boring

boring · 19-06-2009, 07:57

Since the 2006 World Cup win and particularly since Lippi took over the national team reigns, there seems to have been a marked slump in the team. From what I have seen of the team, particularly in world cup qualifiers, the performances from not only the individual players but also the team as a unit have lacked.

In particular, Lippi's philosophy of an integrated team like a healthy family though was evident in the last world cup, hasn't been seen this time around. The team appears to be very fragile even in the matches it wins.

Certain specific decisions also have been baffling and now un-justifiable. I'll point out two of these in detail.

1. Persistence with Luca Toni - He's gone from bad to worse for the national team and really should consider retiring. It's amazing that with players like Cassano, Pazzini, Giovinco just loitering around, he prefers to play old-horse Toni.

2. Refusal to play Cassano - He's possibly the best Italian striker right now and yet he can't break into Lippi's team. His temperament and behaviour has improved considerably since he joined Sampdoria. Why he's not been given a chance?

Young players haven't been given enough chances, particularly in defense. Santon, Santacroce, Motta have been very good this last season and certainly Lippi could give them a chance to play in friendlies and the confederations cup.

Players like Toni, Legrottaglie and Camoranesi are past it and yet being persisted with. Other ones like Iaquinta and Gilardino who have failed to prove themselves despite enough opportunities are again being persisted with.

The midfield and particularly the attack have been extremely static.
The defense is very shaky.

Though the team currently leads the world cup qualifying group, it has struggled against all the decent teams it has faced in the last year.

Beat Syprus, Georgia and Montenegro and USA.
Drew with Ireland, Bulgaria.
Lost to Egypt, Brazil (friendly)

I am aware that this thread has come after a defeat to Egypt and the upcoming encounter with Brazil but this has been my general feeling since Lippi took over.

Even teams like England have started to really hit it off but Italy it seems, have gone backwards.

P.S. - I just realised this thread belongs elsewhere.. Sorry to moderators.

19-06-2009, 07:57	#1
boring Registered User Join Date: 09 2008 Location: India Fave Players: Kaka, Ronaldinho, Pirlo, Iniesta, Nesta, Maldini	Italian National Team Since the 2006 World Cup win and particularly since Lippi took over the national team reigns, there seems to have been a marked slump in the team. From what I have seen of the team, particularly in world cup qualifiers, the performances from not only the individual players but also the team as a unit have lacked. In particular, Lippi's philosophy of an integrated team like a healthy family though was evident in the last world cup, hasn't been seen this time around. The team appears to be very fragile even in the matches it wins. Certain specific decisions also have been baffling and now un-justifiable. I'll point out two of these in detail. 1. Persistence with Luca Toni - He's gone from bad to worse for the national team and really should consider retiring. It's amazing that with players like Cassano, Pazzini, Giovinco just loitering around, he prefers to play old-horse Toni. 2. Refusal to play Cassano - He's possibly the best Italian striker right now and yet he can't break into Lippi's team. His temperament and behaviour has improved considerably since he joined Sampdoria. Why he's not been given a chance? Young players haven't been given enough chances, particularly in defense. Santon, Santacroce, Motta have been very good this last season and certainly Lippi could give them a chance to play in friendlies and the confederations cup. Players like Toni, Legrottaglie and Camoranesi are past it and yet being persisted with. Other ones like Iaquinta and Gilardino who have failed to prove themselves despite enough opportunities are again being persisted with. The midfield and particularly the attack have been extremely static. The defense is very shaky. Though the team currently leads the world cup qualifying group, it has struggled against all the decent teams it has faced in the last year. Beat Syprus, Georgia and Montenegro and USA. Drew with Ireland, Bulgaria. Lost to Egypt, Brazil (friendly) I am aware that this thread has come after a defeat to Egypt and the upcoming encounter with Brazil but this has been my general feeling since Lippi took over. Even teams like England have started to really hit it off but Italy it seems, have gone backwards. P.S. - I just realised this thread belongs elsewhere.. Sorry to moderators. __________________ Yeah, well, that's just, like, your opinion, man. Last edited by boring; 19-06-2009 at 07:59.