The Azzurri Thread

[Xifio]

btw, the Giuseppe Rossi decision is still an ongoing topic, especially after his twitter comments ... but Shifty's tangential traitor discussion may hold the key to his exclusion ...

here's a story, published by the ESPN Magazine, that cemented his Judas reputation in the States:

now, this was published on May 17, 2010, when his selection looked certain ... but since that time, he's yet to make a World Cup squad ... the curse is clear; the curse is alive ...

 

[Mus]

So what I read is he wasn't selected because he is unwilling to go I to contests because he's scared of re injury... I didn't notice that but it's possible

 

[Arnau]

Whos the starter, Barzagli or Bonucci?

 

[Mus]

Barzagli. He's just sick ATM

 

[Filipower]

What's the predictions for the starting lineup at the WC?

 

[Mus]

I have no idea after Montolivo's injury, depends whether we stick with 4-3-1-2 without Prandelli's favoured treq or go to a 4-3-3

 

[Xifio]

 

[Arnau]

Marchisio sucks there

 

[Xifio]

I don't entirely disagree, but if it accommodates Verratti in the starting lineup, I'm fine with it -- plus it increases the chances of a second half with Balotelli, Verratti, and Cassano all on the field at the same time ...

anyway, that's Prandelli's XI for tomorrow's dress rehearsal for Manaus (assuming Barzagli passes a late fitness test) ... I'm speculating on the setup, though I don't it'll be too far removed from what I posted ...

 

[Arnau]

He was really poor in a similar position last confe cup

 

[Xifio]

he was sh!t against Mexico, but he was deployed as a mezz'ala on the right wing in that game ... Marchisio is more suited to the left, and will surely be used as additional cover [when needed] in the middle, to afford Prandelli to play both Pirlo and Verratti in the same team ...

 

[Mus]

He was pretty bad there for Del neri at juve , but that was more 4-4-2

I like:

Immobile-Balotelli
------Verratti
-DDR--Pirlo--Marchisio

 

[Mus]

Tonights game:

(4-3-2-1): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti; Candreva, Marchisio; Balotelli.

 

[Xifio]

4-1-4-1 ... Pirlo no longer DLP; instead, De Rossi plays anchor ... very interesting ...

 

[Xifio]

Prandelli is a genius ...

EURO 2012

results before tournament: friendly losses to USA and Russia ...

result at tournament: Silver Medal


Confed Cup 2013

results before tournament: friendly draw with Haiti ...

result at tournament: Bronze Medal


WC 2014

results before tournament: friendly draws with Ireland and Luxembourg ...

result at tournament: _____________



---


not much to learn from a friendly played at half throttle, and with Monty's injury fresh on everyone's minds ... Marchisio was still amazing, Verratti played better than Pirlo, and Cassano's chemistry with Mario is unmatched ...

 

[Mus]

Very optimistic. Couldn't catch the game though , being bogged down by end of semester work

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Now I'm more convinced than ever I should bet every dime I have on Italy to win the World Cup. They are pure shit, and of course that's when they win.

 

[Mus]

We can 100% beat every team bar Spain imo

 

[Xifio]

looks like all the reserves are going to get a run out against Fluminense -- well, all the reserves plus Abate, since there's a shortage of fullbacks in the team ... chance for Immobile to show how sharp [or not] he's feeling ...

 

[Mus]

Insigne what a beast