ITALIA - LA SQUADRA AZZURRA 2008-09

Rossi on for Di Natale!

All new attack now, Rossi - Gila - Pepe

Is this the Villarreal Rossi? Never realised he's already called up for the full Italy squad.

kas wrote:Is this the Villarreal Rossi? Never realised he's already called up for the full Italy squad.

This was the first time, his debut.

Anyways, FT 0-0, quite a boring game. Neither team taking any chances, tho Italy probably outplayed Bulgaria for most of the game.

If Italy now manage to get 3 points against Montenegro next week, then it should be fine. But if there is a shock in that game, then Italy are going to rue this cautious approach tonight.

bluenine wrote:

kas wrote:Is this the Villarreal Rossi? Never realised he's already called up for the full Italy squad.

This was the first time, his debut.

Anyways, FT 0-0, quite a boring game. Neither team taking any chances, tho Italy probably outplayed Bulgaria for most of the game.

If Italy now manage to get 3 points against Montenegro next week, then it should be fine. But if there is a shock in that game, then Italy are going to rue this cautious approach tonight.

I wouldn't say that Italy outplayed Bulgaria at all,Italy were disappointing,apart from the first 15 minutes and looked disjointed,OK,they had injury problems,but I expected better.Bulgaria looked quite comfortable for most of the game,and grew in confidence as it went on.They kept their shape in the final third,and had good share of the game.Neither team was able to hurt each other,and it seemed that Italy,after not getting an early goal,settled for the draw that was always for the taking.Likewise,Bulgaria were happy to avoid defeat,and were unwilling to throw too many forward.
Will be interesting to see what happens with Montenegro,as they might try a less cautious approach and go at Italy more.They certainly caused more problems to Bulgaria than Italy did.

briz wrote:

bluenine wrote:

kas wrote:Is this the Villarreal Rossi? Never realised he's already called up for the full Italy squad.

This was the first time, his debut.

Anyways, FT 0-0, quite a boring game. Neither team taking any chances, tho Italy probably outplayed Bulgaria for most of the game.

If Italy now manage to get 3 points against Montenegro next week, then it should be fine. But if there is a shock in that game, then Italy are going to rue this cautious approach tonight.

I wouldn't say that Italy outplayed Bulgaria at all,Italy were disappointing,apart from the first 15 minutes and looked disjointed,OK,they had injury problems,but I expected better.Bulgaria looked quite comfortable for most of the game,and grew in confidence as it went on.They kept their shape in the final third,and had good share of the game.Neither team was able to hurt each other,and it seemed that Italy,after not getting an early goal,settled for the draw that was always for the taking.Likewise,Bulgaria were happy to avoid defeat,and were unwilling to throw too many forward.
Will be interesting to see what happens with Montenegro,as they might try a less cautious approach and go at Italy more.They certainly caused more problems to Bulgaria than Italy did.

Considering it was an away game for Italy, and that they were mostly in control of the game, I would say they outplayed Bulgaria. They dictated the pace, and while they did not trouble Bulgaria much, they were very secure themselves. Before the game, Lippi would have accpeted this result without a doubt.

Anyways, yeah... Montenegro will be an interesting game. More absentees for Italy, with Toni suspended and De Rossi injured and likely to miss it. De Rossi and Pirlo missing is a very dangerous prospect for Italy. No Camoranesi, Del Piero, Iaquinta, or Toni leaves the frontline weak on experience, while Buffon & Grosso are going to be missed in the defence. Its almost going to be the B side.

I would like Lippi to give Rossi a start. That kid is looking bright, and with the deep creativity missing (De Rossi/Pirlo), we will need someone upfront to do the creating. Wish Lippi had taken Cassano, he could have been useful.

Most likely, the team will be:



If De Rossi is fit, he would start over Perrotta. Montolivo may start over Aquilani. I would love to see Nocerino start over Gattuso, but really doubt whether Lippi would risk that... Lippi seems to still have a lot of faith in Gattuso, coz the last year or so Palombo has been much better than him domestically. Also, I would prefer Quagliarella and Rossi start ahead of Pepe and Di Natale.

Hopefully in the next friendly Lippi will give starts to Gamberini & Santacroce, Italy really needs an experienced depth in the defence.

I think Montolivo is better than Aquilani.

Is Cannavaro going to be a starter in 2010?

BrianS wrote:I think Montolivo is better than Aquilani.

Join Date: September 11th

Well, you're clearly a terrorist.

BrianS wrote:I think Montolivo is better than Aquilani.

Is Cannavaro going to be a starter in 2010?

The way Lippi is going, yeah, looks like Cannavaro will be a starter in 2010. But I hope Lippi gives Gamberini and young Santacroce some starts in the next year or so, just in case. Going by their club form, Italy's CBs for 2010 should be Chiellini, Gamberini, Santacroce and Legrotaglie.

As for Montolivo vs Aquilani, to me Montolivo looked like the more talented one when they played for the junior levels. But last coupla years in Serie A, Aquilani has played better. Both of them will be fighting for that one spot in the Azzurri for the next 5-8 years, lets see who comes out on top.

The young players I would like to see getting a few games for the Azzurri in the next one year include Rosina, Foggia, Giovinco and Balotelli.... Rosina and Foggia already made their debuts last year and now deserve some more playin time, while I guess Balotelli and Giovinco will play the Euro U21 next year first before getting their debuts.

Give Young Players A Chance - Chiellini




The Juventus man has been preparing for the game against Montenegro on
Wednesday alongside the rest of the Azzurri squad in Lecce.

Chiellini is adamant that more youngsters should be given the nod to represent La Nazionale at senior level.

"If
you look at the other leagues, lots of younger players are first
choice," said Chiellini at the Azzurri's afternoon press conference.

"Look at Spain for example. They won the European Championships with players who are roughly my age.

"Montenegro? We have to win. The draw against Bulgaria will only be accepted if we beat Montenegro."

Chiellini's
Azzurri team mate Gianluca Zambrotta also had some words on the crucial
World Cup qualifier and he knows the importance a win will make.

"Our
objective is to win at home and draw away. I guess the draw against
Bulgaria can be considered a good result but we have to do better
against Montenegro," added the Milan stopper.

Italy are still
firmly in control of their group and a positive result is the least
that can be expected against the visitors at the Stadio Via Del Mare in
Lecce on Wednesday night.

Messiah wrote:Give Young Players A Chance - Chiellini

What was encouraging is that the average age of the starters against Bulgaria was 27! Thats quite a new thing for Azzurri... remember, just a few months ago the starters against Holland had an average age of 31.5!

Haven't managed to get the game anywhere yet... whats happening, whats the starting lineup????????

Aquilani!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

1-0

bluenine wrote:Haven't managed to get the game anywhere yet... whats happening, whats the starting lineup????????

Italy: Amelia; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena; Gattuso, De Rossi, Aquilani; Pepe, Gilardino, Di Natale
Italy bench: De Sanctis, Bonera, Gamberini, Perrotta, Montolivo, Rossi, Quagliarella

Montenegro: Poleksic; Pavicevic, Tanasijevic, Batak, Jovanovic; Drincic, Zverotic, Vukcevic, Jovetic, Boskovic; Vucinic
Montenegro bench: M Bozovic, V Bozovic, Jeknic, Novakovic, Damjanovic, Bogavac, Burzanovic

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:
Italy: Amelia; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena; Gattuso, De Rossi, Aquilani; Pepe, Gilardino, Di Natale
Italy bench: De Sanctis, Bonera, Gamberini, Perrotta, Montolivo, Rossi, Quagliarella

Montenegro: Poleksic; Pavicevic, Tanasijevic, Batak, Jovanovic; Drincic, Zverotic, Vukcevic, Jovetic, Boskovic; Vucinic
Montenegro bench: M Bozovic, V Bozovic, Jeknic, Novakovic, Damjanovic, Bogavac, Burzanovic

As expected, the only change is Aquilani for Montolivo. Inspired, that one.

Perhaps now Lippi needs to seriously consider Balotelli, who has already scored 2 in the first half of the azzurrini playoff game going on...

Vucinic equalizes!!

bluenine wrote:

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:
Italy: Amelia; Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Dossena; Gattuso, De Rossi, Aquilani; Pepe, Gilardino, Di Natale
Italy bench: De Sanctis, Bonera, Gamberini, Perrotta, Montolivo, Rossi, Quagliarella

Montenegro: Poleksic; Pavicevic, Tanasijevic, Batak, Jovanovic; Drincic, Zverotic, Vukcevic, Jovetic, Boskovic; Vucinic
Montenegro bench: M Bozovic, V Bozovic, Jeknic, Novakovic, Damjanovic, Bogavac, Burzanovic

As expected, the only change is Aquilani for Montolivo. Inspired, that one.

Perhaps now Lippi needs to seriously consider Balotelli, who has already scored 2 in the first half of the azzurrini playoff game going on...

Balotelli would be a great addition.

Vucinic scores.

Great goal by aquilani.... 2-1

bluenine wrote:Great goal by aquilani.... 2-1

Lippi has this knack of getting the best out of even mediocre players. Not that Aquilani is weak, but under Lippi's tutelage players play to the peak of their powers.

This has not been the case since Sacchi. Even Vicini did not have that in 1990. That was a hyper-talented team that could not muster the mental courage when it mattered.

Lippi>>>any coach in circulation.

bluenine wrote:Great goal by aquilani.... 2-1

This is the prob with Italy... they are playing so well before the first goal and after the equalizer... but when they go ahead, they just give back the initiative... Lippi must realise that Italy don't have the defence anymore to play that strategy... get a 2 goal cushion before slowing down the game!!!!

That was very sporting of Jovetic!

Bonera in for Dossena... not sure thats a good idea...

bluenine wrote:Bonera in for Dossena... not sure thats a good idea...

Final sub: Quagliarella on for Di Natale!! Before than Perrotta had come on for Aquilani.

Gooooooooooooooooooooo Quagmiester!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2-1 FT.

Forza Azzurri!

Poor second half... Italy slowed down the game, and the chances for both sides dried up.

Anyways, what is important is 3 points!!! Lippi's tactics are working, and even tho all points have come with difficulty, 10 points from 4 games is a good place to be in!!! Specially when you consider the number of new faces being tried.

Forza Italia!Forza Milan! wrote:2-1 FT.

Forza Azzurri!

Its funny how all goals came from Roma players. Also coz the jersey of Montenegro was so similar to Roma's.... Infact I was on the phone when Vucinic scored, and my immediate reaction was "aw Cr@p, Roma have equalised!"

bluenine wrote:That was very sporting of Jovetic!

You Jovetic

Tweedle wrote:

bluenine wrote:That was very sporting of Jovetic!

You Jovetic

He was in the final third on a dangerous counter attack when he realised that one of the italians is down... he stopped and put the ball out... thats very sporting, considering the circumstances.

He had a good game too, an assist and brought out a brilliant save from Ameila. You may think I hype him too much, but this kid's got talent!

Player ratings from goal.com.... quite accurate.

ITALY

Amelia -8.0: Has been criticised in the build-up to this game, but he earned his bonus money tonight with two superb saves to help Italy win, one from Vucinic and another from Jovetic.

Zambrotta -8.0: The most consistent player on the pitch tonight as his excellent level of performance did not drop all game. Made a crucial clearance off the line, and never wasted the chance to join the attack.

Chiellini -5.5: Was absolutely outstanding against Dimitar Berbatov on Saturday, but tonight he was caused all sorts of problems by Vucinic, who skinned him for his first half goal.

Cannavaro -6.0: Also caused the odd headache by the impressive Vucinic and Jovetic, but showed good leadership qualities as always on the occasion of his 120th cap.

Dossena -7.0: One of Italy's best players in the first half, bombing forward at every opportunity. He had a good early chance, and it was his cross that created Aquilani's second. Not as impressive after the break, and was substituted.

Gattuso -6.0: Showed good fitness levels in Lecce as he never stopped running all game. Won a number of tackles but is not the dominant warhorse he used to be.

De Rossi -6.0: A hit-and-miss game for De Rossi, who seemed to have one eye on this weekend's big game for Roma against Inter. Was lucky to get away with a huge error when he gifted the ball to Vucinic at 2-1.

Aquilani -8.5: Outstanding display from the Roma man, who proved to be the matchwinner. Scored twice, and created gilt-edged chances for both Gilardino and De Rossi. What more can you ask for from one player?

Pepe 6.5: Was on fire in the first half hour. Almost scored on six minutes, created Aquilani's first, was involved in his second, and caused Jovanovic all kinds of problems. Then disappeared from the game completely.

Gilardino -5.0: Worked hard as he always does, but proved for the millionth time that he lacks that extra bit of quality that is needed for the real top level. Missed a glorious one-on-one chance at 2-1.

Di Natale 5.0: Has been disappointing for Italy now in his last three outings, and really needs to start performing if he is to warrant keeping his place in the side. Offered very little.

Subs: Bonera 6.5, Perrotta 6.0, Quagliarella 6.0

MONTENEGRO

Poleksic -7.0: Had numerous saves to make tonight, none of them particularly tough, but did all that was asked of him. Blameless on both of Italy's goals.

Pavicevic -6.5: His name is just one letter off being Savicevic, and although he is nowhere near the quality of the Red Star and Milan legend, he did a reasonably good job tonight, and kept Di Natale quiet.

Tanasijevic -6.5: Coped well with Gilardino, and offered the Fiorentina man little. Extremely unlucky with deflection on Aquilani's second.

Batak -6.0: Similar assessment to his centre back partner. No standout errors, and demonstrated his physicality against Gilardino.

Jovanovic -4.0: The weak link in the Montenegro defence. Had a simply disastrous first half, making a comical error in the build-up to the first goal. Also missed a header for Italy's second.

Drincic -6.0: Quietly went about his job in the middle-of-the-park, without really standing out in a positive or negative way.

Zverotic -7.0: Involved in a lot of the action tonight. Had a number of efforts on goal, but will regret the fantastic chance he missed at the back post when Zambrotta cleared off the line.

Boskovic -6.5: Blew hot and cold tonight. Had some good moments, but he was also guilty of missing a good chance when he headed over from a corner.

Vukcevic -6.0: Linked up with those around him did the Sporting Lisbon man, but was the least potent of the impressive Montenegro attackers.

Jovetic -7.5: Again underlined his status as one of the most exciting young talents in world football. Involved in Vucinic's goal and brought out a brilliant save from Amelia. His skilful running was a joy to watch, and the 18-year-old has a massive future ahead of him.

Vucinic -8.0: Against the big teams you are always guaranteed a big Vucinic performance, and tonight he did not disappoint. Looked an absolute class act every time he touched the ball. Scored his side's goal, had numerous efforts, but will regret his one-on-one miss at 1-2.

Subs: Bozovic 6.0, Novakovic N/A, Damjanovic N/A

Lippi equals Pozzo's 70 year old record of being unbeaten for 30 consecutive games as the Italy coach... great achievement

Hope you make it to 50, Marcelo!