The Official Azzurri thread 2

[juventino_italiano]

[Savant]

It seems that the only other CBs (excluding Bonucci/Ranocchia) that are in contention for a place in Prandelli's squad are: Davide Astori, Alessandro Gamberini, and Angelo Ogbonna. Ignoring his calamitous assist for Juan Mata, Paolo Cannavaro has been pretty good for Napoli.

I am not sure if Ogbonna is ready.

[p_maldini_3]

ogbonna was a beast against the USA. i'm not sure if he can be more ready.

[RomaShield27]

Didn't see the game but good to hear Ogbonna played well. He's obviously not the complete article yet but Italia badly need him to go on and fulfil his promise and be a top-class defender. Barzagli has been Italy's best centre-back this season but is no spring chicken, and Chiellini aside, there aren't too many great options there for the future. Bonucci and Ranocchia have been big disappointments but there's still time for them to come good, while Astori might be one to keep an eye on.

[juventino_italiano]

http://football-italia.net/17165/prande ... tter-shape

[RomaShield27]

Prandelli granted training camp
http://www.football-italia.net/17323/pr ... ining-camp / Monday April 2 2012

After negotiations, Cesare Prandelli has finally been granted permission by the Lega Calcio to call up players to a training camp later this month.

The Italy Coach had originally intended to hold two or three training sessions through March and April to work with prospective members of his Euro 2012 squad so as to provide a more detailed preparation before the competition proper this summer.

The Italian FA (FIGC) originally had their request turned down by the Lega Calcio, who argued that it was too late to release players during such a schedule, but a compromise has now been reached.

FIGC Vice President Demetrio Albertini attended the Lega Calcio’s meeting on Monday afternoon and convinced the clubs to release their players for at least one session.

Specifically, Prandelli has been granted April 23 and 24 - a Monday and Tuesday - to call up players for a brief training camp.

“We met with Albertini and he has proposed this session for the national team on April 23-24,” Maurizio Beretta, Lega Calcio President stated on Monday evening.

“In a climate of mutual needs, great attention has been given to the availability and each club will consider whether or not they can release their players.

“We have not reached a resolution today, but we take note of the willingness of the clubs to release their players.”

[tonykart]

[RomaShield27]

Apologetic Balotelli eyes Euro 2012
Tuesday April 10 2012
http://www.football-italia.net/17556/ap ... -euro-2012
By Football Italia staff

Mario Balotelli has apologised for his dismissal at the weekend in an effort to not jeopardise his place at Euro 2012. The Manchester City player was sent-off in the defeat against Arsenal for two book-able offences. He was also criticised for a high-tackle on tender Alex Song which went unpunished by the referee.

Balotelli has now said sorry to his club for his actions, as well as also insisting that he has not broken the code of ethics employed by Italy boss Cesare Prandelli.

“I’m very sorry for what happened and for the disappointment caused to Manchester City, and especially to manager Roberto Mancini, who I admire and wish well,” the striker noted in a statement to ANSA.

“I didn't break Italy’s code of ethics,” he continued. “I already missed out on the national team for foolishness and I wouldn’t do it a second time.

“I am very attached to the national team, but I committed two fouls in the course of action, not by reaction.

“I hope to be there at the Italy training camp in April. Let’s wait for the final verdict of the ban.”

Balotelli was omitted from the Azzurri squad for February’s 1-0 loss to America as punishment for his stamp on Tottenham’s Scott Parker.

Prandelli yesterday seemed to suggest that Balotelli’s latest red card would not be punished by him, although some quotes being attributed to the tactician on Tuesday are now claiming that he’ll view the video evidence.

The 21-year-old is today also being linked with a summer return to Italy after Mancini intimated that the boy’s time in Manchester was up.

“We’ll consider my future at the end of the season,” Balotelli noted. “I will talk to the club and then we will see.”

Balotelli’s season at domestic level could now be over depending on what suspension he is given by the footballing authorities in England.

[RomaShield27]

Sure why the fuck wouldn't ya posted them again?

[juventino_italiano]

Is that Chiellini watching the Italy-France game?? 9-10 seconds in

[RomaShield27]

Ha yeh looks like him alright, good spot.

[Bagg10]

Euro 2012 Champs:
---------------------------Buffon
------------Barzagli---Bonnuci---Chiellini

Pepe------Marchisio--Pirlo---Giaccherini------De Ceglie

--------------Matri----------Deł Piero

[Messinterista]

[p_maldini_3]

rossi injured his knee again. he's out for another 6 months, and no more euros for him.

[juventino_italiano]

[RomaShield27]

What really, another six months out? Wow that is terrible news for him. How did he damage the same knee again, was he rushing to try be back fit for the Euro's? Villareal must be raging, too, no one will be willing to drop €30m on him now.

[Messinterista]

Terrible news. Hurts our Euro chances.

[tonykart]

Cassano with his heart problems, Rossi with a bum knee. Ouch.

Can Balotelli and Giovinco do it? Nah. Hopefully we will play tough and organized, Italian football and be better prepared for the World Cup.

[p_maldini_3]

who will italy's 4 forwards be?

cassano
balotelli (shouldn't be taken anymore, even though i'm a fan)
?
?

rossi always played well with cassano, it's such a damn shame that he got injured again.

[RomaShield27]