The 23

April 9th, 2006 | by: Jay |

You know, Paul, that’s a good question… and one I keep dodging because it changes from week to week almost. But it deserves a fair answer. So, as of today, here’s who I think will make the squad:

GK(3):

Buffon
Abbiati
Peruzzi

Defense(7):

Zaccardo
Nesta
Materazzi
Cannavaro
Grosso
Oddo
Zambrotta

Midfield(8):

Camoranesi
Pasqual
Pirlo
Barone
De Rossi
Diana
Totti
Gattuso

Attacante(5):

Gilardino
Lucarelli
Toni
Del Piero
Inzaghi

Now, I reserve the right to change my mind a week from now, but there you have it.

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http://www.worldcupblog.org/world-cup-2006/the-blog-goes-on-0410.html The Blog Goes On 04.10 – FIFA World Cup 2006 – World Cup 2006 Blog

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

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.
Massimo

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”.
Massimo

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.
nicholas ohio

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
Dido

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

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
Paul

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.
Giannetta

I really don’t like the way Totti plays or his attitude. He doesn’t deserve to be on the squad.
http://italy.worldcupblog.org/group-e/more-on-the-23.html More on ‘The 23′ – FIFA World Cup 2006 – Italy World Cup Team Blog

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

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.
Massimo

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
Will2K

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