* Forza Italia ! *

[SALTHEITAL]

Update on the Eve of Swiss friendly

Look's like the Azzurri will be going with a
3 man attack tomorrow.

Totti is expected to play the full 90 minutes..He will be placed between Del Piero(who'll start on the left) and most likely Gilardino on the right.

Midfielder Simone Perotta suffered an injured right knee in practice,and his status is yet to be determined.

After being tested on Monday night,it's likely that Zambrotta will miss at least the opening game vs Ghana.The left back's position will be played by Palermo's Fabio Grosso.


Between injuries and scandals,it's been an anxious couple of week's for this Azzurri fan...:smoking:

Here's hoping for a great showing in Geneva tomorrow! :toast:

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Today's probable lineup vs Switzerland

GK-
Buffon


DF- Zaccardo,Cannavaro,Materazzi,Grosso


MF-
Pirlo,Gattuso,Camoranesi


FW-
Del Piero,Totti,Gilardino,

"The objective for the two matches is for everyone to play at least a game and a half,making as many changes as possible,but maintaining the general structure." - Lippi

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Italia 1 - Swiss 1

The Azzurri stretched their unbeaten streak to 17 games,under Coach Lippi.

Gilardino celebrates Italy's lone goal,which he scored in the 11th minute.Fabio Grosso set him up by kicking a wonderful low curling cross from the left flank,which the Milan striker tapped in from about 5 yards out.

 

[SALTHEITAL]

News & comments following the Swiss "friendly"

After playing a full 90 minutes for the 1st time since February,Totti had this to say.."I'm happy,it went as I expected.Surely,I'm not as fit as I was 3 months ago..but I'm at 60% - not at my best.I'd line up myself with Ghana."

He will most likely play sometime during the 2nd half tomorrow,against the Ukraine.

" It was important for Totti to play a real game and to be able to play the whole game.He grew as the minutes went by -he started off rather unsteadily...but he played better in the second half." - Lippi

As for the Swiss' tactics on the pitch,Lippi was not so pleased.

" We came here for a friendly but we came across a team that was aiming for a little more than that.We wanted to verify the condition of a few players but found a different kind of atmosphere,and had to adapt.Unfortunately we received a few knocks and a few injuries that forced me into substitutions I didn't want to make."

Iaquinta,Grosso,Gattuso, and Camoranesi felt a little banged up after the match.

24 years ago,Enzo Bearzot's squad played a friendly vs the Swiss prior to the World Cup in Spain.Ironically,the result was 1-1 as well.The Azzuri later went on to win their third Cup.

 

[fhmesq44]

Great news about Totti, any more news on the other 4? that isn't irony, it is coincidence.

 

[SALTHEITAL]

In today's match vs Ukraine ...

Starting up front we'll have Toni and Gilardino.
Del Piero will fill Totti's role as the playmaker,he'll lineup just behind the two strikers.
Count on Pippo and Totti to play in the second half.

De Rossi is expected to play the entire 90' minutes in midfield.
Midfielders omitted from the starting lineup include Perrotta and Camoranesi.

On defence Materazzi will be on the sidelines,as Nesta returns today.:thumbsup2:

Gigi Buffon starts in goal.

In yesterday's practice,Zambrotta was the only player who did not take part.
Although Iaquinta's right calf was wrapped in a bandage,he still suited up.

FORZA AZZURRI !!!

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Starters vs Ukraine

GK- Buffon


DF- Cannavaro,Nesta,Oddo,Grosso


MF-Pirlo,Camoranesi,De Rossi


FW-Del Piero,Gilardino,Toni

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Substitutions in the 2nd half so far...

Out:Toni,Del Piero,Nesta,Pirlo

In:Inzaghi,Totti,Perrotta,Barzagli

27 minutes left ...

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Update on subs ...

Out:Toni,DelPiero,Nesta,Pirlo,Camoranesi

In:Inzaghi,Totti,Perrotta,Barzagli,Barone

17 minutes left...

 

[SALTHEITAL]

0-0 ... Final

:lukesky

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Factoring in recent play in both friendlies and injuries ...

Here's my choice for the starting 11 vs Ghana on June 12th ...

GK - Buffon

DF - Grosso,Nesta,Cannavaro,Oddo

MF - Pirlo,De Rossi,Camoranesi

FW - Toni,Gilardino,Del Piero

I found that the right defensive-back's position,was the toughest to select...Zaccardo could very well get the nod.

Depending on the outcome of upcoming tests to Zambrotta on Tuesday..Daniele Bonera of Parma may take the Juve player's spot on the squad.(Bonera isn't on the Official Squad..so if he were to be included,it would mean the end of Zambrotta's tournament.)

Feel free to post your starting Azzurri lineup,from what you've seen thus far.

 

[Ripped71]

We are in trouble if Zaccardo gets the nod because he has been mediocre at best!

 

[Ripped71]

The squad is too old and has been average at best for many years.

Totti though I believe he will play will be ineffective.

The Italian team will drop points against both the U.S (score draw) and Ghana (0-0). I really don't see them beating the Czech's, who really should be the top seed in this group.

What do you consider old?

 

[fhmesq44]

I wouldn't know who to start if Zambrotta can't go, but I 100% agree with Di Rossi over Gattusso. I think my feelings on that thug have been made in other threads. Del Piero/Totti is a tough call. Obviously Totti would be the call if fit. Unfortunately the last two games haven't been on any channel I have so I can't comment on them.

 

[SALTHEITAL]

On June 12th in Hanover ...

We enter our 1st game vs Ghana riding an 18 game unbeaten streak.The last time the Azzurri lost a game was in October of 2004.:thumbsup2:

There is a factor though, that concerns me a bit entering this matchup. It's the Officiating Crew ...

Referee : Carlos Simon


Linesmen: Aristeu Taveres
: Ednilson Corona

What do these three Officials have in common?...

They all come from .....

:smoking:

 

[MarkieMark+]

My money will be on GHANA (+1) -120 at Pinnacle

I have not been impressed with Italy's build up to this World Cup at all, whereas Ghana have looked very good in their preparations.

It wouldn't surpise me to see Ghana get at least a DRAW from this match.

MM

 

[joeyfitzclick]

Agreed. Italy will not make it out of this group. Take that to the bank.

 

[joeyfitzclick]

WORLD CUP 2006 - GROUP E
ITALY FINISHING POSITION

A
12:00 PM
26133

ELIMINATED AT GROUP STAGE

+325<INPUT type=checkbox value=427704_12313_26133_0_325_PROP name=game>


A
12:00 PM
26134

ROUND OF 16

+225<INPUT type=checkbox value=427705_12313_26134_0_225_PROP name=game>


A
12:00 PM
26135

QUARTERFINAL

+365<INPUT type=checkbox value=427706_12313_26135_0_365_PROP name=game>


A
12:00 PM
26136

SEMIFINAL

+525<INPUT type=checkbox value=427707_12313_26136_0_525_PROP name=game>


A
12:00 PM
26137

RUNNER UP

+800<INPUT type=checkbox value=427708_12313_26137_0_800_PROP name=game>


A
12:00 PM
26138

WINNER

+700<INPUT type=checkbox value=427709_12313_26138_0_700_PROP name=game>


$1000 to win $3250

 

[SALTHEITAL]

Not for nothin' , but ...

A UK newspaper gave their opinion on Group E.

They stated that if these teams were "League Club's", they would be ...

Italy > Arsenal

Czech Republic > Chelsea

United States > Portsmouth

Ghana > Ipswich Town

 

[Experto]

They dont make it past 2nd round