++ [ originally posted by Sivori ] ++
If Maldini is so bad, tell me anyone who can compare to him with regards to class, intelligence, experience and all the qualities required of an Azzurri first team player.
I don't think there's anyone who can compare that we can bring in to the first team.
Sadly he's not a realistic candidate for Euro 2004, so Italy will be forced to turn to less talented defenders such as Materazzi, who shamed himself in the WC, and Iuliano, who atleast gave a solid performance.
I can agree that he's old, but a groan next to his name is disrespectful to someone who's put so much into the national team and gotten so little for it.