Balotelli was the only semi dangerous looking player. They should should play 3-5-2 and sit back then try to hit opponents on the counter. At least if the Juventus defence is playing there wont be as many mix ups as there were today. Also I think Giach would have looked alot better then Monty did in that role today.
Well the first half was not too bad from Italy. And they had a few good chances to score. Defensive errors were the reason for most of the goals. If Chiellini played and Buffon stayed in the game I think it would have been different. I would not read into the result too much. Cassano looked a bit out of shape in attack but Mario looked good and had some chances which he did not finish. Montolivio was awful and got in the way of the attack I felt.
---------- Post added 01.06.2012 at 21:42 ----------
I dont think it was the beat down that the 3-0 scoreline suggests. A Draw prob would have been fair if Italy could score its chances. Both teams made alot of mistakes in defense but Italy's were much worse
It's nothing like what the score suggests. Italy was very dangerous in the first half, created a lot but so did Russia. Second half, when all the hockey substitutions started, the formation went to hell.
Russia created a lot more imo. Italy's chances weren't as clear. Some of the communist misses were facepalm worthy.
But yeah, bad game in every aspect. This was basically Italy's starting squad minus Chiellini. Montolivo, De Rossi, Maggio, etc were just mediocre. Weak shit.
Russia created a lot more imo. Italy's chances weren't as clear. Some of the communist misses were facepalm worthy.
But yeah, bad game in every aspect. This was basically Italy's starting squad minus Chiellini. Montolivo, De Rossi, Maggio, etc were just mediocre. Weak shit.
The scoreline is really flattering, game wise we had numerous chances.
Lack of finishing - mainly due to Cassano being not really at 100% fitness and match sharp and terrible defense. Buffon and Chiellini is a must for this Italy. Otherwise, Montolivio added nothing to the game and the full backs didn't really impress.
One thing this game clearly showed is how immense Vidal in the 3 man midfield. Vidal physical quality allows him to support the attack and make sure the defense is protected but De Rossi doesn't have the same physical condition. De Rossi needs to be more disciplined in the next game and focus more on defensive and not allowing counter attacks. Secondly, Bonucci is no Chielini. He can't lead the defense like Chielini does.Barzagli is a great defender but he isn't a leader in defense. Buffon is and so does Chielini. We can see than when Buffon is off, the defense was in a mess. Even though the 2nd and 3rd goal is a gift from Maggio, i would rather say it would have been avoided if Buffon is there as surely he would be more authoritive and there won't be a communication problem with him. Lastly, our tournament will be decided by the form Cassano is in.
No more Maggio at the back 4! it would be much better to use the 3-5-2, and use the Juventus defense with Giach at left wing back. Di natale/Gio with Balo up front..