Re: Italian National Team Thread

[dostoevsky]

That was quite simply amazing and I'm incredibly pleased that Montolivo in particular truly repaid the faith shown in him, however this should serve to illustrate that Diamanti is well and truly out of his depth. Poor distribution which served to repeatedly put pressure back on our team when he lost the ball needlessly half a dozen times, slow and poor decision making which wasted opportunities to truly kill off the match and all this with superior options on the bench. A player with the vision of Giovinco writes the script, Diamanti reads and tries to follow along. We can't tolerate mediocrity against Spain.

Giovinco's lack of physicality would have mattered little in the counter-attacking situations that Diamanti found himself in often, being given the opportunity to use his trickery, pace and vision to open up an isolated backline, not breaking down combative and well stocked lines of defence. With Seba on the pitch, the match would have been 3-0 with twenty minutes to go and we all could have relaxed a lot earlier.

Pirlo, De Rossi, Montolivo and Balotelli were simply magnificent. Mario won countless freekicks using his imperious strength, finished clinically and showed true character on the big stage.

[ErPupone]

Ok, well maybe Balzaretti could cross better with his right than his left.

He's so one footed, I highly doubt this

Sarcasm, he can't even cross with his left. That being said, he impressed me, I didn't expect him to play that well, he put in a number of good tackles.

Montolivo played an amazing game, I always defended him, but I did express my doubts over him before this match because I thought he would crack under the huge pressure. He surprised me. Balotelli was finally decisive, took his goals well and even covered a lot of ground in the second half. Then Pirlo and De Rossi as usual bossed the midfield.

Di Natale truly pisses me off as a player for the national team. I was calling for Borini (though I knew it wouldn't happen) because even defensively he would've helped us out a lot more. The kid runs like there's no tomorrow and would've applied much more pressure on that German backline, allowing our tiring midfield and defense to breath a little more.

[II Capitano]

Like I have said before, Balotelli plays with his heart on his sleeve when he plays for Italy, as opposed to playing for Manchester City, where his commitment comes into question. Also, not only does the Germany game prove that Prandelli should always start Balotelli, but it also shows why Di Natale shouldn't start. It has nothing to do with the veteran missing chances, but it has to do with the veteran not entering the game quick enough, for instance just take a look at how ineffective Italy were attacking wise without any hold-up play.

I'm looking forward to the final. Why do we have to perform like this whenever we have problems in Italy? It's irony at its best, but it's beautiful really. I have loved every bit of this tournament, and even if we don't win against Spain (I expect us to), I still respect the amount of tremendous effort put in by every player that has featured.

[Luca]

That was quite simply amazing and I'm incredibly pleased that Montolivo in particular truly repaid the faith shown in him, however this should serve to illustrate that Diamanti is well and truly out of his depth. Poor distribution which served to repeatedly put pressure back on our team when he lost the ball needlessly half a dozen times, slow and poor decision making which wasted opportunities to truly kill off the match and all this with superior options on the bench. A player with the vision of Giovinco writes the script, Diamanti reads and tries to follow along. We can't tolerate mediocrity against Spain.

Giovinco's lack of physicality would have mattered little in the counter-attacking situations that Diamanti found himself in often, being given the opportunity to use his trickery, pace and vision to open up an isolated backline, not breaking down combative and well stocked lines of defence. With Seba on the pitch, the match would have been 3-0 with twenty minutes to go and we all could have relaxed a lot earlier.

Pirlo, De Rossi, Montolivo and Balotelli were simply magnificent. Mario won countless freekicks using his imperious strength, finished clinically and showed true character on the big stage.

Show the back line, Buffon and Marchisio some love, this was a wonderful team effort all around

Really impressive from just about everyone on the field

Balotelli is the only option in attack, the only one capable of being a lone striker. The strength, size and speed to hold up the ball. The attack must go through him.

Ok, well maybe Balzaretti could cross better with his right than his left.

He's so one footed, I highly doubt this

Sarcasm, he can't even cross with his left. That being said, he impressed me, I didn't expect him to play that well, he put in a number of good tackles.

Montolivo played an amazing game, I always defended him, but I did express my doubts over him before this match because I thought he would crack under the huge pressure. He surprised me. Balotelli was finally decisive, took his goals well and even covered a lot of ground in the second half. Then Pirlo and De Rossi as usual bossed the midfield.

Di Natale truly pisses me off as a player for the national team. I was calling for Borini (though I knew it wouldn't happen) because even defensively he would've helped us out a lot more. The kid runs like there's no tomorrow and would've applied much more pressure on that German backline, allowing our tiring midfield and defense to breath a little more.

Well said. I never really defended Montolivo but he played very well for the second straight game.

Di Natale was quite a failure as a lone striker but this isn't news. He was even caught offside once, on the counter attack, I think that sums up his performance.

[Grande_Milano]

was already or no?

[dostoevsky]

That was quite simply amazing and I'm incredibly pleased that Montolivo in particular truly repaid the faith shown in him, however this should serve to illustrate that Diamanti is well and truly out of his depth. Poor distribution which served to repeatedly put pressure back on our team when he lost the ball needlessly half a dozen times, slow and poor decision making which wasted opportunities to truly kill off the match and all this with superior options on the bench. A player with the vision of Giovinco writes the script, Diamanti reads and tries to follow along. We can't tolerate mediocrity against Spain.

Giovinco's lack of physicality would have mattered little in the counter-attacking situations that Diamanti found himself in often, being given the opportunity to use his trickery, pace and vision to open up an isolated backline, not breaking down combative and well stocked lines of defence. With Seba on the pitch, the match would have been 3-0 with twenty minutes to go and we all could have relaxed a lot earlier.

Pirlo, De Rossi, Montolivo and Balotelli were simply magnificent. Mario won countless freekicks using his imperious strength, finished clinically and showed true character on the big stage.

Show the back line, Buffon and Marchisio some love, this was a wonderful team effort all around

Really impressive from just about everyone on the field

Balotelli is the only option in attack, the only one capable of being a lone striker. The strength, size and speed to hold up the ball. The attack must go through him.

Marchisio's effort was stunning, it was one of the most dedicated off the ball performances I've ever seen from him and it is a pity that he wasted his opportunities to seal the match going forward because his performance deserved more visible credit. His selfless work in the service of the team has been ever present throughout this tournament, however at no other time so impressive or important.

Buffon actually had some very shaky moments, however he stepped up when needed like the champion we all know he is and his reaction to our struggles in the last ten minutes showed that he's the leader we need in this team to keep this team focussed and dedicated to the cause for the entire game.

Our entire backline deserves credit, however I'll simply single out Balzaretti for praise, even though the others are equally as worthy. On an unfamiliar side, in the biggest match of his life, his marking in the box was excellent when cutting out crosses and tackling, he was highly unfortunate to be punished with a bizarre penalty decision. It hasn't altered my general opinion of him, as I would need to observe consistency first, however it was a performance I didn't consider him capable of giving. I tip my hat to him.

I also can't believe that I never mentioned Cassano in my previous post, so I'll simply conclude with a simple note: thank you, Antonio.

[Luca]

That was quite simply amazing and I'm incredibly pleased that Montolivo in particular truly repaid the faith shown in him, however this should serve to illustrate that Diamanti is well and truly out of his depth. Poor distribution which served to repeatedly put pressure back on our team when he lost the ball needlessly half a dozen times, slow and poor decision making which wasted opportunities to truly kill off the match and all this with superior options on the bench. A player with the vision of Giovinco writes the script, Diamanti reads and tries to follow along. We can't tolerate mediocrity against Spain.

Giovinco's lack of physicality would have mattered little in the counter-attacking situations that Diamanti found himself in often, being given the opportunity to use his trickery, pace and vision to open up an isolated backline, not breaking down combative and well stocked lines of defence. With Seba on the pitch, the match would have been 3-0 with twenty minutes to go and we all could have relaxed a lot earlier.

Pirlo, De Rossi, Montolivo and Balotelli were simply magnificent. Mario won countless freekicks using his imperious strength, finished clinically and showed true character on the big stage.

Show the back line, Buffon and Marchisio some love, this was a wonderful team effort all around

Really impressive from just about everyone on the field

Balotelli is the only option in attack, the only one capable of being a lone striker. The strength, size and speed to hold up the ball. The attack must go through him.

Marchisio's effort was stunning, it was one of the most dedicated off the ball performances I've ever seen from him and it is a pity that he wasted his opportunities to seal the match going forward because his performance deserved more visible credit. His selfless work in the service of the team has been ever present throughout this tournament, however at no other time so impressive or important.

Buffon actually had some very shaky moments, however he stepped up when needed like the champion we all know he is and his reaction to our struggles in the last ten minutes showed that he's the leader we need in this team to keep this team focussed and dedicated to the cause for the entire game.

Our entire backline deserves credit, however I'll simply single out Balzaretti for praise, even though the others are equally as worthy. On an unfamiliar side, in the biggest match of his life, his marking in the box was excellent when cutting out crosses and tackling, he was highly unfortunate to be punished with a bizarre penalty decision. It hasn't altered my general opinion of him, as I would need to observe consistency first, however it was a performance I didn't consider him capable of giving. I tip my hat to him.

I also can't believe that I never mentioned Cassano in my previous post, so I'll simply conclude with a simple note: thank you, Antonio.

Fair enough, it was a tremendous effort all around- no complaints
Excellent post dos

[Ganso]

Abate will start

[dostoevsky]

I'm disappointed with Prandelli, however now is not the time to express my feelings. The Spanish fully deserved their victory, however this result isn't as important to me as the efforts our team has shown throughout the past month, they made us proud and did fantastically well to make the final. They could have done better, but it wasn't to be, so thank you boys.

[Tifoso Romanista]

we should have played 3 5 2 again

[Tomwin Lannister]

we should have played 3 5 2 again

Completely agreed. If it was against other opponents who we lost to and everybody said "352" after the game then it could be put down to just everybody using hindsight.

But we already KNEW 352 was effective against spain, it was foolish not to replicate the tactics used in the 1-1 draw with the added bonus our strikers were finally performing.

[BarrileteCosmico]

In my opinion Italy never had a chance.

I was particularly shocked with Buffon, nowhere near his usual level.

[Juveman17]

In my opinion Italy never had a chance.

I was particularly shocked with Buffon, nowhere near his usual level.

Nothing he could do. Perfect passes perfect finishes.

[Luca]

Playing 30 minutes with 10 men (without that reduction justified- sending off) is just truly unlucky.

Anyways, getting to the final of a major tournament isn't a failure, especially for this group.

This team looked really good at times, and woefully average at the same time but that's how football is sometimes. Spain is the best footballing side right now and tonight it was clear why. Dominance from start to finish.

I am bitter, mainly because 2-0 would have been fine, 4-0 seems like an exaggeration but it was merited.

If someone would have told you before this tournament started that an attack of Cassano [stroke] and Balotelli [head case] would lead Italy to the final of the Euro, you wouldn't believe them. This team had no real expectations, no championship aspirations but still they surprised us all.

I wonder if Di Natale was wearing an Udinese jersey today, would he have scored those chances? Probably.

Some bright spots, the coming out party of Balotelli. Incredibly solid performances from De Rossi, Marchisio, Bonucci, Abate, Cassano. Pirlo and Gigi providing leadership which cannot be measured.

I wonder what young players we'll see breakout next?
Borini, Verratti, Poli, Destro, Giovinco, Ogbonna?

The future looks bright to me

[Valkyrja]

What about 2014 ? Pirlo and Cassano won't probably be there so ...

Buffon
Santon Chiellini Ogbonna Criscito
Poli
Marchisio DDR
Giovinco
S.E.S. Balotelli

[Guest]

What about 2014 ? Pirlo and Cassano won't probably be there so ...

Buffon
Santon Chiellini Ogbonna Criscito
Poli
Marchisio DDR
Giovinco
S.E.S. Balotelli

i think pirlo has still 1 tournament left in his career, so has buffon, and cassano . meanwhile cigarino destro veratti was mighty close to being taken to the tournament.

so i think italy will build on this foundation but they will likely to make some tweaks with upcoming youth, because prandelli was not shy to call up guys like borini destro veratti.

its upto the current euro squad to do well consistently in club level, and upto big clubs to give some support to some precious talents.

i think veratti and insigne are definitely there to make in world cup....

[dostoevsky]

I want to give a detailed reply along the lines of your post Kizu, however I don't have the energy at the moment. The issue you've identified of players who we will have to either trust for another tournament or choose to phase out so as to invest time in new players will be the major foundation of debate for the next year in this thread I imagine.

[dostoevsky]

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Pescara), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Attackers: Mario Barwuha Balotelli (Manchester City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Sharawy (Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

------------

Absolutely fantastic call-up from Prandelli for our friendly against England. I question his choice of goalkeepers, however the type of calls made are an answer to my calls for experimentation, so I'm very content. The real test shall be how many of these players he then continues to give chances to over some of the older members of the squad and the manner in which he approaches next year's Confederations Cup.

[zarola]

siiiiiiiiiiick!! I like that!

omg this is great!

[Forza]

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Pescara), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Attackers: Mario Barwuha Balotelli (Manchester City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Sharawy (Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

------------

Absolutely fantastic call-up from Prandelli for our friendly against England. I question his choice of goalkeepers, however the type of calls made are an answer to my calls for experimentation, so I'm very content. The real test shall be how many of these players he then continues to give chances to over some of the older members of the squad and the manner in which he approaches next year's Confederations Cup.

Great team

[Arquitecto]

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Pescara), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Attackers: Mario Barwuha Balotelli (Manchester City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Sharawy (Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

------------

Absolutely fantastic call-up from Prandelli for our friendly against England. I question his choice of goalkeepers, however the type of calls made are an answer to my calls for experimentation, so I'm very content. The real test shall be how many of these players he then continues to give chances to over some of the older members of the squad and the manner in which he approaches next year's Confederations Cup.

Great team

100% agreed with you here Forza.

Prandelli here has very much impressed me with his youth-inclined selection.

Great to see him try new names in the GK section, veteran but uncapped players like Peluso, Gastadello, Poli and Schelotto.

Most of all his courage to try out youngsters like SES, Acerbi, Gabbiadinni, Destro, and Verratti which obviously means he is looking for a future outlook .

Omissions? I would have left out Diamanti and Balzarhetti and tested out Fabio Borini along with recalling Criscito back to the Nazionale.

[Luca]

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Pescara), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Attackers: Mario Barwuha Balotelli (Manchester City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Sharawy (Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

------------

Absolutely fantastic call-up from Prandelli for our friendly against England. I question his choice of goalkeepers, however the type of calls made are an answer to my calls for experimentation, so I'm very content. The real test shall be how many of these players he then continues to give chances to over some of the older members of the squad and the manner in which he approaches next year's Confederations Cup.

Is this some kind of sick joke?

[Juveman17]

Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Pescara), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Francesco Acerbi (Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain)

Attackers: Mario Barwuha Balotelli (Manchester City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Sharawy (Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).

------------

Absolutely fantastic call-up from Prandelli for our friendly against England. I question his choice of goalkeepers, however the type of calls made are an answer to my calls for experimentation, so I'm very content. The real test shall be how many of these players he then continues to give chances to over some of the older members of the squad and the manner in which he approaches next year's Confederations Cup.

Is this some kind of sick joke?

LOL Italy without Juve would get raped

[Rossonero23]

right..............4-0 against spain ring a bell? LOL

[Rossonero23]

it's a friendly in august!!! who cares about the result? lmao. it's meaningless.

juve fans and their inferior complexes. smh.

[Arquitecto]

Ummmm.... Guys need I remind you these are FRIENDLIES being played. Again.... International FRIENDLIES.

Which means the result is absolutely meaningless.

Which also means this is the prime time to optimize on experimentation, testing other prospects and alternatives, testing news systems.

The blindest coach is the one who takes friendlies seriously whilst playing the Full XI and not having the slightest clue on how to use, develop and variate with other alternatives in the tactical and systematic spectrum.

smh

[Sponsored content]