Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) today's hungary loss did not help the situation Italy must annihate France on the 8th
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Gotta control the midfield for this game so Donadoni must find some way to put Gattuso Pirlo and De Rossi in there at the same time. Probably it would be best to use a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1 though they could use a 4-3-2-1. Not sure who at this point I would put behind Toni but lets just say if Cassano shows anything in these first two games that is the way that I would go if it were up to me because I am sick of everybody else.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I think Cassano or Gila will make the squad in a few weeks. As for the game itself, I think it's key Italy plays THEIR game. That means great ball possesion & sound defense. We have to take advantage of that San Siro crowd which will be screaming for you-know-who's head.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) i Agree they should NOT play the way they did in the World Cup final. Italy should control the game and do NOT let people like Ribery and Henry loose. You can't let France attack, they already think they can beat Italy cuz of that 3-1 loss last year right after the world cup.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) One of our most noticeable weaknesses in today's friendly was in our midfield. The absence of Perrotta, Gattuso, and De Rossi was noticeable right from the start as we constantly lost battles for the ball and continuously allowed the Hungarians to run right through with the greatest of ease. We haven't been known for having the most creative midfielders over the last few years, but at least we've compensate for this with solid defensive support from our midfield. Today we lacked both.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I dont see how a 4 4 2 or 4 4 1 1 would incorporate all unless you play Gattuso on the wing which is not ideal. 4 3 2 1 is the best option with De Rossi, Pirlo and Gattuso being the 3 and Di Natale and Quagliarella being the 2 that support Toni.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) You can probably expect a change in formation for this game. Along with seeing a few new faces in the starting 11 and on the bench. We cant get the last game bother us too much. A concern I do have, is if Materazzi cannot play, can Barzagli step it up?
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Maybe if we can get Camoranesi and Perrotta back then they can play a 4-4-2. 4-3-1-2 like they did in the world cup with Del Piero or even Aquilani playing Totti's 1 position could work too, but I'll leave it up to the coach. We mainly do have to be fit for this game. A lot of France's players play in Spain and they start this weekend like us so hopefully we won't be too far behind. The Materazzi injury might be a killer
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Formation Vs France : 4-3-2-1 Buffon Zambrotta; Cannavaro, Materazzi/Criscito/Barzagli *, Grosso, Gattuso, Pirlo, De Rossi Perrotta/Di Natale, Aquilani/Quagliarella//Cassano-> If he is in great form Toni *Since Matrix may not recover in time......
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I won't try to give a particular formation, but I will list the players that I would like to see called up: Goalkeepers: Buffon, Amelia, De Sanctis Defenders: Cannavaro, Materazzi, Barzagli, Chiellini, Zambrotta, Oddo, Grosso, Midfield: Gattuso, De Rossi, Pirlo, Perrotta, Rosina (wishful thinking), Mauri, Aquilani Forwards: Di Natale, Gilardino, Toni, Miccoli, Quagliarella
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Same here, except I'd choose Camoranesi over Mauri. I hope Materazzi would be fit by then, we really need him for that match. Italy better prepare well for this match. After the disgraceful defeat against Hungary, there will be A LOT of pressure from the press and we all know that Italy usually plays well when they're under pressure, so lets just thank God that Italy sucked now instead of the game against France and hope for the best.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Quagliarella disappeared today.......................he is of no use on the right............... Either play him behind Toni or don't play him at all.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) yea i was gonna say...i expect sooo much from him. I really hope he steps it up in the france game.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) France may face defensive issues with Coupet, Gallas, Sagnol out... Our crap coach seems to have discovered that Méxès is good and may be tempted by a central defense Abidal-Méxès if Thuram is not fit. A good point for Italia
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) He could be back sooner, depending on how they treat him and the attention given. Considering Materazzi, and the importance of him being home soon, as well as Inter's cash funds, he could just make it. But Barzagli would be a fine replacement. That being said - I was thinking the same thing yesterday, before the game about (whoever said it above) losing and getting the pressure before the game to challenge France. Hopefully that pressure will give is the determination and strength for it. I honestly thought my parents were trying to piss me off joking when they told me the scoreline. Usually they do that, and it's almost always by the same score - so for six hours at work I agonized over what really happened. We'd better crush France in order to redeem ourselves.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) Donadoni should play the Christmas Tree 4-3-2-1 with two support players behind Toni. With the 4-2-3-1 Di Natale/Del Piero and Quagliarella were too wide and couldn't see the ball as much. With the Christmas tree the two support players can get the ball more and be more dangerous.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I totally agree, with the 4 2 3 1, Di Natale and Quagliarella had to stay out wide. If we use a 4 3 2 1 our midfield will be more solid and will allow Quag and Di Natale to cut inside and be more creative (Similar to the way Kaka and Seedorf are given free roles for Milan).
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) yep, and we can play with two hard workers like Gattuso and De Rossi, allowing Pirlo to run free and take on more creative duties.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I had a dream last night that we won 2-0. Materazzi had some operation today to speed his recovery. Most likely not going to be available.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) How often do your dreams come true? I've been saying 2-0 for a while.... That's what I'm still hoping for.
Re: Italia vs. France (9.8.07) I hope some kind of miracle happens and Materazzi recovers in time for the match, I don't think Barzagli would be good enough for this match. Another miracle would be Nesta coming back to support the Azzurri when they really need him if Materazzi doesn't recover in time !