Azzurri Thread (49 Viewers)

[Vlad]

They lack trequartista. After world class players like Baggio, Del Piero, Totti, and I won't even go further in history because Italy always had that kind of player who was able to decide match with one brilliant move, we now don't have someone who will fill their shoes.

 

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[Nedvěd]

In 2006 Italy had world class player in every position, maybe except for LB and ST.
Buffon, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi, Totti and Del Piero and they had the likes og Grosso, Toni, Materazzi, Perrotta and De Rossi, who are also a fine players.

Now Italy, has only two players who can call themselves world class, Buffon and Chiellini. While the others are either washed up legends, or simply average players. Marchisio, De Rossi and Rossi are one of the few who aren't average.
You can class Cassani, Maggio and Balzaretti as good players based on their form with their clubs, but who knows if they can hack it at the top stages.

 

[Alen]

An Italy with a secured qualification would have lost yesterday's match in the past 10 times out of 10.

 

[ZoSo]

In 2006 Italy had world class player in every position, maybe except for LB and ST.
Buffon, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi, Totti and Del Piero and they had the likes og Grosso, Toni, Materazzi, Perrotta and De Rossi, who are also a fine players.

Now Italy, has only two players who can call themselves world class, Buffon and Chiellini. While the others are either washed up legends, or simply average players. Marchisio, De Rossi and Rossi are one of the few who aren't average.
You can class Cassani, Maggio and Balzaretti as good players based on their form with their clubs, but who knows if they can hack it at the top stages.

Pirlo is not washed up...

 

[Vlad]

In 2006 Italy had world class player in every position, maybe except for LB and ST.
Buffon, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Pirlo, Gattuso, Camoranesi, Totti and Del Piero and they had the likes og Grosso, Toni, Materazzi, Perrotta and De Rossi, who are also a fine players.

Now Italy, has only two players who can call themselves world class, Buffon and Chiellini. While the others are either washed up legends, or simply average players. Marchisio, De Rossi and Rossi are one of the few who aren't average.
You can class Cassani, Maggio and Balzaretti as good players based on their form with their clubs, but who knows if they can hack it at the top stages.

Apart from LB assessment I pretty much agree. Grosso played like possessed. Against Australia and Germany he was the one who carried Italy through.
But apart from those players there were plenty of more who couldn't cut it in the first 11, and were probably better than the likes we have now.

 

[Alen]

They lack trequartista. After world class players like Baggio, Del Piero, Totti, and I won't even go further in history because Italy always had that kind of player who was able to decide match with one brilliant move, we now don't have someone who will fill their shoes.

I guess Modric could play there, or Kranjcar, but yeah, none of them is as good as Baggio, DP or Totti.

 

[ZoSo]

Are you high? How could Modric or Kranjcar play for Italy?

 

[Alen]

Are you high? How could Modric or Kranjcar play for Italy?

Oh, damn, what was I thinking. He blew my mind when he said "we" while talking about Italy.

 

[ZoSo]

Fair enough

 

[Vlad]

I guess Modric could play there, or Kranjcar, but yeah, none of them is as good as Baggio, DP or Totti.

Epic

 

[Fake Melo]

I guess Modric could play there, or Kranjcar, but yeah, none of them is as good as Baggio, DP or Totti.

I see what you did there!

 

[Alen]

I see what you did there!

It had to be done. He can now hope that Andy won't see it

 

[deggen10]

Bit harsh on Italy. No maybe not the world class of 2006 but then there's nothing in Europe that has me shaking in my boots. Germany's defense is weak and their wingers are Podolski-esque. . Holland is talented as usual but so what. Spain? Once again talented but c'mon... they don't have Messi and one of the worst Italian teams ever still pushed them to penalties in 08. Portugal should be the real favorites but their coach always screws them.

Italy is one world class CB from being defensively strong but this midfield is superior to 06, which was non-existant in a possession sense. The real key is Balotelli. If he explodes in the Italian tradition, then anything can happen. He can destroy the likes of Puyol, Metersacker, whoever.

 

[ZoSo]

Especially since there's no CBs that even come close to rivalling Nesta & Cannavaro in 2006. Balotelli could be one of the best strikers in the world and he seems to have matured a lot this season.

I think you're underrating Spain a bit though. They still have Xavi who is the key and they wouldn't be as strong without him. IMO, the only teams right now who deserve to win a world cup in comparison to the quality of previous world cups are Spain, Germany and Uruguay. I can definitely see Spain & Germany in the final of Euro 2012. Semis probably Holland and Portugl/Italy depending on who plays who.

 

[ALC]

Bit harsh on Italy. No maybe not the world class of 2006 but then there's nothing in Europe that has me shaking in my boots. Germany's defense is weak and their wingers are Podolski-esque. . Holland is talented as usual but so what. Spain? Once again talented but c'mon... they don't have Messi and one of the worst Italian teams ever still pushed them to penalties in 08. Portugal should be the real favorites but their coach always screws them.

Italy is one world class CB from being defensively strong but this midfield is superior to 06, which was non-existant in a possession sense. The real key is Balotelli. If he explodes in the Italian tradition, then anything can happen. He can destroy the likes of Puyol, Metersacker, whoever.

All of Germany, Spain, and Netherlands would have a field day with Italy. Italy did good in 2006 mainly because of their strong defense and now it's not even half as good.


@ Alen

 

[Bianconero_Aus]

An Italy with a secured qualification would have lost yesterday's match in the past 10 times out of 10.

This.

This Italy team isnt vintage by any stretch, but I see quite a few people are underrating Italy already.

I think the players are pretty decent and Prandelli has done a great job with them. I certainly don't think they will win Euro 2012, but a semi final appearance wouldnt be too much of a shock IMO.

 

[Gian]

Germany, Holland, Spain and Portugal are the teams for the title next EURO's. Italy and France arent anywhere near the level of those teams and still rebuilding.

But it is the EURO's, nobody knows who'll win that tournament.

 

[Bezzy]

what about england

 

[JuveJay]

All of Germany, Spain, and Netherlands would have a field day with Italy. Italy did good in 2006 mainly because of their strong defense and now it's not even half as good.

Germany 1-1 Italy
Italy 2-1 Spain

 

[JuveJay]

Italy are so average, noway I can see them winning the Euros next year. They are so mediocre, and lack real quality.

Out of left field, watch out now.