The Official Italy WC Thread (42 Viewers)

[Elvin]

So if two teams have same points, is it goals average that decides or personal meeting between the teams?

 

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[Stephan]

So if two teams have same points, is it goals average that decides or personal meeting between the teams?

5. The ranking of each team in each group will be determined as
follows:
a) greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
b) goal difference in all group matches;
c) greatest number of goals scored in all group matches.
If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria,
their rankings will be determined as follows:
d) greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between
the teams concerned;
e) goal difference resulting from the group matches between the
teams concerned;
f) greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the
teams concerned;
g) drawing of lots by the Organising Committee for the FIFA World
Cup™.

...

 

[jussiut]

Wow, Channel4 sinks really low. (Reference to the translated article)

 

[sateeh]

What is it with Roma players and bad attitudes? I said he looked like a problem child after the first game and there you have it. Doubt you'd miss him much if he didn't play at all to be honest.

 

[Elvin]

Thanx, Steph.

 

[Stephan]

Zoff still has faith Monday 19 June, 2006

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Former Italy boss and 1982 World Cup winner Dino Zoff insists the 1-1 draw with USA isn’t as bad as some are suggesting.

The Azzurri have been heavily criticised for their disappointing showing against the Americans on Saturday night in their second Group E game.

However, Zoff has backed Marcello Lippi and his troops by noting that their campaign is still very much alive.

“Nothing has been compromised, we are still at the start of the competition and a draw in the next game will see us through,” said the former Lazio President.

Italy opened their Germany 2006 bid with a fine 2-0 victory over Ghana, but there was no repeat in Kaiserslautern.

“I don’t think there is anything scandalous about drawing with America, seeing how the game developed,” he continued.

“I think we should leave Lippi in peace, without causing stupid controversies. It’s absurd to start shooting down people when nothing has even happened.”

Group E concludes on Thursday when Italy play the Czech Republic and Ghana face USA. All four still have a chance of qualifying.

.......

 

[Stephan]

Pirlo remaining optimistic Monday 19 June, 2006

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Andrea Pirlo insists the shock draw with USA hasn’t changed the Azzurri’s plans this summer – they still want to win the World Cup.

“Our objective for this tournament is still the same as it was,” the Milan man said after this morning’s training session.

“People were saying that we were title contenders before Saturday’s game, now doubts have emerged because of the draw with America.

“The reality is that a draw will be enough against the Czech Republic while a victory against Nedved and Co is not beyond us either.”

Pirlo insists his side will be looking for the three points, especially as they would probably have to face Brazil in the last 16 if they only finish second in Group E.

“It is clearly better for us to win our section,” noted Italy’s in-form playmaker. “Anyhow, our destiny is in our own hands.”

Marcello Lippi’s boys did start the campaign with style thanks to a 2-0 win over Ghana, but have been criticised after only drawing 1-1 with nine-man America.

Yet it was Italy who were first to have a man sent-off when Daniele De Rossi was punished for a rash elbow.

“It was an instinctive gesture and he swears that he didn’t do it on purpose,” noted Pirlo. “Now we just have to win.”

The former Brescia starlet also laughed at the claims of USA boss Bruce Arena that the Italian side were constantly diving.

Pirlo himself was hacked down by Pablo Mastroeni which resulted in a red card for the stopper. “If my leg was on the ground when he made contact then he could have broken it,” assured Pirlo.

Italy are next in action on Thursday and Pirlo is hoping that his side’s massive attacking options can make the difference.

“I hope Luca Toni can score, seeing as he has come from a few games without scoring and has been criticised as a result,” he concluded.

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[Max]

Does anyone else here think that Italy should hold a press silence in prohibiting players from communicating with the media? I'm up for it, and it's a bonus because Pirlo and Co. won't be able to talk shit about the American team right before the game, adding fuel to the States' burning desire to win. Perhaps it's not such a bad idea...

 

[Seven]

Italy wants America to win though.

 

[Max]

I'm sorry, I didn't clarify what I meant. I meant before the USA - Italy game, rather than the USA - Ghana match tomorrow.

 

[Sicilian Juve]

I do not think the USA needed a lot of extra motivation after their defeat against the czech's. I do agree especially in America that a teams can use press quotes to get them fired up. The press will create controversy in order to sell papers and a team will post these headlines in the locker rooms so the players can see them.

 

[sateeh]

Does anyone else here think that Italy should hold a press silence in prohibiting players from communicating with the media? I'm up for it, and it's a bonus because Pirlo and Co. won't be able to talk shit about the American team right before the game, adding fuel to the States' burning desire to win. Perhaps it's not such a bad idea...

i dont think that u can do that, i think that fifa obligate players and coaches to answer questions or attend press conferences

 

[sallyinzaghi]

well everyone says they'll give their all. hope its not just trash talk.

 

[Cronios]

Camo brought down Neddy

 

[Henry]

the referees hate the US....and I hate Reyna! what a moron-his mistake was so incredibly stupid, to give Ghana their first goal. FUCK!!!!!!

 

[Stephan]

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Nesta out of Italy's next game Thursday 22 June, 2006

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Alessandro Nesta will not be fit for the second round clash, while Alberto Gilardino and Gianluca Zambrotta talk tactics.

“Unfortunately, Nesta had a muscular problem in the same area where he had an injury beforehand. We will only be able to do tests tomorrow, so even at our most optimistic, I doubt he’ll be ready for the next game,” explained Professor Castellacci. Italy will face the second placed side in Group F - probably either Croatia or Australia - on Monday at 5pm UK time.


Alberto Gilardino spotted a curious coincidence after making way for Vincenzo Iaquinta against Ghana and Pippo Inzaghi this afternoon.


“This is the second time I’ve come off and my replacement has scored! It’s all good and we played an intelligent game, inviting the Czechs forward and hitting them on the break. It’s only normal that you have to work extra hard and hold up the ball when on your own upfront, but our idea was to bring the midfielders forward and it went well with this victory. I’ve had the opportunity to play in many different systems in my career, so it’s not a problem for me.”


Gianluca Zambrotta respects the Czech Republic and insists this was a difficult test for the Azzurri.


“I think we played well throughout the team and are happy to have qualified. We went on to the field with a determined attitude, but we were facing a tough opponent and what counted for us was the result. We ran a few risks, but it went well.”


His Juventus teammate Pavel Nedved was the most dangerous Czech star during the encounter and had several shots on goal. “Pavel played well and has always given his all in every game, so he deserves praise for this performance.”


Zambrotta, however, struggled a little and revealed why Italy had a poor start to the game. “I was a little tired with the muscle I had injured before the tournament, so as a precaution I opted not to push quite as hard as usual. I don’t think we were afraid in the first half, as our side tends to emerge as time goes on.”


The charges for the Calciopoli scandal will be revealed later this evening, but FIGC Commissioner Guido Rossi was keeping tight-lipped. “It was a great result and an excellent squad is at Italy’s disposal. This is what football is all about.”

 

[giovanotti]

Bad news about Nesta...he is a very important player for us.

 

[ZhiXin]

De Rossi will be out of the tournament, he is handed a 4-game ban

 

[Stephan]

no he wont be out, if italy make it to the final. the game against czechs was already the first game he missed.

 

[Stephan]

De Rossi will be out of the tournament, he is handed a 4-game ban

Four game ban for Dan

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Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has been handed a four-match ban by FIFA for his elbow on USA striker Brian McBride.

The Roma youngster was instantly dismissed during the 1-1 draw and, as expected, has been heavily punished by the World Cup’s disciplinary panel.

De Rossi, who already sat out Thursday’s 2-0 win over the Czech Republic, can now only return for the Final should Italy get there.

The central midfielder has also been fined around 10,000 Francs for his violent conduct, even if he had claimed that the blow was unintentional.

“I’m satisfied with the outcome because FIFA did take into consideration the letter which we sent to them which included an apology from the player,” said Giancarlo Abete, head of Italy’s World Cup delegation.

“We are obviously disappointed to lose him to suspension, but we are happy with how the situation has been evaluated.”

It was understood that the capital-born starlet could have been banned for as many as six matches.

Meanwhile, USA defender Pablo Mastroeni has been banned for three matches and fined 7,500 Francs after he was red-carded in the same game.