Banter 2009/2010

Borriello will hardly go to WC, he almost has no chance. Lippi will take 5 strikers. In 2006, he took 3 CFs (Toni, Gila and Pippo) and 2 SSs (Iaquinta and Del Piero). Now, giving the form of some players, I'm pretty sure that Giuseppe Rossi is sure to go, Iaquinta is a starter (he will be ready in time) and Di Natale will surely go if he keeps playing like he's playing this season. That leaves the space for 2 CFs, one is Gilardino and second will most probably be Luca Toni. If if one of these doesn't make there's more players in better position than Borriello, like Pazzini, Quagliarella, etc. That's what Lippi thinks.

Personally, I don't think that players like Di Natale and Quagliarella are good enough for NT, I would always take Borriello before them two, but that's just me.

Originally Posted by Revolver

Borriello will hardly go to WC, he almost has no chance. Lippi will take 5 strikers. In 2006, he took 3 CFs (Toni, Gila and Pippo) and 2 SSs (Iaquinta and Del Piero). Now, giving the form of some players, I'm pretty sure that Giuseppe Rossi is sure to go, Iaquinta is a starter (he will be ready in time) and Di Natale will surely go if he keeps playing like he's playing this season. That leaves the space for 2 CFs, one is Gilardino and second will most probably be Luca Toni. If if one of these doesn't make there's more players in better position than Borriello, like Pazzini, Quagliarella, etc. That's what Lippi thinks.

Personally, I don't think that players like Di Natale and Quagliarella are good enough for NT, I would always take Borriello before them two, but that's just me.

I agree Borriello's got little chance of going to the world cup and I think it's more likely to Lippi's stubborness on the players he's pretty much selected than Borriello's problem. Lippi's pretty much decided on his squad and I doubt players like Borriello and Ambrosini will feature even if they completely deserve a call.

Borriello's direct competition right now is Gilardino, Pazzini and Toni (Quagliarella is good but I'm not sure how he'd fit Lippi's system). Of all of the names mentioned, right now Borriello is probably in the best form, as he's scoring frequently and has been moving really well for Milan. Gila and Pazzini (less so compared to last year) are doing well, but quite frankly neither deserve the call ahead of Borriello. Toni is finished as far as I'm concerned, and the only way I see him deserving a call is if he performs miracles at Roma.

So, I think you'll probably be right that in Lippi's mind all these players will deserve a call ahead of Borriello, but I'd argue if anything Borriello should be the leading man for Italy at the world cup if his form continues.

There was reports in the papers here yesterday that Chelsea want to sign Dzeko and will offer £37 million the 40 million euro that Wolfs want. They asked his agent and his agent said it was possible that many clubs want Dzeko and Milan have shown the most interest and Dzeko really wants to go to Milan as he supported them and still does. But Milan just do not have the money he said they are offering 25 million + Kaladze and Janku but Wolfs want the money he also said Milan are prepared to pay 28 million + Huntelaar but Wolfs don't want that and want 40 million and that Milan just do not have the money.

I think Borriello's competition are Gila, Toni, & Amauri while Pazzini has different attributes since he does not have the physique to play the role the others can play but he is definitely a better finisher.
I'd say Amauri's form these last 2 seasons shouldn't even make him an option but following Lippi's speeches since forever now, he will consider him. I agree that Toni has a lot to do, but at least now he has given himself a chance, and he has also been a Lippi favorite since the last WC. So i guess Gila is the main rival and is obviously ahead in Lippi's book, so Borriello knows he still has a lot to do which is sg positive for us

As for Ambrosini, i am sure that if he continues like that he will go to the WC ahead of Gattuso, Palombo, Galloppa... the only certain player here is De Rossi...and rightly so

Originally Posted by LebRN

I think Borriello's competition are Gila, Toni, & Amauri while Pazzini has different attributes since he does not have the physique to play the role the others can play but he is definitely a better finisher.
I'd say Amauri's form these last 2 seasons shouldn't even make him an option but following Lippi's speeches since forever now, he will consider him. I agree that Toni has a lot to do, but at least now he has given himself a chance, and he has also been a Lippi favorite since the last WC. So i guess Gila is the main rival and is obviously ahead in Lippi's book, so Borriello knows he still has a lot to do which is sg positive for us

As for Ambrosini, i am sure that if he continues like that he will go to the WC ahead of Gattuso, Palombo, Galloppa... the only certain player here is De Rossi...and rightly so

Amauri will not go, he was dreadful this season, no way Lippi will call him. Gilardino has one spot for sure. He's the best Italian striker. Lippi likes Toni, so if Toni scores some goals for Roma he will go too. Lippi doesn't like to experiment ahead of big competition, so he'll keep the team from qualifications, only proven and experienced players could be added (like Totti). Saying that, I doubt that even Ambrosini will go. But Gattuso will go surely, if not to play, then because he's influence in dressing room.

Originally Posted by Revolver

Amauri will not go, he was dreadful this season, no way Lippi will call him. Gilardino has one spot for sure. He's the best Italian striker. Lippi likes Toni, so if Toni scores some goals for Roma he will go too. Lippi doesn't like to experiment ahead of big competition, so he'll keep the team from qualifications, only proven and experienced players could be added (like Totti). Saying that, I doubt that even Ambrosini will go. But Gattuso will go surely, if not to play, then because he's influence in dressing room.

100% agree about everything, except that i really think Ambro will go

Originally Posted by Jay Crisp

There was reports in the papers here yesterday that Chelsea want to sign Dzeko and will offer £37 million the 40 million euro that Wolfs want. They asked his agent and his agent said it was possible that many clubs want Dzeko and Milan have shown the most interest and Dzeko really wants to go to Milan as he supported them and still does. But Milan just do not have the money he said they are offering 25 million + Kaladze and Janku but Wolfs want the money he also said Milan are prepared to pay 28 million + Huntelaar but Wolfs don't want that and want 40 million and that Milan just do not have the money.

For some reason Milan is as rick as Portsmouth! Those news occur every time we need to pay for someone... That means that even if we sign Dzeko, there is no money to sign other players Milan needs. Sad...

Ambro should go,he is maybe the most consistent and best midfielder of Italy nowadays(i dont say he is the best,just that he is amazing week in week out),not only as a DM but also as a Box to Box midfielder.

Now i think of it,Antonini should go FOR SURE!Grosso is wasted,he cant push up and down the flank like he used to do.Fullbacks are very important for Italy,especially in the attacking phase,Antonini could really do a 'Grosso' at the WC this year.

And i dont think its a very strange idea.Grosso was a nobody(abroad Italy)when he played at WC 2006,nobody knew him and he played at Palermo,then he showed his skills and earned a big transfer,and he was already 27 i think.Antonini can do the same.

Ronaldinho should go with Brazil for sure,Dunga has no reason anymore not to select him.

It would be extremly unfair and subjective from Lippi not to let Ambrosini go to the WC. Seeing that players like Camoranesi, Gattuso, PErrotta will go, Ambrosini deserves a chance. He has been playing brilliantly since he was placed in his natural position by Leo. Aguess Ambro learned a lot about passing and attacking playing as a LM with Carletto Finnally now Ambro plays what he can play, and it is showing. Forza capitano!

Some news: Zarate will leave Lazio!! Absolutely amazing player who is less appriciated then some "stars" but will be a world class player! Of curse Im not even thinking Milan can buy him and create Dinho-Pato-Zarate attack coz we cant pay for electricity and not some great player.

PAto is injured again, and will miss Siena game. Seedorf and Zambro are also not fit and Boriello picked up a knock.

On young croatian players: Finnally I have something to say, like Brasiliero Dinamo Zagreb sold another player after Eduardo, Corluka, Modric etc. Lovren, a young CB (19/20) has signed for Lyon for something about 8-10mln. They consider him to be a great promise for a CB place and he can also play as a DM. I cannot say I expected he'll be sold so soon for such money, but I doubt Lyon pays 10 mln for CB's that dont have quality.

New CB/RB that is now a star in croatian league is Domagoj Vida, a player from my local club. In my oppinion he is better then Lovren, but Lovren has some callups for NT already and plays for Dinamo Zagreb so... Vida is a captain of U21 and is very strong, calm and technical player. It will be interesting to see those 2 develop.

Grosso is nothing special when he plays for a club, never was. But, for NT, it's not the same player, Mr. Jekyl turns into Mr. Hyde. Is that because Lippi simply knows how to get the best form EVERY player, or Pirlo is exploiting Grosso's strengths to the maximum, I'm not sure, but playing for Italy, Grosso in among LB elite. It's not just WC 2006, he was great in Euro 2008 too, and he sucked for Lyon.

Originally Posted by mrki

Im not even thinking Milan can buy him and create Dinho-Pato-Zarate attack coz we cant pay for ELECTRICITY

Brilliant I have laughed ina while at a post , goos stuff mrki.

For Ambro, I don't think that he can fit in Lippi's system. Lippi plays a 3 man midfield with one DM playmaker who can defend well (usually De Rossi) and 2 in front of him, one DM, who's job is mainly to defend as he stays back when De Rossi goes up, and one creative CM, who goes up and creates play in the final third, or change places with De Rossi when he stays up, and that is Pirlo. It's similar to Ancelotti's 3 man midfield, but with two playmakers interchanging in creating play and with Pirlo who's free to go whenever he wants without any limitation. Also, Lippi loves to keep an ace in his pocket when something about his initial 4-3-1-2 (with Totti, Lippi will switch from 4-3-3) is wrong, and that "ace" is changing formation to 4-4-1-1, with one pure side midfielder (Camoranesi) and one "forced" SM (Perrotta, Marchisio...). In the middle there are one playmaker and one PURE DM, who's running for 3 players sometimes, in that case.

Now, Lippi will take 7 midfielders, including Totti. As Gattuso, De Rossi and Pirlo is his initial 3 man midfield they're already on the plane. Camoranesi is sure too, because without him changing to 4-4-1-1 isn't possible. If he doesn't make it (he's injured), a similar player will go, one who is side midfielder, but can play CM, and is creative. But, knowing Lippi, Camo will go even on one leg. Then, one super-versatile player will go, one who can play in every midfield position (SM, CM, DM, AM) and that will be Perrotta or Brighi. That leaves the place for one player. Last time, it was Simone Barone, a Pirlo's replacement that is, one true playmaker with passing ability. It will be Montolivo or D'Agostino. Even if Lippi change his mind, he will take Marchisio, because he loves Juventus' players and that way he has another option on the left side for 4-4-1-1.

As of today, Ambro and Borriello will probably miss the WC, b/c Lippi is GOD and whatever he says go....
But the WC is still quite a long way to go. Players will get injured or really out of form or really in form. Those are factors that Lippi must consider.
Personally, I am the IT coach, I would call Antonini to play, as he is solid and does his job on top of that he can play both sides.
No need to explain about Ambro and Borreillo.

At the end, I really think it comes down to how well Milan plays. Since if Milan manage to win CL or the League or both, and players like Abbiatti, Nesta, Zambro, Antonini, Ambro, Pirlo, Gattuso, Pippo and Borreillo all played a huge part in winning those competitions. Lippi probably has no choice but to pick them for the WC(given that Nesta wants to go), as that can be the starting Lineup for the National Team when adding someone like Totti in attack, Canna in defense, have Rossi plays on the right and let Pippo comes off the bench.

eventhough we do have an average primavera with de vito, albertazzi etc B&G should invest in some of the younger italian/foreign prodigies owned by other serie a clubs, who own players with at least a 50% hope of being world champions....with a minimal investment...for the future....these are players who possess the technique & just need a class room to blossom - MILANELLO is just the place where they can do that


ST - Marilungo(Sampdoria), Lanzafame(Parma), Paloschi(Parma)
CAM - Pastore(Palermo), jovetic(fiorentina)
CM - Poli(Sampdoria), Cigarini(Napoli)
CB - Angella (Sampdoria), Astori(Cagliari), Kjaer(Palermo)
WB - Santon(Inter)
GK - julio sergio(roma), Colombi(sampdoria)

Fiorentina (bought felipe, ljajic etc & is having a hell of a mercato), Sampdoria, Palermo are already building their future on these playesr & what do we have...???