Why Italy, Why?
Many Azzurri fans were left asking that question after their elimination in the Confederations Cup last night against Brazil. How did they manage
to play so badly in a tournament which- on paper- they should have passed through easily enough even without beating Brazil?
It simply doesn't make sense whatsoever as the Azzurri struggled to get a win against the USA, they were outplayed by Egypt for most of the game and were not only beaten by Brazil but were outplayed, outclassed and had circles run around them by the Samba boys. They failed to score goals in two of the three games and conceded goals like it was going out of fashion.
A team that can so proudly host names such as Pirlo, Cannavaro, Buffon and Toni should not have struggled so. After all they are the World Cup winners!
It was Luis Fabiano that stole the show with his two goals but it was the whole team that deserved the credit as their pin-point passing, their perfectly timed interceptions, their passion to succeed saw them, and rightfully so, top group B. The USA progressed after their shock win over Egypt.
Now when one looks back at the history of La Nazionale it is clear that the Azzurri would never go far in this meaningless tournament. The Italians have a tendency to put in dull and sloppy performances after achieving a high honour and
this is exactly what they did.
In the Euro they had no motivation to play for the Azzurri and helped sent Donadoni packing after just two years at the helm. They are also a superstitious bunch as they believe; should they win this tournament they would have no chance in success next year.
Nevertheless, that doesn't provide an adequate excuse for their dismal and embarrassing display last night. The excuse of being World Champions, so their is no need to perform in silly competitions, doesn't stand any more as they have to prove that they deserved that title and can just as easily regain it again next year.
A lot of lessons have hopefully hit home after those scary 90 minutes and maybe Lippi will now take a close look at the team. Some players are just too inexperienced to fill the shoes of Gattuso, Cannavaro and Toni. While some players who won the World Cup with Lippi might need to be dropped from the side as they are failing to deliver the goods.
Nevertheless when times are tough and the Azzurri really need to deliver the goods they know how to put in a meaningful performance and get the job done. After all no one will remember this tournament in years to come...
to play so badly in a tournament which- on paper- they should have passed through easily enough even without beating Brazil?It simply doesn't make sense whatsoever as the Azzurri struggled to get a win against the USA, they were outplayed by Egypt for most of the game and were not only beaten by Brazil but were outplayed, outclassed and had circles run around them by the Samba boys. They failed to score goals in two of the three games and conceded goals like it was going out of fashion.
A team that can so proudly host names such as Pirlo, Cannavaro, Buffon and Toni should not have struggled so. After all they are the World Cup winners!
It was Luis Fabiano that stole the show with his two goals but it was the whole team that deserved the credit as their pin-point passing, their perfectly timed interceptions, their passion to succeed saw them, and rightfully so, top group B. The USA progressed after their shock win over Egypt.
Now when one looks back at the history of La Nazionale it is clear that the Azzurri would never go far in this meaningless tournament. The Italians have a tendency to put in dull and sloppy performances after achieving a high honour and
this is exactly what they did. In the Euro they had no motivation to play for the Azzurri and helped sent Donadoni packing after just two years at the helm. They are also a superstitious bunch as they believe; should they win this tournament they would have no chance in success next year.
Nevertheless, that doesn't provide an adequate excuse for their dismal and embarrassing display last night. The excuse of being World Champions, so their is no need to perform in silly competitions, doesn't stand any more as they have to prove that they deserved that title and can just as easily regain it again next year.
A lot of lessons have hopefully hit home after those scary 90 minutes and maybe Lippi will now take a close look at the team. Some players are just too inexperienced to fill the shoes of Gattuso, Cannavaro and Toni. While some players who won the World Cup with Lippi might need to be dropped from the side as they are failing to deliver the goods.
Nevertheless when times are tough and the Azzurri really need to deliver the goods they know how to put in a meaningful performance and get the job done. After all no one will remember this tournament in years to come...
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