So the race to qualify for Euro 2008 has begun - and by the looks of things, it is going to be a long hard struggle for the Azzurri.
Last night's disappointing draw with Lithuania was, I have to say, not entirely unexpected - few of our players have played any competitive football so far this season, so much so that some who you would have thought would start (eg. Zambro, Toni) never got a look in - Toni of course not even being called up.
Focussing on the positives first, Cassano looks like he is back to his old self, and was easily our best player. He brings something to the side that is a bit different from any of our other attackers, and was unlucky not to score a fantastic goal last night.
The negatives - De Rossi and Perrotta. I know I won't be popular with Roma fans, but neither of them played well last night. I think they are both great players, but they looked off the pace last night. I don't think they are helped by Donadoni's tactics - they were both asked to play wide, when both are far better in the centre.
I also have to say, although he scored, I am not convinced we should be starting with Inzaghi ahead of Gila. Inzaghi is what he always is; frustrating, always moaning, falling over, offside. Gila on the other hand is very good at holding the ball up - better even than Toni. I think if we are only playing one striker, it should be him ahead of SuperPippo.
On the back of last night's performance, France on Wednesday does not look like an appetising proposition. We need to improve quickly to avoid a morale crushing defeat - not to mention that it would leave us 5 points behind after only two games.
This is not meant to sound wholly negative - some of the play last night was excellent. We can, and no doubt will, play better in the future. Let's hope it begins on Wednesday...
PS - Have been in Italia for a week or so, hence the lack of updates. Now I am back in Scozia, the updates should become regular again, starting with a report on Venezia's first game of C1 against Ivrea later today.
4 comments:
Is this the place to come for my Italian football updates as that cousin of your's seems to be using the feeble excuse of having two young children for not having time to update his blog.
Anyhoo just shows you the impact that fitness can have on a match. If this game was to be played again in two months I've no doubt the Azzurri would win easily. Still that's not much comfort with only one point on the board and heading to Paris on Wednesday.
On the bright side Scotland are top of the group!
See you giovedi.
What you talking about Martino - you know this was always the place to come for Italian football updates, no matter what Ginkers says!
neither Perrotta nor De Rossi should be asked to play wide, especially not Danielino who is little short of useless there. Even at our most desperate and injury-ridden last year we didn't put him there. Though I didn't see the game so I can't really comment.
I grow nervous about tomorrow now...
I urge you to revisit my blog for far more ill-informed nonsense that you can get here...
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