The Waterboy and the Azzurri

[RomaShield27]

He still can't do it for the Azzurri anymore. Too old.

[morra10]

[juventino_italiano]

But morra, Shield didnt say Juve, he said Italy...
And his impact for Italy has been minimal....thats not good enough for Italy...

Juve he's been great, and no one can deny that, even the DP haters....
anyone can still prove anyone wrong with regards to DP on italy

[Bagg10]

[morra10]

[morra10]

[marco]

nothing wrong with competition. if he didnt seize the opportunities he was given (wc 98, euro 2000, wc 2002, euro 2004) then he obviously isnt up for it. no one should be guaranteed the role "to carry a team" unconditionally (although i'm not sure i'd agree about anyone having to or able to carry a team like the azzurri who notoriously have loads of talent throughout, unlike say an emerging soccer nation). if he earns it through his play, by playing exceptionally, then he is inherently "carrying the team" without anyone literally bestowing that role upon him or anyone else.

[Bagg10]

[Bagg10]

[marco]

[morra10]

[ricky2882]

The Waterboy needs to play as a support-striker, not a trequartista. He needs to play upfront, a secunda punta. If put on the wing, he WILL suck. If put as a trequartista, he will not be as effective, and be perceived as slow and lazy. He needs to be upfront with a target man, and take shots on goal. That's where he thrives. I just don't understand why Azzurri bosses do not see this.

[juventino_italiano]

[Italiamia]

[Bagg10]

[maro]

Di Natale did well when he was finally given a proper chance. Had Lippi started with Quagliarella and Di Natale every game - as some of us were crying out for him to do from well before the tournament - then I'm sure Italy would have gone a fair way further than they did. Your comments about 2008, though, I entirely endorse. Quite why this conversation has been resurrected I have no idea.