Italians are they done?

clevelandspur · Italians are they done?

Well I had my questions going into the tournament but after watching the Dutch totally dominate them for 90% of the match I am more concerned. Italy has been ignoring youth development for a while now and I think it has caught up with them. Take in their starting 11 only 1 was under 30, Barzagli. The midfield looked particularly slow to the ball. Starting Ambrosini over De Rossi proved a horrible mistake. Also playing Zambrotta out of position and preferring Panucci didn't look a wise choice either. I think that they are done now. It will take a miracle to get out of the group at this point with the goal difference as it is.

Also I have been discussing with Penny, Milan have the same problems and I predicted pace would do them. (3 starting midfield from Milan)

So are they done, or was this just a one off?

Penny

I actually think midfield is Italy's strongest area right now.

I'd never thought I'd say it, but The Azzuri are shocking in defence at the moment. I don't think I've ever seen such a poor Italian defence.

As for Luca Toni. Idiot. He could have had about 7 goals last night. Send him home and bring Pippo back.

They really missed Cannavaro last night. Only hope for Italy is that France are looking poor too. Hopefully Holland will beat them, and Italy will win their two games.

Buffon said that he has never seen such a bad performance from Italy in his 12 years playing for them. They'll be so embarrassed now, so I hope they come out fighting. Knowing them, they'll come out sulking instead.

funkymonkey

I actually dont think it's all doom and gloom.

Apart from two admittedly spectacular break away goals Italy didn't do that bad! I think on the whole they probably deserved a defeat but not 3-0. The first was clearly not a goal and a major cock up that changed the game.

Long term Italy are a spent force but I still think with a lot of luck they might progress in this tournament. France were terrible and Romania no better.

So there is a very very achievable 6 points available which will get them into the quarters.

BTW Del Pierro played like a man 10 years younger when he came on and totally livened up the team.

Penny

^ Yeah, he was great when he came on.

I actually don't think I've ever seen Italy lose by three goals! Seriously. But you're right, that first goal should never have been given and it really messed things up.

clevelandspur

^ Oh yes I forgot to mention that first goal what an awful decision! Grosso looked a good threat when he came on as well, I will agree the defense is not close to what you expect from Italy so that being said they have to play more offensive minded rather than playing for a 1-0. I still was not impressed with the midfield in the first half inparticular they couldn't get hold of the ball!

Toni didn't have a good game at all, but I would still stick with him and maybe start Del Piero in place of Di Natale

Penny

Does Del Piero still have the legs to start every game though?

Toni just looked so awkward and uncomfortable on the ball last night. A bit letdown. I don't even know Di Natale.

clevelandspur

^ Di natale had a great year for Udinese I think he should flop him for Del Piero and then sub in either Di Natale or Quagliarella. He is one of the few with pace use it I say

Toni looked off, especially that lob attempt wtf was that lol

Penny

^ Lol! Embarrassing.

I'm missing out on so much Serie A - they stopped showing it over here this year, so no games for me. Hopefully with Mourinho at Inter and maybe a few Chelsea players following him there, they'll put it on TV again.

clevelandspur

^ Oh that sucks no Serie A? how terrible. Actually I have 3 all football channels now it is too much. It interfers with my daily activities as there is always a match on.

AlexH

The Italy Vs France match is pretty much the be all and end all now. The French have looked poor in recent matches but Gomis, Henry and Benzema could break through the Italian defence on last nights evidence.

Italy are still the World Champions though and Toni has been prolific all season for Bayern Munich so he is capable of delivering the goods.