Yes, read that title. Read it again. Then read it once more. Then go, make the coffee, put your feet up and read it again. Then phone up all your friends and tell them. It is true, Italy are world champions.
It was a rollercoaster, especially last night. A goal down so soon, back on terms through big Marco, then a few good chances before falling a bit onto the backfoot. A goal disallowed, more penalty shouts and then THAT headbutt. And finally, victory ... on penalties! Five great penalties. That Trez missed his only made it sweeter but our boys kept their cool marvellously well.
I will blog some more about this in due course, no doubt. Indeed, I may blog about nothing else for the next four years. Savour it, tifosi, all the heartache has been worthwhile...
Monday, July 10, 2006
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Il sogno continua...
Fratelli e sorelle d'Italia, it has taken me a couple of days to come to terms with what I witnessed on Tuesday night. Right up there with Brazil 1982, West Germany 1970 and maybe the backs to the wall Holland win in Euro 2000 came THAT amazing display. Even as I type, I struggle to come up with words to do it justice.
Cannavaro maintained his claim to player of the tournament, Buffon was impeccable as always, even Materazzi won my heart. Nobody in the world can have better attacking full-backs than Zambrotta and Grosso who played fantastically. The midfield was strong in the first half and when it faded a bit, Lippi made the right changes. Gattuso gave everything, Perrotta had one great chance, Pirlo kept us ticking, Totti is improving with every game, Toni worked tirelessly. Only Camoranesi still frustrated me but, on such a night, let's not pick flaws.
And what about the goals? The first one was pure Marco Tardelli stuff, even Grosso's celebration brought the same goose-bump feeling. And Del P was like the Del P of his boyhood brilliance as he sped the length of the pitch to ping the ball home. Lovely set up by Gila too.
There's one more hurdle to overcome, the French. No doubt they are a strong side with plenty of individuals worthy of respect but we've built up such a momentum we'll be hard to stop now. If we can keep up the team spirit, concentration and quality we have shown this far then, as Il Messaggero apparently proclaimed, "Not even the Martians can beat us!".
Here's hoping ragazzi. Keep the faith, no doubts and go for it!
Cannavaro maintained his claim to player of the tournament, Buffon was impeccable as always, even Materazzi won my heart. Nobody in the world can have better attacking full-backs than Zambrotta and Grosso who played fantastically. The midfield was strong in the first half and when it faded a bit, Lippi made the right changes. Gattuso gave everything, Perrotta had one great chance, Pirlo kept us ticking, Totti is improving with every game, Toni worked tirelessly. Only Camoranesi still frustrated me but, on such a night, let's not pick flaws.
And what about the goals? The first one was pure Marco Tardelli stuff, even Grosso's celebration brought the same goose-bump feeling. And Del P was like the Del P of his boyhood brilliance as he sped the length of the pitch to ping the ball home. Lovely set up by Gila too.
There's one more hurdle to overcome, the French. No doubt they are a strong side with plenty of individuals worthy of respect but we've built up such a momentum we'll be hard to stop now. If we can keep up the team spirit, concentration and quality we have shown this far then, as Il Messaggero apparently proclaimed, "Not even the Martians can beat us!".
Here's hoping ragazzi. Keep the faith, no doubts and go for it!
Monday, July 03, 2006
We're in business
Come what may, the Azzurri have brought back a bit of respect to Italian football over the past few weeks. If they pull off a win against Germany, the job would be even better. Still, to get to the World Cup semi-final is back to the business end of football's biggest competition which is somewhere we have not been for 12 years.
The win over Ukraine was impressive with Toni among the goals, Totti pulling the strings and that defence truly breathtaking (especially the Juve connection Cannavaro, Buffon and Zambrotta). What you've got to like about this team is its spirit - typified by Gattuso but carried on by everyone in the side. All the old debates like Baggio/Zola, Totti/Del Piero and, for those with longer memories Rivera/Mazzola have been put to one side. There is no outstanding superstar which has made everyone seem happy to work for each other.
There are any number of omens you can take into account. We've not, so far, ever lost a major tie to Germany. The last time four European teams were in the semi-finals was 1982. Paolo Rossi went four games without a goal (like Toni) before ending up top scorer. And so on, and so on.
The biggest factor is that the boys are playing well, improving every game and look desperate to do well. They have earned the right to think they can go all the way and win it. Now wouldn't that be sweet?
The win over Ukraine was impressive with Toni among the goals, Totti pulling the strings and that defence truly breathtaking (especially the Juve connection Cannavaro, Buffon and Zambrotta). What you've got to like about this team is its spirit - typified by Gattuso but carried on by everyone in the side. All the old debates like Baggio/Zola, Totti/Del Piero and, for those with longer memories Rivera/Mazzola have been put to one side. There is no outstanding superstar which has made everyone seem happy to work for each other.
There are any number of omens you can take into account. We've not, so far, ever lost a major tie to Germany. The last time four European teams were in the semi-finals was 1982. Paolo Rossi went four games without a goal (like Toni) before ending up top scorer. And so on, and so on.
The biggest factor is that the boys are playing well, improving every game and look desperate to do well. They have earned the right to think they can go all the way and win it. Now wouldn't that be sweet?
Friday, June 30, 2006
Nerves jingling once more
Is there ever a game you can look forward to as an Italy fan? On paper the Ukraine are about the most straightforward opposition in the quarter finals possible. In reality, we all know, it will never be easy. Wouldn't it be great to be three goals to the good by halftime? Dream on.
The toughest job is for Andrea Barzagli to slot in at the centre of the defence, especially with Sheva in the opposition. Still, hopefully Cannavaro - my man of the tournament so far - can give the boy some guidance.
It would certainly be nice to play 11 against 11 too. The worry of supensions is great with Gattuso, Zambrotta and Grosso all on yellow cards. Still, the first thing is to get the win and then bring on Argentina or Germany. I'm getting SO nervous and also SO sick of hearing how lucky we have been. A convincing win would be a truly wonderful thing. But I'll settle for 1-0 with a goal off Inzaghi's ass...
The toughest job is for Andrea Barzagli to slot in at the centre of the defence, especially with Sheva in the opposition. Still, hopefully Cannavaro - my man of the tournament so far - can give the boy some guidance.
It would certainly be nice to play 11 against 11 too. The worry of supensions is great with Gattuso, Zambrotta and Grosso all on yellow cards. Still, the first thing is to get the win and then bring on Argentina or Germany. I'm getting SO nervous and also SO sick of hearing how lucky we have been. A convincing win would be a truly wonderful thing. But I'll settle for 1-0 with a goal off Inzaghi's ass...
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Quarter-finals, the pundit's guide...
As we reach the last eight of the World Cup here's your guide to the sporting stereotypes going head to head in the closing stages.
Dour Efficiency v Sneaky South Americans
Organised Former Soviets v Cynical Cheating Divers
Brave Lionhearts v Stylish Chokers
Samba Football v End Of An Era
Looking forward to it already...
Dour Efficiency v Sneaky South Americans
Organised Former Soviets v Cynical Cheating Divers
Brave Lionhearts v Stylish Chokers
Samba Football v End Of An Era
Looking forward to it already...
Monday, June 26, 2006
It's Totti time!
There is pain, there is suffering and then there is watching Italy in the World Cup. It all started off so promisingly against Australia. We were passing it nicely, creating chances and, but for a bit of wonky shooting and a couple of good saves, we should have been ahead at half time. The opposition was without doubt the weakest we have faced so far but, just the same, things looked good.
Then up popped Medina Cantalejo or whatever his name is. Out of nothing he decided to send Materazzi off for what looked only a yellow card foul. I'm not known for defending big Marco but he had had a great game up to then and Zambrotta was on his shoulder to cover so he was clearly not the last man. All that didn't matter of course, and suddenly life got difficult.
If bringing on Iaquinta for Gilardino at half time made little sense before that it made even less after it. To compound the problem, Luca Toni made way for Barzagli in a move that handed the initiative to the Aussies. Iaquinta was incapable of holding the ball up, Del Piero looked exhausted so only Gattuso and, to a lesser extent, Perrotta held the keys to our retaining possession with Pirlo struggling to get on the ball.
The defence held firm and gave away few chances but too often long, hopeful balls ended up at the feet of the Australians. Luckily enough, they didn't have much clue what to do with it.
Then, just when it looked like extra time for sure, old Grosso boy gave a little shimmy to get past a man. Then he dribbled another and from the byeline he dinked past Lucas Neill. Lying on the ground in front of him, the Palermo man went over him and won the penalty. Some have said it was harsh but to me if you block a run, no matter with what part of your body, it's a foul. Ask Paul Lambert on Jorg Albertz about that one - the only man to give away a penalty while being knocked unconscious!
In that situation, deep into injury time, it takes a great player to score a penalty. Make no mistake about that. It seemed to take an age to take the kick and all the time millions of Italians were getting more and more edgy but, thankfully, not the man that mattered. It was just like he was back in the Olimpico with his faithful fans willing him to score.
I would love that to be the moment that kickstarts Totti's World Cup and finally starts to silence the global audience that still thinks he is all about petulance and spitting. If big Toni boy could get a goal soon too we could really have something special. With Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro and Gattuso looking so determined we have a core of a side with a real desire to win.
So we are on to the quarter finals and, all the more sweetly, at the expense of Guus Hiddink. The irony of hearing him moan about refereeing decisions going against him will not have been lost on a lot of people. Remember four years ago Guus? Remember Byron Moreno? We do...
There's a team to be rebuilt for the next round once more. No Materazzi, Nesta a doubt, and Gattuso, Grosso and Zambrotta all one caution away from missing the next match. Lippi seems an edgy man and some of his decisions have been questionable. But he has got us this far, so let's keep the faith and hope we can make one more step come Friday night...
Then up popped Medina Cantalejo or whatever his name is. Out of nothing he decided to send Materazzi off for what looked only a yellow card foul. I'm not known for defending big Marco but he had had a great game up to then and Zambrotta was on his shoulder to cover so he was clearly not the last man. All that didn't matter of course, and suddenly life got difficult.
If bringing on Iaquinta for Gilardino at half time made little sense before that it made even less after it. To compound the problem, Luca Toni made way for Barzagli in a move that handed the initiative to the Aussies. Iaquinta was incapable of holding the ball up, Del Piero looked exhausted so only Gattuso and, to a lesser extent, Perrotta held the keys to our retaining possession with Pirlo struggling to get on the ball.
The defence held firm and gave away few chances but too often long, hopeful balls ended up at the feet of the Australians. Luckily enough, they didn't have much clue what to do with it.
Then, just when it looked like extra time for sure, old Grosso boy gave a little shimmy to get past a man. Then he dribbled another and from the byeline he dinked past Lucas Neill. Lying on the ground in front of him, the Palermo man went over him and won the penalty. Some have said it was harsh but to me if you block a run, no matter with what part of your body, it's a foul. Ask Paul Lambert on Jorg Albertz about that one - the only man to give away a penalty while being knocked unconscious!
In that situation, deep into injury time, it takes a great player to score a penalty. Make no mistake about that. It seemed to take an age to take the kick and all the time millions of Italians were getting more and more edgy but, thankfully, not the man that mattered. It was just like he was back in the Olimpico with his faithful fans willing him to score.
I would love that to be the moment that kickstarts Totti's World Cup and finally starts to silence the global audience that still thinks he is all about petulance and spitting. If big Toni boy could get a goal soon too we could really have something special. With Buffon, Zambrotta, Cannavaro and Gattuso looking so determined we have a core of a side with a real desire to win.
So we are on to the quarter finals and, all the more sweetly, at the expense of Guus Hiddink. The irony of hearing him moan about refereeing decisions going against him will not have been lost on a lot of people. Remember four years ago Guus? Remember Byron Moreno? We do...
There's a team to be rebuilt for the next round once more. No Materazzi, Nesta a doubt, and Gattuso, Grosso and Zambrotta all one caution away from missing the next match. Lippi seems an edgy man and some of his decisions have been questionable. But he has got us this far, so let's keep the faith and hope we can make one more step come Friday night...
Friday, June 23, 2006
Buongiorno Sport!
Ci siamo. After a less than sparkling but less than awful performance against the Czech Republic we are through on top of the group with a tie against the Aussies in the last 16. There were good and bad parts to the game on Thursday but the biggest laugh, I admit, was Materazzi getting his goal.
In my house, and probably houses around Italy, his introduction for Nesta prompted forlorn cries. We might as well go home now - that was the logic. He'll give away a penalty or get sent off. Instead, he was a candidate for man of the match. And later, as Martino so sagely points out elsewhere, the Pippo Must Go Campaign run here proved to be extremely appropriate.
I thought against ten men we were rarely troubled. Gattuso worked hard, Pirlo got a bit more room and Totti needs a goal or something to get him back to match sharpness. I think Fabio Cannavaro has been my man of the tournament so far, he has blocked shots, anticipated the play and generally done everything asked of him brilliantly. The back line looks at its most solid with Zambo, Grosso, him and Nesta. Buffon was also immense, but we have come to expect that. Hope he's had a wee bet on Italy to win the competition.
Camoranesi was better but still frustrating and Gila pretty anonymous. Perrotta and Barone were pretty steady. I wasnt happy at seeing Toni left out but the ends justify the means.
Now its on to Australia on Monday. The draw has certainly opened up for us but I'm not going to be drawn into that most English pastime of plotting a path to the final. The Aussies are a banana-skin fixture as they are "just happy to be there" while we are expected to win. It sounds like Nesta will miss out which is another worry - big Marco can't play that well again can he? Still, let them stick to cricket and rugby, I say, and let us move on stealthily into the quarter finals. Otherwise I'll be crying in my XXXX.
In my house, and probably houses around Italy, his introduction for Nesta prompted forlorn cries. We might as well go home now - that was the logic. He'll give away a penalty or get sent off. Instead, he was a candidate for man of the match. And later, as Martino so sagely points out elsewhere, the Pippo Must Go Campaign run here proved to be extremely appropriate.
I thought against ten men we were rarely troubled. Gattuso worked hard, Pirlo got a bit more room and Totti needs a goal or something to get him back to match sharpness. I think Fabio Cannavaro has been my man of the tournament so far, he has blocked shots, anticipated the play and generally done everything asked of him brilliantly. The back line looks at its most solid with Zambo, Grosso, him and Nesta. Buffon was also immense, but we have come to expect that. Hope he's had a wee bet on Italy to win the competition.
Camoranesi was better but still frustrating and Gila pretty anonymous. Perrotta and Barone were pretty steady. I wasnt happy at seeing Toni left out but the ends justify the means.
Now its on to Australia on Monday. The draw has certainly opened up for us but I'm not going to be drawn into that most English pastime of plotting a path to the final. The Aussies are a banana-skin fixture as they are "just happy to be there" while we are expected to win. It sounds like Nesta will miss out which is another worry - big Marco can't play that well again can he? Still, let them stick to cricket and rugby, I say, and let us move on stealthily into the quarter finals. Otherwise I'll be crying in my XXXX.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
To believe or not to believe...
They say the Americans wanted a war on Saturday night and that was certainly how the game ended up. Apart from De Rossi's stupidity I thought we were more sinned against than sinning with our players being pretty much battered from the first whistle. No wonder they ended up with nine men. Unfortunately, we couldn't push on for a winner after Zac's blunder at the back. Now it sets up a horrible Thursday afternoon.
It will be a typical Italy-watching day. Win and we win the group, draw and we still go through, lose and we could still sneak it if USA beat Ghana. Best to concentrate on our own match, of course. The Czechs will be hit hard by the loss of Koller, Ujfalusi and more. Gattuso should make up for the absence of De Rossi. Above all, what would be nice to see is some decent football. I'd hate to watch the boys go out in a World Cup first round - never seen that in my lifetime!
Hope Toni gets a goal to start the ball rolling for him. And hope Nedved doesn't start tumbling all around the pitch. Ragazzi, non deludete!
It will be a typical Italy-watching day. Win and we win the group, draw and we still go through, lose and we could still sneak it if USA beat Ghana. Best to concentrate on our own match, of course. The Czechs will be hit hard by the loss of Koller, Ujfalusi and more. Gattuso should make up for the absence of De Rossi. Above all, what would be nice to see is some decent football. I'd hate to watch the boys go out in a World Cup first round - never seen that in my lifetime!
Hope Toni gets a goal to start the ball rolling for him. And hope Nedved doesn't start tumbling all around the pitch. Ragazzi, non deludete!
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
First test passed
On the whole the first game against Ghana was a successful one for Italy, not only in terms of result. The defence was solid - with the exception of Grosso who did look like a giraffe on ice from time to time. The midfield was classy - especially when Pirlo got a bit of space to work. Up front big Toni was unlucky not to get his goal and Gila provided decent support.
The biggest disappointment was the quality of the refereeing. How on earth did the Azzurri end up with three bookings when they were kicked, elbowed and shoved around the park all night. I have no gripe with the yellow cards for De Rossi, Camoranesi (no surprise) and Iaquinta but the same rule was not used for Ghana. The fouls on Iaquinta, Totti and Toni (regularly) were awful. I hope those bookings don't cost us later on.
Still, three points are three points and another win over the USA would put the boys in blue in pole position before the final game with the Czechs who looked pretty good.
The biggest disappointment was the quality of the refereeing. How on earth did the Azzurri end up with three bookings when they were kicked, elbowed and shoved around the park all night. I have no gripe with the yellow cards for De Rossi, Camoranesi (no surprise) and Iaquinta but the same rule was not used for Ghana. The fouls on Iaquinta, Totti and Toni (regularly) were awful. I hope those bookings don't cost us later on.
Still, three points are three points and another win over the USA would put the boys in blue in pole position before the final game with the Czechs who looked pretty good.
Friday, June 09, 2006
Keep an ear out
The World Cup kicks off in half an hour with Germany taking on Costa Rica. Amazing to think how no German players now play in Serie A when 20 years ago they were seen as a guarantee of quality. Big Jurgy Klinsmann will be the only tenuous connection with Italy really.
And talking of tenuous connections we always like to give a prize out for the most ridiculous mention of England in connection to a game where they are not playing. Examples of the kind of thing we are looking for are "He's the Ecuadorian Wayne Rooney, you know", "Germany, of course, still haunted by THAT final 40 years ago" and "Zurawski plays in Scotland which, as we all know, is just across the border from England".
I look forward to reading your submissions. Forza Azzurri!
And talking of tenuous connections we always like to give a prize out for the most ridiculous mention of England in connection to a game where they are not playing. Examples of the kind of thing we are looking for are "He's the Ecuadorian Wayne Rooney, you know", "Germany, of course, still haunted by THAT final 40 years ago" and "Zurawski plays in Scotland which, as we all know, is just across the border from England".
I look forward to reading your submissions. Forza Azzurri!
Sunday, June 04, 2006
What have we learned?
As I sit watching Torino fight to get into the Serie B play-off final, I muse over the friendlies of the last few days and how Italy's build-up is going for Germany. I find myself caught in a halfway house between optimism and pessimism. I never expected Italy to sparkle in matches so close to the World Cup and, to be honest, I wouldn't have wanted them to. It's a bit of a waste of time playing great before the tournament proper starts.
I admit, I was worried by the performance of Zaccardo against Switzerland who looked out of his depth. The same could be said for Iaquinta but I have never thought he was really worthy of the Nazionale. And as for Materazzi, well, enough said.
It was a good workout for Totti who looked to be heading in the right direction but I am worried about Pirlo. His form has dipped a lot and he is vital to our team play. Best players looked to me to be Cannavaro (who was in outstanding form) and probably De Rossi (ready to battle hard). A strike force of Gilardino and Toni looks powerful. The first choice defence is solid. It's a question of hitting form now.
With just a few days to go, everything still has to click into place but we don't look too bad. Be nice to win the group, then the draw opens up for us. But I can't believe old Italia will let us have it so easy...
I admit, I was worried by the performance of Zaccardo against Switzerland who looked out of his depth. The same could be said for Iaquinta but I have never thought he was really worthy of the Nazionale. And as for Materazzi, well, enough said.
It was a good workout for Totti who looked to be heading in the right direction but I am worried about Pirlo. His form has dipped a lot and he is vital to our team play. Best players looked to me to be Cannavaro (who was in outstanding form) and probably De Rossi (ready to battle hard). A strike force of Gilardino and Toni looks powerful. The first choice defence is solid. It's a question of hitting form now.
With just a few days to go, everything still has to click into place but we don't look too bad. Be nice to win the group, then the draw opens up for us. But I can't believe old Italia will let us have it so easy...
Friday, May 26, 2006
Don't mention the WaR...
With the World Cup fast approaching, expecting a flurry of blogging in the days ahead but, we promise you we won't be mentioning that chubby cheeked Man Utd striker with the dodgy foot. As the perfect antedote to wall-to-wall metatarsal discussions you will find no mention of him here. Guaranteed. Indeed, the only Rooney we recognise is Mickey the star of so many legendary musicals.
Instead, here's your guide to the top ten scapegoats for England's World Cup exit. Following in the footsteps of Peter Bonetti, Chris Waddle, David Beckham etc there has never been a tourney they have gone out of that there hasn't been somebody to blame. Otherwise, of course, they would have been world and European champions countless times. The top ten scapegoats we forecast for the summer are:
1) Sir Alex Ferguson.
2) Sven Goran Eriksson.
3) Peter Crouch.
4) Peter Crouch.
5) Peter Crouch.
6) The star player caught drinking dodgy German beer out of a brassiere.
7) Posh Spice.
8) The damaging reperations exacted on Germany at the Treaty of Versailles.
9) Asylum seekers.
10) Somebody Argentinian.
Instead, here's your guide to the top ten scapegoats for England's World Cup exit. Following in the footsteps of Peter Bonetti, Chris Waddle, David Beckham etc there has never been a tourney they have gone out of that there hasn't been somebody to blame. Otherwise, of course, they would have been world and European champions countless times. The top ten scapegoats we forecast for the summer are:
1) Sir Alex Ferguson.
2) Sven Goran Eriksson.
3) Peter Crouch.
4) Peter Crouch.
5) Peter Crouch.
6) The star player caught drinking dodgy German beer out of a brassiere.
7) Posh Spice.
8) The damaging reperations exacted on Germany at the Treaty of Versailles.
9) Asylum seekers.
10) Somebody Argentinian.
Friday, May 19, 2006
Scandalous, absolutely scandalous...
A top club manager with a son employed as a football agent, a league where everybody is alleged to like a "bung", regular Asian betting coup scandals - including the match which decided its Champions League places, clubs which spent money on European qualification before it was achieved, managers trying to influence referees... and all the power concentrated in the hands of a few mega rich clubs.
It sounds horrible doesn't it? I don't know how anyone can watch the English Premiership any more...
It sounds horrible doesn't it? I don't know how anyone can watch the English Premiership any more...
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
Did I do wrong?
I admit it, I couldn't bring myself to watch the Champions League final. Firstly, because I can't stand listening to English commentators ramble on about their own teams. And secondly, because I can't stand to hear them going all weak at the knees when Ronaldinho gets the ball.
I can probably guess a few themes running through the punditry. I can't believe they got through the night without mentioning Liverpool in Istanbul. I wouldn't be surprised if they had Ronaldinho's Brazil meeting England in the World Cup final. And I bet it was a shame that Henrik Larsson never tested himself in the Premiership. If I didn't get at least one right out of that I will eat my Fiorentina hat.
In some sections of the media it was billed as the dream final. Although I don't understand quite why. Certainly Barcelona are a powerful side, Liga champions and all that. But Arsenal? They finished fourth in the Premiership. Call me old fashioned but I still like to see a league champion win the top European title.
Of course, this is all sour grapes because no Italian team got there. It's a lot clearer now why Juve are half the team in Europe that they are in Serie A but I think Milan could have competed. There's always next year although lord knows who will be representing us. Roll on the World Cup.
I can probably guess a few themes running through the punditry. I can't believe they got through the night without mentioning Liverpool in Istanbul. I wouldn't be surprised if they had Ronaldinho's Brazil meeting England in the World Cup final. And I bet it was a shame that Henrik Larsson never tested himself in the Premiership. If I didn't get at least one right out of that I will eat my Fiorentina hat.
In some sections of the media it was billed as the dream final. Although I don't understand quite why. Certainly Barcelona are a powerful side, Liga champions and all that. But Arsenal? They finished fourth in the Premiership. Call me old fashioned but I still like to see a league champion win the top European title.
Of course, this is all sour grapes because no Italian team got there. It's a lot clearer now why Juve are half the team in Europe that they are in Serie A but I think Milan could have competed. There's always next year although lord knows who will be representing us. Roll on the World Cup.
Monday, May 15, 2006
Rinaldi responds to Lippi
Having seen the call-ups for the Italian World Cup squad by his fellow Tuscan Marcello Lippi, a sorry Scottish-Italian blogger has responded with his own 23 for Germany. It is a tradition he has followed for many competitions trying to name a "shadow" squad which he thinks might do pretty well at the competition.
The underlying thought process - if you want to credit him with one - is that it shows the strength in depth Italy possess (or not, depending on your viewpoint). See if you can come up with any players that you would like to have seen in either squad.
Lippi's 23
Portieri: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio), Marco Amelia (Livorno).
Difensori: Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Alessandro Nesta (Milan), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus) Massimo Oddo (Lazio), Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Fabio Grosso (Palermo).
Centrocampisti: Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Mauro German Camoranesi (Juventus), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Simone Barone (Palermo).
Attaccanti: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Filippo Inzaghi (Juventus), Francesco Totti (Roma), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese).
Riserve: Morgan De Sanctis (Udinese), Daniele Bonera (Parma), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Marco Marchionni (Parma).
Rinaldi's 23
Portieri: Francesco Toldo (Inter), Christian Abbiati (Juve/Milan), Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
Difensori: Christian Panucci (Roma), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina), Paolo Maldini (Milan), Dario Dainelli (Fiorentina), Paolo Cannavaro (Parma), Emiliano Moretti (Valencia), Cesare Bovo (Roma).
Centrocampisti: Christian Brocchi (Fiorentina), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Enzo Maresca (Sevilla), Fabio Liverani (Lazio), Stefano Fiore (Fiorentina), Eugenio Corini (Palermo), Alberto Aquilani (Roma).
Attaccanti: Antonio Cassano (Real Madrid), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Cristiano Lucarelli (Livorno), Francesco Tavano (Empoli), Mauro Esposito (Cagliari), Fabrizio Miccoli (Benfica).
Riserve: Francesco Antonioli (Sampdoria), Christian Terlizzi (Palermo), Pasquale Foggia (Ascoli), Massimo Maccarone (Middlesbrough).
For your information, my team plays a very Lippi like 4-3-3 with Toldo in goal, Panucci and Pasqual down the flanks with Dainelli and Maldini in the middle. Brocchi is the midfield battler with Maresca to break forward and Liverani pulling the strings. Cassano and Tavano play off Lucarelli up front. Or any combination you prefer.
The underlying thought process - if you want to credit him with one - is that it shows the strength in depth Italy possess (or not, depending on your viewpoint). See if you can come up with any players that you would like to have seen in either squad.
Lippi's 23
Portieri: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Angelo Peruzzi (Lazio), Marco Amelia (Livorno).
Difensori: Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus), Alessandro Nesta (Milan), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus) Massimo Oddo (Lazio), Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Fabio Grosso (Palermo).
Centrocampisti: Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Mauro German Camoranesi (Juventus), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Simone Barone (Palermo).
Attaccanti: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Filippo Inzaghi (Juventus), Francesco Totti (Roma), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Udinese).
Riserve: Morgan De Sanctis (Udinese), Daniele Bonera (Parma), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Marco Marchionni (Parma).
Rinaldi's 23
Portieri: Francesco Toldo (Inter), Christian Abbiati (Juve/Milan), Carlo Cudicini (Chelsea).
Difensori: Christian Panucci (Roma), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina), Paolo Maldini (Milan), Dario Dainelli (Fiorentina), Paolo Cannavaro (Parma), Emiliano Moretti (Valencia), Cesare Bovo (Roma).
Centrocampisti: Christian Brocchi (Fiorentina), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Enzo Maresca (Sevilla), Fabio Liverani (Lazio), Stefano Fiore (Fiorentina), Eugenio Corini (Palermo), Alberto Aquilani (Roma).
Attaccanti: Antonio Cassano (Real Madrid), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Cristiano Lucarelli (Livorno), Francesco Tavano (Empoli), Mauro Esposito (Cagliari), Fabrizio Miccoli (Benfica).
Riserve: Francesco Antonioli (Sampdoria), Christian Terlizzi (Palermo), Pasquale Foggia (Ascoli), Massimo Maccarone (Middlesbrough).
For your information, my team plays a very Lippi like 4-3-3 with Toldo in goal, Panucci and Pasqual down the flanks with Dainelli and Maldini in the middle. Brocchi is the midfield battler with Maresca to break forward and Liverani pulling the strings. Cassano and Tavano play off Lucarelli up front. Or any combination you prefer.
A little light relief
In amongst all the angst for the latest scandal to rock Italian football let's take a moment to honour my nomination for best banner of the season. It came on the last day of the campaign at Chievo-Fiorentina and was dedicated to home coach Bepi Pillon who had shaved off his whiskers to celebrate reaching the UEFA Cup.
"Bepi," it said. "My mother-in-law has shaved off her moustache too!"
Maybe not PC, but priceless. Dai, ridiamoci su...
"Bepi," it said. "My mother-in-law has shaved off her moustache too!"
Maybe not PC, but priceless. Dai, ridiamoci su...
A hollow sound
Even the most ardent Juventino would have to admit it was a sorry end to the Scudetto race on Sunday. Their title celebrations were most definitely overshadowed by events off the pitch. Even the festivities for the 20,000 or so Viola fans who travelled to Chievo to watch them get into the Champions League had a question mark hanging over them. And Lazio, too, must wonder whether they will get their UEFA prize.
The sad fact is that the very thing that most of us joked about for years - that ref's helped out Juve - may well have been true. It really takes the heart out of following Serie A when you hear just how deep the problem is alleged to have gone. I have no great fondness for the Bianconeri but I still want to say "Say it ain't so...".
I don't like the idea of giving out league titles to teams who finished third or whatever other solutions might be proposed. Better that nobody gets the crown and we start again from scratch. The biggest thing is to sort it all out quickly. The longer it drags on, the lower the reputation of Italian football sinks.
The sad fact is that the very thing that most of us joked about for years - that ref's helped out Juve - may well have been true. It really takes the heart out of following Serie A when you hear just how deep the problem is alleged to have gone. I have no great fondness for the Bianconeri but I still want to say "Say it ain't so...".
I don't like the idea of giving out league titles to teams who finished third or whatever other solutions might be proposed. Better that nobody gets the crown and we start again from scratch. The biggest thing is to sort it all out quickly. The longer it drags on, the lower the reputation of Italian football sinks.
Friday, May 12, 2006
Not again...
For seasoned Italian football watchers the latest scandal to rock the game can provoke only one reaction - NOT AGAIN!
It hardly seems that a season can go by without some match-rigging, sporting-fraud, dodgy-dealing claim. With the case of the 'intercepted phone-calls' by Juve top dog Luciano Moggi it looks like some famous names are going to be dragged through the mire once more.
Some big name players have been mentioned as gambling on games. Juventus are the biggest club implicated but Lazio and Fiorentina along with a number of others have been mentioned. There are even suggestions that 29 out of the 38 weeks of last season's campaign were 'falsified' in some way.
My greatest feeling is one of sadness. Particularly on the eve of a World Cup. All this can only destabilise Italy's bid to win in Germany with so many players and teams involved. It should be stressed, at the moment, that all of these charges are no more than accusations. They may, or may not, turn out to be true. But the damage to the reputation of Serie A and Italian football has already been done.
The actual content of the phone calls - from what I have heard of it - was not really that shocking. It appeared to confirm what many of us knew already - that Moggi is an expert in using every means possible to help his team. Maybe it is the regulations that need changed, rather than any great clear-out from the game. On the other hand, Italy being Italy, it looks like more blood-letting is in store and who knows where the casualties might be? If only this could be the last scandal in Calcio but I doubt that will be the case.
It hardly seems that a season can go by without some match-rigging, sporting-fraud, dodgy-dealing claim. With the case of the 'intercepted phone-calls' by Juve top dog Luciano Moggi it looks like some famous names are going to be dragged through the mire once more.
Some big name players have been mentioned as gambling on games. Juventus are the biggest club implicated but Lazio and Fiorentina along with a number of others have been mentioned. There are even suggestions that 29 out of the 38 weeks of last season's campaign were 'falsified' in some way.
My greatest feeling is one of sadness. Particularly on the eve of a World Cup. All this can only destabilise Italy's bid to win in Germany with so many players and teams involved. It should be stressed, at the moment, that all of these charges are no more than accusations. They may, or may not, turn out to be true. But the damage to the reputation of Serie A and Italian football has already been done.
The actual content of the phone calls - from what I have heard of it - was not really that shocking. It appeared to confirm what many of us knew already - that Moggi is an expert in using every means possible to help his team. Maybe it is the regulations that need changed, rather than any great clear-out from the game. On the other hand, Italy being Italy, it looks like more blood-letting is in store and who knows where the casualties might be? If only this could be the last scandal in Calcio but I doubt that will be the case.
Monday, May 08, 2006
I think it's all over
After Sunday's results it's time to admit it. Like it or not (and you know my feelings), Juve will pick up Scudetto 29 in a week's time. They haven't been brilliant but they've been the best over the season. Milan threw in a few too many wobblers throughout the year and Inter - well, let's not even go there.
I just can't see Reggina troubling the Bianconeri. Especially when they have to play the game in Bari and, presumably, with a referee still meeting Mr Moggi's approval (a little bit of politics, eh?). On the evidence of the game against Fiorentina, Reggina are already in "ritiro" with their minds on sun, sand and picking up some TV showgirl. I'm pinning my hopes on the ire of the rejected Nick Amoruso to maybe stick one to his old employers. Although I think the odds should be about 100-1. Still, remember Perugia.
Milan face a much tougher game against Roma but, in the process, they could do Fiorentina a favour. As long as the Rossoneri don't lose - the Viola go into the last Champions League place. That would be a great achievement and, on balance, I think a fair one. The Giallorossi have been brilliant in the second half of the campaign and, if they'd played that way all season, would be worth fourth place easy, maybe even second or third. But, (and I know I'm biased) I think the boys in purple have been more consistently good throughout the season. Still, whoever gets in should be a better representative than Udinese - especially with a little bit of investment.
I could well live without a Premiership style end to proceedings. I hope somebody's watching what they cook for the Fiorentina team in Verona. And no Totti hat-trick for Roma in Milan. Otherwise, I may fling my satellite dish over the garden wall...
I just can't see Reggina troubling the Bianconeri. Especially when they have to play the game in Bari and, presumably, with a referee still meeting Mr Moggi's approval (a little bit of politics, eh?). On the evidence of the game against Fiorentina, Reggina are already in "ritiro" with their minds on sun, sand and picking up some TV showgirl. I'm pinning my hopes on the ire of the rejected Nick Amoruso to maybe stick one to his old employers. Although I think the odds should be about 100-1. Still, remember Perugia.
Milan face a much tougher game against Roma but, in the process, they could do Fiorentina a favour. As long as the Rossoneri don't lose - the Viola go into the last Champions League place. That would be a great achievement and, on balance, I think a fair one. The Giallorossi have been brilliant in the second half of the campaign and, if they'd played that way all season, would be worth fourth place easy, maybe even second or third. But, (and I know I'm biased) I think the boys in purple have been more consistently good throughout the season. Still, whoever gets in should be a better representative than Udinese - especially with a little bit of investment.
I could well live without a Premiership style end to proceedings. I hope somebody's watching what they cook for the Fiorentina team in Verona. And no Totti hat-trick for Roma in Milan. Otherwise, I may fling my satellite dish over the garden wall...
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Guess who's back?
It looks like being a big night on Wednesday with Francesco Totti making his comeback to competitive action in the first leg of the Coppa Italia final against Inter. This is great news for Roma but even better for Italy. If he comes through unscathed, the Azzurri have just got a big player back for Germany.
No matter what your allegiance, you have got to wish him well and hope that he keeps clear of Materazzi! I believe that he and Pirlo together give Italy one of the most creative and defence-splitting midfields in the world. The Milan man has been on a slump of late but teaming up with Totti could be just the tonic he needs.
In the UK, it seems, they always say that Totti lets us down on the big occasions but I would still rather have him with us than against us. There are not that many matchwinners in the world and he is one. If he can finally keep his head, get among the goals and supply the killer passes for Toni, Gilardino and whoever then it could be one hell of a summer.
So, although I am no Interista nor Romanista, I will be watching this year's Coppa Italia final with more interest than usual. Forza Francesco!
No matter what your allegiance, you have got to wish him well and hope that he keeps clear of Materazzi! I believe that he and Pirlo together give Italy one of the most creative and defence-splitting midfields in the world. The Milan man has been on a slump of late but teaming up with Totti could be just the tonic he needs.
In the UK, it seems, they always say that Totti lets us down on the big occasions but I would still rather have him with us than against us. There are not that many matchwinners in the world and he is one. If he can finally keep his head, get among the goals and supply the killer passes for Toni, Gilardino and whoever then it could be one hell of a summer.
So, although I am no Interista nor Romanista, I will be watching this year's Coppa Italia final with more interest than usual. Forza Francesco!
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