Here's my take on the game.
Italy were by far the better side in the first half and deserved to go ahead. They weren't as impressive in the second but they were still better than Romania. I think the reason Del piero didn't really shine was because Italy's attacking style mainly involved crossing the ball to Toni. Del piero isn't exactly the the tallest player around so there was very little he could do. I would have liked to see him get involved more but Romania's defense closed him down well.
Cassano came on and was all over the pitch, he's like a breath of fresh air. He sometimes gets ahead of himself with his passing when he overcomplicates a pass that could have been made a lot simpler.
They were better at the back at least and Chiellini was quite solid and composed. The midfield was fine too but they failed to create a clear cut chance for Ale or Toni. Their play came mostly from the wings.
Player ratings:
Buffon 9.5 : Brilliant. He conceded a goal that wasn't at all his fault and made some spectacular stops including the amazing penalty save that kept Italy's hopes alive.
Zambrotta 4- He could have easilly been the reason for Italy's Euro exit. What was he thinking?
Panucci 7- To me this guy is the new Matrix. He saves his team and costs his team the game all at once. He could have scored an own goal, he gave away a cheap penalty but he did score a crucial goal.
Chiellini 7-Very little mistakes. To me he is our best CB so far. He had a big part in Italy's goal.
Grosso 7.5- Brilliant game both defensively and offensively.
Perrotta 5 - Where was he? Was he even playing?
De Rossi 6- He was ok but I expected a lot more from him.
Pirlo 6- Italy missed his magical passes in this game. Didn't really try to be creative in the second half.
Camo 7.5- More like the Camo we know.
Del piero 6- He didn't do much but like I said before, it wasn't his fault.
Toni 7- He was good today and he deserved to have a goal in his name which he did legitamitely.
Cassano 7- By far Italy's most inventive player. If Italy have any chance in making it to the quarters, it will be through this man.
Quag N/A
AMbro N/A
Donadoni 5- His changes were not in place, especially taking Del piero out. Perrotta starting was a mistake. After Del piero left the pitch, Italy didn't get possession of the ball for more than 10 seconds. Cassano should start the fucking game.
Italy were by far the better side in the first half and deserved to go ahead. They weren't as impressive in the second but they were still better than Romania. I think the reason Del piero didn't really shine was because Italy's attacking style mainly involved crossing the ball to Toni. Del piero isn't exactly the the tallest player around so there was very little he could do. I would have liked to see him get involved more but Romania's defense closed him down well.
Cassano came on and was all over the pitch, he's like a breath of fresh air. He sometimes gets ahead of himself with his passing when he overcomplicates a pass that could have been made a lot simpler.
They were better at the back at least and Chiellini was quite solid and composed. The midfield was fine too but they failed to create a clear cut chance for Ale or Toni. Their play came mostly from the wings.
Player ratings:
Buffon 9.5 : Brilliant. He conceded a goal that wasn't at all his fault and made some spectacular stops including the amazing penalty save that kept Italy's hopes alive.
Zambrotta 4- He could have easilly been the reason for Italy's Euro exit. What was he thinking?
Panucci 7- To me this guy is the new Matrix. He saves his team and costs his team the game all at once. He could have scored an own goal, he gave away a cheap penalty but he did score a crucial goal.
Chiellini 7-Very little mistakes. To me he is our best CB so far. He had a big part in Italy's goal.
Grosso 7.5- Brilliant game both defensively and offensively.
Perrotta 5 - Where was he? Was he even playing?
De Rossi 6- He was ok but I expected a lot more from him.
Pirlo 6- Italy missed his magical passes in this game. Didn't really try to be creative in the second half.
Camo 7.5- More like the Camo we know.
Del piero 6- He didn't do much but like I said before, it wasn't his fault.
Toni 7- He was good today and he deserved to have a goal in his name which he did legitamitely.
Cassano 7- By far Italy's most inventive player. If Italy have any chance in making it to the quarters, it will be through this man.
Quag N/A
AMbro N/A
Donadoni 5- His changes were not in place, especially taking Del piero out. Perrotta starting was a mistake. After Del piero left the pitch, Italy didn't get possession of the ball for more than 10 seconds. Cassano should start the fucking game.
