23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Thread)

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Or What about???????


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prfRx8gg7Oc



Here is the current national team pool...


No. Pos. Player DoB/Age Caps Goals Club
GK Marco Amelia 2 April 1982 6 0 Livorno
GK Morgan De Sanctis 26 March 1977 2 0 Sevilla
DF Fabio Cannavaro 13 September 1973 114 2 Real Madrid
DF Gianluca Zambrotta 19 February 1977 69 2 Barcelona
DF Fabio Grosso 28 November 1977 29 3 Lyon
DF Marco Cassetti 29 May 1977 3 0 Roma
DF Alessandro Gamberini 27 August 1981 2 0 Fiorentina
DF Massimo Oddo 14 June 1976 34 1 Milan
DF Andrea Barzagli 8 May 1981 20 0 Palermo
MF Alberto Aquilani 7 July 1984 3 0 Roma
MF Daniele De Rossi 24 July 1983 32 4 Roma
MF Simone Perrotta 17 September 1977 40 2 Roma
MF Massimo Ambrosini 29 May 1977 30 0 Milan MF Franco Semioli 20 June 1980 3 0 Fiorentina

MF Andrea Pirlo 19 May 1979 44 6 Milan
FW Marco Borriello 18 June 1982 1 0 Genoa
FW Raffaele Palladino 17 April 1984 2 0 Juventus
FW Antonio Di Natale 13 October 1977 16 5 Udinese
FW Fabio Quagliarella 31 January 1983 8 3 Udinese
FW Luca Toni 26 May 1977 32 15 Bayern Munich





Recent call-up
The following players have all recently been called up to the Italy squad. Bracket shows last call-up time.

No. Pos. Player DoB/Age Caps Goals Club
GK Gianluigi Buffon 28 January 1978 80 0 Juventus (Euro 2008 qual. v. Scotland, 17 November 2007)

GK Gianluca Curci 12 July 1985 0 0 Roma (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

DF Andrea Dossena 26 March 1980 1 0 Udinese (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

DF Cristian Zaccardo 21 December 1981 17 1 Palermo (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

DF Marco Materazzi 19 August 1973 39 2 Inter (Friendly match v. Portugal, 6 February 2008)

DF Christian Panucci 12 April 1973 51 3 Roma (Euro 2008 qual. v. Scotland, 17 November 2007)

DF Giorgio Chiellini 14 August 1984 9 1 Juventus (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

DF Daniele Bonera 31 May 1981 13 0 Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

MF Stefano Mauri 8 January 1980 6 0 Lazio (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

MF Riccardo Montolivo 18 January 1985 1 0 Fiorentina (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

MF Antonio Nocerino 9 April 1985 1 0 Juventus (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

MF Angelo Palombo 25 September 1981 4 0 Sampdoria (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

MF Gennaro Gattuso 9 January 1978 56 1 Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. Scotland, 17 November 2007)

MF Mauro Camoranesi 4 October 1976 33 3 Juventus (Euro 2008 qual. v. Scotland, 17 November 2007)

FW Alessandro Rosina 31 January 1984 1 0 Torino (Friendly match v. South Africa, 17 October 2007)

FW Alessandro Del Piero 9 November 1974 85 27 Juventus (Euro 2008 qual. v. France, 8 September 2007)

FW Filippo Inzaghi 9 August 1973 57 25 Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. France, 8 September 2007)

FW Alberto Gilardino 5 July 1982 25 9 Milan (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

FW Vincenzo Iaquinta 21 November 1979 22 1 Juventus (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

W Cristiano Lucarelli 4 October 1975 6 3 Parma (Euro 2008 qual. v. Faroe Islands, 21 November 2007)

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

this is who I would take

goal keepers(3)
Buffon, Amelia, Curci or Toldo if buffon cannot make it to the euros due to back injury.

looking on the outside-Sereni, abbiati, toldo

Defenders(7)
Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Materazzi, Barzagli, Oddo, Grosso, Chieillini or Pannucci

looking on the outside (longshots) -Bonera, Legrottaglie

Midfileders(7)
Prilo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Ambrosini, Camoranesi, Perrotta, Aquilani

looking on the outside (longshots) -Mauri, Semiolo, Foggia

Forwards(6)

Toni, Di Natale, Qualiarella, Gilardino or Borriello, Palladino, Inzaghi (because this guy knows how to put the ball in the net!

looking on the outside (longshots)-Pazzini, Vieri, Cassano

del piero forget it! please retire-

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Here is Grosso's interview....
http://www.uefa.com/competitions/ucl/fixturesresults/round=15106/match=301888/index.html

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

I'd rather see Del Piero than Inzaghi tbh.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

porca miseria finalmente!!!!! now we can get back to discussing rational issues about the call ups

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

He sure does!

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

are you kidding me? this guy is so slow now its not funny. He's done!

at least Inzaghi can find the back of the net 99.99 % of the time.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

When the chips are down Pippo is the man. Unfortunately, he hasn't been featured too much this year. After Christmas in came Pato, Gilardino, Ronaldo and to tell the absolute truth, Inzaghi hasn't gotten too many 90 minute matches in. Even yesterday he came in late. I can just imagine what he would do if he were constantly featured without too much shuffling of the forward line. ADP has been given much more playing time than Pippo has and they aren't playing in Europe where Inzaghi already has scored a few this year. I have a feeling if Gilardino remains ineffective and if Inzaghi is featured more often, he'll end up scoring respectable numbers once again.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

GK
Buffon, Amelia, Fontana.
Let me explain why. Fontana is a vet, and has been in great form this season. Buffon and Amelia have both been injured at points this season and everyone knows unless Buffon breaks his neck he's going. Amelia has been great as well, but has also had a nagging injury at one point in the season. IF disaster strikes and Fontana has to play, he can play well. He's not the kind of player to get rattled and speaking honestly, Curci is not ready for this level. You could call Toldo but how long has it been since he played a game? This is why Fontana's gotta go. Arguably, De Sanctis and Abbiatti haven't played consistently enough to get a call, and I consider them to be at the same level as Fontana who's been unreal for Palermo. Most people think that this spot should be for a young keeper to get the experience, but Buffon is not in the greatest shape and what happens if sh*t hits the fan? We're gonna throw in Curci? Probably not.

Def
Cannavaro
Materazzi
Barzagli
Zambrotta
Oddo
Grosso
Panucci
Chiellini

MF
Pirlo
DDR
Gattuso
Ambrosini
Aquilani
Perrotta

FWD/WINGERS
Tonigol
Di Natale
Cassano
Quags
Camoranesi
Borriello

No real suprises except for maybe Borriello and Fontana. Borriello is necessary as Toni's backup and the guy has proved he's got some skill and can put the ball in the back of the net. I don't wanna see Gilardino anywhere near the national team, guy gets regular service from the best players in the world and can't put the ball in. Whines like a baby, and is just not that good. To be honest I would like to see a player like Giovinco get a call but it'll never happen. He's in much better form right now than Mauro or Simone but you know they'll end up going. We've all seen how good we are when Pirlo has a creative player in front of him to relieve some pressure a la Totti, so for me Cassano has gotta be a mainstay.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

I think its unfair to compare Del Piero and Inzaghi since they play different positions.

Del Piero has played well this season, but the problem is he doesnt really fit into Donadoni's system (refusual to play in a wide position). Added to that, he seemed to struggle in qualifying, especially when up against very physical defenders. Finally, the competition is very high for him since he's competing with Di Natale and Cassano who are more suited to Don's system and have been playing very well too.

Inzaghi is a big game player as shown by his CL goals. He can definitely be useful as a supersub and provides something different to what Toni does. Added to that, the competition for his spot isnt that great so he has a chance.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Completely agree. When you think about it, Del Piero is really 4th or 5th choice even in the wide positions. ToTo, Cassano and Camoranesi when healthy are all much, much better choices. I don't see how Del Piero could play the prima punta role. We'd have to switch to a 4-3-1-2 or something and honestly, it's not our best formation. My theory is to put the best players on the field. Sure Del Piero has 11 goals but how many of them are soft goals or penalties. He's not taking free kicks anytime soon with Pirlo there so we don't really need him for that. I just can't see justifying the guy a spot on th team, his position is too deep.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

I like this lineup ALOT!

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Inzaghi is the perfect wild-card player. Confuse the oppositions defensive tactical scheme by entering Inzaghi late in the game.....

Picture this:
The oppositions tactical system for defending Toni is set...enter Inzaghi at the 81st minute and watch them scramble to re-organize for this unorthodox player...89th minute Pippo security GOOOOLLLLLLLLL GOL GOL!

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Solid lineup, though I have mixed feelings about Gilardino. I think he still performs well for the Blue Shirt, and just needs a bit of confidence built back up!

Wouldn't mind seeing Palladino or Rosina get a bit of experience in this cup too.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

In the first run of qualifiers and then against the Faroes, Pippo came thru and I believe is among the leading scorers with Toni. There is just so much competition at the forward spot with Quaglirella, DiNatale, Gila, Iaquinta, Toni along with Del Piero & Donadoni's man in Lucarelli and then all indications are pointing to Amauri & Cassano being picked , etc etc...I'm mean who do you leave out????

I think at least 4 or 5 of those guys will end up being disappointed.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Yeh gotta agree there. We have a lot of good forwards, and when you look at other countries they simply aren't that deep. I think a guy like Borriello has gotta be picked. I mean, he played for AC Milan and didn't do great...but since Sheva they haven't really had a player that can put it in the back of the net consistently in Serie A. Teams just close them down, and a lot of their goals come from the midfield or set pieces (or Pato) He has been absolutely lighting it up this year as the prima punta at Genoa, and he's got some skill too for sure. Everyone knows Pippo steps it up for the UCL/NT but he misses a lot of chances too. Plus he's always bordering on offsides and it's gotta be frustrating for these guys to put perfect balls through only for SuperPippo to be offside. The thing that really pissed me off about Pippo was during the win over Czech Rep. in the WC...he rounded the keeper just to get a goal when Iaquinta was standing level with him, not a defender in sight with an open goal. Lippi never played him after that.

Del Piero - was once a superstar but looks really old. Lost all his pace and gets b*tched off the ball constantly. Can't really hold it up and wait for other players. He's still got a ton of skill, but goes to ground SO easy and at the EURO the refs aren't gonna call it like they do for Juventus.

Iaquinta - don't like him on the wing. But that's where he seems to play the most. Fact is he doesn't really have the skill to play out there, if he played in the center he'd be good to go cuz you'd be hard pressed to find a guy who's stronger and faster in Serie A. Gotta give Borriello the nod over this guy though cuz he can actually put a good first touch on the ball and pass to other players if need be, or create some space for himself.

Cassano - if he keeps his mental game the way it is...he's a must call for Euro2008. Too talented and creative not to be on the team.

Gila - definitely steps it up for the NT like The Third Tenor smartly said before. He does vanish from games sometimes, and for me, goes to ground way too easily and complains so much. I honestly think he's gotta get the hell out of AC Milan cuz Pippo is teaching him all the "tricks' and Gila doesn't need them. Has been pretty bad this season and I would be surprised to see him get a call...if he gets one I don't think we'll be seeing him too much anyway.

Amauri - Not Italian, and I don't think hes gonna get his passport anyway. As a Palermo fan I wouldn't mind seeing him get a call but I know a lot of you guys are against him. I honestly don't think we need him b/c of Tonigol. However, when he goes to his new team next year, he's gonna bag 25 goals. Mark my words. Outside of Drogba, Eto'o or Toni there's not a striker I want on my team other than Amauri. Pace, skill, strength, work rate...unreal. Palermo sucks and Guidolin is even worse, Amauri can't get the service he needs there. Will impress big time next year.

Another thing I'd like to throw out there. Aquilani probably won't see much time but against certain teams I could see The Don going with a 4-3-1-2 with Aquilani as trequartista. I can picture it now; Aquilani storming into the box onto a perfect ball from Pirlo, cool finish, goal, we go through...France goes home. Let's just hope Spalletti keeps giving Alberto time so he can impress Donadoni.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Well I don't know I herd Amauri give two interviews on Sunday. One he gave was about the fact that Italy is the only nation looking for his services as opposed to Brazil and he is awaiting an Italian passport which will be coming soon. The other one on domenica sportiva said that he hasn't spoken to anyone so who knows. If you watched Rai International on Sunday, everyone was glowing for Amauri. He played well against Milan in a last minute losing effort.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

99.99% of the time? Really? Because as far as I know that last goal was his first in Serie A in a year, and he hasn't been prolific in the champions league either (though, as people have said, he hasn't featured that much). I'd rather not see ADP or Pippo go, but if I had to chose betweem the two is would be ADP for me, simply because he's been on such good form and is far more versatile than Pippo, especially in terms of coming off the bench. You can see when he come off the bench he always has that hunger and drive, and he is a threat in the box and as a set piece taker. He also provides a level of leadership Pippo doesn't. But as I say, i'd rather neither of them went to the Euros. For my money, a player like Rossi, while he wouldn't be a starter, has done more to deserve a spot in the team than either of them, and Rossi can play that withdrawn forward-cum-winger role as well as anyone else.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

I do not want any brazilain on the italy team ...!!! I don't care how good he is!!give it to a true italian blood player-I do not want our team to begin looking like france!!

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Do you reckon Aquilani could play in Pirlo's position of he got injured? He seems to play pretty deep for Roma.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Well Camoranesi is from Argentina and there have been other Oriundi playing for Italy in the early part of the century....Luisito Monti, Guaiata Raimundo Orsi, Omar Sivori , etc

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

I think if Pirlo got hurt we'd have to see Aquilani. He wouldn't be the same as Pirlo - nobody is. I think it would be more Alberto and DDR sharing the playmaking duties like they do it at Roma. DDR has been in unbelievable form lately, I hope he can play for the NT like he has been playing for Roma. Dare I say the best midfielder in the world on BOTH sides of the ball.

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

Don't speak too soon about ADP.....I never cared for him but the guy comes thru!
Del Piero Free Kick (Min 12)
Click Here for Video

but I really like this guy.....
Iaquinta Header (Min 27)
Click Here for Video

 

Re: 23 Players that should be called up to Euro 2008 [PART 2] (Not- "is Oddo Good?" Discussion Threa

...for Juve, and that's about it.