6/2 Friendly - Italy vs Northern Ireland [R]

[Dante]

Here's the starting eleven....

Italy

Toldo
Oddo
Legrottaglie
Cannavaro
Grosso
Perrotta
Ambrosini
Fiore
Miccoli
Di Vaio
Corradi


N. Ireland

Taylor
Griffin
McCartney
Aaron Hughes
Kennedy
Baird
Johnson
Doherty
Healy
McVeigh
Gary Smith.

[SueB]

Just started listening to this game being played at Campobasso. About 15 minutes in ...

On the bench for Italy: Abbiati, Ferrari, Bonera, Birindelli,Tommasi, Nervo, Di Natale, Delvecchio.

whoops, just noticed Dante got this posted just before I did. I'll merge the threads.

Italy has a very experimental line-up, but they have been creating some danger so far.

[SueB]

I like the combination of Corradi and Miccoli. I'm not sure but I think Di Vaio must be playing a wider role.

[SueB]

1-0. 31' Corradi gets a second chance after just missing a moment before. No missing this time.

[SueB]

Italy is pressing hard for a second.

[SueB]

Halftime. 1-0. Generous subbing expected in the second half.

[phillips10]

Originally posted by SueB
I like the combination of Corradi and Miccoli. I'm not sure but I think Di Vaio must be playing a wider role.

Not following the match, but glad Corradi scored.

If they are using that 4-2-3-1 again...then Di Vaio is probably wide left...

[SueB]

Second half has started: Delvecchio in for Corradi (why?). Ferrari in for Cannavaro.

No changes for N. Ireland.

[SueB]

More subs:

Bonera for LeGrottaglie
Tommasi for Perrotta
DiNatale for Miccoli

N. Ireland has made several changes as well, but I didn't keep track.

[SueB]

2-0. Wasn't listening for a minute, but Italy has scored a second - DiNatale, I believe, in the 21st minute of the second half.

More subs. Nervo for Di Vaio. Birindelli for Grosso.

[SueB]

Announcers are discussing which of the newer players are likely figure in Italy's next game - the critical Euro2004 qualifier at Finland. They mention Legrottaglie, Miccoli and Corradi as being possible candidates.

The game ends at 2-0 and Italy extends its perfect record in 2003 (4-0-0). The next game is the one that really counts, however.

[thespinydogfish]

First of all, God bless 'em for playing in Campobasso! Forza Molisani! It bringeth a tear to this son-of-a-shepherd's eye.

Secondly, I'm glad that they gave the start to some new talent, and that the Azzuri appear to be pressing (can't find it on my 19th century satellite box) - and I'm glad that Delvecchio got some play. I believe that he has something to contribute and would welcome seeing him play more.

[SueB]

Yup, Delvecchio has found an unexpected new life in Trap's new system, as a wide player.