EURO 2012: ITALY 0 - 4 SPAIN: Final Review

And so EURO 2012 came to a conclusion in Kiev last evening in what will go down as the most lopsided final in the history of the European Championship. Popular convention was thrown out the window and the Spanish put to bed a hoodoo which has jinxed them since 1920 and finally beat the Azzurri in regulation to seal their second consecutive European Championship and sail into the history books as one of the most successful national teams in history.

The popular consensus within the media and throughout this forum has been that the Azzurri were punching above their weight most of this tournament. Luckily striking down the English in penalties and assailing through the Germans on sheer fortitude. When it came time for them to contest the Spanish for their crown; luck had finally caught up with the Azzurri. Spain humbled us into submission and dazzled us with a stunning lecture on how football is supposed to be played. 

The media; at least the farcical english media we must bare witness to in Canada made me feel as though the Azzurri were a second division squad up against the mighty Catalonians from Barcelona.  If we are to believe the fodder the media forces down our throat; then we the Azzurri will quickly slide form World Champions in 2006 down to the bowels of the footballing world. In an instance during yesterday's telecast the three geniuses hired to decipher the action on the pitch began to regale us with their predictions for WORLD CUP 2014. They anticipated Germany to make an unbelievable comeback, while Argentina, Brazil and England would definitely challenge. But, they were sure to mention that it was almost certain that the defending European Champions Spain would likely be able to retain their WORLD CUP title in two years. 

Not a mention of Italy. Why should the Azzurri be mentioned? They were just beaten to a pulp by the Spanish and would surely crawl under a rock to lick their wounds. How could we challenge in two years; I mean we didn't challenge on this day... did we?

"Poppycock" as my British friends would remark following an inaccurate comment being made. Unlike the millions and millions of people who pretended to watch yesterday's affair between Italy and Spain; I bore witness to something even greater than the comprehension of the over zealous bias media. I saw a match of two halves; I saw a few vital errors being made; I saw an Azzurri squad which came of age. 

The Match

Build-up to the match was nearly fever pitch. Following the Azzurri's disposal of Germany on Thursday; Prandelli and crew took the redeye and flew from Warsaw where their Semi-Final was held and arrived in the wee-hours to begin their preparations for the Final in Kiev.  Meanwhile the Spanish played their lacklustre Semifinal against the Portuguese on Wednesday evening and thus had three days to rest up; while the Azzurri, through no fault of their own enjoyed 1.5 days (0.5 due to transit) to rest up and prepare for the Finals. 

When the match got underway; there was the usual first couple of minute lapse by the Azzurri; however, as we began to gain composure for the final stage of this EURO championships; we began to apply pressure on the Spanish. There were a few missed opportunities early on; however Cassano and Balotelli would be able to retain possession nicely in the Spanish area. It was also evident that the Spanish would not be retaining possession like they had against Portugal and France; instead, unlike any other team in this tournament the Azzurri would take the game to the Spanish. The game had a very open feel and the Azzurri did look the better of the two. However, unlike any other match we've played at EURO 2012; it would be the Spanish who drew first blood. 

In the 14' minute Fanregas broke down the Azzurri's left side - beating Chiellini (turned left back for this match) around the outside - he sent in a precise cross which met the timely head of David Silva. With that the Azzurri were down a goal in the European Championship final. Until that point however, it was the Italians who had been pressing the Spanish defence; who like the Azzurri defence looked to concede many times during the match. The Spanish goal came on a counter attack; exposing the slow pace of our back line. The concerning part of this goal was how easily Chiellini was beaten around the outside by Fabregas. 

When the starting lineup was announced, I found it odd that Chiellini would have gotten the call ahead of Balzaretti. It seemed that for the duration of the tournament; Balzaretti was in peak form. He connected well with Cassano on the left side; was able to make impressive runs forward while tracking back to make timely challenges. Chiellini's one appearance in the Left Back role against Germany was one of our weaker points in an otherwise impressive display. For some reason Prandelli saw fit to sit Balzaretti in favour of the Juventus centre back for the finals. 

Another weakness was also apparent on that first goal; the partnership of Bonucci and Barzagli looked tenuous. In the Germany clash there were a few hair raising moments which were snuffed out effectively by either Buffon or a tracking back De Rossi; Bonucci and Barzagli both looked confused at times in that match; and oddly enough looked completely flatfooted against a highflying 5 foot nothing David Silva. 

The first goal would test the Azzurri brass and display to the World if they had the ability to fight back in the match. As the game got underway again; it was the Azzurri who would again take the game to Spain; half chances by Balotelli and Cassano were met with the confidence of Iker Casillas; the Azzurri looked impressive up top for the majority of the first half. However, in the 21' minute a telling situation unfolded at the back for the Azzurri. 

Giorgio Chiellini pulled up with an injury; immediately putting an end to his run at EURO 2012. Despite my remarks from time to time; I usually give the benefit of the doubt to the training staff and manager when determining if a player is match fit. Based on Chiellini's composure during the entire tournament and the fact that on two occasions he needed to pull up with injuries; Prandelli would have been wise not to turn to the Juventus man in this match and instead turn to an inform Left Back instead. 

With Chiellini out, enter Balzaretti to help the Azzurri back line gain in composure. It was with this change the Italy experienced its best stretch in the match. We attacked; dominated possession, and penetrated the Spanish back line. We looked like Spain and Spain looked like Germany. It would only be a matter of time until we scored. However, seemingly out of nowhere Bonucci and Barzagli decided to help Jordi Alba elevate himself from understudy to hero. The run was great; the tracking by our centre backs was horrible! You could see this developing out of a clearance into a solid counter attack; yet both our centre backs looks helpless. This play did take place on Abate's side; however, there was little the Milan RB could do from his advanced position. Xavi sent a seething through ball to the feet of Alba, who out ran our boys at the back to score Spain's second goal. 

In a half where Italy dominated possession and looked pretty damn good at times; Spain walked out with a 2-0 edge. The second half began with Prandelli blowing my mind. If there was ever a moment to scratch you head this was surely it. Cassano did not appear on the pitch for the start of the second half. Instead Antonio Di Natale was now standing on the pitch barking instructions at his teammates. 

Here's my understanding, correct me if I'm wrong. Antonio Cassano is a second striker or (when in peak fitness) he can drop even further back and play as a link between midfield and attack. His job is to retain possession, move the ball forward, create plays or score. No one on this team holds onto the ball better than Cassano and only Pirlo can rival Cassano in playmaking ability. Di Natale on the other hand is more of a run and score type of player. Doesn't hold possession well, is often offside, can find the back of the net, but needs someone to dish him the ball. I'm at a lose to understand why this change would take place or would even be needed. If you're looking for someone who can do what Cassano does and has fresh legs, surely Giovinco or Diamanti would be the ideal swaps. 

This change did change the Azzurri's composure. We became unable to move the ball forward at the same rate as we did in the first half. This allowed the Spanish to come at us in frequent droves; testing out back line and over stretching De Rossi. Pirlo, also become impotent as Xavi and Iniesta both hounded the register. It became all too obvious we needed an injection into this match if we stood any chance of competing. With Diamanti warming up next to Thiago Motta; it became possible that hopefully Montolivo or Marchisio would be shelved for Diamanti - the hero against England. That did not happen. 

In the 57' minute Montolivo walked off the pitch for Motta. A substitution that was completely reactionary to the Spanish game. In the first half, we had taken the game to the Spanish; we held possession; yes, we conceded to goals on the counter attack; but that wasn't the fault of our attack as much as it was a fault of the centre backs who were unable to mark their men. Di Natale was brought on as a reaction to the Spanish lead; but rather than bolstering the attack; alla Mancini (who would put 4 strikers on the pitch to try and gain the result); Prandelli removed our engine and replaced him with another out and out striker. This meant that Balotelli would need to drop back and provide service rather than making his blistering runs splitting the defence. 

With Motta on the pitch in place of Montolivo, our midfield mobility was hindered further with a player charged to break up Spanish plays. Something which wasn't happening in the first half. For three minutes the Italian midfield looked to have calmed down, Motta was doing his part as disruptor in chief.  Then in a clash to regain possession, Thaigo Motta went down in a heap; grabbing his leg and in obvious discomfort. Out of the match would go Thiago Motta (in the 60th minute). Prandelli having used all of his subs would play a man down against the Spanish for the remainder of the match. The following 30 minutes can only be described as "defeated". We defended, we defended very deep. We lost our legs, we lost our motivation, we lost composure. Our spirit was broken, our dreams were broken. The Spanish onslaught began. It wasn't the Spanish who defeated us tonight, but rather we defeated ourselves tonight. Following the triumph over Germany many of us began to celebrate as though we won it... Not remembering EURO 2000, WORLD CUP 1994, ITALIA 90. We were champions before the coin was tossed for the FINAL of EURO 2012. 

On this night we ate humble pie. Our hearts were broken. I called for the immediate termination of Cesare Prandelli; the man who brought us this far. Exuberance had turned to one of the most humiliating defeats of our time. Whose to blame; we're all to blame. Del Bosque knew we would come out attacking. He knew we were the team of destiny. He defeated us not by resorting to the Spanish game, but taking a gamble. He knew his team wouldn't dominate possession in this match; instead he turned the table. He beat us at our game. He beat us by defending deep and countering on the fly. That's our game, and he schooled us with it. Once and then again in the fortieth minute. From there, Del Bosque took the night off and watched as we defeated ourselves. Three completely ridiculous substations, one mind-blowing injury and ultimately our poor fitness due to a heavy schedule over the last 8 days. 

Spain would win this match 4-0 with the last 10 minutes of the match exhibiting some of the most selfish, cocky football I have ever seen. Be mindful for how you act in victory as your actions will come back to haunt you. 

The headlines however would not grapple with the cocky cheeky attempts on goal by the Spanish. One in particular in injury time really got to me, with an arrogant back heel by Sergio Ramos in front of Buffon. A complete lack of respect for a WORLD CHAMPION Goalie and Captain of the Azzurri. Instead the media focused on a 21 years old, who was overcome with such emotion that he stormed off the pitch. Only to return to receive his medal. Mark my words, this 21 year old will not forget this night.

Thoughts Overall. 

I'm of the mind that Prandelli moulded this team with a lot of work and effort. I love the way this team plays and what Prandelli has done so far. He has resorted to a dream team up front which has dominated this tournament in every aspect. Let's not forget the Azzurri lead every nation in shots on goal. Prandelli, did lose the plot last night in Kiev. He made bad calls, beginning with the starting lineup and ending with his early substitutions. I'm sure he learned an incredibly humbling lesson. This defeat will mould us, like it did when we were bamboozled in the WORLD CUP FINALS in the 1970's by Brazil. 

The work done here mustn't be in vein. I am impressed by Prandelli's reaction to the match; although the result on paper was grotesque; today he came out and pleaded with the FIGC and all Italian teams to allow him more time with the Azzurri throughout the year. He wants to build something and his passion is going to drive this project forward. 

I believe he only has one real big lesson to learn from this entire tournament. He must be unwavering when it comes to his team. On the Azzurri there can be not a single untouchable. Each man must earn their spot. The Marchisio's and Montolivo's cannot be left untouched, they need to earn their spots. I'd argue that is even applicable to Buffon; but damn he had a fine tournament. 

I'm upbeat about Prandelli's insistence on youth; by his call to find a new Pirlo; and by his promise to call up younger players and continue to bring this project forward. 

Following this tournament, I am left with two questions. 

1. What the heck was Lippi thinking when he left Cassano home in 2010. The Cassano of this tournament; who nearly almost died in October was incredible. Imagine what Sampdoria's Cassano of 2010 would have done in that tournament. FOOLISH!

2. Imagine for a second. Had Zoff, Maldini, Lippi and Trapp been courageous enough to put together a team with the spirit of Prandelli's Azzurri; imagine what they could have done to the world. 

Where does this blog go from here. 

Not too long ago, I started this blog as a forum to continue the conversation that was abruptly concluded over at The World Cup Blog. Over the last month Paolo and I have enjoyed bringing you some posts to complement this tournament. With EURO 2012 now concluding, I have taken some time to see which direction we should steer this thing. 

At this moment, we are committed to taking you through to the WORLD CUP 2014 Qualifications and into the 2014 WORLD CUP. However, with time constraints in our every day lives; we need a few more people to step forward and help us produce content for you to enjoy. If you or someone you know is interested in writing exclusively about the Azzurri please send me an email at marcowcb@gmail.com. 

Your posts don't need to be as long as this one; you just need to have a passion for the Azzurri.

Paolo and I would like to thank you all for making this a fun tournament. Your support is always appreciated and I'm happy we have a place to vent our frustrations, dreams and aspirations for the Azzurri. This is a remarkable team and the single greatest national team on the planet. We'll be back at the WORLD CUP in 2014. In the meantime, let's enjoy the road to WORLD CUP 2014. 

FORZA ITALIA and FORZA AZZURRI

EURO 2012: ITALY v SPAIN: FINAL Preview

Nearly one month ago our journey into EURO 2012 began with the daunting task of opening against the reigning WORLD and European Champions, Spain. Few gave the Azzurri a chance of success against the Spanish. Following back and forth nature of the first match; impressions of the Azzurri began to change. The 1-1 result did not do justice to the pace and ferocity of the match. The Azzurri matched and at many times during the match met and exceeded the pace and tenacity of their Spanish counterparts. Had lady luck focused her bright light on the Azzurri; they could have easily put the Spanish to bed within the 90 minutes. However, as history goes; with a few foiled opportunities and shaky legs to finish off the final 20 minutes of the match; the Azzurri would settle for the draw.

Fast forward one month to July 1st and Italy are now in the finals. Behind them lay the charred wreckage of Croatia, Ireland, England and Germany. When you consider that for a moment; not bad notches to add to our bed post.  In both our Quarterfinal and SemiFinal match; the Azzurri were underdogs to a resurgent English squad and a youthful German team. In fact prior to both matches media pundits claimed the English followed by the Germans would lay waste to the Italians. However, following the two matches it became clear that the media had called Italy all wrong. 

Tear up the script; because this is not the Azzurri we remember. This is not the Azzurri of our fathers generation or the Azzurri of our early childhood. This is not the Azzurri of 2006 or 2000. In fact the only squad I can place this team to resemble is the team of destiny in 1982.  During the WORLD CUP in 1982; the Azzurri started off disappointing; not looking like contenders; we quickly grabbed our stride with victories over Brazil and Argentina in the second group stage; as the momentum built to fever pitch; we'd soon face West Germany in Madrid for the World Cup final; considered to be one of the favourites of the tournament; West Germany succumbed to our awesome power and lost 3-1 for Italy to hoist their third WORLD CUP. 

The 1982 team, if you're not aware, was much like this one; a team, put together with a lot of grit; with P. Rossi returning to the National fold after a two year ban; with all of Italy in the shadow of another Calcio scandal. That's not the similarity; the similarity I see in this team to the 1982 team is the grit in the midfield; the feisty display of winning the ball; the willingness to maintain possession and take the game to our opponents. In 1982 we would have never scored three goals against a Brazilian team that some say was the greatest team in history, without taking the game to the Brazilians. in 2012; at this European Championships we have done the same. We have taken the game to our opponents; going against conventional wisdom and flooring many of the 'experts'. 

And so it is with this style of football that we arrive in Kiev tomorrow to face the Spanish, a team that has nearly perfected the possessional game. 

SPAIN

The Spanish arrive into tomorrow's final having left behind Ireland, Croatia, France, and Portugal. During their tournament they seemed to look in control against the Irish and the French; while the Croatians and the Portugese seemed to have caused them a little concern. Albeit, they did escape all of their matches with a positive result; it seems the Spanish are not carrying as much confidence as one would expect. I've seen some comments from fans claiming that the Spanish are far too cocky and will lose. That's just ignorant hogwash. This is a team that's anything but cocky and a team that has stuck to their game plan without wavering whatever the cause. I was a little surprised that Del Bosque continues to resort to the false 9 in Fabregas instead of calling on the height and goal scoring ability of Torres. This is especially true since Torres has been able to open up the game in favour of the Spanish in every match he has partaken. 

That being said, they have continued to score some nice goals; but have had trouble against technically stronger opponents (Portugal and Croatia). Del Bosque will be looking to make history in tomorrow's match with Spain on the cusp of winning three major International tournaments in a row. 

ITALY 

The Azzurri arrive into tomorrow's match having exceeded expectations and defeating a German team considered perennial favourites to win this tournament. The scoreline of 2-1 was far too generous for the Germans as Italy seemed to best the Germans in just about every quarter of the park. There are concerns arriving into tomorrow's match with the tweaked Abate and DeRossi still making the rounds as well as Chiellini looking completely off colour in the semifinal bought; however in the good news department Christian Maggio will return to the lineup to lend a helping hand following a suspension from the semis. 

I don't believe Prandelli will resort to the 3-5-2 formation which he executed in the first match; instead, it's likely he will remain with the diamond midfield and line Maggio/Abate on the right with Balzaretti on the left. The question mark becomes in the centre of defence. After Barzagli and Bonucci have played incredibly during the Germany and England matches; not conceding a single goal in either of the matches (I don't count a bull$@*t penalty in injury time) would it be wise to go back to Chiellini who really hasn't looked that good in the tournament. Yes, one can argue that Barzagli and Bonucci have been helped by a resurgent Buffon; but is it worth a risk to pick Chiellini over either Centre Back? 

In midfield; it's quite likely the status quo will be maintained with Montolivo, Pirlo, Marchisio and DeRossi shoring up the centre of the park. Each of these guys have had a great tournament with obviously Pirlo and De Rossi standing out amongst the crowd for their contributions. Against a midfield with the depth that the Germans exhibited Pirlo had less of an effect in the centre of the park; Montolivo was able to pick up some of the slack with a great assist on Balotelli's second goal;  but it might be worth a shot bringing Nocerino or even T. Motta into the fray to help displace the Spanish midfield and break up some of their plays - as they obviously tend to move the ball around the pitch quite a bit. 

In attack; its very likely the dynamic duo of Cassano and Balotelli will get the nod up front. Both have put together an incredible tournament and will be looking to build off their earlier performances with a pièce de résistance being produced in tomorrow's Final. I'd like to see Cassano taking more shots and not resorting to little flick passes in the box as much. But we shall see. 

What to Expect

Tomorrow's match will obviously be the most difficult for the Azzurri. Although one or two chinks in the Spanish armour have been witnessed throughout this tournament it's wholly expected Del Bosque will have been working to sort everything out for the grand finale of this European Championships. In turn, Prandelli will hopefully also be ready and prepared for the match tomorrow. The Azzurri have not had the kindest of schedules; however, after seeing how they went the distance against England only to play three days later and so deliberately defeat the Germans fitness is not my biggest concern. These are professional athletes that are fully aware of the job they need to undertake over the course of the 90 minutes tomorrow. 

For the match our biggest concern will be to remain focused for the entire 90 minutes tomorrow. In just about every match we've played at EURO 2012 our focus and fitness has dipped into the second half of the match. We need a concerted effort like the one put forth against England to really make a dent. Up front, an early goal will do wonders to sway momentum immediately; further, if we do manage an early goal we cannot rest on our laurels and need to continue the attack similar to our effort against the Germans. 

Spain will be supremely focused for the match tomorrow; they've been on this stage over the last 4 years on three occasions; its worth to note they come in as vetrans of the big stage. It's the Azzurri who will need to rise to the moment and grasp victory; we have the fire power; the midfield; the defence; and of course the Goal Keeper to make the difference on tomorrow's Final stage of EURO 2012. We need it all to come together; to give birth to a new generation of heros; men capable of picking up the torch and holding it higher than it's ever been before. The Azzurri cometh ...

FORZA ITALIA!!! FORZA AZZURRI!!!

EURO 2012: SPAIN v ITALY Preview

SPAIN v ITALY

18.00 Local Time 11:30 am (EST)

Arena Gdansk (Poland)

Referee: Viktor Kassai *Hun

Welcome to EURO 2012: Football's second most prestigious championship kicked off today with Group A matches of co-hosts Poland up against 2004 Champions Greece; while the afternoon match was a doozy between Russia and Czech Republic.

Sunday though is when the tournament really gets underway. At 11:30a.m. EST reigning champions Spain begin their defence against the Azzurri in what promises to be a match that could likely define the tournament for each of these formidable rivals.

The Italian Cast and Crew of EURO 2012

Goalkeepers: 

1. G. Buffon

12. S. Sirigu

14. M. De Sancitis

Defenders:

2. C. Maggio

3. G. Chiellini

4. A. Ogbonna

5. F. Balzaretti

7. I. Abate

15. A Barzagli

19. L. Bonucci

Midfielders: 

5. T. Motta

8. C. Marchisio

13. E. Giaccherini

16. D. DeRossi

18. R. Montolivo

 21. A. Pirlo

22. A. Diamanti

23. A. Nocerino

Forwards:

9. M. Balotelli

10. A. Cassano

11. A. Di Natale

17. F. Borini

20. S. Giovinco

Coach:

Cesare Prandelli

What We Can Expect From the Azzurri @ EURO 2012

There is no doubt about it; if healthy, Gigi Buffon will be starting all of our matches; this will also be his first tournament as Captain of the Azzurri; a privilege held by idols like Zoff and Maldini in years gone by.  He is expected to be anchored by a defence that has a Juventus taste to it. Fully recovered from tweaking himself against Atalanta in Juventus' season finale, Chiellini will be the man to beat at the back. Not only is this gentle giant our last line of defence; he could invariably be the best centre back in the world. 

Here's why I can make such an assertion; Euro 2008 was truly the first time the world was introduced to Giorgio Chiellini. During a warmup for the European championships, it was Chiellini who broke then WORLD CUP 2006 hero, Fabio Cannavaro's leg. After a disastrous defensive display in the opening match against the Netherlands; then manager Roberto Donadoni turned to Giorgio Chiellini to anchor the defence. Since that moment, Chiellini has proven himself to be an untouchable at the back for the Azzurri. It is rare that this man doesn't provide a 110% for his club and country match in and match out. Not to mention the fact that he wears his heart on his sleeve will be an inspiration and a guide for many of the younger players in the Azzurri's lineup. 

Next to Chiellini; it's anyone's guess who will become mainstays on the back line. In the left back position Balzaretti has it completely locked down. Not since Grosso in 2006 has this position been locked completely down by a single player. The right back position is one that has a few question marks surrounding it. Originally it looks like Cassani was a shoe in for this position; however Prandelli had other ideas in mind and began to gravitate towards Maggio during the qualification process. Now it seems that even Maggio is no longer a lock. One understudy, Milan's Abate, could likely be a surprise for the Azzurri and usurp Maggio permanently from the RB position. 

Next to Chiellini there are really only two contenders for the spot; Bonucci and Barzagli; with Barzagli over exerting himself in an exhibition against Russia; I'm almost certain we'll see Bonucci starting against Spain. 

In the middle of the park lies one of our greatest and aging assets, Pirlo. The Juventus man has been electric this year; playing in tandem with Vidal at Juventus has allowed Pirlo to have one of his greatest seasons on record. Prandelli's job will be to try and recreate this tandem with either De Rossi, Nocerino, or Motta.  The slack will need to be picked up by Marchisio and Montolivo; who in this man's mind have both under performed during their tenure for the Azzurri. Perhaps it would be in Prandelli's best interest to avert his attention from either of these two and gaze his sights upon the eccentric Diamanti; at 29 years old the Bologna man is coming off a great season and would be an ideal introduction into the starting lineup. 

In a time with such negative news surrounding the Azzurri camp, let's not forget the most touching story of the season; Antonio Cassano. The former bad boy turned hero has had a life defining two years. Under Prandelli, Cassano was given the opportunity to revive his International career and did so, becoming the Azzurri's leading scorer during qualifications. In late October though, Cassano suffered a minor stroke; which not only put his EURO 2012 participation in flux but also his career. 

Miraculously, Cassano was able to make a full recovery and returned to the pitch in the final months of the Serie A season. Although he hasn't returned to full form, his recovery should be seen as an inspiration to many on the squad. 

Our attack also features three names which are playing for their future; Balotelli, Giovinco, and Borini are all young enough to impress and prove their detractors wrong. Giovinco at the moment is playing this EURO 2012 with hopes of convincing Conte to promote him to a fixture at Juventus. Borini is one of Roma's rising stars and will be looking to propel his career to new heights with a sold performance; while Balotelli will simply want to prove his detractors wrong and become one of the best players in the game. 

Let's also not forget a man who will be out to mask memories of his 2010 WORLD CUP performance; Di Natale. This will likely be his final outing for the Azzurri; why not go out with a bang. The Udinese man has been Serie A's leading scorer for much of the last number of years; it's time for him to rise to the challenge and produce for the Azzurri. 

Unlike the WORLD CUP 2010; this Azzurri team has many options. This is a diverse collection of players capable of filling holes and bringing in a result. There is no lack of passion in this squad; and if there's a man who can rile up the troops prior to a big tournament it's Prandelli. 

The Match Against Spain

This will be our first match of Euro 2012. It's coming on the heels of three consecutive defeats in exhibition matches by the Azzurri (Uruguay, USA and Russia). Under Prandelli though, the Azzurri have been a mixed bag of goodies. During exhibition matches, the approach has looked almost too friendly; where as, when the matches have mattered; the Azzurri have been more than capable of rising to the challenge and performing admirably. I'd almost suggest we have lost as many exhibition matches as we've had to simply distract the media and our adversaries from the project being undertaken.

Spain will be without the services of David Villa and the timeless Carlos Puyol; who are both injured and out of the tournament. In general this tournament's version of the Spanish doesn't seem to carry the same aura of the previous two tournaments. The Spanish don't seem to have the same sort of killer instinct this time around. Let's also not forget that this will be revenge for the Azzurri.

It was in the Quarter Finals of Euro 08 that Italy finally succumbed to the Spanish in an International Tournament. Arguably, this boosted Spanish soccer to its ultimate high and provided them the motivation to win EURO 08 and WORLD CUP 2010. It's time for redemption on the Azzurri's part.

What the Azzurri Need to Do?

In two words: REMAIN FOCUSED. Against Russia, the Azzurri seemed to lose their focus which resulted in the first goal; following an elongated period of time in the Russian area. Once Russia scored that first goal we began to unravel. Watching Russia today against the Czech it was apparent that the Russians were significantly better than the Czech; this wasn't the case against the Azzurri. 

Our second objective must be: DO NOT ALLOW A GOAL. Defence has to come first. If we don't allow the Spanish to score; we won't lose. Simple logic, but this logic could galvanize the team into better results. 

My Ideal Azzurri Line-up

Buffon - Abate - Bonucci - Chiellini - Balzaretti - DeRossi - Nocerino - Pirlo - Diamanti - Giovinco - Balotelli

subs: Cassano - Di Natale - Maggio

Final Thoughts

Passion, Focus and Quality are the key to having a successful run at Euro 2012. If this team can put behind it the chaos of the match fixing scandal and play for the passion of the game and the will to win we will see some miraculous nights in Poland and Ukraine. We need to set aside the distractions and focus on what is on the pitch. This team can be a team of destiny; they have the skill to win EURO 2012; they just need the desire. 

Regardless of the result against Spain, this team is far from the WORLD CUP 2012 squad. This team has a purpose and a vision.

Forza Azzurri... Bring on EURO 2012.