Who would you guys throw out there at CF vs Portugal? I'd start Belotti and sub in Immobile later on.. i can't stand to watch Balo walk around the pitch anymore
Not WC champions...But are you aware of Italys history, pedigree? To draw, vs Poland, in that way !!! , at home, with something to prove, wow....pathetic...The world expects more from Italy, they just can't produce, world caught up.
We have to be realistic. We are no longer spoiled with the talent we had for the last few decades. Then again, the same for the rest of the world. Earlier in the match, the announcers stated that at the 2006 WC, a little more than 70% of Italian players were regular starters in Serie A. Now that number is in the mid-30's. That is a telling stat.
I'd give Berardi a shot, he's been playing well. Balotelli is really out of shape, he was terrible during the Nice game and it looks like he's just not interested in calcio. Chiesa needs to start, Jorginho sucks, Zappa sucks, i can't believe that bum is in and Calabria isn't.
I am well aware of Italia's history. I watched the brilliant '82 side, many who impressed four years earlier in Argentina. Sadly, I am also aware of our history for the last ten years. We are not producing players as we did in the past.
Not too upset. Didn't expect a lot from a midfield with both Gagliardini and Pellegrini. An inform Verrattti is essential. More disturbed by the state of Italy's FBs. Zappa? Biraghi? wtf is that. I can't really fault Mancini. Need a few more younger players to come through like Barella and Mandragora.
You speak truth my friend, Italy is a great footballing nation, Will rebound, just not producing at rate they once were right now and No country is afraid to face them . Go tell that to Joe Italian on the street though, He will have none of that talk. Fact is, Italy ain't all that right now.
Showed resolve getting a point. We were dismal in the first half, improved in the second. Poland is a very organized side, and it showed today. Everything that poland created was self inflicted by stupid/sloppy passes and poor touches. We need to be crisper and play with intent. Everybody is attacking Balo, but he has really only played one match this season, with no preseason. He will come around. I want to see this lineup vs portugal Chiesa-Belotti-Berna/Berardi Jack/Barella/Benassi-Jorghino(brutal, but I am hoping it was a one off)-Cristante Crisito-Chiellini-Bonucci-IDGAF Gigio
resolve? come on now....they stank. Was that a penalty? YES . Was that a penalty an italy side should rely on, at home, vs an inferior opponent?, NO !
I'd start either Immobile or Belotti. I really want to see how Immobile does. Also try Berardi as well. Chiesa definitely needs that winger spot. I also want to see Benassi and Cristante. Gagliardini is terrible. Pellegrini is alright on his day but we have better players.
Not to be rude, BUT if you call this progress , What is regression? oh, we already know what that is.....Yes, they may be better going forward, BUT today they were awful! tell it like it is...
i miss the days of Italia with a world class trequartista.. i dont like this wing play cross into the sky merda.
Yeah i don't know much about him other than he's described as a promising CDM. atm, Jorginho is more a regista and not really suited to this midfield (though that could change). And then you have Pellegrini, Gagliardini, Cristante who are all similar (industrious Parolo type players).
Let's see if the second half play builds some confidence. At least with Mancini it does not appear that he is trying to be some tactical wizard. He has to get a feel for these players as they do with him and themselves. This is going to be a work in progress but let's face it, it is 10 years a bit late to remake this squad.
Mancini made Ventura look like a genius tonight. His inability to tell who is in form is shocking and really has me worried for this campaign. Let's think about this and really digest it: Balotelli--He's in terrible form and it is obvious. Out of shape and even lazier than usual. How the fck does he start ahead of Belotti? Absolute rubbish move. Insigne--4'10" dwarf who NEVER plays well outside of Sarri's system. Bunch of fancy dribbling that leads to nowhere. He doesn't even have great pace for his size. Fcking Mancini starts him ahead of Chiesa who continually proves himself. Gagliardini--I know Inter fans who fell off their chairs that he was even called up..let alone starting for Gli Azzurri. He's a mediocre player who actually is cowardly in his play (hides from the ball). Where was Cristante? Jorginho--He is pure rubbish. I've said this for 2 years now. No pace, no dynamic play, 4 foot passes, and no filter for the defense. Then he is always good for a stupid pass that leads to a goal (remember France friendly?) Why was Barella not given a chance? One of the best midfielders in Serie A and a strong start to this year? Mancini is a stubborn motherfcker and he is quite loyal to his posse. That has me concerned because members of his posse suck. Let's hope he learns his lesson before Portugal.
They were much better. Do have to say though that I believe Insigne is just not tactically flexible. He works well under particular systems but with others he just can't adapt. He is a good player to use, but I don't think he is a starting player. I'd like to see us try Chiesa and Berardi as wingers with Bernardeschi in midfield along with Cristante and Benassi.