that the Italia of the past has just about gone – he went for the win with his subs on Monday and again Saturday. How many of us expected a defender on for a striker.

The Czechs will be without Koler, Baros and also their influential skipper at the back. Their only real threat will be Nedved and the other guy up front. Most, if not all, of the italian squad know how to play against Nedved, ahving done it for most of the season.

As for the team on Thursday, I don’t mind who plays but what I would like to see is more width. We had acres of space down the right wing in the second half saturday, but failed to capitalise on it.

I, too, am nervous about Thursday’s game – but if we get through then I can see things just getting better. I would even feel confident about beating those South Americans in the next round!

Come on – let’s be positive! And Pao – loved your team selection! Brilliant – best chuckle I’ve had since watching France play last night!

the problem is italy needs more wingers. They got camoranesi but he is the only true winger. They should try zambrotta at wing then put grosso and oddo on the left and right wing defence. Also lippi should of brought diana on the team because he is a decent winger.

I am kind of new to the whole Italian football thing, but what is the deal with Cassano? I’ve read that he is an incredible talent but a terrible teammate and that is why he was left off the team. I would like to think that the honor of playing for your country would make everybody selected a team player.

To be honest,

I think we should outfit the team with Ballerina outfits and force them to wear Pink Shorts.

That might entice them to grunt it out on the field and forget about the next season in Seria A.

Wear the Colors with pride or don’t wear them at all.

In the mean time, I wish Toni would get that first goal so he will be primed for the game against Brazil (If it so happens).

Actually I welcome a game against Brazil, the last time we won the Cup it was them whom we went through prior to moving on.

Forza Italia

Who has to play on thursday?
Simple:
Gilardino, Toni, Totti!
These people ara scaring and with Pirlo in the middle field and Capitan Cannavaro in difense, nobody can stop us!
This year is the year of the 4th………trust me!

Del Piero needs to be played as a second striker. he’s wasted on the left.

Angelo – I also welcome a match vs. Brasil. Second in the group would be fine with me, as long as we go through.

That said, Roberto is correct in saying that “only” needing a tie is a difficult spot for gli Azzurri to be in; we always suck when the needs are low… but put our backs against the wall, and watch them come from behind.

Ah… maybe that’s why I’m a die-hard fan. They always manage to pull out all the stops when things look bad.

Well maybe we are just pessimistic because it’s been 10 years now that our team has been showing lack of personality.
First WC i have watched was 1982 and we won. In 1990 and 1994 we had a lot of personality and we just were unlucky. From 1996 till 2004 we had shown a mental weakness and an ancient all difense and counter attck attitude. When Lippi was chosen as the natinal team coach our squad began to show more personality and a brilliant offensive attitude. If i think of our great shows against holland and Germany I can’t be pessimistic although were both friendly games. If I think of our poor show against USA and the last 2 WC’s i am way pessimistic. Actually it’s a struggle against myself…and actually I got carried away, I can’t understand why i posted all that rubbish…it might have been the other myself taking control of my main myself. Never mind I am asleep.

I think lots of us think that way, Pao. This is a squad with a dual nature. It can come out flat or it can come out blasting. It’s an either/or thing.

All they need is a little spark… a little something to light a fire under their arses.

Vin so true…It’s just discouraging they always need something to light a fire under their arses. They are professionals they should have that something inside of theirselves..plus they are supposed to please millions of Italian fans who have been cheated and betrayed by those scandals we had. We just asked them: go and play with courage, no elbows, no complaining toward referees, just give us some fun. They are discouraging sometimes

By the way coach Lippi yesterday said: playng bad after we played a good game against Ghana…is in our nature, that’s something that comes with our DNA..

Whats wrong with you guys Alex Del piero is in top form , he scored 5 goals in practice . He needs to be in the line up even if he does’t play well , leave him in , he’s got the knack of scoring important goals when he is not playing well. He looks slow at times , but he makes it up with his technical abilities. Forget about Pippo is so over rated. The only thing he is good at is sticking out his ass to the defender to protect the ball, thats all he does WATCH@%^&^

Someone mentioned Totti having a yellow, so he should sit after 30 minutes. The yellows don’t carry over to the second round do they??

Please stop with the Inzaghi the “hero” stuff- the guy has had his chances and has forever disappointed on the international stage. As a substitute fine, but if he starts I say Italy is in horrible trouble. Toni had a bad game against the US, but so did the whole team. He hasn’t scored but he nailed the crossbar with an absolute rocket in the first game, and looked dangerous throughout.

Toni will not and should not be benched. Nor should Gilardino. The USA match was not one in which to make harsh judgments against players (except De Rossi) as it was just a bizarre encounter, and we hardly want to choose our starting 11 based on who plays well and who fails to play well in a match that is 9.5 against 9 for the second half. The team has played well for the most part. Let’s stick to the formation that has given us success in qualifying and in the tournament thus far: 4-3-1-2.

Zambrotta Cannavaro Nesta Grosso
Camoranesi Pirlo Gattuso
Totti
Toni Gilardino

Totti was not given a fair enough chance to shine against the USA as he was substituted after a measly half-hour. Particularly at his position, one needs the large part of a match to emerge and make one’s mark. He will when given the chance against the Czech Republic.

Like i said before — if italy lose Lippi can take all the blame … First off why did he play de rossi .. before the match i was hoping hed get a yellow so hed miss the next match (but get a red) Camo proved when he came on in the Ghana game that he is worthy of a spot and played much better than derossi and Del piero … I think that inzaghi should get a chace to play way before iaqyuinat (who lest face it only scored the goal coz the ghana dude stuffed up) i think inzagi socred more goals this yr that iaquinat and missed half the season adn sat on the bench most the time!!!! Also why does lippi alwasy take toni off .. i mean in the ghana game was unluck and in the US game no one was palying good and no one even game him a good ball … i watch serie a every week and the amount of times toni scores in the last 10 min is rediculos (plus he is the most unlucky striker in the world but never stops trying to score – and that why he has done so well the past 3 yrs! .. the only good think lippi did was put zambrotta for grosso (as groos played bad against ghana) … So the strikers should play a full match (at least toni ) and put inzaghi for gila .. i mean in teh second half of the US game i think gila only touched the ball twice

USA!!!USA!!!!!USA!!!!
Italy=Dirty players
America should have won 2-1

Fuck Pippo that garbage goal scoring grease ball.
Put in Vieri

Vinny Bonito you sound like a right c*ck. America should have won 2-1 ?!?! their goal was clearly offside and I can’t remember Buffon having a save to make ? Also we played very poor I admit but still had the chances to win it.

Your second post about sums up how much you actually. Vieri isn’t in the squad.

People who can’t contribute anything to a good debate should just keep away as you ruin it for the rest of us.

I am very worried about Thursdays game as the Czechs will not be easy. They are missing a few players but they still have Nedved, Rosicky and Paborsky on the pitch. And getting past Petr Cech won’t b easy either. I hope we have the right attitude and look for a win. Not play for a draw just to see us through.

Forza Italia !!!!!!

i support italy to win this WC this year..hope you can win over c.republic..gogo ITALY!!

Roberto, really, u shouldn’t reply to d*cks like Vinny Bonito (the * is an ‘i’ )

Anyway, i think a forward line of toni-gila should be able to score aginst the Cech (pun intended). I expect toni to start his account in this game.

Come on guys…some optimism here! Forza Italia!

All the men who took us to this WC have ricovered from injuries. Let’s put in those who took us to Germany Buffon, Zambrotta, Nesta, Cannavaro,Grosso, Camoranesi, Pirlo, Gattuso, Totti, Toni, Gilardino.

Some statistics so far. In 2 games Cannavaro committed 2 fouls, Nesta committed 0 fouls. I think that witnesses the high quality of our defenders, something we can rely on.

Well yes the Italian team is interesting as to where it brings crazy emotional roller coast rides to it supporters.

When I look at some of the individual stats, Luca Toni has been Fouled against 13 times so far. The closest is Gilardino who suffered 7 fouls against him.

I would start some of the bench just to throw the whole Czech plan out of whack.

But you know it would be Risky, I am certain that some of the Bench Warmers like Barone, Matterazi,Inzaghi,Oddo and Barazgli would love to get out there and do something for the Squad.

Why bring them along for the ride and not let them touch the ball.

Angelo, Inazghi and Oddo deserver a run out but you are sending shivers down my spine by even mentioning the Matrix.

As I have said many times, our best player is not at the World Cup… Antonio Cassano.

Hopefully Luca Toni and Totti can prove all their doubters wrong in this next game. I certainly hope so but I am far from confident.

Whats wrong with you guys Alex Del piero is in top form , he scored 5 goals in practice . He needs to be in the line up even if he does’t play well , leave him in , he’s got the knack of scoring important goals when he is not playing well. He looks slow at times , but he makes it up with his technical abilities. Forget about Pippo is so over rated. The only thing he is good at is sticking out his ass to the defender to protect the ball, thats all he does WATCH@%^&^

Whats wrong with you guys Alex Del piero is in top form , he scored 5 goals in practice . He needs to be in the line up even if he does’t play well , leave him in , he’s got the knack of scoring important goals when he is not playing well. He looks slow at times , but he makes it up with his technical abilities. Forget about Pippo is so over rated. The only thing he is good at is sticking out his ass to the defender to protect the ball, …………………………….

Roberto,

Shivers down the spine reminds me of that crazy game against Nigeria where we were up and down going bazerk till the very last whistle.

I say give them all a shot to go home as heros of Italy.

If all italuy needs is a tie then I think we will most likely loose but I am sticking to my guns.

Check out the Prediction for the entire knock out round I posted in the Getting Through Thread.

Roberto,

Shivers down the spine reminds me of that crazy game against Nigeria where we were up and down going bazerk till the very last whistle.

I say give them all a shot to go home as heros of Italy.

If all italy needs is a tie then I think we will most likely loose but I am sticking to my guns.

Check out the Prediction for the entire knock out round I posted in the Getting Through Thread.

Hm that game against Nigeria, scary. Africans leading by 1-0 and 11 vs 10 men. Then Baggio scored, just 2 more minutes to go. And then again he scored in the overtime. Yes definitely we need to have our back against the wall to take out the best from ourselves.

Italians has a history of painters and artists.The should stick on to that and dont want to try to do more with hand while playing football as Rosi did.

Italians are mangia cakes too, they use thier hands for everything including expressing anger.

But yes De Rossi did the usual thing a bit expressive on the jump, don’t put anything past them though intentional or not.

But one day perhaps we will see a team from India Qualify as well.

well said Hrithik and now i am gonna play my mandolino while i eat a huge dish of spaghetti , trying to pick up every girl is in a range of 900 meters. By the way I just elbowed my bro while he was diving pretending he got hurt and crying at our MAMMA

Pao,

Non ti dimenticare anche il ginochio in pancia quando uno ti tolga il piato di Lasagna che non e ancora finito.

Scusami si il mio Italino e un po “Rusty” or arrovinato, ormai non scrivo pui in Italiano da pui di 30 anni sai.

it seems that nothing can be easy for the azzurri. i’m nervous about the thursday game but will keep my optimism.

in bocca al lupo, ragazzi

F–K it, bring on Brazil in the second round. Let’s go out “Guns Blazing”. Let’s do to Brazil what Korea and USA did to us.

ahahahah Angelo, non ti preoccupare il tuo Italiano non è così rusty, hai solo qualche problema con le doppie che è tipico di chi scrive e parla inglese. Ma conosco moltissimi italiani a cui tu potresti insegnare a scrivere.

Ah… the Nigeria match. Pao, that’s the match I had in mind when I mentioned the “spark” earlier.

The spark’s name is Baggio.

If somebody could step up to the plate, once again, like he did, and lead gli Azzurri to victory, it would be a World Cup for the record books.

The Nigeria goals are available on this page, if anybody wants to remember.
http://www.pro-paul.net/baggio/english/goals.html

Here’s some great highlight footage, including one of the goals vs. Nigeria. The video is a little gay at points, and the English isn’t great, but it still gets me choked up.
http://www.pro-paul.net/baggio/media/three_decades_of_passion.mpg

I believe that we could make a run, if somebody – maybe Totti – maybe Toni – would become a magician like Baggio.

Ciao tutti,
I have a good feeling we will see Oddo come in for Zaccardo. In Mid, we will see Gattuso, Pirlo, and Camoranesi. Totti will be behind Toni and Gilardino. I don’t like to hear this talk about us giving up on Luca Toni as he is outstanding. He will come out flying, like he did with Ghana. There will be space to sub in Inzaghi and DelPiero. Totti and Toni will find their form. We must be patient. We will qualify in 1st place.
Non te preoccupare Italiani!!!

I only hope that our players don’t do the soap opera bit in the end if we go out of the cup tomorrow. It’s totaly embarrasing when our player start crying and acting like women after losing. Please please please don’t make us the laughing stock by crying. Lets start taking our defeats like men and not girls. It’s not attractive!!!!!!!!!

I have some questions for you:
1. Italy have a potentially good team but why are they afraid to attack in numbers?
2. Why do they try to defend a slender lead when it rarely works?
3. Has anybody seen Del Piero play well in a competitive game in the Italy shirt?

Bariman:
1. We don’t have a potentially good team; we have a damn good team. But beyond that, please give us a break as we used to send no one! We’re quite content with sending a couple of players forward (a relative legion). Of course, we still pride ourselves on excellent defending, so you won’t see countries scoring more than one goal against us, including our own….

2. We don’t know. We wish we wouldn’t do that. Remnants of catenaccio, perhaps? Hopefully we won’t try to do this against the Czechs, because it would lead to one of two things: a) an utterly disgraceful first-round exit; or b) advancement, and hence encouragement to try this approach again.

3. Del Piero has had several strong showings in the qualification stage. But he has consistently failed to deliver in the big tournaments. I think he’s a highstakes head case at this point and should not feature, if at all play.

thanks for the links, vin.

i was hoping to see the highlight of his sublime chip pass, late in the game from 94. i can’t remember if that was against spain or nigeria? or maybe another team altogether? does anyone remember? anyway, that assist, for me, was baggio’s best play of the tournament.

Listen, Italy will win. Czechs will not know what hit them.

pipo is the biggest diver of them all hes a poor sport.

Thanks for the links vin….and this time i must agree with boo. Inzaghi is a diver I don’t really like him.

http://nazionale.altervista.org/bagcec.wmv
take a look at that

its a poor site pao

Before I start, I want to applaud the author of this article for a job well done. By all means, I strongly believe Inzaghi should start over Gilardino. Yes, even after Gilardino’s nice goal against USA. Should Inzaghi start on the bench, I also strongly believe he should be subbed in over Iaqinta. Once again, yes, even after his goal against Ghana.

For those who criticize Inzaghi for being offside most of the times, I would like to bring to attention, 11. Enough said there.

Allow me to compare Inzaghi to Gilardino this season. Gilardino undoubtedly scored more than Inzaghi, however, in European competitions, Gilardino failed to find the net in 9 matches, while Inzaghi gave Milan victories against Bayern Munchen and Lyon, scoring 1 and 2 goals, respectively.

Throughout his career, he has scored 52 goals in 78 matches in Europe. Stats don’t lie.

There is no doubt that Inzaghi, the poacher, aka the fox, is very much capable of proving his worth when it comes to important matches. Tonight’s match is undoubtedly an important one.

Should Lippi decide to start Inzaghi over Gilardino, he WILL make a difference. Even if he doesn’t score himself, I’m sure he’ll get Italy a penalty.

FORZA ITALIA …

(ITALY 2 – 0 CZECH REP.)

Scorers: Inzaghi, Del Piero

(if they start o.O)

For those who criticize Inzaghi for being offside most of the times, I would like to bring to attention, 11. Enough said there.

That should read :

For those who criticize Inzaghi for being offside most of the times, I would like to bring to attention the number of offsides Italy had against the US, 11. Enough said there.

so guys, perrotta’s fit to play today:
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun22b.html

forza azzurri…

Moka , you are over rating inzaghi. why will lippi put gilardino on the bench ????
he has score against usa…….

maybe toni can be off

What did I tell you about letting the guys on.

The Matrix scared you but he scored for us.

Lets hope it gets better.

brilliant today proud to wear the shirt, gattuso is the key man along with pirlo

pippo is the man, u saw when he scored a naturall italian striker plays out of his heart for his country im glad lippi brang him along

My man of the match was definitly Cannavaro…

It does not suprise me that Lippi benched Toni. He has always been a complete idiot, so his actions should not suprise anyone. Typical of an Italian coach to bench the only talented player we have. It reminds me of when Baggio, the best Italian player in the last 25 years, was benched in 98 for Del Piero, who has consistently been a disgrace to Italy.So what if Toni didnt score in the first two games, in 94 Baggio didnt score in the first three games, and finished with 5 goals. Toni was the leading scorer in serie A for a reason. Let him play.

joe … i agree .. i think toni and inzaghi should start .. i mean against ghana he was ever so unlucky and could have got 4 goals … the other thing is that he needs to play full games .. how many times have i seen him score in the 85th minute for fiorentina and win it for them .. come on lippi get some brains