Resident Paisan: My Beating Italian Heart
The Resident Paisan recounts his emotion as Italy eeked past Australia with an injury time penalty
If I didn’t suffer a heart attack during the second half of Italy-Australia this past Monday, then I’ll probably die from something else someday. The Italians’ never-say-die attitude allowed them to overcome a scrappy Australian team and the poor officiating of Spanish referee Luis Medina Cantalejo to land in the quarterfinals.
Francesco Totti finally showed the world how cool he can be under pressure, slamming in the winning goal on a penalty kick five minutes into stoppage time to pull out the 1-0 win. I was afraid to watch the kick. My legs almost buckled from under me as I stood in front of my TV and watched with anxiety as tears filled my eyes. Totti was able to convert the kick. I rejoiced. The Italians lived to see another day.
I will admit that the victory against Australia wasn’t pretty. It doesn’t matter. This is a stage of the World Cup where the only thing that counts is getting a win. Don’t ask the Italians how they won, but rather if they won. And ask England how playing ugly is paying off at this stage of the competition.
The winning goal came after the Azzurri suffered for long stretches of the game, particularly in the second half when they were reduced to 10 players in the 51st minute following the unjust sending off of defender Marco Materazzi for bringing down Marco Bresciano. The tackle deserved a yellow at most, but referees at this World Cup have decided to dole out severe punishments for absolutely no good reason. The red card changed the course of the game and the Italians were forced to go from an offensive 4-4-2 to a defensive 4-4-1. Australia attacked in waves. Italy could only defend. I thought for sure Cantalejo’s decision would be the thing that would kill off Italy’s chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.
Not this time.
The victory was also revenge on Socceroos coach Guus Hiddink. The Italians had a score to settle against Hiddink. He was the coach of South Korea at the 2002 World Cup that eliminated the Italians from the round of 16 in overtime. In that game, Totti was red carded. This time, Totti was the hero. There’s nothing like a little revenge against such a top-notch coach.
The Italians – known for starting slow at the World Cup and picking up steam as the tournament progresses -- believed they could win and tried their best to do so. Italy coach Marcello Lippi made a series of smart substitutions in the second half, bringing on Vincenzo Iaquinta for Alberto Gilardino and Totti for Alessandro Del Piero.
Lippi has always said he favors the strength of the group ahead of individuality. Not so easy with so many prima donnas on one team. But the Azzurri have proven that teamwork is truly a philosophy the players embrace and that could be the very thing that lands them in the final.
Toni has yet to score, but Lippi was smart to start him over Filippo Inzaghi, who scored against the Czech Republic in the first round as a second half sub. Giving confidence to Toni is important at this stage of the World Cup. Unfortunately, Toni was unable to return the favor and score against Australia despite four very good attempts in the first half. That needs to change in the quarterfinals. Otherwise, Inzaghi is fit and ready to go. He is a luxury off the bench. Not too many teams can claim to have such a big star (other than Brazil or Argentina) on the bench to utilize late in a game.
Other line-up problems remain. Totti may have scored the winning goal, but he still isn’t at 100 percent. He can only play 30-40 minutes and is more useful off the bench. That way, Lippi can use a 4-4-2 formation, rather than a 4-3-1-2 with Totti as playmaker. Against the Czech Republic, a tired Totti couldn’t run up and down the field and his two weak shots on goal were further proof that he wasn’t in top form.
Del Piero makes a better starter in Totti’s position, but is too often forced by Lippi to go back and help the defense. Using up all that energy leaves Del Piero drained midway through the game. He is so tired that the Juventus midfielder disappears in the second half. That needs to change. Del Piero needs to be used as a pure playmaker. Otherwise, Lippi will have to go with Plan B and play Totti in the second half.
And yes, the defense. The Italians have by far the best defense at this tournament, giving up just one goal (an own goal against the USA). Even with Alessandro Nesta out due to injury and Materazzi missing the next game because of his red card, the Italians remain strong in the back. Fabio Cannavaro had a great game in central defense against Australia and Gianluigi Buffon proved he’s the best goalkeeper at the tournament. Teams have gotten this far at previous World Cups (Argentina in 1990!) with a lot less skill.
Next up for Italy is Ukraine. Good luck Azzurri. I’m sure you’ll make us suffer once again. Hopefully, my heart can continue to hold up. I have no plans of dying until Italy wins a fourth World Cup.
goal.com
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