Donadoni Turning to Totti and Gang for Help

Italy is a lock to qualify, and you heard it hear first, a lock to win the Euro.

regards
john

difficult job to do – only 2 world cup winners have won both trophies in succession, and it wasn’t italy.

I would say Italy is up to the task.

Difficult job to win the world cup four times, only one other country managed to and it wasn’t france, germany, england argentina or uruguay.

regards
john

The final was a fluke as many observers agree. Italy was tired after the first half and they looked so scared and stayed on their half of the court for the rest of the game.

5 shots on goal for Italy against 15+ shots on goal by France! Those statistics don’t lie and show how France completely overpowered Italy.

The only real competition they had was Germany. France beat Spain, Brazil, Portugal…all favourites.

And you can see it was a fluke after Italy lost a friendly against Czech republic, barely drew against Lithuania at home!, and lost miserably against France.

Sorry Mr. Bocajrs but you’re living in a delusionary world (probably because your Argentine team lost and so now you’re beating up on the winner). Italy had by far the best defense in the tournament, and victory starts with great defense. That defense, combined with brilliant moments of offfense, brought Italy the world Cup title. To say France overpowered Italy is absurd – then they would have won easily. In fact, it should never have gone to overtime; the penalty kick, which Zidane almost missed, was uncompletely undeserved. France beat a very disorganized Brazil in the quarter final and a pathetic Portugal in the semi; Italy had to overcome a Germany with all the momentum, the home field advantage, etc. – that was by far the toughest hurdle to overcome. Wake up and smell the coffee.

I agree with ed. France gave way more than Italy did in the final and couldn’t find a way to win. How many of the fifteen chances on goal were quality chances???
If Luca Toni had been a little more on his game it would have been 3-1 for Italy so let’s not deny that France were lucky to survive the first 55 minutes of the match. I watched the game again and again and I didn’t see complete French dominance. They had 10 minute spells of dominance in the second half with most of the play in the midfield. In the previous matches France played teams that do not man mark and play the offside trap. This played a huge factor in their success against Spain and Brazil. As for Portugal, a little play acting by Henry went a long way as France held on for dear life against an unlucky Portuguese team that couldn’t find the back of the net. Let’s not throw stones gentlemen, let’s just say that experience and the shear determination to survive brought these two teams together in the final. France can take pride in their performance but you cannot write Italy’s victory off as a fluke because you still have to play hard to keep the ball out of the net. Mr BocaJr should remember the Peru controversy of 1978 and the hand of god incident of 1986 and not to mention 1990 and 1994, Argentina hasn’t had the most convincing wins have they (in your logic we’ll call them fluky)

Hate to agree with the Italy fans – but they’re right. Italy was clearly the hot team going into the tourney – they’d routed by my beloved Oranje 3-1 in Amsterdam, pounded Germany 4-1 at home and generally looked solid.

Yes, they were lucky for that ridiculous call against Australia, but were unlucky in that ridiculous dive in the final. Schwable if I ever saw one.

And their win against Germany was impressive -both goals were darn good. So yeah, they’re not Brazil – but then again, neither was Brasil :)

But digging themselves a hole in the Euro qualifying – that could be bad, they can’t afford too many more mistakes in a tough pool.

Guys, say all you want. France dominated that game as most experts will tell you. Just read the papers from around the world. If it makes you feel better then so be it. But Italy did NOT look like a world champ in that final.

How come NONE of you will admit that the Italians were completely exhausted after the 1st half? How come none of you will admit that the Italians GAVE UP after that and never attacked again? Is that a champion? No, a true champion takes risks and goes for the win. Instead of waiting for the pussy penalties.

At the end of the day, Trezehuet missed it. It could have been Italy just as well…and then what? That’s what separated the win….basically NOTHING. Case closed.

Absolutely nothing impressive about any of italy’s games in Germany 06 except against Germany – that’s it. All the other games italy played were uninspiring to say the least. France was flawed, certainly, but when you look at italy’s performance from the group stages to the final, any honest objective judgment will tell you that their performance has mostly been incredibly overrated. France beat world class quality coaches and players – it doesn’t matter a damn about Brazil’s flaws, or Spain’s or Portugal’s. Absolutely NONE of Italy’s opponents (except for Germany) equalled the quality on the pitch of the players and coaches of Spain, Brazil and Portgual. None of the excuses mentioned by posters here are relevant. To beat in quick succession two world cup winning coaches, players who’ve won world cups, champions leagues, euro cups, copa americas, players with multiple trophies, etc., etc. is an accomplishment far above winning against Ukraine, Ghana, USA and Australia. So spare me the fantasy idiotic overpraising of a team that won the world cup by playing exactly one credible game against one world class team – and spending 75 minutes exhausted defending their one goal waiting for penalties.

“To say France overpowered Italy is absurd – then they would have won easily”

Always tune out idiot posters who make such uninformed comments. Anyone who says this betrays their total and profound ignorance of the sport. Naturally it is a comment made by someone from a non-footballing nation. Typical. Those who genuinely KNOW football know very well that it is a cruel sport — that it is ROUTINE for teams to dominate a game, keep possession of the ball for 60-80% of the match, have most shots on goal and play far better quality football — and still lose.

That is the very basic reality of football and if you don’t understand that basic fact about the sport, then your opinion is utterly worthless and ignorant.

Arsenal in the last few weeks has lost match after match while dominating the game, keeping possession of the ball and playing beautiful free flowing football (thank god they finally won a well deserved fantastic match last Sunday against ManU). Italy in the 2000 Euro cup final played the better football against France – and France won.

This is routine basic stuff, it doesn’t have to be explained among genuine informed fans – and yes, France did indeed dominate the majority of the final. That is something every single football expert on the planet agrees on – this includes the Italian football press, and Marcello Lippi himself. What Domenech failed to do was take a risk and change his strategy to overcome Italy’s defense. At that point, a coach needs to make a courageous, very risky decision (which Lippi did against Germany) – and Domenech failed to do this. And that’s why France lost. That, and the psychological damage done by a deliberate filthy trick that provoked France’s best penalty taker to get him off the pitch.

It would be nice to see some informed italy fans on this blog who know the sport and can speak with some intelligence about it.

“Difficult job to win the world cup four times, only one other country managed to and it wasn’t france, germany, england argentina or uruguay.”

Easy to win two world cups when you have a fascist dictator corrupting the games – only one country managed to, and it wasn’t france, germany, england argentina or uruguay – or brazil (the only country to win 5 world cups genuinely, without any shenanigans)

Ah the oldie but a goodie, Italy wasn’t deserving of 34 and 38. The games were fixed blah blah and one more blah.

Classic stuff…and coincidently it works out well for you as backup for some of your posts.

Stop the non-sense. Retract those comments and apologise to Italians football supporters all over the world.

Also where is your outrage over ZZ winning the GB? Surely he wasn’t deserving, everyone not on medication acknowedges this. The award had been dishonoured, join me and millions of others is demanding it’s return.

regards
john

also….the trains ran on time in mussolini’s day.

also and…in my next post I’ll tear apart your writings and analysis of Italy’s WC performance.

Right on Lazaro. These Italian fans are so blinded. Read any game report of the world cup final and you will see writings such as:

“Outplayed for an hour and into extra time, the Italians won it…” FOXSPORTS

“Rarely did Italy threaten over the final 75 minutes..” ESPN

Remember the match fixing scandal in Italy in 1982? And now 2005-2006? Remember that Paolo Rossi was suspended for 2 years for match-fixing? Remember?

I could go on and on but Italy is the most corrupt country in Western Europe and everyone knows it. Look at the Prime Minister they have? They steal more cars there than anywhere else.

Come on wake up! Who would do business with Italians? Chances are you will get burned..Why you ask? They are dirty by nature and love defrauding others and love to cheat. Same happens in football obviously.

Lazaro,

You seem like an intelligent guy you shouldn’t insult people’s intelligence it’s very uncouth.

Let me ask you something that has been on my mind regarding the France – Brazil match.
What was wrong with Brazil???? The way they let Zidane move around the midfield with such ease and leaving a dangerous striker like Henri completely exposed? (Even the great Pele commented on this) Too many questions. Do you think Brazil lied down for France? There was some article floating around about how the FFF payed millions to ensure victory against Brazil. I’m not one for conspriracies and scandal but ever since it happened in Italy it’s only logical to think it’s happening elsewhere. Platini is a big player in FIFA and Sepp and co looked a little shifty in their seats when it looked like France weren’t going to find the winning goal??? Questions, questions but no answers. Lazaro you have the floor.

LOL Bob!

It only happens in ITALY, that’s the whole point!!!

You have to either be Italian or an Italian Supporter to think like Italians and think that what you guys find ‘normal’ at home is normal everywhere else in the world.

You are the corrupt ones. Happened in 1982 and 2005-2006. That’s when they get caught. It probably happens every day. The thief judges by his own condition.

No man, only when you’re corrupt you think that everyone else is. Not the case. That’s why Italy invented Vendetta, Maffia, etc…

PeterBaken

I really don’t think that is what Lazaro is saying at all.

You have some lovely views on Italians. Is it your contention that all Italians are “dirty by nature”? That’s a pretty strong statement. It’s amazing how people turn discussions on football into an attack on the character of entire nationality. Aside from the sicilian mafia types and rich greedy athletes there are honest hard-working people in Italy. It shows poor character to insult good people with crap you see in movies and read in the paper. Care to rephrase your statement.

PeterBaken,

yes only Italy is corrupted, as italian I am corrupted myself.

And US is the paradise of honesty.

Ask to the winner of Tour de France 2006, very loyal american man.

Ask to baseballers of the BALCA scandal.

Ask to boxers where matches are historically very honest.

And after 3000 years of history we didn’r reach your levels of civilization. We invented Mafia.

We didn’t learn great examples of civilization like death penalty and tortures of prisoners.

We know who we are, included our problems. You don’t know who you are, too busy judging others…even in a silly football blog…

Tamas,

I recommend you not posting in a silly football blog! lol

By the way, no country is perfect. I’ll be the first one to admit it! We have lots of crap going on in the US, you are ABSOLUTELY right.

But my friend, do not kid yourself! Italians are the PROS at corruption! No one comes even close to them, you are the Masters! And you know what? You know it! :)

Cheers

You’re right Tamas I think I am also corrupt because I am Italian but I would rather be a corrupt mafia hood than an American anyday. I couldn’t live in a country that murders their own commander and chief and than lies about it for 43 years. The USA is the epitome of corruption.
“when you’re corrupt you think that everyone else is.” damb right, USA to a tee.

PeterBaken,

this is a football blog I would like to discuss and read about football and not other.

I told you we know who we are. We know our problems.

But generalizing is not just. Most of italians are not corrupted, most of the americans don’t spend week end torturing people (or using guns easy to buy…).

Sentences like “Italians Master of corruption” are only a upsetting sentences…they add nothing to the football discussion. They are only generalizations, I could reply with others, but why ?

Gentleman…

Referencing fascist regimes and examples of cheating in other sports have absolutely nothing to do with World Cup 2006.

Italy won because a) they played well enough to advance to the final and b) because they were the better of two teams on july 9th.

In this case, corruption has nothing to do with the result.

Everybody needs to calm down a little and analyse the football, not our nationalities or heritages which define our football loyalties.

As a fan of a nation that fell in the quarter-finals, I can honestly say that observing Italy win the big one was difficult. However, other then the Grosso questionnable dive against Australia (yes diving sucks, but it’s essentially the officials responsibility to curb it by outlawing it absolutely) the Italians played honorable football, scoring some remarkably dramatic goals along the way.

When doesn’t Sepp Blatter squirm uncomfortably while watching major matches?

PeterBaken,

The USA calling Italy the masters of corruption, that’s rich. You’re either completely clueless or you’re the dumbest person that ever lived. NOBODY compares to the USA. The USA are the most corrupt nation on earth. They control everything including the mass media. They start all the wars and they steal all the wealth of the world. The mafia is small time compared to your CIA. You are the true masters my friend, we are just petty thieves. “New World Order”

“When doesn’t Sepp Blatter squirm uncomfortably while watching major matches?”

Answer: Whenever France Wins

lol Gino,

Giving moral lessons and then giving away the fact that you hate the French :)

Good example my friend :)

PS: To all you posters, I am writing from the US at the moment. Am I American? Does anyone care that I am here on a business trip?

LOL, bark all you want…I will actually join you! So funny everyone started attacking the US thinking I am American because of the little flag next to my post.

Lazaro, it is always very sad to see your comments that are overbearing, shrill and dishonest – and really only based on you prejudices and hatred. Moreover, you insult everyone else who comments here and rile up others to make ridiculous, and often ugly, comments. Very sad, and very pathetic. But just for the record: 1) Italy won the 2006 World Cup because it had the most balanced and determined team, with by far the best defense in the competition and brilliant moments of offense. Period. 2) Scandal happens everywhere throughout the soccer world everyday, not just Italy. The stories are in the news everyday. 3) Claims of corruption have swirled around virtually every World Cup, not just those involving Italy, or Argentina, etc. The winning country is always accused by the fans of other countries of having cheated in one way or another. And to say that only Brazil’s victories are free of such alleged corruption is ridiculous: There are many millions of people around the world who believe that Brazil got to those finals because FIFA pulled numerous strings to make it happen.

Mr PeterBaken: Your delusionary and hysterical attacks on the United States, your belittling of those who disagree with you, and your vulgarity only demonstrate your utter lack of sophistication and understanding of the world around you. While the US has its faults, like every nation, and certainly suffers from corruption, the reality is that America is one of the least corrupt nations on earth – and the only true guarantor of democracy and freedom on this planet.

Mr. Ed Placidi,

I completely agree with you. No argument here.

Sorry PeterBaken,

Nowhere in my statement does it say I hate the French. I like the French actually, so don’t assume. I was merely making a commentary on the rumours circulating that Blatter favours the French team, nothing more.
You deny being American well, where are you from?

Ed Placidi: I made the comments about the US not PeterBaken. I was not attacking your country but those that hold power in your country. I’m sorry I cannot agree that the US is the least corrupt country in the world. To much has occured in the past 43 years for anyone to believe this.

I do believe however that those fighting for your country do believe in freedom and I hope your government brings them home soon.

I think PeterBaken watches too many mob movies. I don’t think Italy is as corrupt as you would like it to be but if that helps you, go for it.

I don’t really care if Italy’s corrupt or how diserving they were in their World Cup win. The only thing that matters is celebrating the victory corruption and all. Let the losers argue about the injustices in sports and over-analysis of games that happened over two months ago. We have the luxury of not engaging in that sort of talk, it’s meaningless and a waste of time. Life is too short gents. Move on with your lives already!

Dear Lazaro,

I am sorry, you speak a lot about football but you are not competent about it. Simply. I am sure, you watch a lot of football matches, you are informed about english, italian or brasilian football.

But did you never play ? Can you only immagine where is the beauty in this sport ?

You told Italy was not impressive in World Cup 2006. Probably. But I will let you note some interesting things.

First of all, Italy was the team proposing the most interesting movements to put players in conditions to score goals. You can see example in matches against Ghana, US, Czech Repubblic, Germany and France.

Second of all. Lippi was the best trainer of the competition. Only Hiddink was on his same level and indeed Australia created many problems to Italy. Lippi was able to get the max of the results from all italian players and used at the best the qualities of each one. Materazzi scoring two goals is an example.

Third. Italy, as tradition, had a wonderful defensive organization. The movements were perfect. You, Lazaro, so competent about football can you explain to everybody what is it a “diagonal” ?

Then France. The only great team that France won was Brasil. Not Spain that I saw to lose with any possible team in world cups (North Ireland, Belgium, Italy, Corea…). Not Portugal that reached already a great result with semi finals…

With all this France is a great team with a bad trainer. But your analysise of the final is not correct. Domenech had no other solutions to propose at the end of the match. France continued to propose the same movements up to the end. They commanded the match, but they didn’t create so many occasions to score goals. It was not about taking risks…

Then Zidane Materazzi…your observations make me sure that you never played football…

@Tamas

Well said, I enjoyed reading your post.

regards
john

Tamas:

I like what you said:

“They (France) commanded the match….”

And just to add…they DID create a lot more chanced for goal than Italy…a LOT more my friend.

By the way, a quote from Marcello Lippi:

“Zidane is probably the best player there has been in the past 20 years”

I say this because of all the bullshit people say about Zidane being a BAD player. Your beloved Italian coach said it best.

Unless Lippi was wrong! In that case he must sick as a coach :)

I agree with the statement as well but how embarrasing to command a match and not to score a legitimate goal.

France did create a lot more chances but Italy’s chances actually BEAT the goalkeeper. Important stuff there. What would you say if it was 3-1 PeterBacon.

mmmm bacon

Thank you gofootball, another one who admits it. Let’s keep ‘em coming!

By the way…losing because of one penalty is not embarassing in the world cup final.

Drawing against Lithuania at home after being crowned champions is!

Losing 2 games and drawing one after being crowned champions is as well!

lol :)

whatever you say PeterBacon.

…losing because of one penalty is not embarassing in the world cup final.

Yep, that’s definitely embarassing. Thanks for making that point Bacon

The 2006 World Cup Final game wasn’t dominated by France and most sources that know even a bit about what they are discussing will say so. Take a look at http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4991652.stm for example. Even with Zidane’s PK, the game should never have gotten to penalties as Toni had scored a good goal called offside. None of you who try and detract from Italy’s accomplishments acknowledge this fact. As for the PK Italy was awarded against Australia, it is rather clear from a different angle which was posted on youtube.com that Grosso was indeed taken down by the Aussie defender. Perhaps you who would try and denigrate Italy’s accomplishments are simply envious of its success, perhaps you simply hate the team or the country, perhaps you have nothing better to do – only you would know. You can say that this was a corrupt final and the ‘34 and’38 finals were corrupt and so on, but where is the proof? Because Italy was a dictatorship? So was Germany yet they did not win. If you want to talk about corrupt world cups you can make a case for most of them having some element of corruption. The History of Soccer series discusses this, such as the 1966 final. And let us not forget 2002 where numerous teams were robbed of victories due to poor or corrupt officiating including Italy with its record 5 good goals being disallowed. Italy was deserving if the 2006 title, it was the best overall team which, despite its impressive defence, played some rather open football and were the only team never to have been shutout. If not for some bad officating, Italy would have gotten away with a 2-0 or 2-1 win in the Final and Italian fans should simply point to that fact when they are told that Italy did not deserve to win.

Observer, good post but watch out italian fans we just opened up a big can of worms:

Enter stage left: LaZero with his vapid pal Peter”smells
like”Bacon

Come on boys let’s hear it.

LOL!

Italy is not corrupt?
Is the pope catholic?

Open any European newspaper at any given day and look under Italian News! :)

hey gino you loser canuck. get over your jelousy of living in that pathetic neighbor of ours to the north. why do canucks handle their rampant jelousy by pretending they live somewhere cool.

Muddia Beduddia, take it easy.

The Steelers suck by the way.

What’s with all these Canadians?

I guess that snow, lack of sunshine, cold and a useless piece of land must do that to you! :)

Hey gofootball, do mommy and daddy know you post here? ROFL :) You gonna get spanked!

And if you’re an actual adult then that is soooo sad! :)

Why all the bickering. Relax…kick back and let this video fuel your soul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qw3j08aEPSs

peace

You don’t even know where Canada is? You probably don’t even know who your father is..oh yeah he’s probably your uncle..

look who’s talking Mr. “Oh Canada”

Was there ever a better player than Roberto Baggio?

Short ansewer Hell No. Some might come close, one or two maybe his equal but thats it.

Where did this come from….just was watching old footage of the divine ponytail.

I agree bobby, Baggio was one of the all-time greats. Does he still play or did he retire?

hey Drago……..Baggio retired in 2004.

True. And Zidane is retired too.

What is with all this nastiness on Canadians?

Comes from their bitterness towards the awesomeness that is their neighbor to the south Catherine. Of course, I do not mean you as you are always quite pleasant and bring insight to the wires. Plus, most of the regulars assume you are a smoking hottie.

On the Baggio note, it seems people are quick to add Zidane to the triumverate of Pele, Maradona and Beckenbaur as the greats of the game. Is the fact that he didn’t win a cup keep Baggio out of that realm of greatness?

Without question BAGGIO is part of that list of great players world cup or no world cup.

Lot’s of work to do with the Azzuri, they are in a must win against Ukraine and Georgia. I don’t think Totti will be back but one thing is for certain all the players will be match fit this time. When all is said and done the onus is on the players to return to winning ways.

I agree Drago the most onus is on the players. However Donadoni has his part to play.

Now that all the players are match fit as you pointed out the “Don” must recall Luca Toni, Materazzi and obviously Nesta. Basically he should be playing the world cup team less Totti if if doesn’t want to play.

The last match he put in DeRossi with 2 minutes left to play. I will never understand that especially since they were playing France.

I’m sure they will be fine now that the WC party is over (for the most part) and the players are ready both physically and mentally to focus on Euro 2008.

They will be there in 2008, no question.

regards
john

“..They [Italians]are dirty by nature and love defrauding others and love to cheat..”

Everyone has to live and deal with corruption and scandal everyday and in every facet of their lives. It’s a moral decision made by each individual whether they are going to engage in such duplicity and has nothing to do with race, creed or colour. This statement is complete nonsense. I am not even Italian and I find this offensive. You obviously can’t engage in football talk without it turning into a political and moral debate. Let’s just stick to talking about football and relax on the finger pointing, there’s enough of that going on outside the realm of sports entertainment as it is.

“Can’t we all just get along?..”
Rodney King

You’re absolutely right john, I can’t imagine that donadoni would leave these players out of the lineup. With the world cup team or something close to it playing at match fitness they will qualify without a doubt. I guess the nay-sayers would hope for the opposite but we’ll be more optimistic you and I.

salute!

All of you guys are damn haters! U shouldn’t be hatin’ just cause Italia took the gold! Also, winning by 1 penalty kick is not EMBARASSING!…it’s just a sign that we’re that much better than France. PLUS who cares if they’re not doing so well right now? they just need 2 warm up a bit, and just watch…they’ll come back and kick your asses AGAIN!

Don’t be so racial! We Italianos KICK ASS! Italia’s won FOUR world championships already…how many have YOU won? THAT’S embarrassing, isn’t it!! It’s embarrassing to say something so pathetic about one of the world’s best team just cause we have more gold!! SO HA!

By the way…Italiano girl here…so if you’re gonna hate my race, hate ME first!!