Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Counting down the days

With just a few days to go, a sample of random thoughts on the upcoming Scotland v Italy clash at Hampden.

1) I have seen a few mentions that Donadoni might go against his traditional 4-3-3 and head for a 4-1-4-1 formation. How does that square with his talk of coming for the win? Is he going to err on the side of grafters (Iaquinta, Perrotta, Ambrosini, etc) over the more lightweight skill men (Camoranesi, Palladino etc)?

2) "Italy have never won on Scottish soil" - while this is true there have only been three meetings - and two of them were draws. And the win came in 1965.

3) Is there any real chance of Ukraine beating France and getting us both through?

9 comments:

martinobhoy said...

1. Our formation seems to be a choice of 4-4-2 with Miller and McFadden up front or 4-5-1 with Miller on his own and an extra midfielder like Hartley.

2. Aye but what a win it was! A 1-0 thumping with that ace goalscorer John Greig doing the damage.

3. That's what I'm hoping for old boy.

Anonymous said...

I would love to see the Frogs capitulate and not make it.

Against the Scots Donadoni will go with Di Natale and Camoranesi playing as wingers outside of Toni - 4-3-3 the best description. Those two are the safest option.

Palladino is more suited to playing as a left winger than anyone else in the squad, so I reckon he'll change to a more conventional 4-4-2 against the Faroes.

- Juventino

Anonymous said...

If the hardened punter (which I'm not) was allowed to make one bet all day then it would be on this match and his money go on Italy to qualify.

Although a neutral I'm hoping McFadden has a great game, if only to quash these horrid rumours that Celtic might make a bid for him (He's a Toffee keep ya grubby mits off !!).

However I did have a great-grandfather (whom - due to death - I never met) from the isle of Skye. Does that make me a smiggin Scottish ? Martinhobhoy, please advise.

ginkers said...

Martino

It would be great to get both through. I just can't see it somehow...

Juventino

It now seems the only doubts are Panucci/Oddo at right back and De Rossi/Ambrosini in the midfield. I think it is a tough choice, Panucci is defensively sounder but Oddo provides great crosses for Toni. De Rossi is more talented but Ambrosini more experienced...

Trent

If I can claim to be Italian then you can surely claim to be Scottish! Hell, even Martino can do that on the amount of grappa he drinks alone.

Antonio Gurrado said...

(Dear Ginkers,
where shall I write in order to send you, er, private email? Let me know at antoniogurrado@gmail.com. Thanks and Forza Italia.

G.)

martinobhoy said...

TrentToffee - Yes that makes you a wee bit Scottish. As for Faddy the rumours seemed to have came from his agent, surprise surprise. Could he be about to negotiate a new contract at Goodison?

Anonymous said...

I did know that as I posted, ginkers. Do you know why Grosso won't get a start? I'm much happier with him on the left than Oddo or Panucci on the right.

- Juventino

Anonymous said...

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prodinfo.asp?
PID=PDS-008-003-002&DEPT=8&BRAND=0&SS=1

Do you think they will help my game ? Will I be able to play like the great man himself ?

ginkers said...

Juventino

I think Grosso pays the price for being abroad AND the fact that Lyon are struggling. But he will always have a place in my heart after the World Cup.

Trent

You watch out if you buy those. You will play great in your league but go largely unappreciated outside it!