This fixture has brought some true classics down the years.
1970, 1982, 1988. But for anyone of our generation, the defining azzurri
performance will always be the 2006 semi-final.
Once more we face a seemingly indomitable German force. They
have pace, guile, power and confidence. They will consider themselves favorites,
relishing the opportunity to take revenge not only on Italy, but on Spain, in Sunday's final. Italy and Spain
are the teams who knocked Germany
out of the last two major tournaments. In their minds, it's the perfect run of
games.
But Prandelli will have different ideas. He has full belief
in this Italy
team as an attacking, cohesive unit. Frankly, so do I. Sure, we've needed to be
more clinical. But there's plenty of time for our strikers to catch fire.
Starting with the 90 minutes tonight, and hopefully another on Sunday.
De Rossi, Abate and Chiellini are all late fitness worries.
It's uncertain if any will make it. But i believe Prandelli will entrust the
right deputies.
Rumours abound that Diamanti may get a start. A real
surprise would be to see him replace Montolivo, asking him to play as deep as
he often did for West Ham. I like Diamanti a lot and he has shown tremendous
character. But what we could benefit from most is his surprising directness,
cutting through the rather ponderous nature of our front two.
That said, Motta is waiting in the wings and could hand the
azzurri more control of the midfield. Prandelli has some real decisions to make
before kick-off.
As usual, no-one is giving Italy a chance. But we can win. We
have the players to compete in midfield, a superior defence and we will create
chances. The one nagging doubt is our finishing but we know that Balotelli,
Cassano, Di Natale and Giovinco all have goals in them. So there's every reason
to be positive.
I was tempted to post a youtube clip of our semi-final win
in '06. But you know what? Those days are over. This is Prandelli's Italy, its a
new philosophy and a new era for Italian football.
So here's something to give us hope for this evening - every
single pass Pirlo made against England.
All 800+ of them. Prepare to be mesmerised by the embodiment of Prandelli's
style. Enjoy!
Forza Italia!
Get us into the final against Spain! Salami beats chorizo, any day.
