Italy

[XaviMessiGirl]

yeh, besides the first goal, the injuries played a huge part in why they didn't do well in this game. Chiellini went out early and who knows what would have happened if he had stayed in. And not even to mention what went on after Motta's injury. So horrible to have to play with ten men through no fault of their own.

Not to take anything away from Spain who thankfully decided to show up (and then some). Just that Italy aren't as bad as the scoreline made it seem, they have so much to be proud of and they can still hold their heads high.

 

[Snake]

They better get a good reception from the Italian fans when they get home. They never slowed their game down before they played with 10 men.

 

[Blaugrana dude]

Still a bit puzzled why Prandelli brought on Motta, a defensive player and half-fit, when they were chasing the game. Bringing on Nocerino would have made sense imo.

 

[XaviMessiGirl]

Not only that but bringing on a guy notoriously made of glass anyway. I agree on Nocerino, the guy didn't see enough of the tournament. Same for Giovinco which could have been another option.

 

[MoFroBo]

Yup Prandelli should have changed into formation 4-3-1-2, introducing Giovinco and subbing off Monty. Still kudos to Prandelli, he did amaizing job, Italy were brilliant to watch and moreover I liked the way he treated brat Mario. Mad respect for this

 

[Barcaman]

Mexico hardly bothered thern. Prandelli has a great mix of experience and youngsters under his command.

 

[XaviMessiGirl]

I really like how the senior Azzurri & U21's work together. The senior side took guys like De Sciglio, El Shaarawy. While Verratti, Insigne, Florenzi etc who are all probably good enough for the senior side stay with the U21's while they still can so that team can be as competitive as it is.

But yeah in general it's a great mix. The younger guys can learn from the older ones who will probably retire from international football after 2014 & by then they should be strong enough to carry on without them.

One weird choice I can't seem to figure out though is why Prandelli keeps calling up Giaccherini, the guy barely even gets a look in at Juve so why is he in the national team, let alone be starting. He did get an assist yesterday & played ok I guess but meh, in general he's not great. Another one is why Gilardino instead of Di Natale, not saying Gila is bad but Toto had a beast of a season. And as far as I know hasn't retired from the national team.

 

[Ode to Django]

I like Prandelli himself, i think he's a great coach. I hope he calls Totti up for the next WC, that would just be flat out awesome. Pirlo retires from internationals after next World Cup, hope he goes out well.

 

[XaviMessiGirl]

I hope he calls Totti up for the next WC, that would just be flat out awesome.

Are you Buffon? He just said the exact same thing this morning.

 

[Ode to Django]

Great minds think alike

 

[Faceless]

I believe the Italians will enter the finals of the Confederations Cup.. Maybe they will make an impact on next year's World Cup..

 

[Ode to Django]

Are you Buffon? He just said the exact same thing this morning.

Great minds think alike

 

[SEvolution]

 

[XaviMessiGirl]

Pirlo picked up a muscle injury, and De Rossi is suspended. Weakened squad against Brasil.

 

[Ode to Django]

Montolivo is just as good played deep anyway, also defensively much better than Pirlo. Qualifyings done anyway, doesn't really matter.