MatchDay: Italy v. Russia

Italy  v  Russia

Stadion Letzigrund - Zürich, Switzerland

Live 2:30p.m. (EST) 

Where to Watch: RAI International, RAI Sport and The Internet

Match Background

This is the "first" test for the Prandelli's Azzurri in the build up to the European Championships (which start in one week). Our first exhibition match in Parma against Luxembourg was cancelled due to a violent earthquake which took place the morning of the match.  This is scheduled to be our one and only exhibition match prior to our kick off against Spain on June 10th.

Russia

Lead by manager Dick Advocaat, this is a team that won their group during Euro 2012 qualifications with a record of 7 wins 2 draws and 1 loss. Lead by the inexplicable (yet declining) talent of Arshavin, Russia is determined to match their impressive run from Euro 2008. 

This will be Russia's third exhibition match in preparation for Euro 2012; their results are as follows:

Russia 1 - 1 Uruguay 

May 25th 2012

Lithuania 0 - 0 Russia

May 29th 2012

Italy

Controversy has been following this team since it was formed earlier in May by C. Prandelli. From the weight of a new match fixing scandal, to two earthquakes rocking the Italian peninsula (one affecting the match in Parma), to the sensationalist media now poking around at our camp it seems there is no stopping the forces trying to overturn the Azzurri; exposing their soft underside. As said in an earlier post, there is no better team than all this controversy to happen to. 

The real concerning substance though is that this will be Italy's first exhibition match in preparation for Euro 2012. They have not played a single exhibition match against another international squad; while a team like Russia will be entering their third match.  But is there really concern in the camp for a lack of preparation? As the Danish team of the early 90's taught us, you don't need preparation to win a major trophy; some times a little RnR is just what the doctor ordered. 

Regardless, the Azzurri arrive with a fit Giorgio Chiellini and Riccardo Montolivo. We should be spoiled a plenty by Prandelli this afternoon; as it's likely he will tantalize us with various shuffles in the attack featuring a mishmash of Cassano, Balotelli, Giovinco, DiNatale and Borini throughout the match (not at the same time of course). He has been experimenting with three attackers in recent weeks. If there are similarities to be drawn from the Italian champions Juventus; it's that Prandelli seems to have also organized a unit capable of shifting formations and positions on a whim. There have been concerns regarding the lack of a second Left Back with the dismissal of Criscito due to match fixing allegations; however, both Ogbonna and Chiellini are more than capable of filling the void if Balzaretti needs a rest one afternoon. 

 

What's Buffon Saying About the Sensationalist Media?

"If someone talks to a prosecutor, you know the content 10 minutes later. It is a shame. You always find out the bad things from the media on the first day. This seems to be a normal thing. I accept the criticism and I take responsibility. But also sorry to hear of paternalistic journalists. "

The Azzurri in their Sunday Best

Predictions

ITALY 3 - 2 RUSSIA

Feel free to post comments below during the game. We'll have a post match report up following the match. Enjoy!

and 

Forza Azzurri

MatchDay (Cancelled): Italy v Luxembourg: Road to Euro 2012 and the Final 23!

**UPDATE** Due to an Earthquake in the Region of Emilia Romagna Italy v Luxembourg has been Cancelled. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones lost in this tragedy.  

Amidst a new wave of controversy sweeping Italian Football, the Azzurri commence their trek to Ukraine-Poland today at the Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma. Fate would have it that minnows Luxembourg will be our first test in what promises to be a month of facing progressively stronger adversaries.

More on the game in just a moment; but first - let's touch on the ugly side of Football - a New Match fixing scandal. 

Calciopoli pt. II or III or IV Depending how you look at it. 

There is no surprise here. The events of yesterday; with the detaining of Mauri and Criscito were always in front of us. I didn't fully expect anyone to be detained; however, we did expect another match fixing scandal to be in the works, especially with the announcements of various investigations (mostly centred around Siena) taking place. The timing could not be more practical. A day before Prandelli is due to report his final 23-man preferetti to UEFA two police vehicles show up to the Italian training camp and pay a three hour visit. 

Likely such a situation could throw any team into a little crisis mode. It isn't always the best of situations when you hear of the authorities raiding homes of various players and coaches. Yet, I somehow have come to appreciate the understanding that in Italy, we seem to thrive in situations of controversy. Look at past experiences; 1982 betting scandal - we pull off a World Cup Triumph; 2006 Calciopoli - player's squads are relegated to Serie B, coaches quitting, people detained, Pessotto attempts suicide - we win a World Cup. The best part of 2006's World Cup though was all or most of these events took place during the tournament; an achievement to this magnitude is simply unheard of and quite frankly isn't heralded enough. 

This time around; we do have a little cloud that is hanging over us. L. Bonucci, has been subjected to allegations of match fixing for several months; yet he still remains with the squad. Prandelli pointed to Criscito's dismissal yesterday as a necessity, as the allegations alone would have proven too stressful to the player throughout a major tournament like Euro 2012; thus impeding his performances. I completely agree. But what of Bonucci. Surely, he too is aware of the guillotine hovering over him. Could it only be a matter of time? Should Prandelli be so bold in dismissing the Juventus centre back today? (Please note that Bonucci is not under a formal investigation at this time)

The subject of match fixing is something that I reckon needs to be delved into more on a continental level. I don't think this is something native to only Italy and I'm sure it takes place in leagues around Europe (I'm talking the big leagues); I do believe though that after the events of 2006, Italy is taking it a little more serious then a few of the other leagues. Hopefully these proceedings don't have any further direct effect on the Azzurri camp. 

The Final 23. 

In addition to some legal wranglings yesterday, Prandelli also managed to alleviate a few people of their duties in the Italian camp.  Here are the final 23 for Euro 2012:

PORTIERI: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St. Germain)

DIFENSORI: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino)

CENTROCAMPISTI: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini (Juventus), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Antonio Nocerino (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

ATTACCANTI: Mario Barwuah Balotelli (Manchester City), Fabio Borini (Roma), Antonio Cassano (Milan), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma),

That means, Marco Verratti, Davide Astori, Savlatore Bocchetti, Luca Cigarini, Ezequiel Schelotto, Domenico Criscito; will not be getting an all expenses paid trip to Euro 2012. 

We will annex Luxembourg as we descend on Poland-Ukraine

Even with the events above taking place, we are now set to take part in our first official exhibition match this evening against Luxembourg. Our starting 11 is expected to be a little uncharacteristic as Prandelli tinkers with his Azzurri machine to see what cogs best fit in into our overall scheme. One thing apparent so far is that this Azzurri squad will be unlike the one that lined up for the 2012 FIFA WORLD CUP. Attack will be our focus and if the exhibition matches and qualification matches should be of any sign, this Azzurri team will be unafraid to control the play and dictate the outcome.

Luxembourg to their credit are one of the minnows of Europe. They have faced the Azzurri a total of 8 times in their history and have succumbed to defeat 8 times - having never scored a goal against the Italians. History should not be under threat today. It's expected the line-ups 

Today's should feature an indication to how the Azzurri are copping with the stresses of this new betting scandal. I fully expect the pressure of the off field scandal to melt off of them seconds into the match as the stresses of their long trek to the summit in Kyiv on July 1st 2012. The road begins today, regardless of any off field distractions. 

Despite DeRossi's talk about this being the "Worst Scandal" - I firmly believe that if something like this had to happen to any national team on earth; I'm happy to have it happen to us. It'll make us better and it'll make us play with more passion and determination. While other national teams would cripple under the pressure, we naturally thrive under the controversy. Scandal is in our blood and I'm excited for this tournament to begin in just over a weeks time. Forza Azzurri. 

On a side note, I will be missing today's match. If anyone would like to write up a quick synopsis email me at marcowcb@gmail.com 

The Calm Before the Storm...

Coppa Italia ConcernsThe Italian season came to a smashing end yesterday evening in Rome. Amidst the falling rain on the eternal city, newly crowned Serie A champions Juventus blew their opportunity at sealing a perfect season to a determined Napoli squad. Mazzarri's men, bested the Torino giants 2 - 0 to attain their first title in over 20 years. A spectacular feat to say the least.

While I express my congratulatory remarks to my Neapolitan friends, I am also concerned. Juventus started Bonucci, Barzagli, Pirlo, and Marchisio in yesterday's match; four men that could easily be starting in a couple weeks time for the Azzurri against Spain. Give credit where credit is due; but no matter how good Napoli were on this day; what lies ahead for these four men could surely be more menacing then that of the Neapolitan attack.

Although these four players have had very solid campaigns for Juventus this season, watching them against Napoli brought back some old, rather discomforting memories of years past. For instance, Barzagli's performance at Euro 08 against the Netherlands; how slow he was on that fateful night... has he recovered form from that match? Or has it been masked all along?

I'll avoid my own pessimistic origins and give the Azzurri/Juventus backline the benefit of the doubt. For this night in Rome, Juve's poor defence was down to excessive partying and poor coverage from a certain Uruguayan defender and his swiss counterpart at right back.

Let Training Camp Begin
The National team met today at 12:00p.m. at the technical federal Center in Coverciano to start the preparation phase for the 2012 UEFA European Championships The program contained a press conference at 1:30 pm with the head coach Cesare Prandelli, while at 5:00 pm the Azzurri hit the field for the first training session (open to the press).

The Juventus, Napoli, Torino, Pescara and Paris St.Germain players still involved with their respective clubs in the final matches of the season, will reach Coverciano on Saturday, May 26th.

Here's what we Learned from Day One @ Coverciano
The Prandelli guidelines "My aim is to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and generosity. I want to give the impression of a team that is well-prepared to venture forth into this European Championship in the knowledge that it is a unique event: approaching it with a smile and without nerves or controversy, showing they are happy to be taking part."
~ Already this is a far cry from previous Azzurri teams; most notably the World Cup 2010 team.

Prandelli's response to Chiellini's injury and Juventus' defeat in Coppa Italia "We are waiting for the results of new tests, but we are quietly confident. Giorgio really wants to travel with the squad and make progress. Are the Juventini demoralised? Yesterday Napoli played very well, I'm not really concerned about what state the Juventus players are in when they arrive, quite the contrary. What I did find deplorable was the whistling and booing that went on while the national anthem was being played. We were all horrified and I felt a sense of outrage at this. Another aspect we'll have to improve upon is observing minutes of silence."

Prandelli on the Azzurri's Attacking Options "The quality of play will enhance the performance of our strikers, he continued. Will Cassano and Balotelli play? They are here, but other players might get a game. I have spoken a lot with Mario, he knows how big an opportunity this is for himself and for us. Even when things are well-organised, quality makes the difference. From the performance of the strikers, to that of Pirlo, to Buffon's saves, it's obvious that technique in a move can decide how a match goes. Insigne? I thought I'd call him up, then I preferred to rely on players who were more familiar with the game in the top flight, in Serie A."

~ Prandelli's remarks to Balotelli are spot on. An international tournament has a way of fast tracking a player into super stardom: similar to players like Baggio '90; Rooney Euro '04; Ronaldo Euro '04; Vieri '98. This tournament is a tremendous opportunity for Balotelli to fire his career into the right direction. 

The most interesting bit of news though came with this remark: 

“I have the final 23 in my head, but everyone in the squad has the ability to change my mind,”

With this in mind; who will be included in Prandelli's 23 Man squad!? Below you'll find a list of his 32 man squad. Take the names and come up with your list of the final 23 men going to the 2012 European Championships. The person who gets closest to the actual squad wins the ultimate prize; my compliments. 

Portieri: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Palermo);

Difensori: Abate (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Barzagli (Juventus), Bocchetti (Rubin Kazan), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit San Pietroburgo), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino), Ranocchia (Inter);

Centrocampisti: Cigarini (Atalanta), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Nocerino (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus),Schelotto (Atalanta), Verratti (Pescara);

Attaccanti: Balotelli (Manchester City), Borini (Roma), Cassano (Milan), Destro (Siena), Di Natale (Udinese), Giovinco (Parma).

This Week in Pictures... Prandelli Speaks!

Gigi Buffon and James Spithill chatting @ The Giro

Could this be the Azzurri's Dynamic Duo?

No return to form! Lippi Set's Aside Azzurri ambitions and signs with Guangzhou. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the fat pay check! 

Prandelli unleashes the list of the 32 men who have a shot at hoisting the 2012 European Championship

With regards to the call ups here is what Prandelli had to say in his own words:

"When you are not called up you feel like you have suffered an injustice, but I made my decisions on merit. I’d like to see who could have been called up instead of Antonio Di Natale and Sebastian Giovinco (…) Six attackers are what I need for the way we will play. (…)"

"We evaluated which players could give us 100% in terms of the team overall. Those left out were so for tactical reasons. Today there is no longer a static player in attack. Mario Balotelli can be used in that role, but also on the flanks. It’s the same for Di Natale and Giovinco who have scored a lot without being a reference point for defenders."

"CASSANO did all that he could to be here and he’s made it. He’s shown that he loves this shirt. I prefer to have enthusiastic players in the squad. BALOTELLI hasn’t played that much recently, but he’s won a title with Manchester City and is one of the emerging talents that we have to help explode."

"There are a lot of reasons why we thought about VERRATTI. The first are his qualities, which have also been seen in the Under-21s. I want to continue that work, also as a back-up to Andrea Pirlo. We also wanted to make it clear that we are following players in Serie B. I also wanted to call him up to demonstrate that there is a clear technical project in place here."

"GIACCHERINI is a player who can be used in three positions and I hope he can be useful. Pepe is an important player for teams who get to the byline and cross, but we play a different type of game."

"DESTRO is not a classical central striker, he’s a modern attacker. I want to see him play for a place. I want him to work hard on a daily basis to prove that he deserves to be here."

"DIAMANTI demonstrated to have tactical versatility and to be a consistent performer. He can play as an added striker, trequartista, or inside midfielder. He can bring quality: the call-up wasn’t a gift, he deserved it."


"We don’t have a lot of time. We’ll try a few things out, but the base will be the formation that we used in qualifying. There is a nucleus in midfield that is there to create. I want to pick a team that plays fluid football. Pirlo will be a reference point but we will also develop alternative keys to the game. The important thing now is to find some balance within the side, the pitch will give us an answer. We might also try a three-man defense, but mostly overall I like to play with an extra midfielder."


"I don’t have a minimum objective. Every coach thinks about getting right to the end. From next Monday we’ll start work on the pitch with the intention of winning."


"When I first arrived I was criticized for picking so many Juventus players, but their Scudetto victory proved me right. Juventus are the only Italian club who focus strongly on young Italians." ~ OMG he said what we're all thinking!

"I’ve always said that I want to respect my contract until after the 2014 World Cup, however it will depend on what happens at the European Championship."

If we are to unleash the fury this summer in Poland-Ukraine; who are we going to unleash the fury with. 

Tell us who your final squad will contain; and how your starting line-up will look like for our kick-off against Spain in a couple of weeks time!

The Euro 2012 32 Man List Has Arrived!!

Prandelli has finally released his short list of the 32 Players that have a shot of going to Euro 2012. Below is the list of players who will be called upon to test their metal and plead their case to head to Ukraine and Poland this June. 

Portieri: Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Sirigu (Paris St. Germain), Viviano (Palermo);
Difensori: Abate (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Balzaretti (Palermo), Barzagli (Juventus), Bocchetti (Rubin Kazan), Bonucci (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit San Pietroburgo), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Torino), Ranocchia (Inter);
Centrocampisti: Cigarini (Atalanta), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Giaccherini (Juventus), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris St. Germain), Nocerino (Milan), Pirlo (Juventus),Schelotto (Atalanta), Verratti (Pescara);
Attaccanti: Balotelli (Manchester City), Borini (Roma), Cassano (Milan), Destro (Siena), Di Natale (Udinese), Giovinco (Parma).

My initial reaction to the 32 man squad is one of interest. While today signified the conclusion to two historic Azzurri figures: Inzaqhi at Milan and Del Piero at Juventus (although it's likely Del Piero will continue to play elsewhere); this Azzurri squad screams a freshness not seen on the National team since 1998. I'd even argue the Azzurri this time around is even more fresh. Look at some of the names here: Verratti, Schelotto, Borini, Destro, heck even Giaccherini; these guys have each played some great football this year, although some of them aren't spring chickens anymore, they do have this aura of freshness to them. 

I really like the Giaccherini call-up; as it really points to an added depth on the Azzurri. He's been a great workhorse for Juventus this year and would be great off the bench for the Azzurri. Two of my favourite callups though are in attack with Giovinco and Cassano. Both have played inspired football this year; Giovinco has gone from a Juventus outcast to a player on Barcelona's radar for 2012-2013. Cassano, lead the Azzurri through qualification; in October he suffered stroke like symptoms and had to go under the knife. The fact that he's even playing again, let alone regaining his form so quickly is simply inspiring. 

I'm quite content with this squad, I can understand why Pazzini and Matri are also not on this squad. Balotelli is likely to be used as a prima punta; with an incredible wealth of talent falling inline behind him.  Let's see how they come together over the next couple of weeks. For me, this is an inspiring start.