I thought I would start this thread to discuss primarily gli Azzurri and the Bianconeri's contribution to the national team but our roster includes other internationals. It also gives our gal Scirea a proper place to rant and rave about these call ups.
And we start 2013 with half of our side called to duty. Giovinco will return to Vinovo as his bruised thigh does not make him available for the friendly against Holland.
Just because Falc loves my anti-Azzurri/international football hatred: Fuck the FIGC!!!!!1!!1! Prandelli sucks donkey balls!!! FORZA JUVENTUS PER SEMPRE FINO ALLA FINE!!!1! But on a more serious note, will Gio be available for Fiorentina? If he is, then I hope Gigi, Barza, and Pirlo all "pick up" the same "injury".
Now don't jinx us. I don't want to see those three pick anything up on Wednesday other than a Dutch shirt.
Prandelli will go Juve light for the start .... Italy XI v HollandBuffonAbate, Barzagli, Astori, SantonDe Rossi, Pirlo, MontolivoCandreva [or Diamanti], Balotelli, El Shaarawy
What is good for us and should please Scirea is that Prandelli does use the friendlies to experiment with players and tactics. He does not worry about the results. So instead of going Juve strong, he just uses our very best to balance the side.
Juventino @Juventus_FC_fan Gazzetta reporting that Asamoah will return from the AFCON only after the 3rd place game on Sat. Won't be available against Celtic Along with Juve's Asamoah, Celtic's Nigerian CB Efe Ambrose will miss the Celtic-Juve tie due to AFCON.
Pogba 'honoured' by France call By Football Italia staff Juventus starlet Paul Pogba is overjoyed at receiving his first call-up for France. “This is only the first step.” The midfielder celebrates his 20th birthday tomorrow and has been named in Didier Deschamps’ squad to face Georgia and Spain. “This call-up is very important for me,” he told L’Equipe. “From the moment I got into the Under-16 side, my objective has always been to reach the senior squad. “Obviously I am very happy and it is an honour to wear this jersey. However, this is only the first step and the really difficult stuff comes now. “I have to continue working hard, as I have not ‘arrived’ yet. I need to improve in order to become a real top player.”
Juventino @Juventus_FC_fan Juventus players called up by Prandelli: Buffon, Giaccherini, Marchisio, Pirlo, Giovinco, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini. #Juvenews #Azzurri
Are these qualifiers or just friendlies? Because if they're friendlies, then there's no excuse for Prandelli to call-up Pirlo or Buffon. Or Chiellini and Barzagli, for that matter.