Official Azzurri WC2014 Thread (12 Viewers)

[ADP1897]

It's Costa Rica guys…No offence but I don't think anyone thought CR would pick up a point this tournament.

Costa Rica will be more accustomed to the climate but ultimately lack the quality compared to England. This game is a must win.

The problem is, Italy seems have a problems with a game like this. Remember match against NZ, Slovakia, and so on...
We should use our best player to ensure 3 points, before the last group match against Uruguay

 

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[Bianconero_Aus]

It's Costa Rica guys…No offence but I don't think anyone thought CR would pick up a point this tournament.

Costa Rica will be more accustomed to the climate but ultimately lack the quality compared to England. This game is a must win.

This is Italy, Joe. Surely you know by now about their tendency to underestimate mediocre teams and play to their level? We've seen it countless times. And they have a bit of a bad recent history of "second game syndrome" at the past 3 or 4 World Cups. I hope the boys are taking nothing for granted and approach this game seriously.

 

[Joe]

This is Italy, Joe. Surely you know by now about their tendency to underestimate mediocre teams and play to their level? We've seen it countless times. And they have a bit of a bad recent history of "second game syndrome" at the past 3 or 4 World Cups. I hope the boys are taking nothing for granted and approach this game seriously.

Very, very true.

They'll have to give it their all, plain and simple. They should go into this match respecting Costa Rica but not fearing them IMO.

 

[MikeM]

I expect a typical Italian performance. Will largely control the game and probably get an early goal and sit on it from there. As always, a small hiccup and they could end up drawing.

I really do not expect a loss.

 

[Mister]

ITA's probable line-up against CRC according to Sky Sport

 

[Gep]

I see a jaded effort tomorrow if I'm honest.

 

[Martin]

Italy is useless at exploiting a favorable situation. Draw tomorrow probably.

 

[Paid-off-Ref]

Ah, if Italy lose it's nice to know that we can comfort ourselves with the fact that England will be out

 

[X Æ A-12]

Thiago Motta is shit. He had better be dropped for Verratti

 

[GordoDeCentral]

Italy is useless at exploiting a favorable situation. Draw tomorrow probably.

you dont support les frogs anymore?

 

[DIECI]

so some interesting scenarios that has everyone in this group still alive

The good
Italy beats bout Costa Rica and Uruguay. England beats Costa Rica

Italy 9pts
England 3pts
Uruguay 3pts
Cost Rica 3pts
2nd place team wins on goal differential, Italy wins group

The scary
Italy beats Costa Rica / loses to Uruguay ** Costa Rica beats Engald

Italy 6pts
Uruguay 6pts
Costa Rica 6pts
England 0pts
**Top 2 go through on best goal differential

The other scenarios of Italy losing to Costa Rica and having to beat Uruguay is the ultimate unthinkable. But the most likely scenaries are the 2 above.

 

[Joe]

I rather see Verratti there but I feel safe with Motta there as well.

 

[Albo]

Bonucci

 

[Badass J Elkann]

abate and bonucci is just a recipe for disaster

 

[Vlad]

Hope Barzagli recovers till Uruguay game, because thought of Bonucci going up against Cavani and Suarez isnt really pleasant.

 

[Joe]

I want to get Costa Rica out of the way before I even think of the Uruguay.

If Italy get a 2 goal win against CR tomorrow, they're in a very good position to advancing the group and coming 1st.

I hope Abate is up for this. And Bonucci.

 

[j0ker]

so some interesting scenarios that has everyone in this group still alive

The good
Italy beats bout Costa Rica and Uruguay. England beats Costa Rica

Italy 9pts
England 3pts
Uruguay 3pts
Cost Rica 3pts
2nd place team wins on goal differential, Italy wins group

The scary
Italy beats Costa Rica / loses to Uruguay ** Costa Rica beats Engald

Italy 6pts
Uruguay 6pts
Costa Rica 6pts
England 0pts
**Top 2 go through on best goal differential

The other scenarios of Italy losing to Costa Rica and having to beat Uruguay is the ultimate unthinkable. But the most likely scenaries are the 2 above.

Nah, Italy will beat Costa Rica and draw or lose against Uruguay but it won't matter since Costa Rica won't be able to beat England either.

 

[JamalRice10]

abate and bonucci is just a recipe for disaster

Correct.

- - - Updated - - -

ITA's probable line-up against CRC according to Sky Sport

Sky sports knows nothing about Italia.

 

[AOD4]

Its never comfortable when the only quality defender you have is rumoured not starting and looking as Italy's past records against mediocre teams, its valid for me to worry about Costa Rica more than England.

Its going to be close.

 

[AFL_ITALIA]

I hope there's no Bonuccin' around. The fullback selection is so poor, what a shame.