Italy

[Sergio]

It would indeed, and I know they won't play as good as that vs either, but am hopeful of a dive and converted free kick from Pirlo or something to win.

 

[La Furia]

Wonder if Balotelli will continue to start. Prandelli is usually patient but Di Natale was very good.

 

[Pepe Silvia]

Balotelli was too patient.

That was among the funnier plays in sporting history. He just... did nothing.

 

[Barcaman]

Kudos to Prandelli. Heard some Croatian players praise him before but wanted to wait this second match to say something and he proved again what a good coach he is.
With all the problems back home and in the squad (corruption scandal) he stopped Spain and outplayed Croatia and is looking good coming into the last match vs. Ireland.

 

[Deco 20]

With a bit of luck (and Balotelli on the bench), Italy might just win this.

It would indeed, and I know they won't play as good as that vs either, but am hopeful of a dive and converted free kick from Pirlo or something to win.

Sergio the prophet

 

[La Furia]

Not happy with Italy so far...some individual brilliance, but they play scared.

 

[Ryan_Cule]

Not happy with Italy so far...some individual brilliance, but they play scared.

Did you see Balotelli's celebration ? Posted the video on his thread.

 

[Deco 20]

Very impressive, now all they need is someone to finish the chances... :dinatale:

 

[Alissa]

I'm having so much fun laughing at the people that doubted Italy. It's fair to say that Italy has impressed the most so far, Pirlo has been majestic.

 

[mitkoa7x]

Gigi dedicated the victory to the earthquake victims. DAT CLASS

 

[Ode to Django]

I'm having so much fun laughing at the people that doubted Italy. It's fair to say that Italy has impressed the most so far, Pirlo has been majestic.

bar Italy + Germany the tournament has been very boring, thank god for Andrea

 

[Barcaman]

You can start with laughing at some of your fellow Italians then
I wouldn't call it impressive though. 4 matches and only one win. And that one vs. Ireland who were already without chances to qualify.
That being said it is a deserved semi for Italy.

 

[Alissa]

^I didn't say they weren't Italians.
I'm aware of the fact that they have finishing problems (because Balo is just nuts) but you can't really deny the fact that their play overall has been impressive (regardless of the result).
Germany has had some really boring games, Spain lacks something to be truly exciting, Portugal is Portugal. Don't get me started on the other 'big' teams like France and England.
The only other team I liked and found entertaining to watch was Croatia (and I'm not saying that because you happen to come from there lol, I've said it several times already), too bad they were stopped.

 

[Jenks]

^^ Russia were good to watch.

 

[Deco 20]

It has to be said, despite what happened in the final:
They've been fantastic, truly awe inspiring. Who thought they'd go that far? They can leave with their heads held up high. Lots of respect for them.
Hail Italy, Buffon, De Rossi, Pirlo!