Not a bad match but certainly not a good one either. I applaud Capello for deciding to change tactics and introduce the trident in attack because finally we were able to create chances this match, unlike others. In the first half we started well then dropped off, and the play looked sloppy for most of the time. We were able to create some good chances, with Trezeguet hitting just wide and Del Piero almost giving us a penalty. If Zlatan had not given us that early lead we probably would not have won the match. The second half started beautifully with the Del Piero-Camoranesi give and go that led to the latter's top shelf strike. After that we sat back with the two goal lead and had some intermitent attacking forays, however Udinese looked very dangerous. The linesman was absolutely horrible as Udinese had a goal disallowed that should have stood, so we were extremely lucky today that the officiating was poor.
The trident attack worked well but we did not create as much as I would have liked. The defense looked shaky throughout the entire match, especially since Montero was playing. The Udinese goal was Montero's fault because the rest of the defense pushed up to catch Udinese offside while Montero lagged behind and tried to jump for the ball that was clearly over his head. He should have either pushed up earlier or just stayed back to mark Di Natale. The defense needs to be fixed before we face Real or we will be in trouble.
Buffon was solid and made some good saves. He also looked much better taking in crosses and half-shot chances into the box.
Thuram was solid and had a good match, making up for some Montero errors.
Montero made the most mistakes out of all our players today. What a surprise. He made unecessary fouls that could have cost us, and his mistake led to Udinese's goal. Please oh please let Cannavaro recover quickly from his injury..
Cannavaro was good today and made some tough tackles. Hopefully his injury is not too serious because if we want to be sound defensively WE NEED HIM.
Zebina really did not do much for us on the right flank today, however he was alright in defense. Did not make any glarring mistakes and that is what we ask of him.
Camoranesi played in the center of the pitch in the first half, and he was creating some good chances for us. However his positioning was very poor and did not look good defensively. In the second half he looked much better, and his goal was wonderful. Not bad when you take all things into consideration.
Emerson had a solid match, shutting down David Pizzaro and Jankulovski in the middle of the pitch. He was making some brilliant passes today, especially the lofted pass for Zlatan to latch on to in the first minute.
Zambrotta did not have much influence in the match, however he was good defensively.
Del Piero had one of the best matches I have seen him play this season. He looked good with the ball and finally he was able to create some good chances for us. He should have done better on a few chances though..
Trezeguet had some good chances but he wasted them, especially in the first half when he was in on goal and the ball got stuck in his feet. He needs to get his scoring touch back.
Zlatan was great, latching on to the Emerson pass for the first goal and causing trouble for the Udinese defense. The commentators were even comparing him to Adriano today. He is one of the players we cannot do without.
Blasi came in and gave us more bite in midfield, helping shut down Pizzaro and the rest of the lot.
We still need to improve before the Real match, because right now its just not good enough on all fronts, maybe now more in defense. Not really sure what sort of formation we will continue with, however I do not think this 3-4-3 is solid enough for the likes of Real.