Respectfully disagree with the earlier comment about Frattesi is really a Striker. He is the leading scorer under Spalletti because he is playing by and large mezzala. Leave him be, I say. If Inzaghi changes his role and it's successful then he can do so for Italy as well. But until then. He has these inserimenti in the box that not all on the team have. Like Steven Gerrard-type, Casadei at the U20 World Cup. IMO, a great back up to Barella and alongside Barella depending on Lineup (Mkhitarian role). EDIT: to Azzurri87's comment about Calafiori, saw a chart where they showed expanded stats from this match where it highlighted the progressive passes and carries upfield that Calafiori made. This player is like a regista arritrata from the defensive line.
Really hope they don't fill their little heads with arrogance after beating France that it's "only Israel". Absolutely no reason to undue all the good from Friday. Belgium scored 3 on them and dominated in every expanded statistic. Italy needs to do this. Absolutely no reason not to go out and win convincingly. Bellanova needs to have a talk with Spalletti and to have his role in the team explained to him. Sorry to the board to harp on Di Lorenzo's presence but it beggars belief. IMO, not really sure who should be at RB in a 3 DEF given that Scalvini is out. Bellanova OK, but he would really be better if he and Cambiaso switched positions. Or really should have Cambiaso sit for Chiesa.
This reminds me of the second leg in 2016-17 UCL quarterfinal between Barcelona vs Juventus. The game literally started when Alves was still greeting his former teammates at Barcelona and he wasn’t even on the pitch yet. Thank goodness nothing came of it, but was 100% on Alves. He should’ve been on the pitch and ready!
Everyone who is blaming Gigi on France's goal. Are you kidding me?! I dont give a damn if he had his pants down, that is 1000% on Di Lorenzo. He literally closed his eyes and fell asleep when he was suppose to make an EASY pass backwards. Barcola shouldve passed the ball to Mbappe for a free goal, but once again Di Lorenzo has the slowest reaction time in the world. Like I posted yesterday, go watch Croatia and Switzerland's 2nd goal again and keep an eye on Di Lorenzo with his eyes closed and feet stuck in mud.
Ive seen Bellanova shut down Leao earlier this season on the same move Mbappe and Barcola burned Cambiaso on. Then you got Di Lorenzo, go watch what Nico Williams did to him. Spalletti for whatever reason just doesnt trust him. He can be out of position at times due to his runs and he has a weak mentality, seen him give up on plays when he is frustrated. That might be it.
Pellegrini and Frattesi yesterday were playing behind Retegui in a 3-4-2-1. That is where I like him for now. However, once Barella comes back, one has to be moved. Frattesi benched or Barella to the left. They both never play on the right.
Not sure what that comment addressed to me is for. All good though. Only writing no need to change his role, IMO. What he does at Inter should also he his role for Italy.
Group A1 Ronaldo should embrace this supersub role. What am absolute legend of the game. Wow. A privilege to have watched him play.
Spain smashed Switzerland. Two goals after going down to 10 men. Fabian Ruiz is a superb player. Everyone in that midfield is world class, and I don't think that's a loose label to apply to each of those players.
Jannik Sinner wins the US Open Will increase his lead as #1 Ranked Player in the world. FORZA! pic.twitter.com/cZpKAW2GC3— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 8, 2024
Can he play Right Back? I believe he only lost 2 Sets all tournament. 🇮🇹 Jannik Sinner in 2024:🇦🇺 Australian Open 🏆 🇺🇸 US OPEN 🏆 🇺🇸 Miami 🏆 🇺🇸 Cincinnati 🏆 🇩🇪 Halle 🏆 🇳🇱 Rotterdam 🏆 55-5 win/loss record (91.7%) 🤯 World #1 by 4105 ATP ranking points 🌎 BEST. PLAYER. ON. THE. PLANET. 👏 pic.twitter.com/iIo26L1f8X— Olly 🎾🇬🇧 (@Olly_Tennis_) September 8, 2024
Some juve fans take cr7 for granted. He easily makes the juve starting 11 of any team in last 30 years. Saw a video of caressa making his top juve team. Lol super stacked lineup
https://www.sofascore.com/player/davide-frattesi/835600 Check out his heat map from the game. His most played spot was somewhere behind the striker it seems. His second position was inside the box. What I suggest we play is a 3-5-1-1 (which Spalletti did mention as a possible formation). If Frattesi has a free roam spot behind Retegui, then we can play Tonali-Ricci-Barella behind which is our best midfield.
I like the role of the false 10 like Kessie played at Milan. When the team have possession, he is pressing the ball in the 3/4s trying to win it back. Pellegrini is so ineffective in both phases, anyone is an upgrade
Gatti getting the start is great to see. He has really looked strong for Juve in a back 4 and has chemistry with Cambiaso. He is also suprisengly fast for a CB of his size. I think like a Barzagli he will only get better with age and will push Scalivini to realy win the RCB spot from him long term.
I repped this message but in fairness to Madrid, it even goes back to PSG to when Neymar was there. Mbappe was played out of position to accomodate Neymar. Surely one of the reasons their relationship was strained. The way Barca has got off this season (7 goals last match, lol. Raphina is something else) and Madrid still trying to find the right balance, Girona doubtful to better what they did last season and Atleti not as good and too negative under Cholo Simeone, I think Barca's got La Liga.
I am happy to see Gatti. I think he is deserving. We will see how he performs, but he also gives us a scoring threat on corners and free kicks. If he does not perform well, then we have to react accordingly. But he deserves this chance right now.
I have an opinion that I would like to see what the board says. It is not a strong one, so I am happy to hear everything about it. Perhaps I am thinking Retegui should also start today. With his performance against France, my thinking is it would be a chance to establish a primary prima punta for the Nazionale. I wonder if Retegui would be even more effective long term with another start today.
IMO He certainly produces for Italy so I understand the logic to give him the reins and have him lead the line from here on out. But when taking into account club output, other CF's have produced more than him in his short tenure in Serie A, which is not a surprise given it was his first season last year. Scammacca, Pinamonti, was on even worse team than Retegui was, I believe even even a washed Immobile had more goals than he did last season. Too lazy to check. This isn't a situation like prime Thomas Muller or Harry Kane who are undisputed Starters for their NT's as they produced equally for club and country. With Scammacca's ACL tear, Immobile's retirement, and Pinamonti's exclusion, the case can be made, however. Second, Spalletti has said he wants to maintain a good relationship with clubs. Atalanta are not going to want to see Retegui play for Italy each and every time. Third, if he drags Kean along, he's going to want to include him in the project. Not doing so and Spalletti will lose him.
For me, I am sorry to say, Scamacca could score 30 goals upon his ACL return, I just do not think he fits any Nazionale mold. He's completely lost in that jersey mentally, and incredibly lazy without putting in a goal contribution return. Mentally and Physically garbage during the EURO. So, I personally am willing to move on from him.