The Squad: A Liveblog

No Amauri please! He has been useless the whole season. Even our midfielders and defenders are more of a threat in front of goal than he is.

I want to see Cassano or Miccoli in place of Boriello. I have a feeling we’ll see one of them in this 29 man squad.

Well so far we only have this web site to go by, and according to them, those are our strikers. On the plus side, no Amauri. On the down side, no Cassano/Miccoli/creativity outside of Christmas, whom I really don’t think belongs here.

Same site that i found just updated. God i hope i found a bs site:
Portieri: Buffon, Marchetti, De Sanctis e Sirigu.
Centrocampisti: Camoranesi, Candreva, Cossu, Gattuso, Marchisio, Montolivo, Palombo, Pepe e Pirlo.
Attaccanti: Borriello, Di Natale, Gilardino, Pazzini, Iaquinta e Quagliariello.
Restano fuori Amauri (e se lo merita) e Miccoli, che ha giocato, invece, un grande cmapionato col Palermo.

Amauri is out because he couldn’t become a citizen in time

No It says, Amauri inspite of getting Italian Citizenship has played too badly to deserve the Azzuri call up

http://football-italia.net/may2l.html

Amauri is out because he couldn’t become a citizen in time

No It says, Amauri inspite of getting Italian Citizenship has played too badly to deserve the Azzuri call up

29 Players called for the get together

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo)

http://football-italia.net/may2l.html

Come noto, il tecnico non ha convocato i giocatori di Roma e Inter impegnate nella finale di Tim Cup mercoledì 5 maggio. Gli Azzurri sosterranno martedì una doppia seduta di lavoro, mentre mercoledì è in programma un solo allenamento al mattino.
Questo l’elenco dei giocatori convocati:
Portieri: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo);
Difensori: Bocchetti (Genoa), Bonucci (Bari), Cannavaro (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Genoa), Grosso (Juventus), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Zambrotta (Milan);
Centrocampisti:
Camoranesi (Juventus), Candreva (Juventus), Cossu (Cagliari), Gattuso (Milan), Marchisio (Juventus), Maggio (Napoli) Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (Milan);
Attaccanti: Borriello (Milan), Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli).

Players who have matches mid week, not called.

Lippi’s fucked!

Ditch Iaquinta, Quags, and Di Natale. Insert Miccolli, Totti, Cassano.

From Gazzetta
29 players called for the Mid Week Get together

Non erano convocabili i giocatori di Roma e Inter, che mercoledì all’Olimpico di Roma si giocano la finale di Coppa Italia, e lo “spagnolo” Giuseppe Rossi.

SUPRISE SUPRISE

Victor- presumably, only Totti can get in out of the three you suggested. These are players from all the clubs except Roma and Inter who were invited to the 2 day retreat. I don’t see why he would leave out Miccoli and Cassano if he intended to call them up.

Why the hell is Gattuso included. For that matter, ditch Pepe, Palombo. Aquilani needs to be in there. Had a monster long range hit today against Chelsea that skimmed the crossbar and he’s got the creativity and speed that would complement De Rossi and Pirlo in the middle so well in linking the forwards.

Lose Legro and Zambro, glad to see Cassani and Maggio but I bet they get dropped in for the final squad.

No G Rossi? This is the worst looking team I’ve seen. And what we all expected. See you in 2012.

Julian, I know Cassano and Miccoli are pipe dreams, but still it’s pretty ridiculous that at least Miccoli isn’t included after the year he had.

Not really liking the look of this squad. Our defense is not as stout as it was in 06, we need some creativity and goal scoring potential.

This team does not take into account the talent the country has produced. IT IS the most depressing azzurri team I have ever seen.

How this team will get by the group stage is beyond me. Maybe we’ll sneak through in second or something.

I don’t think I’ll go into a long speech about who should have been left out, looking at the line up I’m glad its only preliminary, nothing set in stone, and nothing a serious hack with a crow bar to some knees won’t fix. It’s pathetic to see so many players who aren’t regular players on their club being selected for the national team.

This team has always been a beacon for the best talent the country offers, yet looking at this team, it seems many of the selections were based on personal feelings rather than how we can best achieve results at the world cup. Very Poor selections, how someone who won a world cup, in four years can deface himself like this is beyond me. This team is worse than 1986.

I agree Victor but everyone knows Lippi’s relationship with Miccoli. I think he should’ve been called up, but even without him, I think we can win. It really depends on the midfield. Throw on Gattuso and Camo and we’re dead, but if Marchisio and DDR can marshal Pirlo and maybe Candreva as a trequartista, there is a decent amount of creativity.

We won’t play joga bonito- we never do. I doubt we ever will. But there is talent in there.

Paolo

Villarreal play Alemria Tuesday, they are fighting to finish 4-6, no way Villareal release him for Lippi’s get together.

As I have been say here Lippi is likly taking my forwards.

CF/ Prima Punta -> Gila + Pazzini/Borrillo/Toni/Totti
SS / Seconda Punta-> DiNatale + Rossi/Quags/Totti
+
Iaquinta

Cassano, Miccoli, Balottelli and Amauri are no go

prospettive attacco — È il reparto più complesso. Perchè i nomi sono quelli altisonante, che muovono le folle dei tifosi. Così i no diventtano più fragorosi. Erano già categorici e definitivi quelli a Cassano e Balotelli, da tempo, adesso lo diventano anche quelli a MIccoli ed Amauri, che si è messo fuorigioco da solo, con il proprio rendimento.

http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/02-05-2010/lippi-non-chiama-amauri-603841764136.shtml

Paolo

Villarreal play Alemria Tuesday, they are fighting to finish 4-6, no way Villareal release him for Lippi’s get together.

As I have been saying here Lippi is likly taking 5 forwards.

CF/ Prima Punta -> Gila + Pazzini/Borrillo/Toni/Totti
SS / Seconda Punta-> DiNatale + Rossi/Quags/Totti
+
Iaquinta

Cassano, Miccoli, Balottelli and Amauri are no go

prospettive attacco — È il reparto più complesso. Perchè i nomi sono quelli altisonante, che muovono le folle dei tifosi. Così i no diventtano più fragorosi. Erano già categorici e definitivi quelli a Cassano e Balotelli, da tempo, adesso lo diventano anche quelli a MIccoli ed Amauri, che si è messo fuorigioco da solo, con il proprio rendimento.

E se Gilardino, Iaquinta e Di Natali sono sicuri di un posto in Sudafrica, Pazzini (favorito) si gioca un posto da viceGila con Borriello, a meno che il c.t. non decida di portarli entrambi. Solo qualche speranziella per Toni.

Come seconda punta da utilizzare come alternativa a Di Natale ci sono Quagliarella, Rossi, e chissà, magari Totti.

Probabili cinque convocati, l’11 maggio ne sapremo di più, quando i giocatori della Roma saranno presi in considerazione

http://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Nazionale/02-05-2010/lippi-non-chiama-amauri-603841764136.shtml

Well 3 of my essentials were left out. Balzaretti, Cassano, and Miccoli. I still think within this list is a great World Cup contending team. Obviously 2 or 3 Roma players are in consideration. It goes without saying that seeing all the players we despise included is a very distressing sign. I hold out hope that somehow Lippi will leave people like Gattuso, Grosso, and Pepe behind. I think some of the young guys were included to remind them they are in Italy’s future plans. Most of the old guys will probably end up going and I’m going to start getting pessimistic like Marco. I don’t doubt we will get out of the group stage but how far can we go with a team of old hobbling slow players?

Can you please spell GIUSEPPE correct? But not for nothing, it is the most popular name in Italy…

Agree with Victor on these: Drop Pepe, Palombo. Bring in Aquilani.

G. Rossi is not good enough. Forget about him.

Doesn’t look too bad…drop Iastinka,Gattuso and Zamb.Im surprised i dont see Aquilani on the list and im sure G Rossi will be called up.

Italia 2006 thank you for clarifying that.

OKKKKKKK

so basically we are fucked borriello? BORRIELLO? WHERE IN THE FUCK is MICCOLI???? Iaquinta and Quagliarella? Have those two even scored more than ten goals? UMM MATRI WHERE IS MATRI????? Oh and OF COURSE he calls up all his old buddies Zambrotta, Leggrotaglie, Gattuso, Camoranesi, even though Im pretty sure they’ve all done fuck all this season. The best thing that can happen for us now is to have italy get eliminated as soon as possible so that Lippi can be out the door as soon as possible. The further he goes in that tournament the more likely he stays on as CT, NOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

G. Rossi is not good enough for the National Team. I don’t understand how some of you guys want to see him make the team. Other than Quags everyone else is more deserving for a spot. DiNatale, Totti, Iaquinta, Pazzini, and Gilardino/Borriello is the way to go with those Lippi selected. To be honest this is not a bad front line. The real problem is the possible abomination the midfield can become if Camo, Gattuso, and Pepe get selected. We could have Pele and Maradona up front but they sure won’t get much service. If you select those three then even Pirlo becomes a liability because a group of fat women could keep pace with that midfield. Pirlo needs Di Rossi and 2 young gritty faster players with him.

I think these people will get kicked:
Sirigu
Bocchetti
Legrotaglie
Zambrotta
Camoranesi
Gattuso
Cossu
Quagliarella
Boriello

And these people are making the team who aren’t listed:
De Rossi
Totti
Rossi

Haven’t really been following Aquilani but I sure would take him over the 3 mentioned above. I would not sacrifice Polombo for him but if Alberto is in form there should be room for both.

Legro won’t get kicked out because he’s the fourth central defender. Lippi will take 4.

I agree that it isn’t a bad squad, but it there is very little excellence in there. In 2006, we had a stellar defense that could absorb pressure, with a midfield that could control play and get the ball up to a striker who could hold it. Our offense was not spectacular, but workmanlike and it worked perfectly with the rock solid defense.

This squad looks very similar to the abortion of the confed cup. Our defense will be relatively organized, but old and slow. Very good squads like Brazil can pour in the goals, and even poor squads will only need a moment of brilliance- one well played long ball or some dribbling that leaves Cannavaro on his ass, to put up a deciding goal.

To protect that back line we need to control possession in the midfield and we need some scoring from distance. Take a midfield of, let’s say Pirlo, DDR, Marchisio, and Candreva. It’s not a terrible midfield, certainly. But can they control possession against, say, Iniesta/Xavi/Silva/Alonso?

If nothing else, a world class striker can carry a squad, but we don’t really have any of those either. Gilardino, Pazzini, Di Natale, these guys would not even be subs on many of the top WC squads.

To win the WC, you need to do at least one thing better than anybody else. Whether it’s scoring a ton of goals, or being able to defend against anybody, or controlling the run of play in the middle. I think we can probably do all three of those things decently (except maybe score goals…yuck), but none of them on a WC winning level.

Absolutely pathetic squad .. just baffeled .. Quagliarella? PEPE?FTWWW Camoranesi really? What the fuck .. Go and embarass us in south africa Lippi .. worst re-apointment of a manager in the history of the game.

I dont give a fuck what anyone says .. how do Gattusso, zambrotta and grosso even get considered .. they have no form .. they are old .. washed up trash.

Where was lippis surprize .. oh wait i get it “surprise im a clown and we are old & fucking awful”.

This team has no chance .. This isnt lippi taking experience .. this is lippi picking a bunch of his old buddies just before they die of old age.

I give up.

If there is any way that Grosso sees the field Lippi deserves to be punched in the nuts. Grosso isn’t even first choice on a crappy Juventus defense (behind another Italian player, too).

Our forwards are fine. They are all good enough to make possibly every WC team. Any team would take Pazzini or DiNatale as at minimum a sub. The defense is also solid if you subtract Grosso and Zambro (but still not terrible with them). The problem is potentially at midfield. You can’t have Pirlo, Gattuso, Camo and Pepe on the same team. Pirlo yes, everyone else no. But all 4 and you have a seriously compromised midfield.

I don’t include Quags when I praise our forwards.

lol dude what part of the defence is solid .. Grosso and zambrotta will both start and we know it .. thats 50% of the defence being shit … cannavaro is to slow compared to the attackers he is going to face .. we basically have chiellini who is class and buffon to save our ass .. the midfield will be overun because its fucking shit .. and lippi will start “gilardino i need 8 chances to score cazzo”. The team is a joke .. the manager is a joke .. fuck being positive because there is nothing to be positive about .. lippi is taking his old friends on 1 last holiday and our country is going to look like a joke .. world cup holders who cant make it out of their group.

Do we need to control possession? There are ways to beat teams without having most possession. We could soak up pressure and counter attack- IF Lippi puts out the right defenders. Which is to say, none of Canna/Legro/Grosso/Zambro.

A starting back 4 of Cassani Bonucci Chellini Criscito is solid. That was my point if you start these four and keep Grosso and Zambro on the bench the defense is still solid. I do agree that the fear of the midfield being overrun is realistic.

The positive is that in training hopefully Lippi will see up close that Cassani, and Criscito are abusing Grosso and Zambro with pace and fitness. Camo and Gattuso are sucking wind while Marchisio, Montolivio, Candreva, and Polombo are working hard and clearly outperforming them on the pitch. This is what we must pray for. I want to be optimistic, that is my nature. Until the final 23 are named I hold out hope that this little training weekend will open the coach’s eyes.

The thing about this team is that there are 29 players here. Only 23 are going to the world cup. Lippi isn’t going to sacrifice Gattuso, Camoranesi, Grosso, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Pepe, etc and take a Cossu, or Candreva.

Furthermore, I don’t understand something, maybe you can help me out. But how is our defensive core made up of Genoa and Juventus players? Aren’t these the two worst defenses in all of Serie A? You get comments on this board saying “Not a bad selection” and “Do we need to control possession?” and “There are ways to beat teams without having most possession” Well my question is, with the worst defences in serie a comprising the vast majority of our back line what do we expect is going to happen?

G- Buffon Sirigu Marchetti
D- Bonnucci Criscito Maggio Cassani Cannavaro Chellini Legro
M- Di Rossi Marchisio Montolivio Polombo Pirlo Candeva Cossu/Aquilani
F- Di Natale Totti Pazzini Iaquinta Gilardino/Borriello

Lets pray this team gets selected.

Its more like 31-32 if you take into account Roma.

Italy’s defense is not what it used to be this time. It needs midfield to win-and-keep possessions to relief some pressure from the D from under constant attract and at the same time able to move the ball forward in counter attract.

We need to score more goals too as current D will not able to shut out every team and drag into PK this time.

I agree we should contract to absolve pressure and counter attack. But not with pure defense midfield. We should use balanced skillful mid and play counter. My mid lineup has always been: De Ross, Pirlo, Montolivo, and Aquilani.

So the big question is ?

Will Mr. Cyprus aka Di Natale be any good v Other World Cup teams.

I don’t really care if he score 1000 goals in Serie A,
but will he show up v Holland, Brazil, Spain, etc

Recall Euro 2008?

Remember when C. Maldini named Ravanelli instead of Chiesa in I think ‘98, then (thanksfully) Rav got ‘flu or something. Seriously this is a poor squad without flair. I will support them and hope they win but I can see even less once certain players drop out. I reckon not making the cut will be Sirigu, Bocchetti, Cassani, Candreva, Cossu and Quagliarella. LIPPI – no need for Legrottaglie, Borriello, Camoranesi, Quagliarella. Nor Pepe, but, to end on a high note, I reckon he’s most likely to ‘emerge’ and prove doubters wrong. Sorry for long post but this is, I dunno…

It bothers me that Balzaretti wasn’t even picked for this provisional squad. That means Grosso is 100 percent going. That is so wrong on every conceivable level.

poor squad. I dont care how many folks toot the ‘experience’ horn. A 36 yr old who is going to get murdered by even decent forwards has no place in a world cup. As for Ranocchia, he’s still in the final stages of recuperation. It wouldn’t make sense to include him in the squad before he’s fully fit.

Hey raga, I have a great idea for creating a national team. Let’s choose a bunch of guys from the team that has underachieved the most in the domestic league this season. Also, why not a couple of guys whose club team wears the same colors as that underachieving team…if you choose by jersey colors, how can you go wrong? And let’s forget about the guys who are having great seasons for “surprise” teams. After all, I have personal issues with some of them. Make sure the average age of the starting XI is at least 30…sounds perfect!

-The Marcello Lippi Handbook

fuck I’m still pissed off about Camo, Rino and Quags

Does anyone know how many changes Lippi can make? De Rossi will come in, surely?

Lippi can change whatever he wants from now til the deadline for team selection. This selection is not set in stone and will likely change in the final selection.

The problem with this selection is that is simply confirms what we’ve hoped was a 2 year old nightmare. “Lippi is NOT selecting players based on form, fitness, or skill” He has done a dastardly deed with this selection and now we’ll likely have to suffer humiliation before it gets better.

But in answer to your question Mister, yes Lippi will likely add ddr onto this team. Albeit, I hope to the calcio gods that DDR is the only addition to the azzurri from Roma – Is Toni comes anywhere near this team, expect our odds to drastically come down a notch. Remember Toni and Totti will likely come at the expense of Pazzini and Borriello.

Thanks Marco – did read the ‘don’t freak out’ comment from Julian above but I did a bit.
Totti for Borriello might not be too bad – some variety for the attack at least – but Toni for Pazzini, no. That just leaves about another half-dozen changes to hope for and we should be fine…

By Mister | May 2nd, 2010 at 2:06 pm

Posted from United Kingdom

May 23 -> will be 23+ 4 Alternatives
Final 23 due on June 1

Totti would probably replace Rossi as a second striker like Italia 2006 outlined. I have no problems with that. Toni over Pazzini………….words can not express this injustice lol. I think Pazzini is the number one prima punta after his performance against Roma. Toni over either Gila or Borriello is……….equally absurd!!!!!!!

Goalkeepers: I don’t care which other two are going. Given Lippi’s penchant for experience, Sirigu may be axed.

Defenders: We have 4 fullbacks and 5 centerbacks here. So, one CB will be axed. Which means Grosso and Zambrotta are going, ugh.. I am guessing either Legrottaglie or Bocchetti would be axed.

Midfielders: 10 people here. Three to be axed since De Rossi is no-brainer. One of them must be either Pepe or Camoranesi. Two right wingers would be unnecessary.

Forwards: 6 here, 2 to be axed. Given Gila and Pazzini, Borriello should be axed.

Lippi should immediately be fired for the exclusion of Miccoli. An absolute disgrace. The guy is probably the best striker in all of Italy. Of course it would have been more shocking had he been on the list.

On May 11 list of 30 is due @ Fifa
He can choose anyone he feels like

May 23 -> will be 23+ 4 Alternatives
Final 23 due on June 1

Thanks Italia2006. I guess this explains Cossu?

We stand no chance with this squad. None. Gattuso? Zambrotta? No way they go. Gila is the only player of consequence up front. Cannavaro? Grosso? What a joke. Nesta is the second best Italian defender and he told Lippi to piss off. We may escape the group, but no further this time…

has gattuso even started a match in 2010?

Funny thing is that Miccoli has schooled almost every defender called up and has scored on every goal keeper also. Except for Cassani and Sirigu obviously, since they both play along side MIccoli

I will consider Lippi a winner if he could just make one of Canna, Grosso or Zamb perform like 2006 again.

I will consider him a winner if he gets on his little row boat and fucks off somewhere far away .. fast.

lol exactly giro .. but where does logic come in .. you could name 5 mids wo have better seasons then gattuso and deserve a call up .. camoranesi wtf .. he has been injured forever .. grosso isnt even the 1st choice italian lb for juventus so how is he for italy? LOL it speaks for itself .. its a croc of shit .. plain and simple.

KEEP in mind

Totti and Toni are very good friends.
Totti is the reason Toni is @ Roma on loan.

If Totti goes, then he will likley tell Lippi to bring Toni too.

This page is getting more and more hysteric everyday. A few months ago, everyone said “fucking Lippi is going to call up AMAURI and TONI and all the good call-ups he’s made are going to be shelved for the WC.” Shockingly, neither are in the squad and it looks like Criscito and Cossu may indeed be in the final team. It’s funny everyone acts shocked and angry that Miccoli wasn’t called up. He won’t be called up under Lippi, just like Ambrosini or Panucci.

You should all know that Lippi prioritizes a team spirit over anything, and hey, it’s worked for him in the past. Look at Euro2008. Donadoni brought everyone that the fans/media wanted, when things went poorly he made all the hasty rotations that the fans/media wanted (save benching Toni) and what happened? Nothing. He made all the calls everyone wanted, but we sucked completely. So thank you very much, but if I have the choice between a shit coach that makes all the “right decisions” and an experienced coach who knows what he’s doing, I’ll take the latter.

Everyone bitches that the old players are still around, well guess what, the young players aren’t anywhere near world-class level. Criscito, Bonucci, etc are great players but they have a long ways to go. Look at the Italy 2006 squad, we had 4 (3 excluding Amelia) players under 25 on the team: Zaccardo, De Rossi, and Gilardino. The first two showed their inexperience woefully, and it nearly cost us. De Rossi and Gilardino had both been starting for top teams, both played in the CL. Criscito has had one mediocre UEFA Cup run, and Bonucci has fought relegation. So no, we don’t have the same level of talent as in 2006.

But hey, what does it matter right? Everyone’s already decided that our lineup will be the same as in 2006, and that we won’t progress out of the groups. And in both cases, they are wrong.

Its not all doom and gloom like you guys think.This is just a list that needs to be cleaned up before June 01 and i doubt players like gattuso and zam will even see a minute of playing time.
Theres a good chance that totti and DDR will get called up and for some reason i think lippi will shock everyone and call up Balotelli as a sub.
Once this puzzle is pieced together,it wont be bad after all and hopefully this year we will have a forward that catches fire,like a P.Rossi type player and fill the net with goals.
I mean..Lippi won us the Wc in 06 ,do you think he is really that stupid to let us crash and burn in the group stages? i doubt it.

Lol at even the thought of Balotelli.

To bad about Nocerino…

The bottom line is that until May 23 when it becomes really clear about who he will take we are still just speculating. Lippi did add a lot of the young players we all have been championing. Hopefully he will see the worth of a Criscito over Grosso etc, in the training sessions he will be holding. There is still more time for him to change his mind for the better. I agree Alessio that we will definitely get out of the group stage regardless.

Absolutely right alessio, lippi did make all the right calls when he got schooled and humiliated my country at the confederations up. Call a spade a spade. Lippi is on a very poor run of form and showed it with this provitional 30.

lippi did make all the right calls when he got schooled and humiliated my country at the confederations up.

Yes, the Spaniards are also still crying about it. After all, the #1 team in the world got beaten 2-0 by the USA of all teams!

I trust lippi with the squad he will select. I can only hope that somehow a bit of flair is injected into our attack somehow.

Alessio you make a great point. But calling up gattuso and camaronesi alone are a clear indication of what we are about to suffer (forget the other bad calls). There is not one midfielder listed that is worse than gattuso or camo. But the fact that most of us realize is that those 2 will beat out 2 others, and another will be dropped for DDR, if not 3 others cuz they may list totti as a mid. So it’s likely 2-3 mids being dropped for those two guys. Nothing is in stone but just calling them up is a clear indication of where we’re at.

Take out cossu, candreva, maggio and possibly palombo. Tell me how good that midfield looks. Its more of a probability than possibilty.

And btw G ROSSI may not be liked by most of you. But he’s been a rocket for Italy and out of that whole confed cup shit squad, he made us look dangerous and added pace in the friendlies, should be and will be there.

Totti Toni G Rossi De Rossi possible balotelli as a suprise flair ( not likely but who knows). Who gets dropped?

What about Marco Motta on Roma? He hasn’t got much playing time on Roma, but I’d sure as hell have him start over Zambrotta or Grosso.

1. Relativley happy with the squad overall.

2. Livid with the inclusion of Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Gattuso, Quagliarella and Pepe.

Zambrotta: Antonini, Abate and Bonera are better wing backs than him and thats just in Milan.

Camoranesi: Not Italian

Gattuso: Hasnt played well in years. Same can be said for Pirlo really.

Quags: So many better players than him in his position.

Pepe: Who? Terrible.

3. Most happy with the inclusion of: Maggio (On his day as good as Maicon). Not happy with exclusion of Balzaretti.

4. Very happy with the exclusion of Aquilani and G. Rossi as they do not play in Serie A and thus do not deserve to be called up.

5. Exclusion of Cassano and Miccoli: Expected/Predictable.

6. De Rossi will come in for sure as will Totti. 23 Goals in 26 games this season!

7. My XI from this squad: 4-3-1-2 Buffon, Cassani, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito, Maggio, Palombo, Marchisio, Montolivo, Pazzini, Di Natale.

8. Forza Italia.

Lippi…… GO DIE!!!!!!

Prandelli surely will leave fiorentina at the end of the season, when he does the FIGC better have his number on speed dial.

and you just KNOW that marek hamsik will be out to score against italy at the world cup, seriously for the sake of national pride italy must get knocked out ASAP in that tournament, the sooner Lippi is fired the better.

“What about Marco Motta on Roma? ”

Yes, a guy who couldn’t get time at Roma should most definitely be considered, surely because he is a player for Roma…what about De Silvestri?! At least he plays and plays well, and played in the CL, while Motta couldn’t get a Europa game…a quote like that is foolish enough for Lippi…

I’m with Tony on the Motta situation. Once Raineri plays him, he can be called up.

good call on de silvestri tony…he’s awesome..very fast and attacking too. hopefully we’ll see him play for us in the future

Legrottaglie? Gattuso? Zambrotta? Iaquinta? Quags? we’re so FUCKED!

I look at it this way. Yes, Cassano and Miccoli on form should be in the squad, but we knew they wouldn’t be. Some of the older players should not be starters.

So, taken into account, a decent call up list for what we expected. I don’t like Lippi and his stubborness, in fact I hate, it, But I support Italia and that’s that.

I am hoping players like Zambrotta and Grosso don’t start, but could be alright if they HAVE to play.

Cannavaro is playing better over the last month, which is encouraging.

Gattuso and Camo should not see the pitch. These are my main two concerns

Pepe is actually having a decent season

And I am hoping Totti comes back, but not Toni

Just some initial thoughts

i dont think lippi will start gattuso in any games…he hasn’t for ages. it’s at least encouraging to see that hes thinking of some younger options in defence and midfield. at least he can adjust the team against some pretty average talent in the group games. He’ll be able to tell pretty quick (i hope) if thinks aren’t working.
We really are missing a flair player though. That much is certain. It could be totti if he comes along, but otherwise, who else?

i dont know how miccoli doesnt exhibit “team spirit.” he’s been palermo’s best capitano since eugenio corini. it all comes down to a personal spat lippi has with him. shame on the old man. i’ve said it before: i don’t care if lippi catches miccoli in the back seat of his alfa romeo with two of his daughters. the “pocket bomber” has been the most in-form player in serie a that last few months (regardless of nationality) and is a “team” player

Lippi will pick total of 30 players.
Today, we have got 29 names.
————————————-
The balance is from Roma 1.

De Rossi is a no brainer. So there is no Totti. No Totti?!

No sign of Nesta. No hope of Nesta.

Lippi must be (thinking of) including Zambrotta, Grosso, Gattuso & Camo due to their experience… maybe their roles would be mostly locker-room related.

And… assuming they aren’t starters, it’s not a bad idea to have experienced subs, so they don’t crap their pants upon entering pressure-packed situations in front of a few hundred million viewers.

I think there’s a decent balance of youth and experience.

I admit that I haven’t seen much of some of these players as my access to live Serie A action has been limited recently. I did see a couple Marchisio vids on YouTube and man, that kid is dynamic. Wonderful tackling and ball-handling ability, or so it seems to me.

Is Marchisio gonna be the left-mid for Italia for the forseeable future? If so, what a relief… as left mid seems to be a tough spot to fill for so many teams.

Only 24 can go to the World Cup Vivaldi.

Is Marchisio gonna be the left-mid for Italia for the forseeable future? If so, what a relief… as left mid seems to be a tough spot to fill for so many teams.

God I hope not. He’s played there a few times for Juve this season, and he plays alright there, he’s just far better as a central midfielder. Not to mention we have De Ceglie and Giovinco who are far better at that position, it makes me scream when we see it. But I could see Lippi using him that way, much as Perrotta did for parts of WC06.

I think Tom is 100% right. We’ll see if those players are starting come June, but I am confident that Gattuso won’t be, and I think Lippi might be benching Zambrotta. Nevertheless, these are extremely experienced players and great options to have on the bench. (Except Gattuso, but he is around as a team spirit kind of thing)

Yeah, about Gattuso being there for spirit. Every team in any sport should have a Gattuso on it.

There’s a YouTube video of Andrea Pirlo in the 06 final. It shows Italy lined up during the national anthem. The camera goes man-by-man, left to right. Totti, Pirlo… and then there’s Gattuso with his eyes shut, nodding along and actually singing… Really into it. That guy could probably motivate a rock.

Gattuso is the guy –we’ve all known at least one in our sporting lives –still playing 100% even when the score is 5-0, or 49-14, or 123-57. Heck, if he’s on the bench he’s probably still cheering his butt off in those circumstances.

Every team needs a Gattuso. If he doesn’t go to SA, hopefully someone else can be the soul, the motivator, the rah-rah guy.

I don’t know why people are speculating about Totti. The guy went into retirement after 2006. Has he, at any time, publicly stated that he is officially out of retirement? Has he strongly expressed his desire to play for the Nazionale? Why the hell would Lippi select him? Only to get turned down? I can only find one link on bs.com about Totti saying this:

————
“It depends on what my condition will be and on [Marcello] Lippi’s choices,” Totti admitted to La Gazzetta dello Sport yesterday when asked of his alleged U-turn.

“I owe Lippi so much…”
————

If he has not stated even once that he is definitely available, why is there so much talk about him?

Wtf is quagliarella doing on that list. hes been absolute shit this season. The only forwards on there that deserve it are pazzo and di natale, maybe bori

After sleeping on it (it is a Bank Holiday) –
Buffon, Marchetti, De Sanctis or Sirigu – fair enough
Zambrotta – Maybe one good season for the Palermo options etc. and Maggio’s defending is not enough to oust him in Lippi’s eyes.
Cassani – with Santon injured the only other option at RB? So must then stay in squad.
Cannavaro – not the player he was, obviously, but with pace from other compensating may still have leadership to offer at the back.
Chiellini – no question.
Bonucci – Ranocchia injured, so probably the other young talent we want to see given a chance. So hopefully will go which means probably no place for…
Bocchetti – can play left back as well as centre, but Lippi will probably go for two ‘experts’ in that position. Hasn’t been that good for La Nazionale and Genoa have had a ’second season’ so will probably drop out for…
Legrottaglie – the big doubt. I don’t see why on the back of this season he’s going, but I bet he does – Lippi probably won’t trust Bonucci & another youngster behind Canna & Chiellini.
Grosso & Criscito – Grosso like Pirlo I think still can show class in the odd game. Criscito no question.
Cossu – won’t go, out for De Rossi (who hopefully will be the complete midfielder).
Camoranesi – can create, has been important but takes the place of badly needed fresh blood.
Pirlo – Still able, e.g. decent at Confed. cup for what it’s worth. Also may need to do less running if played further forward.
Montolivo – backup for Pirlo but time to do it for Italy, this tournament may well see it.
Gattuso – a bit like Cannavaro.
Palombo – breathing down Gattuso’s neck, will do the job asked of him. ‘Every team needs one’ etc.
Candreva – Not yet. Drops out.
Marchisio – Lippi will find the player’s true position for the tournament (settling with De Rossi/Montolivo /Marchisio?) and hopefully he will bring some spark to the midfield.
Pepe – Lippi must see a tactical option with him. If we need a pacy winger on the right it’s him or…
Maggio – who will drop out.
Iaquinta – offers pace/options up front, has to travel really, with only five forwards going.
Gilardino – prima punta. Who else? Top scorer odds – 40/1.
Borriello – drops out.
Di Natale – something a bit different, a bit of flair, off a top season. Has he really done it for us yet, though?
Pazzini – has to go as cover for Gilardino.
Quagliarella – again someone else (Cassano/Miccoli/Rossi?) probably deserves this place more. Feeling Rossi or Totti may take his place.
Leaves one more to drop out, not sure who but others’ suggestions of another midfielder are probably right.
Not the most inspiring squad but there is talent there especially if Lippi, as last time, ‘finds’ his team during the tournament.

Marchisio playing out wide is a mistake. He’s average out there while a complete stud in the middle.

Mister from United Kingdom – your analysis is so flawed it doesn’t even merit a proper response.

Having trouble posting…?

See if this works…
Davide -
Then what is Lippi thinking? Why else is he taking those players? I don’t think the squad will change that much from this group – it’s probably been this way (the ’seventy percent’ chosen) for a long time.

Shame on Lazio, the team’s performance was poor against Inter-Milano and the supporters are pathetic after they cheered for Inter when scoring the goals. You can see this kind of low football in Italia as I have not witnessed anything like that in sports history, I mean WTF what kind of people are these supporters and their team is in danger to relegate, i hope Lazio relegates to SERIE C they deserve it. What a shame really, Italian football is awful and now I understand why Mourinho does not like it, i hope italy sinks in WC South Africa 2010.

Maggio will drop out? Have you ever seen him play? Pazzini as cover for Gilardino when he has scored more goals than him this season? And Gattuso in the same boat as Cannavaro? Ma dai….

G- Buffon Sirigu Marchetti
D- Bonnucci Criscito Maggio Cassani Cannavaro Chellini Legro
M- Di Rossi Marchisio Montolivio Polombo Pirlo Candeva Cossu/Aquilani
F- Di Natale Totti Pazzini Iaquinta Gilardino/Borriello

this is a quote from a poster named Maurizio who is the only sensible one among all in here..others dont even know what they r talking about..maurizio is spot on with his goalies and defenders list and probably in his midfielders list..Cannavaro is a must to this squad, this is a big match player, he will be motivavted and his experience is invaluable..Bonnucci and Legra are the 3rd and 4th central defenders definaetly, Legra haters, there arent any fit subs like Legra in hole Italia, name me a few if u dare..If only Lippi drops Grosso and Zamb, which he will and use Criscito and Cassani , we will be great in defence..
Midfielders, Lippi will definately take Candreva, it will be a tossup btw Aquilani and Cossu( hopefully Aquilni will be fit physically so thathe can makeit)..
i think in the forward list, maurizio is wrong..Gilardino and Iaquinta and DiNataler locks here..the tricky issue is to select other two and pazzini must be a must over the likesof Borrillo and Toni, he is a killer finisher..The lastspot for the striker will be a greatsurprise..Lippi will select Cassano and if he dos it, we might win the world cup..A strikerforce of Gila, Iaquinta,DiNatale, Pazzini and Cassano will be awesome..
and guys, Miccoli is a non-Azzurri material, he wont even be able tocontribute anything against the likes of Lucio, Terry, Puyol, Pique………he is just a fancy foot fplayer nothing else..he is useless. dont get mislead with his club form..also, Rossi is notyet ready for the big time, he willbe a star cometh 2012..

Nice troll WC10. I imagine that Italy or a Serie A team beat the shit out of whichever team you support and you are still butthurt.

Not sure if this is gonna show as a triple post but just in case it is – put simply, I’m saying what I guess Lippi is thinking, not who I’d pick.

There’s a little underestimating and a little over estimating going on over here. I’m going to touch on a few points.

1. Alessio pointed out the USA. The US has been a team that is getting closer and closer to its european rivals. World Cup 2006, showed that with a little more composure in their first match against the czecks they could have moved beyond the group phase. Heck, they nearly beat us with a man down. I wouldn’t underestimate, the USA or any team in our group. There is surely room for an upset anywhere in this world cup and if the first world cup to be held in asia is anything to go by, then we’ll see plenty of upsets here.

2. Back to the topic of discussion our lippi team. It’s a complete shame that he’s so obviously allowed politics to play a pivotal on this team. Yes his petty ignorance has left the likes of Miccoli and Cassano at home. But i think they still have some time. The real catastrophe is actually the reliance on Gattuso, Cannavaro, Grosso, Zambrotta, Iaquinta, Camoranesi and Pepe, Quags. These are not national team players, they haven’t been in some cases for four years and in other cases for their entire lives (re: pepe) But who would replace them

3. There are replacements, surely in the attacking portions. It’s in the defensive positions that replacements become hard to come by. There hasn’t been since the injury to Cannavaro in euro 2008 any effort to find a replacement for this guy. I find it completely short sighted from a coach who many claim to be such a genius. But over the rest of the park there are valiant replacements for zambrotta, Grosso, Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pepe, etc etc.

4. Back to Euro 2008. To compare sa 2010 to euro 08 is like comparing apples and oranges. I am of the mind that euro 08, based on the declining form and abilities of many of the players noted in here, should have been their swan song. Yes, the best of the best were selected, but that didn’t mean the players failed. players, formations, were changed far too many times to develop a consistent rhythm, so if there is a lesson to take from that tournament it would be, Don’t change the system too many times, you need time to mesh these players together. Guess, what, until now, lippi has been changing formations, players, tactics, all over the place, and has yet to develop a single consistent rhythm for this team, unless, you consider allowing a blinding counter attack goal against by the potent cyprus offence a rhythm of sorts. The key is, we can’t employ the strategy of seeing toni in the box, and firing balls off of him, like he did against spain, he’s so counter productive he may deflect your teams goals.

5. Marco Motta – when I hear comments like this littered on this board, it sometimes makes me wonder who is actually typing them. A player like Marco Motta, has been very ordinary and hasn’t been able to secure any significant playing time in rb at roma. And just so you know, RB at Roma isn’t Roma’s strong point. On the other hand would I take antonini before Zambrotta. That’s a frustrating question in it’s own right. Here you have Abate and Antonini the two consistently starting fullbacks at Milan. They’ve played against the likes of Manchester United in Champions league, and they’ve beaten Real Madrid on club footballs biggest level. Yet, selection time comes out and both of them, who play for the top italian side, start for the top italian side, have both been shafted for the old guy sitting on the bench all year. Like, where the fuck is the logic here?

6. finally the squad, well you all know the players who I don’t think should be on this team. No single amount of cohesiveness will be able to help this team to any degree. In fact this reminds me of Lippi’s greatest accomplishment in the second term as coach. When he selected that team for Northern Ireland. And how we systematically beat them the north irish. You know, there wasn’t a Cassano or a Miccoli on that team. But we looked fucking good, sexy and slick! a little further up, someone said, we aren’t known to play the beautiful game, but to me, in this day in age, it’s not about not being known to play the beautiful game. We have all of the components necessary to play the beautiful game, football evolves like a flower, sometimes, your forced to blossom your game into the beautiful game, and other times your forced to wilt and hang back in defence it all depends on what components we’re able to bring to the table.

We all know at the end of the day, what the final team will consist of. Let’s just hope Poulsen gets his italian citizenship asap so that he can cover for Cannavaro like he’s been doing at Juventus recently.

Here’s a nice little highlight from a nice little game we played on June 6th 2009.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeZVR_sQg5U&feature=related

wc 2010, what are you talking about, you’re lovely english team Liverpool just threw a game too. Get over it! And for the record, Lazio should go to Serie B, not because they threw a game, but because they are utter shit!!!

marco durin that game they had players like dossena and brighi playin for them, and u would seriously think they would do well now? even foggia is strugglin to find time on a disaster season lazio, pellissier isnt any good this year, and i’ll say this only once, but they were playin north ireland for christ’s sake. and i dunt even think that was their startin guys. anyway i get ur point that even italia can play beauitful football but if ur tryin to say that italy needs their squad revamped for the guys that supposedly played beautiful against the northernn ireland misfits lol then i’d say thatss dumbb. only rossi might deserve a spot for south africa. and of course pazzini too

no no, matty, you know better than that. The point of the story is, we should be focusing the majority of the team on people who are in form. Bringing the list of players I mentioned above, and taking up the majority of the team for ‘experience.’ We simply have too much experience and not enough skill. That will become more apparent when the likes of cossu, cassani, etc are scratched from the lineup.

As for Foggia, I love this guy, but I think the mistake he made was going to Lazio. There’s a systemic problem in italy when it comes to letting go of the cannavaro’s, del pieros, gattuso’s etc.

for the record, given all equal footing, same teams, etc, I think pelissier would do a much better job at putting balls in the net than either toni or gilardino.

Marco speaks the truth for the most part – however I would like to know your ideal starting XI before I make any further judgement on you….oh and pelissier superior to gila? highly dubious…

well well well, here we go again the world cup is knocking the doors and drums voices can be heard, i have read most of the comments and i must say that you guys have slim hope or some kind of hope that italia will / can retain the world cup this summer in south africa. i say, there is no sign of hope, i build my judgement due to the fact that lippi has not learned the mistakes he constructed from last year’s tournament the confederations cup, it was humilating journey for the azzurri thanks to lippi and his ego, yet he will construct another disastrous journey this summer by counting on the old guard and his selection of some players such as; Cannavaro who had a horrible year with Juventus this year and cannot count on him with due all respect to his previous performance and golden years, Grosso who is side-lined in Juventus i cannot understand how a coach picks a player who is not 100% fit, Legrottaglie who is he !!! i cannot recall seeing him playing lately, Zambrotta who is not 100% fit in Milan and suffering this season from injuries, Camoranesi the old fart from Juventus injured most of the season and not in form by all means, Gattuso the big laugh from Milan ask leonardo why he is not playing regularely, Pepe what a terrible selection. a man learn from his mistakes and it takes a man to admit it, but lippi’s ego does not permit to confess it. what a disastrous tournament that will be for italy in south africa 2010.

I agree Davide. I prefer Pazzini to Gila myself, but the way some people talk you would think that Alberto is playing like Amauri this year. He is a solid striker that everyone dislikes because he’s considered “Lippi’s boy”. I feel like people take out their frustrations due to Cassano and Miccoli on him. The guy does not suck and other than one bad year at Milan where he was not used properly has always played well in Serie A. He also has played well for the Azzurri and helped them qualify. I can’t argue that he should not be our first choice striker but to say he sucks and should not be considered for SA is wrong.

Thinking about it more I would take Gila over Borriello anyway. Gilardino has 15 goals on a team that does not give him consistent service and does not let him take penalty kicks. Borriello has been one of Milan’s few positives this year. I would say that talent and ability wise it’s probably a tie. The reason I would take Gila though is that he has won a world cup already and was featured more in qualifying. He is better versed in playing for the Azzurri. I also think that while both miss many chances throughout a game, Gilardino is more likely to have that one game where he is a beast and score a hat-trick or a brace. I would take him for these two reasons. Start Pazzini at prima punta and substitute Gilardino. Maybe we get a game where Alberto scores 2 goals in 15 minutes. I have seen him do it more than a few times. For these reasons I would take him over Borriello.

Davide, I’ve outlined the ideal team/players a number of times. I will have a list out for you again in due time

Marizio/Davide. I don’t have a problem with Gilardino. His abilities in a Prandelli lead team are well documented in results. For me, his azzurri tenure has been lacklustre. I do admit that I was frustrated when Donadoni didn’t select him for the azzurri, I thought his treatment during that time at milan was in poor taste, but then, it became obvious that on the Azzurri he was suffering from Toni’itis’ a joke that was going around on this very board during the time of the post euro 2008. He misses a load of opportunities, and would rather go to ground before holding his own. I do think he’s probably our second best Prima punta, but I don’t think he has the heart that a Pelissier has when it comes to the azzurri. Does that make sense?

For me, I’d only take two prima puntas to south africa anyway, and rely more on cassano’s, rossi’s, miccoli’s to prop up the attack in a Christmas tree formation. I think with the talent available in italy a christmas tree formation is the ideal solution to many of our dilemmas.

In a perfect world our 5 strikers would be Cassano, Pazzini, Gilardino, Miccoli, and DiNatale. Maybe add Iaquinta as a 6th due to his height and ability to play wide (take one less midfielder). But this world isn’t perfect and Cassano and Miccoli have weddings to attend lol. I’m not a huge fan of Rossi as I have stated many times though I guess he will go if Totti stays retired. To be honest I rather have an old Totti than Rossi any day of the week. I don’t dislike Rossi I just feel that he is somewhat overrated and with all the time he missed this year it’s better to include him post SA for the national team. He should have a spot waiting for him in the future but not at this tournament.

Based on the current selection, I think we’d do well to have the following playing:

Buffon
Maggio – Cannavaro – Chiellini – Criscito
Palombo – DDR – Marchisio
Rossi – DiNatale
Pazzini

I hope though Rossi is selected, we need a more creative influence. However, due to the fact that 29 were selected, the 30th and final guy will be DDR. Totti aint going. So, that leaves the provisional rossi spot open, in that case I’d go with Candreva. Thoughts?

Your starting 11 is pretty good. I would rather have Cassani and Bonucci starting on D but as long as Grosso and Zambro are missing thats fine by me. Maggio is also a pretty good option at RB if healthy. Pazzini and DiNatale up front is also fine. I would take Rossi out though and either put Totti, Pirlo, or Montolivio. I know this would change the formation but Rossi is the one guy in your starting 11 I really have an issue with.

Marco are you sure, how can you leave pirlo out. I know he has had a poor season by his standards, but he is the only reggista we have. I completely agree with you on the back 4 and agree that candreva would be a good inclusion in the squad. 6 months ago I hated pepe with a passion, but after watching him for this second half of the season i would definately have him in my starting 11. I would have to say Gilar is ahead of pazzo in the pecking order, i think there is little difference in their abilities, but gilar has more experience at playing top class football. Based on the current selection i would opt for a 4-3-1-2 formation

————— Buffon
Maggio – Cannavaro – Chiellini – Criscito
——–Pepe – De Rossi – Marchisio
————— Pirlo
——— Gilardino – Di Natale

Also what is the purpose of this training camp and why have it on a week when arguably the squads most influential player is unable to attend? Lippi could have named this squad next week and he would have been able to include players from all clubs. Personally I hope it’s so he can tell some of the players that helped get us to the WC will not be going to S.A. Hopefully the players ommitted will be Camoranesi/Grosso/Gattuso/Quagliarella.

From Giuseppe Rossi’s twitter…

GiuseppeRossi22 wasnt called up w/ the national team cuz we play tuesday, therefore, Villarreal didnt let me go. May 18th is when the roster is announced.

If Totti makes the trip, that gives Italy another “#10″ option besides Pirlo.

Just roll with me on this one:

Maggio Cannavaro Chiellini Criscito

Montolivo DeRossi Marchisio

Totti
Pazzini. DiNatale

What a fearsome attacking squad that would be.

OR

Since it seems this team has a ton of natural
central midfielders… I present the 4-1-2-3 formation (LOL):

Maggio. Cannavaro Chiellini. Criscito

DeRossi

Montolivo. Marchisio

Pazzini. Totti/Gila. DiNatale

Pirlo tires. I think he should be reserved as a 60th-minute sub
so he can give 100% of his considerable talents the whole time he’s on the pitch.

Pirlo gets tired for milan because leanardo plays such an expansive system that he has to do much running. If you play him as a tre quartista further up the field with Montolivo De Rossi and Marchisio behind he will not get exposed or tired. I don’t think you can play totti in that position any more he doesn’t have the stamina or work rate to play in Midfield. Also however talented Totti is, He never really has done it for the azzurri. I can say for sure that without pirlo we wouldn’t have won the WC 4 years ago.

Pirlo is awesome and we wouldn’t have won in 06 without him. I simply cannot forget the memory of him being completely run ragged by the French. To me it looked almost as if he had cement shoes after about the 70th minute. But hey, if he can conserve energy in the attacking mid spot, then that’s his spot.

Wow, it is amazing to me how varied everyones opinion is – specifically how much my opinion appears to differ from everyone else:

1. WC10 i would love to know what club/international team you support so i can pay the everliving shit out of it – but i bet you wont say because you are a coward.

2. Gilardino lacklustre? I think 16 goals for la nazionale in 39 matches is not that bad. Giuseppe Rossi 3 in 14.

3. On Rossi/Aquilani: They can get stuffed because they dont play in Serie A – anyone else agree?

4. Pirlo has had a poor season? Pirlo hasnt played a good match of football for four years – fact.

5. Im going to say something wildly unpopular: I think Cassano/Fatantonio is wildly overrated. He would not make my 23. The way people talk about him you would think he is the capocanonniere when the fact is he hasnt scored that many goals at all. Totti has scored more in Serie A and he has played ten games less. Moreover he is a mental case – infinitely worse than Balotelli because Balotelli is being put through a tough time by Inter fans. Cassano is a downright mentalist. Italy won the World Cup without Cassano in 2006 and they can win it again without him in 2010. He had his chance in 2008 and he didnt really do much if I recall correctly. Everyone needs to get over Cassano and Andrea Pirla da Brescia for that matter too.

lippi is a disgrace Quagliarella and boriello over cassano and Miccoli? What a joke! ambrosini deserves to go rather than gattuso at least he’s been more fit than gattuso and has played more games. How can you defend that quagriaella and boriello should be in this squad over cassano and miccoli? I bet they don’t have the same amount of goals combined compared to cassano and miccoli. cannavaro,gattuso,leggrotaglie,cameronesi,grosso, do not deserve to be in this squad! a cassano,miccoli,gilardino,di Natalie,pazzini.
It would be the best forward squad in the world cup

lippi is a disgrace Quagliarella and boriello over cassano and Miccoli? What a joke! ambrosini deserves to go rather than gattuso at least he’s been more fit than gattuso and has played more games. How can you defend that quagriaella and boriello should be in this squad over cassano and miccoli? I bet they don’t have the same amount of goals combined compared to cassano and miccoli. cannavaro,gattuso,leggrotaglie,cameronesi,grosso, do not deserve to be in this squad! a cassano,miccoli,gilardino,di Natalie,pazzini.
It would be the best forward line
in the world cup

Nice Article here from Sportmediaset about the players who were called up vs the players who were not. I’ve got the players not called up winning 2-0. I knew I wasnt the only one who liked Brighi. I dont care if he never plays for Roma – guy can play.

http://www.sportmediaset.mediaset.it/calcio/articoli/articolo31789.shtml

Davide, even though you don’t like Cassano, I forgive you. I’ve thrown your link over to the newest blog on this forum for more attention. Great find.

All of the above concerns about the roster are understandable, but you need to trust Lippi more. Everyone has been chosen for a reason. Keep in mind it’s his job (Lippi), along with his staff, to analyse these players all day, every day. Meaning he knows the players intimately and understands their chemistry better than anyone.

They would have weighed up strengths/weaknesses and form before putting together the above roster. They’ve all been chosen for a reason and there are definitely more variables than we know about.

That said. If you know Italians and our football, then you know how conservative we are. We don’t like leaving anything to chance, hence not staking everything on a young inexperienced team and hence not taking Cassano. Peter Pan is a loose cannon which our side can’t afford.

davide, interesting link but i dont think the squad is that bad but we do lack creativity in attack. Lippi has to take atleast 1 of miccolli/totti /cassano instead of quagliarella. In midfield we have lots of young talent and providing he ditches gattuso and camo then we look in good shape.

Italy is always in good shape round World Cup time. I think Totti will get called up…especially if Roma wins Serie A.

http://video.gazzetta.it/?vxChannel=&vxClipId=2570_8697bcfa-2853-11df-86f0-00144f02aabe

Not sure what to say about this….i hope this will not be Lippi’s starting line up – they are just journalists speculating.

another vid:

http://video.gazzetta.it/?vxChannel=&vxClipId=2570_8f52c21c-2863-11df-86f0-00144f02aabe

Totti behind Gilardino & Pazzini is one of the better frontlines in the world. Size, speed, creativity, shooting, & poaching… With Iaquinta/Di Natale off the bench as super-subs.

Behind Totti I’d have Marchisio/DeRossi as our workhorses, with Pirlo lying deep and playing those connecting balls from defense to attack.

My only concern is our wing-backs, we have to go with inexperienced youth (maggio & cricrito) or old/slow veterans (zambro & grosso). Wouldn’t be surprised to see the vets out there on opening night.

Buffon
Zambro—Cannavaro—Chiellini—Criscito
Pirlo
DeRossi—–Marchisio
Totti
Gilardino—-Pazzini

Knockout round here we come!

Oh and also, my guess who will go out of those names

In: De Rossi, Totti

Out: Marchetti, Bochetti, Zambrotta, Camoranesi (prob won’t happen, but he is in crap form right now), Montolivo, Maggio, Boriello, Quagliarella

This is who i think should leave the squad,

In:
Totti – De Rossi

Out: Sirigu,Grosso,Legrottaglie,Camoranesi,Gattuso,Cossu,
Boriello,Quagliarella

But being the pessimistic Italian that I am, I bet lippi will have it more like this

In:
De Rossi

Out:
Sirigu,Bochetti,Cassani,Candreva,Montolivo,Cossu,Boriello

Hope i’ve got lippi wrong, but im sure he will take all the old guard. Bad form or not.

http://www.laverdad.es/agencias/20100504/deportes/futbol/marcello-lippi-deja-abiertas-puertas_201005042109.html
transalet to english cause its in spanish…totti?

It may be because I am napoli tifoso but I think that quags can/will make a difference in the wc. I also like rossi/borriello for the final team up front. I also think that paolo canna should’ve gotten the call up. anyone agrees on canna Jr getting a callup or is it me being one sided because of napoli? I am glad that maggio and DeSanctis are certain for the trip. I also believe we will go farther than most expect. forza azzuri!

Oh almost forgot. I do think it is a horrible shame that Miccoli won’t be there. I also am saddened by the fact that balotelli can’t just STFU for a second (dont get me wrong I understand the inter fans are giving it to him) but I wish he would just play through and let his game speak for himself instead of actually speaking/ acting on his own accord.

Totti sent off in coppa italia final for brutal kick on balotelli, I imagine he will be suspended for rest of season and and with lippi watching has probably kissed goodbye to any hope of playing in the world cup. Looks like we have to hope quags can make the difference in south sfrica

In: De Rossi

Totti will not make it and doesnt deserve to.

What number will De Rossi be wearing at the World Cup?