World

Europe

Italy

The Postmortem

February 13th, 2009 | By: Julian | 41 Comments »

It’s been 3 days since Italy- Brazil. Three days of hindsight, three days of reflection.

My first thoughts on the game-we effin’ sucked. It was a horrible effort, there was no unity, we were exposed on the counterattack, we really need a trequartista, screw the 4-3-3… I was pissed to say the least. But after thinking about it, I really stand by what I said in my last post. We had a horrible first half and a good second half. Not “World Champs” good, but we could’ve tied and possibly won with just a little more luck. If the linesman didn’t suck. If Grosso’s kick had just a tiny bit more bend to it. If Cesar didn’t save Toni’s shot.

If, If, If.

The problem with the team we put out there is age (the true problem is that Lippi chose to put that team out there to begin with, but more on that in a bit). I understand that Brazil, like Spain, is a joga bonito, fast team by nature. And that’s fine. Italy aren’t like that, just by nature. We tend to prioritize defense and hit on the counter, and hey. It’s won us 4 World Cups and gotten us close to many others. It works. But if we’re not going to play a fast smooth passing game, we have to be efficient. Basically, if we’re not going to be Guardiola’s Barca, we have to be Mourinho’s Chelsea. Well, maybe not AS boring as they were, but basically, we have to be something. This week, we were just nothing. It was bodies on a pitch with no teamwork. It was just sloppy passes, lazy movement, almost no running. The guys were just too old.

The second biggest problem was a lack of talent and just horrible performances. Let’s look at it player by player:

Pepe. He can’t even start for Udinese, a club languishing in the bottom half of the table. And yet he started over frigging Giuseppe Rossi, who’s absolutely en fuego this season. Was it really a surprise to anyone that we only looked dangerous up front when he got subbed in?
Gila. A bag of potato chips could’ve played for him and registered more passes, more attempts on goal, and more running.
Aquilani. A year ago I was all aboard the Aqui hype train- and as a diehard Roma fan, I still have a soft spot for the kid. But he’s 24, not 19. He has to stay healthy and start to play at a top level; he can’t remain pure potential for his whole career. He has a wicked shot from long range- see last year, Roma vs Real Madrid- but this week, I saw him less than Gila. There’s no point in putting players out there if they’re not going to actually play.
Monto. See Pepe. Just not national team caliber.
Pirlo. What I’m about to say is going to be very controversial. People are blaming De Rossi for his performance (How sad is that?), and everyone loves the guy to death. But you know what? It’s time to drop him. I love him for what he’s done for us. Years ago- hell, even last year- he was world class. He would orchestrate and set up passes, and he even did that a lot this week. But he’s clearly losing it. He hasn’t been consistent on Milan, and he singlehandedly cost us the game by giving Robinho the ball. I don’t want Italy to become player dependent. He’s already 30, and if we don’t start weening the Azzurri off of him now, how long are we going to wait?

And that’s just problems with each player individually. There were a lot of other problems as well. Cannavaro and Legro just doesn’t work as a CB pairing. I mean when the youngest defender we have is over 30, its sad. I realize GC was injured and we don’t have many alternatives, but the defending was just shocking overall. Buffon was left high and dry for both goals. Even moreso, the midfield and attack are too disjointed. We need someone who can connect the two, and not just the fullbacks. And that leads into the final problem- we’re too predictable. Grosso and Zambro were our only means of getting the ball into the box. Where’s the dribbling (besides Rossi)?

I’d drop those guys, at the least. I was all for dropping Toni, but he played with a hunger and a form we haven’t seen in a long time. Let’s give him one more chance. Christmas should also go, too. So who should be called up instead?

Rossi. I can’t say enough about how good he was. If you saw the game, you saw how great we became once he was put in. He’s the exact type of player I’m talking about us needing- talented, skillful, fast, but ultimately, a player for the team. He needs to start every game from here on out.
Cassano. I know I said we shouldn’t be dependent on one player. But in tough games, you need a moment of genius sometimes. I don’t know why Lippi refuses to call up the most talented Italian player out there, but he has to. It’s time to put pettiness aside and start Cassano IN THE MIDDLE. NOT on the left. He needs to play behind two strikers, doing what he does best.
Motta. I realize I’m jumping the gun here, but did you see him play for Roma against Genoa? He put in a superb performance, playing in a game that meant a ton to Roma. He was quick, could beat his man, and is a defender- three things that most of our guys aren’t. He didn’t choke under pressure, and is the Captain of the youth side. It’s only a matter of time before he steps up

Finally, drop the 4-3-3. It doesn’t work in Italian football. Not for Inter, and definitely not for us. We need a 4-3-1-2. A front pairing of Rossi and Toni/Quags, playing in front of Cassano. Behind him we need a mix of guys from: DDR, De Ceglie, Marchisio, Camo, Brighi. And in defense, we have to start giving Santacroce, Motta, hell maybe even Santon starts.

This doesn’t have to be an abrupt, all at once transition- that’d be disastrous. But we’re running out of time, We only have maybe a dozen games and a year and a half till the next world cup. The transition needs to happen now. Players need to be called up based on form- so guys like Pepe shouldn’t've been called up at all.

It’s time to build a new Azzurri- one that doesn’t rely on players from 06, but instead relies on young talents who can give us World Cups and Euros for years to come. We shouldn’t need a Pirlo at all. We cannot rely on a single talent to make us great. We need a team cohesive enough to win on teamwork alone. Lippi did it in 06. Can he do it again?

Tags: A new Italy, Brighi, Camo, Canna, DDR, De Ceglie, GC, Gila, Group E, Italy, Legro, Marcello Lippi, Marchisio, Pepe, Pirlo, Quags, Rossi, Santon, Toni, World Cup 2006, World Cup 2010

Italy World Cup RSS Feed

Comments

Displaying the most recent 25 comments from a total of 41 comments.

Read the rest of the comments

By Bobo | February 15th, 2009 at 11:56 am

Matt, I don’t want Italy to become a team full of average talents that with community spirit can overcome better teams. We may be defensive, we may be tactical, but we have ALWAYS produced some of the most skilled players in the world. It is possible to have a roster of talented players and have them work together for a common cause, isn’t it? I just object to the portrayal of Italy as a hard-working team that punches above its weight when in reality we are (or at least should be) technically brilliant as well.

By alessio | February 15th, 2009 at 12:02 pm

I think you’re jumping the gun a bit, Julian. Everything you said was the OMG panic! consensus of the comments in the last blog.

Posted from Spain

By Julian | February 15th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

alessio- A lot of this was written out of anger and frustration, I’ll admit to that. But it’s becoming increasingly clear that Lippi isn’t calling players based on form, like he says; that we currently don’t have a team that can go and win the World Cup, and won’t if personal and tactics don’t change; and that we need to mix the old guard with new guys. And not new guys like Pepe, either.

As for Pirlo, I don’t think he should never be called up again. But there’s going to be a time post-Pirlo, and his mistake against Brazil showed us that he’s not the god everyone hypes him up to be. He’s an extraordinary player, but he can’t be the entire creative force of the team either

Posted from United States

By matt | February 15th, 2009 at 3:17 pm

adrianos goal against milan was the biggest hand of god everrr

Posted from Canada

By asem | February 15th, 2009 at 6:55 pm

more like hand of an alcoholic overweight horrible calcio player

Posted from United States

By Bobo | February 15th, 2009 at 8:47 pm

I think it would be really awesome if we let the U21 team play in our World Cup qualifier against Ireland. Then maybe we can see how well some of our pet projects would do against senior internationals.

By MAD | February 16th, 2009 at 2:17 am

Actually it’s the arm of the winner of the Derby della Madonnina.

And he’s so horrible that he’s the first choice striker on the Brazil National team.

By alessio | February 16th, 2009 at 4:28 am

Shouldn´t you be over chatting him up at the Brazilian blog? Maybe you could write for it! (btw I hear Gilberto Silva still starts for Brazil)

Julian, look at it this way. The way they played, at least we know Pepe is no Grosso. He might be the Barone who gets a bit of a run in the team, then gets canned because he´s not up for it.

Posted from Spain

By MAD | February 16th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

“Shouldn´t you be over chatting him up at the Brazilian blog?”

No more than people should be here talking about the Milan Derby. But I get why you single me out and not them.

By Bobo | February 16th, 2009 at 7:20 pm

MAD, you really are quite the obnoxious fellow, aren’t you?

By ricci | February 16th, 2009 at 11:34 pm

Just doesn’t make sense to have a player like Pirlo playing so deep anymore. Teams have figured out how we play and they will pressure and foul him until he gives up the ball. De Rossi is not as technically good, but is much better at protecting the ball. If you have a silky, tricky, creative midfielder playing more towards the penalty box it makes more sense for 2 reasons. 1) if he gets fouled the free kick is very close, possibly a shot on goal. 2) if he loses the ball he’s not close to his own goal. It’s time to move on from Pirlo playing so deep. It won us a world cup, but will surely not win us a 2nd, b/c now the entire world knows how we play.

Posted from United States

By asem | February 17th, 2009 at 3:19 am

I can’t believe you just used the “starts for Brazil” bit.
HAHAHHA
That was only b/c Luis Fabiano is hurt and Dunga has a slight case of sloth for waiting so long to try to call up Amauri. He did absolutely nothing of value for the team in that match.

But it’s alright.
You can keep up the whole “me-against-the-world” routine.
It’s kinda funny…

(Although kinda desperate for attention )

Before you catch fire again, just letting you know that usually when I’m not blinded by a blatant horrible call, I generally agree with your comments. Aight its 3:20 AM and I’m still not done with this paper.

Pace.

Posted from United States

By asem | February 17th, 2009 at 3:21 am

Ricci, I agree.
But Pirlo doesn’t have the pace to play further up, nor the keen eye for goal (other than set-pieces of course). That’s why we should call up Cassano…

… and maybe ADP & Totti as back-ups.

Posted from United States

By alessio | February 17th, 2009 at 5:09 am

I think it’s better with Pirlo, but everyone is exactly right that you need a dedicated ball winner next to him. Ideal? Maybe not, but it did win us a WC.

Posted from Spain

By Mike | February 17th, 2009 at 11:57 am

I see i no way how it’s sad that I blame DDR for Pirlo’s performance.
Pirlo had the ball near our 18 yard line and everyone stood around and watched as two Brazilians took it from him(on two separate occasions). Where was DDR? Clearly not where he should have been, helping Pirlo. Same goes for the rest of the defense.

Posted from United States

By alessio | February 17th, 2009 at 12:51 pm

That goal was quite OBVIOUSLY Pirlo’s fault, mike. Even if DDR should have been back there, Pirlo didn’t have to stand for 4 seconds on the 18′. Clear the fuckin ball.

Posted from Spain

By asem | February 17th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

DDR was standing a few yards ahead waiting for the pass.
It’s not his fault Pirlo is too autistic to pass it.
Don’t try to transfer the blame…

Haters everywhere we go.

Posted from United States

By lamagica | February 17th, 2009 at 1:28 pm

apparently it was also ddr’s fault for pirlo’s shit game over the weekend.

By gio | February 17th, 2009 at 4:36 pm

since when is Pirlo supposed to be back mingling with the rear line? if he is going to play defense, then he should know, when you get the balll on the edge of the box and you are surrounded by members of the opposing team, you clear the ball.

problem is, Pirlo does not and should not play defense.

he was in the wrong place and did the wrong thing. this has absolutely nothing to do with DeRossi whatsoever.

By gio | February 17th, 2009 at 4:37 pm

nice ones, Lamagica! well said.

By Samuel | February 17th, 2009 at 6:57 pm

Pirlo was way to exposed, had no defensive cover or help whatsoever and you Roma jackasses no it maybe De Rossi, Montolivo and Aqui were too busy getting owned and embarassed by Dinho. Pirlo did his job on the offensive front which he’s in there to do tools. I’ll admit it wasnt his best performance and he is not fully fit right now but at least he performed to class defence splitting balls that legitamately Grosso scored from and another that Toni handled, what the *×*× did De Rossi do?

Posted from United States

By Marco | February 17th, 2009 at 7:45 pm

I agree completely about Cassano and Rossi. They need to be on this team.

Did anyone catch the Juventus Sampadoria game? Cassano was beautiful the way he played. I hunger to see him switch to a contender in serie a i.e. Juventus.

But the key in that game came in the second half. Giovinco. This kid is not only a talent but he definantly has the skill, speed, skill, to become the next italian to be Fifa player of the year. What an amazing talent. Juventus looked unconvincing until he got out onto the field. His downside might actually be his biggest upside – size. Being so small, he can make runs, sneak through gaps, and if he is brought down its 99% of the time a foul.

That being said, I am concerned about his development. Ranieri, who I consider to be an unsuitable coach for a team like Juventus, believes Giovinco should not figure into the starting lineup. I believe such a mentality will harm our most prized Italian asset for the future. If you havent seen him play, let me tell you Messi and Ronaldo don’t hold a candle to him – believe this unbias Juventino, this is the next best player in the world.

Alright aside from that, let me just say, what we are seeing at Juventus is the same sort of behaviour and ideas present in our national team’s coaching staff. At Juve like at the Azzurri, we are seeing some sort of misguided loyalty to these old guard of players that puzzles me.

I know many of you are Delpiero enthusiasts, I still believe ADP should play in the world cup next year. But ADP is at an age and time in his career where he should start moving over for younger players. ADP off the bench would be a great tool for late in the game. Nedved is probably one of the biggest problems at Juventus. Sure he surpasses the expectations of a 36 year old midfielder, but he has nothing compared to the productivity, pace and skill a player like giovinco brings to the team.

Finally, Lippi was on the dominica sportiva this sunday on Rai, when asked about calling up young players to the national team he replied ” The U21 European championship is this year, let them play there and then after the tournament we will see about calling them up.” that shows he is thinking and may indeed overhaul the team’s oldies shortly – at least thats the hope.

By gio | February 18th, 2009 at 12:22 am

tell you what DeRossi didn’t do … he didn’t give the ball away a couple of times right on the edge of the box for the other team to put it right in the back of the net.

some good comments there, Marco

By Michele Stasio | February 18th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

Buffon
Zambro-canna-Chillineli-Grosso
Camo-De Rossi-Pirlo
Cassno
Rossi-Del Piero

By Michele Stasio | February 18th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

I still say bring back Totti! we need his creativity for 2010 his last charge.. i think he will have enough in him to still be world class..
i say satton,santacrose,cassano,gionvinco(depending on next year),keep montolivo n aquliani, rossi,motta, maybe brighi come into the fold by 2010 i dont wanna see gilardino no more Inzaghi is better than him still i say

Comments are closed