Lippi's biggest mistake in the second half with Slovekia when he subbed in Quagliarella for Gattuso. Quagliarella was the best Italian player in the world cup and he could have scored three goals, but Lippi should have subbed him in for Pepe. It was unbelievable that we received two goals in the second half. Gattuso would have been an excellent player and would have stopped Slovekia's threats along with Chiellini and Zambrotta. The third goal would have not been conceded had Gattuso been there. That was a tactical mistake from Lippi. It was interesting to know that Lippi asked Quagliarella to "invent" something in the second half. I never knew that Lippi could be very weak at a very important moment.
100% in agreement. Gattuso was the only one with some heart playing down the middle. He was making up for all of Donkey De Rossi's defensive incompetency and actually winning balls! Quag was needed but should have come in for Pepe.
i dont know why everyone hates on PEPE? he was one of the best players in italy squad and one of the very few that actually played with HEART he created chances and if u look back he was involved in the goals a bit, especially the 2 called off
Yeah.. Pepe is not great, but he was good compare to other garbages we had in the game... Life's really suck... man.... This summer has been so low for me.... I'm no longer mad, but now I'm sad.... Am I the only one still suffering .....?
I set myself up so I wouldn't be disappointed in this tournament, no matter what happened. I knew the team assembled by Lippi could not compete with any of the big guns, and would struggle with mid-level teams. I just kept myself excited about the post-WC 2010 team. Prandelli's Italy will give us reason to be happy once again, don't worry. I look at 2010 as nothing more than a sending off for the old guard, and the rebirth of the National team.
I'm upset we're out of it. But, deep down, I knew we weren't going to add a 5th start to the shirt. Speaking of which, I'm wearing my new Italy jersey tomorrow. I'm never too sad not to wear my blue. And, as TFC17 said, I think we are about to witness the rebirth of the NT. All of the Cassano & Balotelli lovers are going to get their wish very soon, IMO. And I think we're going to wave good-bye to some other players as well. It might not be a huge radical change, but I expect some critical changes will be made.
I admit I was not a fan of Pepe prior to the WC, but he really won me over. You could just see he was playing 100% and was one of the few who didn't look terrified out there. I think he's secured a spot on the team, most likely a bench role. His role with Juve should dictate his NT career.
That's what was in Lippi's mind and is the reason we were so pathetic. How do you think the German's have 3 stars when technically/talent wise, they've never been the best team. They go into every tournament expecting to win and pick the best group of players they have. They even picked inexperienced players this time round because they knew the old stagers didn't have it in them. God knows where Lippi's head was at. He finally gives Quagli a go and asks him to 'invent' something... what a joke.
A couple major thinks that Lippi could have done.. I dont know about 2nd half but for the game - Lippi should have put Quags in during the New Zeeland game and at minimum started him against Slovakia... Why Iaquinta? Even the ESPN commentators (who hate Italy) mentioned that they were real suprised that Iaquinta got the chance to start and play major minutes. Lippi wake up!! - Instead of starting Gattuso he should have started Palombo. He at least would have had the legs to go the whole game and I think he would have tracked back a bit better and helped our defense as we pushed for goals. - A minor issue for me, I think Maggio should have gotten the start ahead of Criscito. He is a lot stronger down the flanks and he could have caused some headaches for the Slovakian D.