The End Of Italian Era

Italy is my favourite team ever but I have been force to admit that Italian side never looks the same as they were a few years ago. This is very sad and I am very worried about our teams future. 2006 WC is not far away and we are nowhere. here are the reasons:

FORWARDS


Our forwards seem to be struggling full time Vieri has not scored for ages while Delpiero never seems to be fit to play. Cassano is surely the most talented player in the world but his poor attitude might be a threat to his career very soon. Gilardino is the lone raider but can he win glories for us on his own. I dont think so one player with not much International experience can do so?

MIDFIELDERS


This is from where the problem emerges our midfield is the weakest line up in our team. The only reason being the continuos swaping of our players. The talent is there but we never keep a fixed starting four or five. Take the example of RM position somtimes its Fiore other time Gattuso and then sometime Camorisine or Zanetti. Plus one player plays for more than one position for e.g Fiore plays as RM LM and even as CDM. Moreover we bring in Zambro as LM with he being so good as a LB. This way our Midfield will neve ever improve or will never become a threat to the oposition.

DEFENDERS

One area where we are still the best in the world but never the same as a few years back. Nesta still RULZ the world so does Zambro unlesss the latter is shifted to serve as a midfielder. Cannavaro never looks the same "KING OF STOPPERS" he has surley lost some pace and now because he cannot chase players so he opts to take the ball by unfair mean giving away a ridiculous foul. Pannuci for now is an average player but the good thing is he has been pressurised nicley by Oddo for the RB position.

GOALKEEPERS

BUFFON is a "SHOWSTOPPING CONCEPT" he is the best there ever will be.Some say that he is never the same in International side but I dont believe in that. Plus the sub bench is strong too.

Now what do you guys think? Do we have a future for WC 2006 or not?

My answer to be optimistic we will be the world Champions but to be realistic we are no where.

If we avoid 3 things we can improve:

1. To be to much defenive.
2. To maintain a permanent starting 11 or not swaping players.
3. To avoid getting to much red and yellow cards.

I hope we do become the WC CHAMPS really do hope.

Well, I don't think the Italian side is that weak at all tbh.

If you look at the forwards, players like Vieri may not be at their best, but youngsters like Cassano and Gilardinho are looking very good.

In the midfield, Italy has Pirlo, Totti, Gattuso who are all world class and future stars like De Rossi

The defence is extremely solid still

The goalkeeper is excellent too.

My point is, Italy have the class to do very well in the next WC and many of the players coming through will be more mature.

However, in saying this, Brazil and Argentina look to be preparing some VERY special sides

I don't think 2006 is a possibility, I don't see Italy being the favorite or anything but its not all bad and a lot will depend on Lippi settling on a system too and not making the mistakes of the previous coach (for example...reverting to a defensive formation when the opposition is not really threatening )

If Italy plays a 4-3-1-2 with Totti supporting Cassano and Gilardino and with Pirlo in a deep midfield position, I think Italy has a decent shot at the WC trophy (by no means favourites though).

If Italy plays a standard 4-4-2, it is hopeless. The midfield in such a formation just isn't strong enough, especially on the wings.

We still have Toni in attack if Cassano still cannot control his temperament. He is proving to be Italy's upcoming talent altho his talent is discovered a tat too late to be extraordinary.