Azzurri Thread (80 Viewers)

[Dostoevsky]

I think it's Germany's time. Even at the WC. They've got so many great young players, they could even pull two WC wins in a row

Yep, Germany are reaching the top.

Their team was lame 5 years ago as they had a static team, like Italy's team at WC last time. But now they have some great players that add an extra, like Ozil. After soooo much time they finally have creative players and dribblers. I think they are doing great.

Italy's squad is weak and they are doing good with Prandelli and this new system. If it was Lippe I bet they'd suck like they did at that WC... but with Prandelli they could reach quite high I think if they have their regular luck.

 

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[Fake Melo]

You made a mistake up there. I'll let you find it by yourself.

Of course, 3rd place in 2010. Holland freakin chokers.

 

[Salvatore]

Germany has to be the team of the last ten years.

Runners up in WC 2002
3rd place in WC 2006
Runners up in EC2008
3rd place in WC2010

Spain were ultimate chokers before 2008. Once again Barca mentality.

The team that knocks out Germany wins the competition.

Spain were probably the best team of the last 10 years in Europe.

 

[Alen]

Spain were ultimate chokers before 2008. Once again Barca mentality.

I think that the match against Italy in 2008 was to be or not to be for Spain. They were perennial losers, couldn't even make the semis in big championships. They were so much better than Italy and yet too afraid of choking one more time. I think that is a big reason why they suffered to beat a weak Italy and it went to penalties. If they didn't win that penalty shoot out, much would have been different, both for Spain and even Barca. Barcelona did win the 2006 CL but after that two very bad seasons followed. After Spain beat Italy on penalties in 2008 both Barca and Spain went on winning everything until today (bar the Mourinho-Inter episode).

 

[Fake Melo]

The team that knocks out Germany wins the competition.

Spain were probably the best team of the last 10 years in Europe.

Just the last four years.

Italy 06 > Spain 08 & 10.

 

[ALC]

Yep, Germany are reaching the top.

Their team was lame 5 years ago as they had a static team, like Italy's team at WC last time. But now they have some great players that add an extra, like Ozil. After soooo much time they finally have creative players and dribblers. I think they are doing great.

Italy's squad is weak and they are doing good with Prandelli and this new system. If it was Lippe I bet they'd suck like they did at that WC... but with Prandelli they could reach quite high I think if they have their regular luck.

True, Italy might be able to crack the semis if they keep playing this way, but that's as far as they can go.

 

[Vlad]

They're always contenders so if they get a little lucky I don't see why not.

Only two teams menaged it in 80 years, Italy and Brasil, so I think it's a small chance. There is one but rather slim.

 

[Fake Melo]

I think that the match against Italy in 2008 was to be or not to be for Spain. They were perennial losers, couldn't even make the semis in big championships. They were so much better than Italy and yet too afraid of choking one more time. I think that is a big reason why they suffered to beat a weak Italy and it went to penalties. If they didn't win that penalty shoot out, much would have been different, both for Spain and even Barca. Barcelona did win the 2006 CL but after that two very bad seasons followed. After Spain beat Italy on penalties in 2008 both Barca and Spain went on winning everything until today (bar the Mourinho-Inter episode).

I remember one of the Spanish players said something similar during WC2010. The Italy match made them realize that they could beat anyone. I'll try to find a link.

Del Bosque is a good coach as well.

Edit: My stupid memory, Casillas said it couple of months ago. http://fourfourtwo.com/news/spain/83634/default.aspx

 

[Alen]

I remember one of the Spanish players said something similar during WC2010. The Italy match made them realize that they could beat anyone. I'll try to find a link.

Del Bosque is a good coach as well.

If only Buffon could save penalties

 

[Dostoevsky]

True, Italy might be able to crack the semis if they keep playing this way, but that's as far as they can go.

Like I said, they can reach far if they are followed with their regular luck.

I don't like a defense where you have Criscito and Maggio with Bonucci as a 'hot talent' and I don't like a midfield where Montolivo has to have a vital role.

 

[Vlad]

If only Buffon could save penalties

He was never good with penalties.

 

[Fake Melo]

If only Buffon could save penalties

The penalty against Real Madrid is enough for me

Di Natale is the ultimate moron though.

Wasn't there a rumour of Del Piero refusing to take a penalty?

 

[Salvatore]

Just the last four years.

Italy 06 > Spain 08 & 10.

Just for the two trophies they managed to win, which is more than Italy/Greece D).

 

[Fake Melo]

Don't remind me of EC 2004. What a disaster. A whole summer wasted on boring matches. Neddy should have won it

 

[Amash]

I'm sure that Azzuri will have good Euro. Will I go over the line be saying that I believe that they are going to win it

 

[Fake Melo]

If Rossi, Balotelli and Cassano are on form, even Hustini can be in their defence and they'll win it.

I won't be cheering on them this time though.

 

[X Æ A-12]

If Rossi, Balotelli and Cassano are on form, even Hustini can be in their defence and they'll win it.

hmm you mean he would be supporting them or actually playing for them?

 

[MikeM]

Like I said, they can reach far if they are followed with their regular luck.

I don't like a defense where you have Criscito and Maggio with Bonucci as a 'hot talent' and I don't like a midfield where Montolivo has to have a vital role.

Maggio is actually really good IMO. Maybe a top 10 RB.

 

[Trequartista]

Next summer's Euro will witness the explosion of Balotelli's talent

 

[Amash]

If Rossi, Balotelli and Cassano are on form, even Hustini can be in their defence and they'll win it.

I won't be cheering on them this time though.

Azzuri have special place in my heart. They are the first national team that I cheered for, and I will always cheer for them