The 23

[...] Lippi take note: here is your 23, at least for this week (Italy Blog) [...]

Posted from  United States

Not much I can argue with there. I think that maybe Toldo goes instead of Abbiatti, only because Toldo has been getting consistent playing time and Abbiatti has been riding the pine.

Its a shame there isn’t room for Simone Perrotta, who I think has been in great form for the last few months.

And there must be an alternative to Materazzi. I just think he makes too many mistakes. Maybe Bonera, if healthy, maybe Barzagli. And lets hope Camoranesi gets his head on straight in the next few weeks.

Posted from  United States

Materazzi does not deserve to go to the world cup. The only reason he plays for the national team is because he is “Racomandato” just like Inter’s Coach (Who is not even a coach) another “racomandato pezzo di merda”.

Posted from  United States

Totti is also considered an attacker, not a midfield, because that’s how Lippi will use him if he gets better and makes the cut. So Inzaghi will not go.

Posted from  United States

I agree that Toldo should go, he plays for inter regularly. As far as totti, i don’t think he will win his fitness race. We have 2 months to go and I just don’t see where he can be fully fit in time. Also I hope Christian Vieri is no where near the squad

Posted from  United States

I would have taken Cassano just in case. I dont know much about Lucarelli.

Posted from  United Kingdom

Even if Totti is taken as a forward, Lippi should keep Inzaghi and then drop Lucarelli. There is no way Inzaghi can be left out based on current form. He always scores important goals and would make for a great change of pace in the final twenty minutes or so if Lippi wants to take off either Toni or Gilardino.

And I just heard Totti is about to start training again. A full two months should do it.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/apr10k.html

Posted from  United States

So if Materazzi does not go, which I hope he doesn’t, who replaces him as the third center back?

As I said earlier, I like Barzagli.

Posted from  United States

I really don’t like the way Totti plays or his attitude. He doesn’t deserve to be on the squad.

Posted from  United States

[...] Since that post seemed to provoke some discussion, I would like to add… [...]

Posted from  United States

Whether anyone likes Totti or not, he’s the most talented Italian player out there and needs to be at the WC if he’s fit. And he has shown this season that his attitude is greatly improved (I never thought it was all that bad). I think Italy can win without him, but I will feel a lot more confident with him on the pitch.

Posted from  United States

True that. Totti is the best player in Italy. He has that extra imagination that makes him one of the world’s greatest players. Another player that has that imagination is Cassano. Both are pretty ignorant and stupid, but they excell at playing football

Posted from  United States

good squad ! although i still hope the legendary Maldini would be back once more to lift the CUP.

Posted from  Thailand