The Official Azzurri thread 2

[Bagg10]

Corradi was garbage. Trap should've started Di Vaio in the Bulgaria game over him. I can't believe he left Baggio, or even Miccoli at home for that clown.

On another note, hopefully Marchisio continues this form/stays injury-free into the Euros. We're going need our midfielders on the top of their game against Spain. More importantly, although a full strength Rossi would be helpful too, a healthy Cassano is essential to Prandelli's new style/philosophy. So hopefully he has a full recovery from his heart surgery.

Btw, I don't think there's an Italian CB more on form than Barzagli at the moment.* Although I haven't seen too much of the other Serie A squads, If I had to pick out a a starting line-up he'd definitely be starting at CB.

* Let it be noted that I think Nesta, even at the age of 35, is still the best Italian CB. But since he's retired from the Nazionale, he's taken himself out of consideration.

[Bagg10]

[Zoff82]

Best jersey was the WC2002 white Kappa one. Shit was pimp! The ladies loved it.

[RomaShield27]

Prandelli's Euro 2012 dream
Thursday December 15 2011 – By Football Italia staff – http://www.football-italia.net/node/13839?

Cesare Prandelli insists Italy “want to dream” at Euro 2012 and won’t be content with a semi-final spot, especially after Spain lost David Villa.

The Azzurri are in the same group as Spain, the Republic of Ireland and Croatia, so were boosted by news that Barcelona star Villa will be out for four to five months after breaking his shinbone during the Club World Cup.

“As things stand today, I won’t be happy with fourth place,” declared Prandelli on Rai Due.

“I want to dream and we are starting the competition with this dream. The Nazionale is going beyond the rosiest expectations and we can improve a great deal in the next five months too.

“However, I warn everyone to pay attention to Croatia, as they will give us the most difficult test of the group. I don’t like people talking about our qualification as a certainty, because let’s not forget what happened in South Africa.”

Prandelli took over from Marcello Lippi in July 2010 after the worst World Cup campaign in Italy’s history.

He confirmed there could be some get-togethers without actual friendly matches in the lead-up to Euro 2012.

“Just one friendly from here to May isn’t enough. The get-togethers will be important, but I won’t make life difficult for the clubs or stress out the players.

“The important thing is that I can’t get the tactical system wrong. Once I’ve made the decision, I must find individuals who are more adept for that system and not those who can play in numerous different tactical roles.”

The Azzurri must name their squad by May 15 and their opening game against Spain is on June 10.

[RomaShield27]

This is pretty remarkable:

Prandelli to reward honest Farina
Friday December 23 2011 / http://www.football-italia.net/node/14089

Italy boss Cesare Prandelli will invite Simone Farina to train with his squad after the Gubbio player turned down an alleged bribe. Farina, a defender in Serie B, has told police investigating the latest match-fixing betting claims that he rejected the offer of €200,000 to fix the outcome of a Coppa Italia match against Cesena on 30 November. Prandelli, whose side will face America in a February friendly, will now reward the player for his act of honesty.

“What he did was great,” the former Fiorentina tactician noted. “He showed everyone that he has got beliefs and guts. “It's now up to us to support him because it is not easy to do what he did.”

It’s unclear whether Farina will only get the chance to train alongside the Azzurri or whether he could even be handed a first cap. Gubbio chief Marco Fioriti has also praised the player, but insisted that Farina’s actions should be considered as an act of normality.

“This [Azzurri recognition] will be a very important reward, but what he did should be normal in the world of sport,” he warned.

“If we were to attach too much importance to what Farina did, I would be very worried as that would mean that there is an enormous amount of corruption in our world of football. This sport, however, is not run by criminals and betting syndicates.”

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Another article on it here: http://iltifosi.tumblr.com/

[juventino_italiano]

I'd give him a callup and cap

[RomaShield27]

Di Natale deserves Italy recall, says Prandelli
2 hours, 38 minutes ago - http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slu ... lydinatale

Dec 27 (Reuters) - Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale will be recalled to the Italy squad to face the United States in a friendly in February, coach Cesare Prandelli said on Tuesday as he plans for Euro 2012.

The 34-year-old, Serie A top scorer last term and in form again this season, thought his Italy career was over after not featuring since a poor 2010 World Cup but long-term injuries to Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano have opened the door.

“I will call up Toto (Di Natale) against the USA,” Prandelli told Tuesday’s Gazzetta dello Sport, adding that Napoli goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis was also fresh in his thoughts.

Di Natale has scored 10 goals in 36 appearances for Italy, who are in Euro 2012 Group C with Spain, Ireland and Croatia. (Writing by Mark Meadows; Editing by Ken Ferris; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

[Bagg10]

Giaccherini is starting to make a strong case for a call up. We don't have many wide options. It wouldn't hurt to have that option on the bench. Plus he can play as a trequartista too.

[RomaShield27]

Italy rise in FIFA rankings
Wednesday February 15 2012By Football Italia staff

Italy have risen in the FIFA World Ranking to number eight after good results under Cesare Prandelli.The Azzurri were in ninth position last month, but have climbed one place in the lead-up to Euro 2012. Spain remain top, followed by Germany, who have leapfrogged Holland into second. Fabio Capello may have resigned and left England without a manager, but they are still in fifth place. Argentina slipped out of the top 10, while African Cup of Nations winners Zambia go into the top 50 for the first time in 11 years.

1 Spain

2 Germany

3 Holland

4 Uruguay

5 England

6 Portugal

7 Brazil

8 Italy

9 Croatia

10 Denmark

[Bagg10]

Wednesday February 22 2012

In the shoes of Prandelli
With a friendly against America next week, Antonio Labbate considers some of the new faces pushing for a first call up to the Giro Azzurro.

It was September 2010 and Italy boss Cesare Prandelli was asked for his early thoughts on the Italian Championship. “The side that has struck me the most is Cesena, the Coach Massimo Ficcadenti and the player Emanuele Giaccherini,” he noted. “He’s a really interesting prospect.”

At the time Giaccherini had only played a handful of games in Serie A. Actually, he had just 32 Serie B ties under his belt given that the man born in 1985 had mainly spent his career in the third tier or lower. Prandelli’s early words of encouragement were never transformed into a call-up, but one may come ahead of next week’s friendly against America.

Today’s Giaccherini is somewhat different to the one whom Cesare had initially admired over a year ago. He’s not guaranteed first team football for a start following his move to Juventus, but there are attributes of a potentially very good player in his game. It’s also his ability to be effectively used in a central midfield position, than in a more accustomed flank role, that is his biggest attraction right now.

When needed, Juve boss Antonio Conte has selected the 26-year-old as an alternative to Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. He may not have the aggressiveness of the Chilean nor the touch of the Italian, but there is a vitality and energy to Giaccherini which could serve Prandelli well – even if only from the bench. A game changer he may not be, but he could certainly be a utility player whether in Prandelli’s 4-3-1-2 or emerging Plan B 4-3-3.

Cesare looks to have pretty much have made up his mind when it comes to his 23-man Euro 2012 squad, but there would be no harm in taking a closer look at Giaccherini. After all, there are only a handful of Azzurri virgins who are presently knocking on the always open door of the Italy CT.

Atalanta’s Ezequiel Schelotto has made no secret of his desire to earn recognition at full level, but the tactician’s preferred system suggests that the Argentine-born midfielder will have to wait until after the European Championships to enter the Giro Azzurro. Catania’s Francesco Lodi, despite his skills and form, may have to put his Azzurri dream on hold too.

It’s in attack where Prandelli could be tempted to go for something new. With Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi out, as well as Antonio Di Natale being a doubt for his expected recall after he fractured a bone in his foot, there is a case for Fabio Borini to be selected into the squad. He may be just 20, but the Azzurrino has provided Bojan Krkic with some serious competition at Roma.

Borini, like Parma’s Sebastian Giovinco, offers something a little different to the former Fiorentina tactician. With the latter’s striker pool overflowing with similar style players – Alberto Gilardino, Alessandro Matri, Marco Borriello, Giampaolo Pazzini, etc – the former Chelsea youngster could provide Italy with a more flexible and agile attacking outlet alongside a more powerful and clinical centre-forward who is likely to be Mario Balotelli.

In terms of already capped players, next week’s Marassi clash could be beneficial to test out Cagliari stopper Davide Astori in order to give him a bit more experience. It may also be wise to call-up Palermo ‘keeper Emiliano Viviano to assess his condition after he returned from knee surgery, but do you leave out Morgan De Sanctis or Salvatore Sirigu? That’s just one of a few questions Prandelli will be asking himself over the next few days.

http://www.football-italia.net/node/15936

[Bagg10]

Wednesday February 22 2012

Borini set to net Italy call-up
By Football Italia staff

The Gazzetta dello Sport is today claiming that Fabio Borini of Roma will be included in the next Italy squad.

The Azzurri face America in a friendly on February 29 and the striker could be selected given the injuries to Antonio Cassano, Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Di Natale.

Borini, still just 20 and an Italian Under-21 international, has never been called up to the full squad before.

In 16 games across all competitions so far this season, he has netted seven goals for Luis Enrique’s side.

The paper also suggests that Borini’s place in the Under-21 squad will be taken by Milan’s Stephan El Shaarawy for their friendly against France next week.

It is also being claimed that El Shaarawy will be selected by Prandelli for a two-day training retreat later in the season.

Palermo’s Argentine-born defender Matias Silvestre could also be looked at when the tactician holds a defenders retreat before Euro 2012.

Prandelli will name his squad for the Genoa game on Sunday afternoon.

Blog: In the shoes of Prandelli. With a friendly against America next week, Antonio Labbate considers some of the new faces pushing for a first call up to the Giro Azzurro.

http://www.football-italia.net/node/15941

[Bagg10]

[RomaShield27]

U.S. men's team announces 21-man squad for Italy friendly
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news?slu ... esmansquad
1 hour, 42 minutes ago

U.S. men's team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann has named a squad of 21 players to prepare for the match against four-time World Cup champion Italy on Feb. 29 in Genoa. The match takes place on the first FIFA international fixture date of 2012, which allowed Klinsmann to select all available players. Since his hiring in July, Klinsmann has given 41 players at least one cap through his nine games as head coach.

"We're looking forward to having all the European-based players back in the roster and picking up where we left off with them from the Slovenia game," said Klinsmann, who is on a three-match winning streak.

A total of 13 players return from the group that defeated Slovenia 3-2 in Ljubljana back in November, including all three goalscorers: Edson Buddle, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore. Since that game the U.S. has defeated Venezuela and Panama while playing with the 'B' squad.

"I'm excited about getting everybody together and challenging a world-class team like former World Cup winner Italy on their home soil," Klinsmann said. "I think we have put a very competitive roster together."

The current roster consists of both senior players and the U-23 players who will begin Olympic qualifying at the end of March. Altidore and Terrence Boyd are among the youngsters expected to compete with the Olympic team.

"We wanted them to have a great preparation game before they go into Olympic qualifying in March," Klinsmann said. "Our roster is highly competitive and ready to give them a real fight."

The biggest surprise of the roster is Boyd, who will seek to earn his first cap. The Borussia Dortmund-based striker has been a regular part of the U-23 team. Also, Jose Torres returns to the U.S. fold after recovering from a foot injury he suffered last September.

The Italy match will be especially special for Michael Bradley. The midfielder is the lone U.S. international playing in Italy, becoming a fixture in the lineup for Chievo in Serie A since moving there last summer. He has started 22 straight league matches.

The U.S. team has lined up a series of friendlies for this summer in preparation for the start of World Cup qualifying. The team returns to Jacksonville for the start of its critical summer campaign when it faces Scotland on May 26 at EverBank Field.

The U.S. will also host Scotland and Canada prior to the beginning of World Cup qualifying in June. It kicks off the effort to qualify for its seventh-consecutive FIFA World Cup when it hosts Antigua & Barbuda on June 8 at Raymond James Stadium.

GOALKEEPERS (3): Brad Guzan (Aston Villa), Tim Howard (Everton), Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake)

DEFENDERS (7):Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers), Geoff Cameron (Houston Dynamo), Timmy Chandler (Nürnberg), Steve Cherundolo (Hannover 96), Clarence Goodson (Brondby), Michael Parkhurst (FC Nordsjaelland), Jonathan Spector (Birmingham City)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Michael Bradley (Chievo Verona), Maurice Edu (Rangers), Fabian Johnson (Hoffenheim), Jermaine Jones (Schalke 04), Jose Torres (Pachuca), Danny Williams (Hoffenheim)

FORWARDS (5): Jozy Altidore (AZ Alkmaar), Terrence Boyd (Borussia Dortmund), Edson Buddle (LA Galaxy), Clint Dempsey (Fulham), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)

[RomaShield27]

Italy: Borini in, Balotelli out
Sunday February 26 2012 / http://www.football-italia.net/node/16093

Fabio Borini has received his first senior Italy call-up, but Mario Balotelli is dropped for the friendly against the USA. The Azzurri take on Jurgen Klinsmann’s side at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday February 29.

Roma striker Borini was expected to be left out, as he was named in the Under-21 squad, but has been shifted to the senior team for his first call.

As it was reported, Balotelli has been dropped for breaking the code of ethics with his four-match ban for Manchester City.

Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano earns his first call since snapping knee ligaments in the summer.

Ignazio Abate gets a rare nod and Giampaolo Pazzini is called despite the fact he does not often feature at club level for Inter.

Goalkeepers: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Palermo);

Defenders: Abate (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino);

Midfielders: De Rossi (Roma), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Nocerino (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus);

Forwards: Borini (Roma), Giovinco (Parma), Matri (Juventus), Pazzini (Inter)

[juventino_italiano]

Glad to see Abate and Borini getting called up

[RomaShield27]

Prandelli 'reconstructs Italy attack'
Tuesday February 28 2012 / http://www.football-italia.net/node/16157

Cesare Prandelli prepares for Italy-USA and admits he must “reconstruct the attack,” but again warns Mario Balotelli cannot keep breaking the code of ethics. The Coach has dropped Balotelli and Roma’s Daniel Pablo Osvaldo after they were suspended for reaction fouls or violent conduct.

“Balotelli has already been banned for eight rounds in the Premiershit this season. That’s a lot if we consider this is a striker,” noted Prandelli in his press conference.

“A great player has to know how to deal with provocation and not react. He could have an extraordinary career, but there is no justification for certain behaviour. I am not a purist, but I am someone who respects the rules.”

Their absence and injuries mean the all-new partnership of Sebastian Giovinco and Alessandro Matri will start tomorrow evening.

“With 100 days to go until Euro 2012, we have to reconstruct the attack. I want to wait until the last minute for Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano. Matri gives us depth, while Giovinco is good at finding his position between the lines and can score goals too.

“It did not seem right for me to call Antonio Di Natale so soon after an injury. It’s not as if he needs to be tested out, as I already know where he can play.”

Daniele De Rossi is on the bench, although the Coach assures it has nothing to do with the fact he was frozen out at Roma this weekend for turning up late to a meeting.

“I want to experiment with other midfielders, so no, De Rossi was not late to anything here... We are missing a classic trequartista, but are following the progress of Andrea Cossu and Alessandro Diamanti.”

When asked where Italy can finish in the European Championships, Prandelli asked the media for help.

“The pressure is building. It also depends on the general climate around the team. We cannot sit around debating the way we interpret the code of ethics, as that’s just disconcerting. We can’t reach Euro 2012 with fragility in technical or psychological terms.

“The top opponents are going to be Spain, Germany and Holland. We must above all focus on our group, though, so Croatia are just as frightening as Spain.

“There will, I hope, be another two friendlies before the tournament. Tomorrow with the USA is an important test and I need it to see how interesting this striking partnership could be.

“I also want to know whether youngsters like Angelo Ogbonna and Fabio Borini can be part of the squad going to Ukraine and Poland. We must evaluate alternatives, even if I already have a starting XI for Euro 2012 in my mind.”

Italy: Buffon; Maggio, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Criscito; Marchisio, Pirlo, Nocerino; Thiago Motta; Matri, Giovinco

[RomaShield27]

Dempsey delight as USA humble Italy
Reuters - Yesterday, 22:13

He netted 10 minutes into the second half after good work from Jozy Altidore in a largely deserved victory for Jurgen Klinsmann's visitors.
"It's a confidence builder, we are trying to move in the right direction, to be as sharp as we can for the summer for the World Cup qualifying games," Dempsey said.

"The goal is to qualify for the World Cup [in 2014] so it is important to come to a place like this, and play great teams on their own soil and get results. At times it wasn't pretty but we grounded out the result tonight."

Italy had a new look attack given Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi are facing a race to be fit for June's tournament while Mario Balotelli was omitted from the squad for continued disciplinary problems.

However, forwards Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco struggled to make an impact and a second-half shift to a front three also failed to work, meaning Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has much head scratching to do with two warmups left.
"Absolutely not," he told Rai Sport when asked if he was worried by Italy's form.

"I liked my team, we can have a great Euros. We were a little bit more incisive in the second half."

He started with four central midfielders and Angelo Ogbonna of second-tier Serie B side Torino in central defence, further underlining the Azzurri's problems despite their easy qualification for the tournament in Ukraine and Poland.

The first half was largely forgettable with the U.S. arguably more dangerous than Prandelli's men, who also lost 1-0 at home to Uruguay in a friendly in November.

Dempsey had a free-kick punched away by Azzurri captain Gianluigi Buffon and Brek Shea had a couple of opportunities.
Italy were limited to half chances from Thiago Motta and Giovinco as the lack of real width, a perennial problem for Prandelli, continued to cause difficulty.

Given Italy's lacklustre showing, Balotelli is highly likely to be included for Euro 2012 where Italy face holders Spain, Croatia and Ireland in the group phase.

His physicality, flair and eye for goal are badly needed by Italy and Prandelli, who has made a stand against players misbehaving, has a difficult decision should the Manchester City striker continue to cause unwanted headlines.

U.S. midfielder Michael Bradley, who plays in Italy with Chievo, did his hope of gaining a move to a bigger club no harm with a solid display as the visitors held out in the second half despite the introduction of keen Azzurri debutant Fabio Borini.

[RomaShield27]

Prandelli contro critiche, non ci sto
Due giorni a parlare di altro, poi quanto peso a risultato
01 marzo, 18:28 / http://www.ansa.it/web/notizie/rubriche ... 07668.html

(ANSA) - ROMA, 1 MAR - 'No, davvero così io non ci sto'.

Cesare Prandelli alza la voce, all'indomani della sconfitta a Genova contro gli Usa. A chi parla di una Italia 'piccola' o 'non vera', il ct replica con fermezza: 'Per due giorni abbiamo parlato di tutt'altro, ciascuno a pensare ai problemi dei suoi club.. - dice all'ANSA - Poi perdiamo un'amichevole, e senza tener conto che non avrei messo tre ragazzi di 20 anni se tenevo al risultato, giu' critiche: troppo comodo'.

[Bagg10]

The Italian media is prety ridiculous. We beat Spain in a friendly and we're on top of the world. We lose to USA and all of a sudden they sound the alarms.

[Savant]