This Just In: Lippi Confirms the End of Toni on the Azzurri

August 7th, 2009 | by: Julian |

“If someone does not return to their top condition, then they will not be part of this group. However, the vast majority will be there.”

Lippi stated the above in an interview dealing with the upcoming world cup. He once again confirmed that he won’t get rid of the old guys (an issue I’m so tired of talking about that I’m just pretending he didn’t say it). But that little quote above is hope for those of us wishing for a younger, more dynamic squad.

It’s really no secret that Toni has had quite the fall. A few years ago he was one of the deadliest strikers in Europe. Phenomenal seasons with Fior and Bayern showed a striker who could seemingly score with either foot and his head. Then the Euros came along and it looked like a different guy. He was never quick- he’s no Torres or Pato- but he always seems like a more skillful version of Peter Crouch. Tall, lanky and slow, but he used to be able to score.

Recently though, he’s definitely been way off of top form. I mean, just look at the stats:

05-06 with Fior: 31 goals

06-07 with Fior: 16 goals (he was injured for long stretches of the season)

07-08 with Bayern: 39 goals and 10 assists in 46 matches

08-09 with Bayern: 14 goals in 25 games

Now,14 goals in 25 is not too shabby. But the problem here is that the numbers tells part of the story, but not the whole thing. He definitely isn’t in top form anymore- he’s a few years past it, which the numbers confirm- but he’s also aging quite poorly. His lack of speed is becoming more and more evident as the games go on, and it’s painful at times to watch him on the Azzurri.

So if Lippi stands by what he said, this should mark the end of Toni unless he can pull things around. But given his age and skill set, I for one hope that Rossi can take over his starting spot.

Tags: Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Group E, Lippi, Toni, turtles

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Comments

By Marco | August 7th, 2009 at 3:12 pm

There is no hint or name mentioned in that article. In fact, what that article does state is that it is likely gila and toni will be included in the roster at this weekends announcement, and Cassano, Agostini will be left at home. In all likelyhood we are going to get blown apart in the group stage of the world cup. Lippi will go down (hopefully) and Tardelli or Anchellotti (unlikely) will take over. And at the end of the day we would have lost the opportunity to see a new generation of Azzurri play because the old men had to continue their lackluster ways. Being a champion means knowing when enough is enough and not over extending your visit.

By alessio | August 7th, 2009 at 3:26 pm

I said this summer that I thought Toni was given his last chance in the Nazionale. Lippi is a brilliant coach and he sees it.

Posted from United States

By kqql | August 7th, 2009 at 4:32 pm

What about Canna……………?
He’s done………….
Time to replace him with NESTA !

By xyz | August 7th, 2009 at 4:48 pm

It is not only Toni who is in poor condition due to age. There are about 6-7 players from the old guard who are not in top condition as well. I am quite amazed when I read comments from a well known tactician about sticking with old guard for World Cup. I honestly think that Lippi is not fit to coach a national team like Italy. Today’s game has two major factors speed and power plus the most important of all talent and skills. Now, how could a team aging 30+ can produce speed and power to challenge other teams?

By Vincent | August 7th, 2009 at 8:01 pm

I hope Toni is done at the Nazionale level. He should be, he pretty much sucks now. But Lippi is a stubborn @sswipe

Only thing is if Amauri comes in, it really could be Toni who is out

By kqql | August 7th, 2009 at 10:41 pm

Toni is probably headed to West Ham….maybe Zola will shape him up…

By Marco | August 7th, 2009 at 11:47 pm

Amauri is not needed on the Azzurri.

Pazzini and Cassano should be put in place of Toni and Gilardino. Don’t forget that DiNatale is likely to be back. Quags and Iaquinta should remain. But there are 6-7 players who should be removed perminantly.

By Pepe | August 8th, 2009 at 6:28 am

New squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), Marchetti (Cagliari)
Defenders: Bocchetti (Genoa), Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Genoa), Grosso (Olympique Lyon), Santon (Inter), Zambrotta (Milan)
Midfielders: Camoranesi (Juventus), D’Agostino (Udinese), Marchisio (Juventus), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan)
Forwards: Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal)

No Cassano, but what did you expect? I am very happy to see Bocchetti in there and especially no Toni.

By xyz | August 8th, 2009 at 11:31 pm

Does Lippi has anything personal against Cassano? Someone should teach Lippi about one of the famous quotes in business:”it is not personal it is business” !! This Lippi man really amazes me with his hard stuborn stupid ego sometimes. ciao Italia … I love you but I hate Lippi, I cannot stand him anymore I had it with him, for crying out loud why did he call Di Natale? What major thing will Di Natale do? Wow Palombo that is a shocker to me!!!

By anthony from belgium | August 9th, 2009 at 1:05 pm

Lippi made a tragic error in judgement by not using the Conf Cup as a testing ground for some of our younger players. It was woefully obvious that Gauttuso and Pirlo were in no shape to hold the midfield against much younger, faster and stronger opponents. Both have to go. Italy cannot continue playing a system with every release ball coming through Pirlo. Brazil showed you twice (in London and in S Africa) how easy it is to dispossess him with just a little bit of pressure. The link between the defense and teh attack should reside with Rossi & Cassano. two players that have great skill and love to play fast moving ball to feet tactics. If we place a strong central attacker in front of them (can you say Amauri)who creates space and punishes defenses than both Rossi & Cassano will have a field day. This leaves a 3 man midfield and has to be constructed around De Rossi, Camo, D’Agostino.

As for the others, we need to bring Quags, Palombo, Di Natale, Iaquinta as good subs. please do not bring Pepe! Great work ethic, but all he does is run straight towards the touch line without any understanding of what to do next with the ball. When he is in front of goal he has a touch of stone.

I hope someone steps up a central defender because Chiellini cannot do his job and Canna’s forever. Yes to Grosso, Santon & Zambrotta for the wide defense roles but who can be Chiellini’s partner in the middle?

Posted from Belgium