Italian Football Thread

[War]

Prandelli plan taking shape - ESPN Soccernet

 

[Haarithan]

One of the 8 comments that followed the article:

The development that I have greeted with cheerfulness is the one of Prandelli's side only conceding one goal during the stretch of games that really mattered (the goal conceded against Serbia on Friday came in a game that didn't mean anything in terms of qualification for Italy). Admittedly, there is a lack of superb defenders in Italy currently, but nonetheless Italy have played superbly as a defence in these qualifiers.

Full marks to Prandelli there, rock solid stuff!

 

[Auwais]

It's certainly refreshing to see the likes of Prandelli and Blanc bringing prestige back to their national sides. International football is better off when the likes of France and Italy look strong.

 

[War]

It's certainly refreshing to see the likes of Prandelli and Blanc bringing prestige back to their national sides. International football is better off when the likes of France and Italy look strong.

Indeed. The only fault i would slightly give Prandelli is him not picking Di Natale, i think he is good enough to at least by in the best 23-man squad the Azzuri could put together between now and EURO 2012.

France are on the same level with England coming off their WC 2010 disaster and are still a work in progress in many ways. Blanc to me needs to make Evra permanent captain and recall Lasanna Diarra.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

The only problem with Di Natale is his age. He's 34 which isn't really ideal for the future. I think they have enough talent going forward to not have to pick someone as old as Di Natale. The only problem I think there is with Italy's system is there isn't a proper attacking midfielder. Aquilani, Montolivo and Cassano have all been played there and none of them are suited to that role really. But I haven't watched Italy in the last few games so I don't know what the current situation is.

 

[War]

The only problem with Di Natale is his age. He's 34 which isn't really ideal for the future. I think they have enough talent going forward to not have to pick someone as old as Di Natale. The only problem I think there is with Italy's system is there isn't a proper attacking midfielder. Aquilani, Montolivo and Cassano have all been played there and none of them are suited to that role really. But I haven't watched Italy in the last few games so I don't know what the current situation is.

Since Italy 2-1 friendly win vs Spain about a month ago, Italy have have playing a 4-3-1-2 formation, with the midfield/strikers combo looking like this at full strength:

------------------------Cassano---------Rossi------------------

-------------------------------Montolivio-------------------------

-------------Motta-------------Pirlo-----------De Rossi---------

Montolivio in recent games has come of age in the trequartista role.

With Di Natale, Prandelli has been using Cassano, Rossi, Pazzini, Balotelli and Giovinco has his strikers in recent squad. Personally i think Di Natale just looking ahead to EURO 12, could be picked ahead of young Giovinco for now.

Being the top-scorer in Serie A for the past two seasons makes you a must pick IMHO.

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Surprised that Montolivo has done well in that role but it's good to see. Really like him as a player but I've always thought he's been stuck in between an attacking midfielder and a deep-lying playmaker without really fitting in either.

 

[Auwais]

Anyone watch the Derby d'Italia last night? Great win for Juve.

The standard of Italian football's been very solid recently. Some great, entertaining matches in recent weeks.

 

[Haarithan]

Yeah watched it, definitely was a thrilling encounter. Thought both sides were equally good on the night, but Juve made the most of their chances and eventually came out top. Marchisio should have buried the game before half-time though, having missed a one-on-one situation almost immediately after restoring Juve's lead. Maicon's goal was a stunner!

 

[Haarithan]

Courtesy of Jason's re-tweet of Adam Digby's:

''Awful news that Antonio Cassano has suffered a stroke, the severity of which has not yet been discussed. Get well soon Antonio."

 

[Dr. Pepper]

Terrible news, hope he makes a full and fast recovery. One of my favourite players - such an entertainer.

 

[shravi]

To anybody who follows Italian football or Roma closely- what have you made of Lamela?

 

[Haarithan]

Annoying when you literally dominate the entire game and yet happen to lose. That said, Uruguay didn't even play Luis Suarez alongside Cavani, in which case, the duo would have just torn our defence apart.

Our depth in attacking is a bit of a worry ATM, with both Cassano and Rossi fighting hard to be fit in time for the Euros. Without them, only Balotelli looks convincing enough to be in the national setup. Osvaldo, Pazzini, Matri are all mere squad fillers IMO - they all lack creativity and talent. Di Natale as we all know never ever fires for Italy as he does for Udinese. :/

 

[War]

What injury problems does Rossi have?

 

[Auwais]

He's done his cruciate. Maybe if Quagliarella can get a run of games, he'll make it back into the Italy setup.