For the fans, it is NEVER easy. They make us suffer. And that's probably why we stick around. They are sadists. We are masochists. We are complicit in our own torture.
We know that once Italy emerge from the group stages of major tournaments, they are often a force to be reckoned with, growing in confidence as each championship minute ticks buy, learning on the fly, edging - often stealing - victory from the slavering jaws of defeat.
But the sheer pain they put us through, getting there, is beyond all reasonable suffering.
Prandelli's Italy is no different in that respect. They have tantalized much, but in truth, proven little. In fact, the biggest reveal has been Italy's lack of a clinical striker to truly punish teams in phases of dominance.
FORMATIONS & RUMOURS
Well, to be frank, Italy’s line-up and tactics are anyone’s guess.
Prandelli has said that changes are needed… and also that he may change nothing. We could expect to see the 3-5-2 once more, or a reversion back to his favoured 4-3-1-2. Personally, I think Pranders is kicking himself for not going back to his most familiar formation after the Spain game.
Balotelli suffered a knee injury in training but appears to have recovered. However, Prandelli may be inclined to start Di Natale up top for his runs behind the defence. It will be interesting to see Cassano play with Di Natale – on paper, it’s intriguing. Barzagli has also recovered from injury, by all accounts. So, depending on his chosen formation, has a decision to make about which central defender gets a spot next to Chiellini.
Both Diamanti and Motta have been used in training as a trequartista. The latter’s inclusion in that role is rather shocking as he holds none of the characteristics normally associated with that position.
But we all know Prandelli doesn’t use the TQ traditionally, he just lets the midfield diamond rotate into a more advanced position. Giovinco was born for that role, but Prandelli simply won’t consider him there.
So this is the side we could see:
Buffon
Maggio – Bonnucci – Chiellini – Balzaretti
Pirlo
De Rossi - Marchisio
Motta/ Diamanti
Cassano – Di Natale
Pirlo
De Rossi - Marchisio
Motta/ Diamanti
Cassano – Di Natale
This could be a very good forward combination for us. Cassano is selfless (too much so, I would argue) and Di Natale is selfish, so it could work out well. I’d love to see Diamanti given a shot behind the front two, tonight. Yes it’s a gamble, but is it really mor eof a gamble than playing a non-creative player in a position that demands creativity? Plus he has a beautiful left foot and a goal from distance will be a much needed bonus.
TRUE FEAR
All we know for sure is that a victory for Italy may not be enough. If Spain and Croatia get a score draw, things are either difficult or impossible for the azzurri. Like Bhuddists, they cannot dwell on matters beyond their control. All they can do is try to beat Ireland by a distance of two or more goals to satisfy themselves that they achieved everything they could from this game.
We all know what happened in 2004. But this time it is different. Spain cannot risk a level score-line.
If Croatia steal a late goal, the champions could be out. You cannot turn winning attitudes on and off so I am certain Spain will give 100% to a victory to continue their fine form.
If the game goes to form, they will beat Croatia 2-0 or 3-1. Still, I will need a few underwear changes if Spain are 2-1 up with 3 minutes to go and start sitting deep. But Spain will be gunning for top spot, much preferring to play England or Ukraine in the next round, rather than a galvanised France. So they really do have something to play for.
Of course, Italy cannot assume victory over Ireland before the game is played, especially as our forwards are so goal shy. We have been kicked in the nuts once too often in recent tournaments for underestimating our opposition. And Trapattoni knows it. A lot rides on this game, today. If we go out, we want to go out with five points and a good performance to build on. Escaping group C will be our best achievement since winning the WC.
For what it’s worth, I believe Prandelli's Italy can do very well in this tournament, IF they progress from the group stages. They have learned a crucial lesson from the Croatia game and you will never see them squander a lead again. But, as is always the case in tournament football, such lessons can be harsh, and send you packing.
It will be torure. As usual.
Forza.
