Azzurri Thread (171 Viewers)

Klin

نحن الروبوتات
May 27, 2009
61,693
This has got to be the worst Italian list of players for a tounament in my lifetime. Can't blame Conte if he fails.
Nah, it actually really makes sense. The worst Italian NT coupled with the most ego-centric Coach out there. A nice recipe for disaster, but he wanted this, so wish him the worst buddy.
 

Seven

In bocca al lupo, Fabio.
Jun 25, 2003
39,361
Avatar bet on that?
Sure.

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It's a retarded and stubborn decision from Conte, which is not surprising as Italian managers are generally stubborn and at times retarded.



That's also a good point, but regardless of that it's still asinine. It's like me disliking Michael Bradley because he prefers chocolate ice cream. It makes no difference at all.

Eurosport showed a lot of MLS lately and I've watched a couple of games. I must say this is probably about lower leagues level in Belgium, let alone Italy. I get that this dude is trying to promote his league and all, but it's still a whole lot worse than just about any European league. Mentalitywise you also have to consider that Giovinco went for hard cash and Pirlo went there to retire. I'm guessing Conte sees this as them not having the right mentality anymore.

I understand that it sucks from an American point of view, but Conte's decision is quite understandable. The only reason I still would have taken Giovinco is that the dude is 29, has played for Juventus up until very recently and there is an utter lack of any talent whatsoever in the NT.
 

Hist

Founder of Hism
Jan 18, 2009
11,657
This has got to be the worst Italian list of players for a tounament in my lifetime. Can't blame Conte if he fails.
he already has failed. His job was to lay the foundations for the future azzuri for the worldcup. The attack was always a question mark but he was expected to atleast sort out the midfield and defense. If 2 of the starting 3 midfielders wont be participating at all then he really added nothing. The attack will continue to be a question mark and now the midfield will be too.

Regardless of how well or poorly this squad does, his tenure is pointless. Are we going to have any new clues about the shape of the next azzuri based on Conte's work? No.
 

Seven

In bocca al lupo, Fabio.
Jun 25, 2003
39,361
If you don't know how to spell the word, don't try to act cool and just say the Italian NT. The word is even in the title of this very thread ffs.
 
Jun 6, 2015
11,391
Conte's job was to implement a winning mentality and a sense of togetherness to this NT which was clearly lacking during the last WC. We'll see how he has managed in that soon enough.
 
May 22, 2007
37,256
he already has failed. His job was to lay the foundations for the future azzuri for the worldcup. The attack was always a question mark but he was expected to atleast sort out the midfield and defense. If 2 of the starting 3 midfielders wont be participating at all then he really added nothing. The attack will continue to be a question mark and now the midfield will be too.

Regardless of how well or poorly this squad does, his tenure is pointless. Are we going to have any new clues about the shape of the next azzuri based on Conte's work? No.
I don't actually believe he was obligated to lay any foundations for the future, as I don't think any thought beyond "this is the best coach available" was made when he was signed. Tavecchio should have known what Conte was going to do (regarding squad selection) when they first sat down, every single one of us knew he would be selecting Giaccherini (and other runners) regardless of the situation, his tenure shouldn't have been a surprise. We all could have guessed he was going to be relatively short term as well, he was on a two year deal and he doesn't really seem suited for this type of job long term, compared to the more intense week to week work of club football.

The FIGC will have the chance to bring in a coach now (someone like Di Francesco imo) that would see through a new generation of talent. Donnarumma, Romagnoli, Berardi etc all depend on it.
 
Jun 6, 2015
11,391
I don't actually believe he was obligated to lay any foundations for the future, as I don't think any thought beyond "this is the best coach available" was made when he was signed. Tavecchio should have known what Conte was going to do (regarding squad selection) when they first sat down, every single one of us knew he would be selecting Giaccherini (and other runners) regardless of the situation, his tenure shouldn't have been a surprise. We all could have guessed he was going to be relatively short term as well, he was on a two year deal and he doesn't really seem suited for this type of job long term, compared to the more intense week to week work of club football.

The FIGC will have the chance to bring in a coach now (someone like Di Francesco imo) that would see through a new generation of talent. Donnarumma, Romagnoli, Berardi etc all depend on it.
Di Francesco won't leave Sassuolo. I think Ventura is the most likely to take over and continue where Conte left off with the 352.
 

Bjerknes

"Top Economist"
Mar 16, 2004
116,663
Sure.

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Eurosport showed a lot of MLS lately and I've watched a couple of games. I must say this is probably about lower leagues level in Belgium, let alone Italy. I get that this dude is trying to promote his league and all, but it's still a whole lot worse than just about any European league. Mentalitywise you also have to consider that Giovinco went for hard cash and Pirlo went there to retire. I'm guessing Conte sees this as them not having the right mentality anymore.

I understand that it sucks from an American point of view, but Conte's decision is quite understandable. The only reason I still would have taken Giovinco is that the dude is 29, has played for Juventus up until very recently and there is an utter lack of any talent whatsoever in the NT.
But you would include Giovinco because he is better than the alternatives, which is the logical thing to do. Conte based his decision on bias.
 

Seven

In bocca al lupo, Fabio.
Jun 25, 2003
39,361
But you would include Giovinco because he is better than the alternatives, which is the logical thing to do. Conte based his decision on bias.
I would, but I'm thinking Conte excluded him because he excludes MLS players by default. I don't think that's entirely correct, but I understand the sentiment.

By the way if the MLS stopped getting guys like Pirlo, Lampard or Villa or even Giovinco, I think you could have a decent league in three years time. I don't understand why this MLS dude doesn't see that.

It would be better for your NT too. Don't get me wrong, these days you have to show up to beat the US. But you're still nowhere near where you could or perhaps should be.
 

Osman

Koul Khara!
Aug 30, 2002
61,591
But you would include Giovinco because he is better than the alternatives, which is the logical thing to do. Conte based his decision on bias.
Depends on what you consider the alternatives? He competes with El Sharaawy and Insigne, both performing for good clubs in Serie A, he is seen as surplus because of the 2nd forward/left winger slot they take up. If his only competition was Immobile/Pelle etc, then yeah he would had bigger shot but it isnt.
 

Seven

In bocca al lupo, Fabio.
Jun 25, 2003
39,361
Depends on what you consider the alternatives? He competes with El Sharaawy and Insigne, both performing for good clubs in Serie A, he is seen as surplus because of the 2nd forward/left winger slot they take up. If his only competition was Immobile/Pelle etc, then yeah he would had bigger shot but it isnt.
I understand Insigne, maybe. But Giovinco is so much better than El Shaarawy.

But, and I think this is relevant too, Giovinco has never really played much for Italy.
 

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