When: November 17th Where: Milan Ronaldo will not be joining the team. So there's hope. Rumours of Mancini selecting Inter's Politano and Brescia's Tonali. I'm reading that Tonali is the next Pirlo?!?!
Only reason why Tonali and Zanolo got called up recently was because the Under 21's don't actually have to qualify or play competitive matches. makes no sense Cutrone is left off and Tonali is called up
Tonali's probably the next best midfielder (behind the starting 3) if you want to maintain the technical level.
I’m starting to think the USA will give Italy a good match. Many of their non MLS players are playing in Europe. Maybe not with top clubs but at a decent level.
I realize that Italy are not what they were historically, but to say they are evenly matched is false. When the U.S. has two central backs that start for Juve, central midfielders play key role for PSG and Chelsea, and a forward that is key for Napoli, we can start comparing them in terms of quality. Outside of Pulisic, what player does the U.S. have that plays a key role for a major club?
You can make similar arguments for Sweden, a team against which Italy could not score a goal in three hours of football a year ago, or Macedonia, a team Italy could not beat at home 14 months ago. We are overrating Italy.
It's not even a question of quality. The US, usually, plays all matches as if they counted; they play tough, and make it as difficult as possible for the other team to get a victory. If nothing else, they beat Italy during the Prandelli regime, friendly and all.......
I didn't watch the USA at England game so I can't judge them.Either way, Italy is no longer the force they use to be. For as long as I remember, the azzurri have had Juventini , Milanisti and Interisti but when you can't qualify for a WC or have to rely on an unknown defender to win you a game in the final seconds, the clubs you play for mean very little.
Italy isn't great right now obviously But neither is the US MNT. They are a complete mess. I see this being a draw lol
Take a look at how the U.S. did yesterday. You are overrating them, and I say this as a supporter of both nations.
I can't believe I am even making this argument in comparing the two sides, but nonetheless...you can envision Italy getting their act together if Bonucci and Chiello boss the defense; Verratti and Jorginho do their jobs in the midfield; and if Insigne is even close to his Napoli form with the NT, aided by the development of Bernardeschi and Chiesa. In fact, you can envision a strong national side if all those things happen; things which are not all that far-fetched. What's the upside for the U.S.? Pulisic, who is arguably a player at the Insigne level, plays well? Who else is going to make a difference? The display yesterday was evidence of that. Contrast it with what we saw from Italy in the last two fixtures. You saw a side that played good football and bossed each game. The critcism would be in a failure to take their chances. I think the match against Portugal tomorrow will be quite telling of where we are currently.
we also tied the USA in 2006 world cup..and we all know the quality and result of that tournament. just goes to show it can happen and if they play MLS rugby style..it will throw some of our more fragile players off. however.. to say that we have similar quality to them? rediculous.
I have to say I'm pretty excited about today's match. There is a lot more positive energy around Gli Azzurri than I've seen in a long while. We have some really good young players being inserted into the lineup, and the fans are appreciating that I think. 70,000 tickets have been sold for tonight's game and San Siro will be packed. Great to see. My only disappointment is that Belotti and Cutrone weren't called up. With Berna's injury, now we have to play Immobile in the middle. He always comes up small with la maglia azzurra...but I'm hoping he can put it together today. He certainly will have service given the quality on the wings and in the midfield. This is also a chance for Donnarumma to rise to the next level. Talent is there but the consistency is not. He's got to own that goal and really give our D a sense of security back there. For all the lamentations about the state of the Italian game, lack of home grown players in our league, poor youth systems and facilities, etc. (may of which I agree with), tonight is an opportunity to show the world, we still have quality. I think we still do. We are probably a central striker and terzino away from being a serious tournament contender again. Tonight should be a night we can build off of. FORZA ITALIA!
Interestingly, against England, there were only 3 MLS based starters who were featured : GK Brad Guzan , Defender Jorge Villafaña, and Mid Will Trapp.
Well Portugal plays again in a few days time. So if we win this, they could slip up against Poland (maybe tiredness, injury etc) and then we'd go through as group winners. I don't care about the Nations League but that would give us a chance to climb the rankings.