The Official Azzurri thread

[RomaShield27]

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[RomaShield27]

Italy call for Nesta comeback
Friday 24 August, 2007 –

With Marco Materazzi and Fabio Cannavaro injured, will Italy convince Alessandro Nesta to come out of international retirement? The Azzurri are facing a crisis ahead of the most important game in Coach Roberto Donadoni’s career so far, the September 8 Euro 2008 qualifier against France at San Siro.

Materazzi is certainly ruled out after suffering a freak thigh injury during Wednesday’s 3-1 friendly in Hungary that almost ended his career. Now captain Cannavaro is also in doubt, as he picked up a nasty knock during training with Real Madrid and has been left with a suspected sprained ankle.

The situation in defence is increasingly tense and the alternatives for the central roles are lacking in international experience for such a crucial match. With this in mind, a newspaper campaign is mounting to bring Nesta back into the Italy fold, even if only for September’s qualifiers with France and Ukraine.

The Milan man retired from international duty this month, stating he was no longer physically able to sustain all his club and Azzurri commitments following a series of injuries. However, it is still possible he could be coaxed back for just two decisive games in their hour of need.

It would be an intriguing exchange, as Materazzi was the man who stepped in during the 2006 World Cup when Nesta was injured – proving to be one of the leaders in that tournament. Retiring at age 31, Nesta notched up 78 senior caps for his country, making his debut in a 3-1 victory away to Moldova on October 5, 1996.

[RomaShield27]

[vtec]

[Lombardiamia]

After last year's season,I would definately chose Ferrari over Bonera.But now I dont know who is most fit between the 2.

[Bagg10]

If Nesta doesn't come back i think Donkeydoni is gonna call up Dainelli or Gamberini... i think Ferrari proved to be solid in his performances last year..




any ways i was thinkin about it.. heres my 23 man squad for euro 2008...



1.Buffon
2.Zaccardo/ Criscito?
3.Grosso/Chiellini?
4.De Rossi
5.Cannavaro
6.Barzagli
7.The Waterboy
8.Gattuso
9.Toni
10.Cassano
11.Gilardino
12.Abbiati
13.Nocerino
14.Amelia
15.Rosina
16.Cammoranesi
17.Quagliarella/Di Natale/Bianchi?
18.Montolivo
19.Zambrotta
20.Aquilani
21.Pirlo
22.Oddo
23.Materazzi

[Italiamia]

[Lombardiamia]

[vtec]

Domenech Given Touchline Ban For Italy Clash

Raymond Domenech will be consigned to the stands on September 8th when his French team takes on Italy, after UEFA judged him guilty of bringing the game into disrepute...

France manager Raymond Domenech will sit out his side's vital Euro 2008 qualifying clash with Italy after UEFA slapped him with a one game touchline ban.

The coach was fined 6,000 euros and told to stay clear of the technical area following charges of "bringing the game into disrepute" following comments made against Italian football.

Domenech, whose side beat the world champions of the Azzurri 3-1 in their initial Euro 2008 qualifier in Paris, angered many in Italy - and in the corridors of power at UEFA - after this highly unusual outburst.

A UEFA statement described the former Lyon player's remarks as "inappropriate."

Among the offending comments, as reproduced from La Parisien, were the following:

"The main problem could be the referees, but that’s often the problem with Italy."

"In the past there have been rigged games like the France v Italy Under-21 qualifier for the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney."

"They had bought the ref and the cheating was incredible. If it happens once you have doubts. There are hidden agreements in Italian football."

It is not yet known whether or not Domenech is to launch an appeal. He has been given three days in which to do so.

Les Bleus sit two points clear of the Azzurri at the top of Group B.

Albert Dumont

[Bagg10]

[Lombardiamia]

[Italiamia]

[imperatore]

[vtec]

Materazzi On Injury: As Painful As Giving Birth

Never a man to use modest expressions, Marco Materazzi has compared the pain he felt due to his injury to that of giving birth.

Speaking for the first time since he was injured after a Hungarian player fell on him during last week's international friendly, Marco Materazzi has compared his pain to that of giving birth.

"Watching the television images, I think I spotted the exact moment in which I hurt myself, but the thing that makes me optimistic is that it wasn’t a very hard contact," he told Inter Channel.

"I lost a lot of blood, so now I understand why I felt faint whenever I lifted my head."

"As soon as I felt the pain I stayed on the ground," he continued. "I tried to reassure the referee and then found myself getting up, especially as I heard the home fans jeering that I was faking it.

"I walked back to the locker room, but knew something was amiss.

"It is difficult to explain what I felt at half-time. Roberto Donadoni told me I had to play the second half and I answered I really couldn’t do it.

"There people noticed I really was not in good shape. As the minutes went by, my leg started to swell up more and more."

"I had so much pain – I really had never felt anything like it – and hoped it would end soon. Professors Benazzo and Combi were quick and took the situation in hand immediately. I think they made the right decision.

"I felt incredible agony and on the plane was curling up in pain. I thought of my wife Daniela. She always says giving birth is the worst pain a person can experience. I think I went close, it felt like I had given birth too."

The 34-year-old is expected back in around three months.

Frank Barrone



i have to just say this: what a fucking pussy. he basically made the comparison himself when he said it was as painful as giving birth.

[Bagg10]

[Italiamia]

Bagg, just do me a favor and keep tender Alex out of any potential starting lineup. Please. The man is washed up and has no business being on this team. I am not trying to be provocative, but even a kid of your age has enough sense to realize the man is simply not needed on the Azzurri. Hell, juve does not need him either. He should be happy that the club continues to carry him as their good will ambassador at 4 million per season. That's his net income. They are wasting 8 million on him in gross salary. They will flush 16 million down the proverbial toilet over the next 2 years.

[vtec]

[Zoff82]

[maro]