Italy V Germany

So much expectations on the German team, it was perhap their time to win it, with this youthful and attacking players they were even compared to Spain at one point. They were pegged back by the Italians who showed grit and determination, although it did begin very nervy and Gigi Buffon did look a little nervous to begin with, but as the game went on both side found their rythm.
Whatever the English pundits decide to say, I say that Germany did play well although the amount of time and space they gave Andrea Pirlo was a bit naive, some may say a little arrogant. Possesion through the game were more or less equal, and unlike England, Germany didn't just put 6 players behind the ball- they actually played.
This was a game set up for one man to either become a villan or a hero for the people of Italy, and the man ( or boy!) was Mario Balotelli. He didn't have as many shots than he did against England, but then again he was playing against a strong German side, overall he had 3 shots, but most importantly... 2 ripped the back of the net. When he scored the first on 20 minutes he celebrated with a smile, and when he score the 2nd on 36 minutes he had a look of someone who had something to prove, yet that moody look didn't last long as Claudio Marchisio ran up to embrace the giant lad.
In my opinion Balootelli is starting to play better for his team and a large part of that is because he feels more appreciated. In the Azzurri they haven't got the likes of Tevez or Aguero like the do at Man City, the legends of the Italian game have started to fade away, the likes os Baggio, Del Piero and Totti have gone,now this is a whole new era."Super Mario" did get a needless yellow card for the removal of his shirt, which could cost them in the final against Spain. Germany did have a penalty late into stoppages and Mesut Ozily cooly slot it in, the last few minutes were shaky and I knew in my gut it could just take one lucky goal for everything to change, and believe me, after Euro 2000, I don't think I can take it.
Mario can be the cutting edge and the player that can finish off a game before it gets too close, yet he has to keep his head and stop getting needless cards, I mean getting a card for your celebration, it's ridiculas and it doesn't really stop anyone from doing it and why would you want to stop them? Although now if Spain try to bait Balotelli knowing full well what a volitile character he is, it will go against Italy very quickly. The good thing about the Azzurri is that everyone knows to hug Mario after the game, because I truly thin he is just misunderstood and could have a wonderful career if he had the right mentor, and it's looking more and more likely that Antonio Cassano is that man, as after his first goal Mario went straight to him, and with Cassano being a former " bad boy" may be able to steer him towards hero status?

FORZA AZZURRI

Italy V England

Usually I would write these things straight after the match, yet the game was so tense I needed the rest of the evening to unwind a catch my breath and gather my thoughts. England were always planning for penalties, giving their history this was a surprise, yet even the interviews before the game were a huge indication of their intent, they intended to hold out for 120 minute or " nick" a winner. For me, this is the equivalent of anti- football and if the Italians did this they would have been "slaughtered" by the media and there would have been groans about how the Azzurri is a boring team to watch, yet when England do it they are portrayed as " heroic", the hypocrisy makes me sick.


Prior to this encounter England had been hugely disrespectful to their opposition and in my opinion this is an indictment of the people. They were speaking about the semi- final against Germany as if it was a foregone conclusion that they would beat Italy with ease!! And least we forget the most popular criticism that the media just loves to make.... They're too old, for God's sake Andrea Pirlo is just 33, when was that considered to be old?? And all through the game you kept hearing how he's going just collapse and how his knees are going. This is only the tip of the iceberg, the commentators would continually throw abuse at the Italians for either getting a decision their way or going down injured. The most obvious was when Scott Parker caught Balzaretti's face with his boots and the commentators would insist it was " play acting" when the replays showed his boot hit him in the face!!

The funniest thing in the game was when there was an obvious foul on the boys in blue yet no mention of it from the commentating team. Late on in the second half when they brought in the £35m player ( yeah right) Andy Carroll on and he was clearly locking arms with Pirlo, because that is the only way to stop him, yet not even a peep from anyone. And Terry would barge his way to try and stop play, and what I found hilarious was the “ lovefeast” the commentating team had with him! He gets away with being a bully because people just excuse him and say he’s just using his physicality, well I have an answer for that…. He’s an un evolved oaf and the game has gone beyond theses schoolyard tactics! And the blatant barge on Maggio by Ashley Young just showed how ignorant the media were, because if any of them had seen him play for Napoli would know how quick he was, and he would have been able to get the ball had Young not stuck his bum out! It was a huge injustice that he got a 2nd yellow card which rules him out for the semis against Germany. I could go on forever about how biased the commentating team were and how sadistic they were at times when they were hoping Abate had an injury, yet I’ll let your minds wonder and discover on your own just how unprofessional they were.

There is no doubt in my mind that the better team went through. Italy had over 60% possession with 35 shots with 20 on goal, and Mario Balotelli had 11 of them. I am slightly worried with their finishing, even though they tested Joe Hart 8 times, 8 out of 35… ummm some work is still needed. Antonio Nocherino did have a chance to win it late on into extra time yet it was deemed to be off side…and it was, by a whisker! If Balotelli can get his shooting boots on then we may be able to cause the Germans some trouble, but with injury problem to Chiellini, Marchsio, De Rossi and Abate and Maggio ruled out though suspension, it will be far from easy!

FORZA AZZURRI!!

Juventus Campione d'Italia 2011- 2012

The dredded draw against England.

The quarter final of any major tournament is always going to be tense, but I think against the likes of England it will become more irritating. The media hysteria, the lazy commentating, it's all going to get too much. The old cliches about Italian football be very defensively and boring..it's all just getting very old and not too mention it hasn't been the case for a long time. I could maybe understand normal English supporters talking up their team, they're fans of that team, so of course they'll do this, but when you get professionals talking like a fan, all you get is biased and negative commentary, which I am dredding the most!

This Italian team has worked hard to eradicate these myths from our mind, they are attacking, more creative and above all they are young. Gianluigi Buffon is the most senior player on the pitch at 34 and don't forget he's a goalkeeper. But having older player in the team is not a negative, they bring experience and have good football intelligence, because less face it sooner or later Wellbeck and Walcott are going to start to slow down.. and have they got a plan B?
One expects a certain standard from the media, I have be brought up in this arrogant, overly hysterical and with people who lack any kind of humility or common decency, it's become ridiculous, and as soon as their " beloved" team starts to make errors, they will be just as quick to turn against them. The media and the public love to build up people just so they can tear them down. Personally, I didn't care that much about the England squad, but is the constant arrogance shown by the English media and clear racism that I have began to hate the England squad. I mean for God's sake, anytime they play Germany they have to mention the wars, what's up with that? And you get people trying to defend it by saying it's all in fun and is just apart of the game- so what..in football you're allowed to be racist??? I thought Uefa were fighting against racism??

I have absolutely no idea where this superiority complex comes from... when did England last with a major competition??? 1966, and they cling to this fact. A lot has changed in the world of football since than, but not their football!! Italy won the World Cup in 2006 and they didn't rely on 1 player to get them there ( Rooney) they had 20 different goalscorers and numerous other who did their bit to help the team get there.

Italy V Ireland

A  heart stopping match for fans of both side- more for the Azzurri though, before a kick was even taken, I couldn't help thinking about Euro 2004 where they got knocked out in the last match because off the same scenario, all I have to say for sure is that Italians do have a flair for the dramatic! Yet it would've gone all wrong very early as the ball was taken off Andrea Pirlo and the Irish were almost up within the opening 9 seconds!!!
Pirlo had a rather nervy start, and maybe this should be a warning to Juventus- he can't be asked to play twice a week, Italy were lucky this time but it just give you something to think about. It was a tense game, Ireland were playing their best game since that thumping by the Spaniards and Italy were having difficulties penetrating the Irish, and when they did get shots on goal, it was either straight at Shay Given or off target. There was more pressure on the boys in blue because they HAD to score in order to qualify for the next round, and as we know from past games, goals are far a few between for the Azzurri.

Italy had over 60% possession but that meant little at this stage, the thing that did come as a real surprise is that Italy had to wait until the 35th minute to get a goal and it was from a free kick and Antonio Cassano got the vital touch. Cassano worked his socks of, popping up everywhere and chasing down every ball- the Milan man was in the form of his life!
In the 75th minute Mario Balotelli came on for a slightly disappointing Antonio Di Natale, he had some half chances and some really good chances but just didn't have the edge to make them count. Throughout the entire game, Italy had 26 shots with 7 on goal and 5 were good enough to force some goods saves. Yet it was the goal by Balotelli in the 90th minute that allowed me to relax! And even though "SuperMario" scored we were all made to wait until Spain finished their game a couple minutes later.... and it seemed an eternity before everyone was allowed to celebrate.
Italy go through as runners up in group C, but they do still have a bit to work on if they want to go further in this tournament.

FORZA AZZURRI!!!

Italy V Croatia

Is it just me or does it feel like deja vu', Italy may have become too Juve like, and have become the draw specialist. There is a danger that they won't make it out of their group thanks to Spain pulverising The Irish by four goals. This game was always going to be tricky, Croatia are by no means a walk in the park, yet I did hope that once they had got the lead, they would have made it as hard as possible for Croatia to get back into the game.
The game started very open and free flowing, yet there was always something missing, the firepower was just on idle and not firing on all cylinders, and there lyed their downfall. The Azzurri had 15 shot with 7 on target but only 4 were accurate enough to trouble the keeper, which proved that Gigi Buffon is right in saying they are not clinical enough. With players like Antonio Cassano, Antonio Di Natale and Mario Balotelli in your ranks this should not be the case, least we forget they also have Giovinco, Marchisio etc on their side, so creating the chances are not a problem.
Mario Balotelli is playing as though he doesn't want to take ultimate responsibility, time and time again he would try a lay it off to Cassano, Balotelli seems to be playing with a chip on his shoulder, all the talk of him being a " nut job" at his Club has started to seep into the National side, having said that, early on he did have some wonderful shots on goal but again they were not clinical enough.He is still very young and I believe that when he does work hard and create chances like he did this evening, someone should give him a hug!! He clearly needs someone to mentor him!!
Marchisio also had a good game with 4 shoots in total with 3 on goal, normally you wouldn't rely on your midfield for goals, but after his wonderful season with Juve where he scored 9 spectacular goals...one was hoping he would do the same for the National team. The goal eventually came on 39 minutes from a wonderful free kick by Andrea Pirlo, amazing as it was, it came from a set piece.
In the second half Croatia were attacking more and the boys in blue did dill dally on the ball a bit. The equaliser came in the 72nd minute and was aided a bit by an error made by Giorgio Chiellini!!
Prandelli has decided to go for 3 a the back, hoping it will lead him to the same victories as Juve, but he must understand, Juve were under Antonio Conte and maybe that system only worked in the league.. remember how may draws they got?
Cesare Prandelli is a smart man and this Azzurri side are younger a hungrier for success and I believe they have what it takes to make it.

FORZA AZZURRI!!

Italy V Spain

Just the mere mention of it was enough to wet your appetite! This was the game that would truly test Prandelli's men, and they passed, they showed no fear and attacked the Spaniards when they could. The possession stats would suggest otherwise with Italy with 34% and Spain with 66% but don't let that fool you, Italy poised a general goal threat and they tested Iker Casillas to produce 5 brilliant saves but they did have 11 shots overall. Spain also test Gianluigi Buffon 5 times bet the veteran keeper did brilliantly to keep his cool, and he even had the confidence to nick the ball of Fernando Torres, who looks like a player that is sorely lacking confidence.
Andrea Pirlo was particular impressive and almost dictated the game, but in the early part of the game he did lose the ball and it did seem that he wasn't working as hard as he should! But after Spain started to flex their muscles and they could do that very easily with the talent that they have, he worked harder and he even made a few good tackles in the second half!!
All the talk about Mario Balotelli and his temperament seemed to be unfounded, although he did start to get a little frustrated, and in the end his reputation got the better off him and he got the first card of the night. Balotelli had a chance in the second half to win the game, but after taking the ball from Sergio Ramos he delayed the shot and Ramos had the chance to atone for his error. That was his last contribution and he was substitute for Antonio Di Natale- a man coming off a superb season with Udinese scoring 23 goals in Serie A, and they didn't have to wait too long for him to make an impact as he scored the opener in the 61st minute. But the jubilations didn't last long as Cesc Fabregas scored the equaliser just 3 minutes later. He was left unmarked as Giorgio Chiellini went out of position leaving a gap for Spain to expose.
Chiellini does like to run forward, as viewers of Serie A would know, and he is a bit of a " rugged" defender and he has to learn quick, that he wont be able to get away with his usual forms of defending. The game ended all square with 4 Italian players booked and 3 of Spain's also seeing yellow.
It might have seemed that a draw was a fair result, but as Croatia have pummelled the Republic of Ireland by 3 goal to 1. only wins in the next game will guarantee Italy's progression.
FORZA AZZURRI!!!

Bread and circus

Why is it that when the Government decides to put a tax on pasties there is a public outcry, yet when they start to chip at our basic liberties...nothing, they just decide to have a party for 4 days and forget that we are totally frakked! Are they just so stupid that they don't realise that it is our taxes that are paying for all of this? Why is it that when something is happening in other countries they are so quick to judge and act like they are morally superior, but they can't recognise the same is going on here?? How about spreading some " democracy" here.




The people here are living in a prison and they are okay with it? The people here got so complacent with their lives that they don't realise that their basic freedoms have all but disappeared, " Give them blood and they will love you for it, you can take away their freedoms, and still they'll love you,the power isn't in The Senate but the Colosseum" These are words taken from the film Gladiator, I thought we had evolved as a civilisation but clearly we hadn't. During the decline of The Roman Empire they participated in what is known as " bread and circuses". They would distract the people with gladiatorial games while they took the people freedom, money and general way of life, and what do we have here, a four day party while we're suffering higher taxes, rising unemployment and increased austerity measures, while the rich are buying lavish boats and eating cake!



This is truly a police state, we have got the most security cameras I have ever seen and if we dare to voice our grievances, we will get thrown in jail without charge, tell me this...how are we different from Russia and those Arab nations that we look down our noses at?? There are so many police officers especially in London, they say it is because of the Olympics, a little overkill don't you think?! In movies you always see the bad guy with the most security possible..ummm what does that tell you!







But people, please don't try and think about it just stick your head in the sand and let your masters whip you!!! Freedom of expression is such a wonderful thing.

Rumour merry go round!

It's that dreaded time again, when all the speculators come out and make my life miserable! Not only is there the stress of the Euros and the small fact that Italy have to get out of a group that includes Spain, but rumours are flying around about departing players, and with the departure of Alessandro Del Piero still raw I don't think I can handle the departure of another loyal solider!
Every Juventus fan is perfectly aware that this Juve side is still missing some quality players, more noticeably upfront, so the talk about the arrival of Van Persie isn't that much of a shock. But what they must keep in mind is that he had 1 very good season while spending most seasons out injured, so he's not exactly a sure thing. Plus beside having a huge ego, he will most likely have a huge wage bill, and n the end do you really want to spend huge amounts on a guy who'll probably be gone in a season?
The rumour that Claudio Marchisio will leave the Turin outfit has reared it's ugly head again. I had hoped that was squashed last year after he signed a contract that keeps him at Juve until 2016, yet they seemed to have come back into the forefront yet again. There are whispers that he might be swapped for Manchester Uniteds' Nani, this is an absurd rumour, Marchisio has been one of the main driving forces this season with nine spectacular goals ad he has formed a perfect relationship with Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. Not only is he not afraid of going forward,but he is always willing and able to track back to help the defence.

Juve have go to be out of their minds if they even contemplate this, I just hope this is an unfounded rumour.. I mean Juve can't be that stupid??!!

Italy V Russia

Okay, so maybe it wasn't the ideal start, but hey...it was a friendly, the downside is that it was the only practise session Italy got due to the disaster in Northern Italy. A lot of expectation was on this team and the new improved Prandelli era that was meant to be a fresh start. To be fair, I don't believe all the betting allegations back in Italy were doing any good, and it is rather a peculiar time for the police to start arresting and investigating people, and whatever the media says, I don't think scandal helps the National team focus.
It was a fast flowing game, not what you expect from a friendly, and chances were flying in at speed. The only problem was that none of Italy's were going in. The midfield didn't work hard enough to defend in the first half, it took them a while to get really started, which is not that bad in a friendly but one does hope they lose that habit. To be fair to Italy, the six shots on target did force the keeper to make six good saves, but the fact that the Italians had 22 shots in total and only six were good enough to trouble the keeper says it all!

The defence was not working well, especially for an Italian side, but maybe the loss of Giorgio Chiellini affected them, bit what was worse was when the ever reliable Buffon was swapped for De Sanctis at half time, and not to point fingers.. but that's when all 3 goals were conceded. Russia grew in confidence and actually TOOK their chances well, and well, the rest is history. A little raw, but still it's in the past now and all they can do is learn from it, they better learn fast as they have Spain next!! The second friendly would have really helped!! And before I forget, kudos to Balotelli for keeping his head no matter how hard they tried to bait him into doing something stupid!

Italy preview- Euro 2012, Here we come!

After a couple of weekends without Italian football, I have to admit, I am pretty excited!! Even though the media has done its very best to take away from the game and make it seem that Italian football is corrupt and even making the National Coach think of withdrawing from the competition!
 With this latest scandal that has come out, it looks  like the Azzurri will not be at the Euros. A drastic measure that the National Coach has offered, and we all hope doesn't happen. For some players this will be their first major competition at senior level, the likes of Claudio Marchisio, Fabio Borini, Antonio Nocherino and even Mario Balotelli have all been working hard for this chance to shine on the big stage.

Mario Balotelli will get his chance to prove that he is worth waiting for and he really is just misunderstood as he is going to be paired up with Antonio Cassano upfront in tonight's friendly.
 This competition will hopefully erase the memory of South Africa 2010 where they didn't even make it out of their group. Back then the Azzurri boss was Marcelo Lippi and his love affair with Juventus got the better of him, no disrespect intended, he did win the World Cup in 06, the problem was that he tried to win another with the practically with the same group of players. New Coach Cesare Prandelli has breathed a breath of fresh air into the side- so to speak, he has been more flexible and open to change and rather progressive as a lot of young players have been allowed to progress into the senior squad but he is also not afraid to drop certain players in certain games, like he did with " Super" Mario and De Rossi in a friendly game against the US, because they had some disciplinary issues domestically. This not only sends a message to them but also to the media- no one is bigger that the team, and it is this kind of strength and group cohesion that could help the Azzurri get rid of the myth that the Italian game is " boring" and "defensive". During their qualifying ( which they finished undefeated and on top!) game Italy would often dictate the games with the new found confidence and their faster more energetic rhythm of play and least we forget, their possession stats were 2nd only to Spain, that should give you an indication that times are changing... and things might be looking up for our boys in blue!

FORZA AZZURRI!!