Calafiori probably will start eventually. Also don’t forget Jorginho’s tenure at Chelsea during his prime. He was one of the club’s best players and very key to their success, especially when they won the UCL in 2020-21!
English and US soccer media spent every waking moment b*tching about Sarri and Jorginho. They probably still won't give Jorginho proper credit. Yesterday, when Jorginho checked in, Stuart Robson proceeded to explain what Jorginho doesn't have as opposed to what he does well. Meanwhile, Declan Rice is on the pitch, the guy who skied a free kick cross into the 4th row, but I guess cuz he's English we'll all ignore that he has touch like his feet are made of lead. Why does Jorginho piss off Brits, so much? Is it because they can't conceive of a player beyond his raw attributes? Bellingham is a messiah, but when he doesn't have Modric and Kroos around him all of the sudden he isn't a world-beater. Same with Foden. Go figure.
Arsenal just don't have UCL pedigree. To a man they all believed Arsenal were going to get past Bayern Munich last spring. Arrogant how they didn't comprehend just what a giant FCB area. I'm more upbeat about Calafiori winning over a spot over Timber than Chiesa. Even with Liverpool's rich history, Salah is a top 5 legend for them. Chiesa's versatility in being able to play both wings helps him. Of course they have 4 competitions this season so he should get Minutes but he's definitely not earned the right to go ahead of them. Even a player like Cody Gakpo who is behind the pecking order made good use of his Minutes versus Milan. Likewise, Chiesa needs to do the same when he does see time. Latest FIFA Rankings released. Italy rated at #10. EDIT: from what I see both Chiesa and Calafiori getting along with their teammates. Chiesa seems happy and seems to have struck a good relationship with Trent Alexander Arnold. Calafiori with Saka and I believe Martinelli.
Timbers short. He will play as the left back. Cali will be a sub but will still rack up at least 30 appareances in all comps.
Rice is as Irish as Retegui is Italian: Grandparents. Ireland tried to poach him and Grealish when England didn't want them at the youth level. Once they could be useful for England, England locked them in. But, as you said: overrated. Jorginho is the embodiment of all things wrong with the game, but Declan Rice is hot shit. I guess nobody has seen a big lug who can hustle, before.
Colombo and Sebastiano Esposito on the board for Empoli (2-0 v Cagliari in the second half). Note: Esposito is playing at striker, while Colombo is playing as an attacking mid, according to the official line-up. That's different.
Hopefully Timber is moved to RB to make way for Calafiori. I will laugh my head off if Ben White loses his place after all his antics. I will be there.
Our boy Federico got a good 20 min Premier League debut. He was subbed on with Gakpo but they had Gakpo playing LW and Chiesa as a left sided FW. This is prolly where he will play with us with Retegui on the other side. Towards the end, they moved him over to the RW. All in all, everything went well.
Yes, I tuned in. He was desperate to do well. First touch on the ball was a shoot-on-site. A little ambitious as it never did look dangerous. Usual hustle. Later he made a run upfield (when he moved to the Right side) and choose the correct pass in the box but nothing came of it. However, I didn't like his body language with arms out in desperation that his teammates didn't do anything with his pass. No teammate can possibly appreciate that. Deep team they have in that position. Bad performance by Juve's current wingers so far. Gorgeous shot by Yildiz just now to Row ZZ. I swear that pigeon had it coming to him! On the way to another 0-0, it appears. Undefeated but only because of a gritty team Defence. It Attack, toothless. As I predicted, Vlahovic missing his BFF Chiesa.
Follow Up on Nicolò Savona Recently I commented about the possibility if he would be employed in a 3-man D. In a recent match when Motta played in a back 3, Savona was NOT utilized. As far as I see it, it has to be Gatti. At best, Di Lo is a backup or out entirely. When Scalvini returns, it must be Scalvini and Gatti.
Even Buongiorno played as a RCB today, so either him or Gatti over Di Lorenzo please. I really wonder if Spalletti will ever leave his son behind like he outcasted every other 30+ year old player from the Euros. Time will tell.
Didn't he play left CB. Di Lo was in, no? To me, Bastoni needs to be given priority. However he wants to play, he needs to be given it even if it means sacrificing Calafiori. Middle in a 3 is great but his real strength is left side in a 3 as he gets forward to whip in crosses (recall his masterpiece performance against Barca in the UCL). It would be what was seen against Israel when Calafiori didn't play. At the time the commetators suggested it was a hindrance to Bastoni's best strengths when Dimarco had that braincramp throw in against Albania. I believe it was you (open to correction) who recently wrote that would like to see Calafiori on the Right. All these Left Footed Defenders is not ideal. Richy really can play anywhere so IMO this is the backline that should be considered (L-R): Bastoni - Buongiorno - Calafiori. Bastoni and Buongiorno play their preferred roles. Calafiori is the one that is more versatile than the others and has played on the Right before for Bologna. Far from his ideal, however.
Over. Nothing is ever decided in September. But obviously he has his work cut out for him with all that depth in front of him. A pity he's not at Juve. Could have used him today. Nobody wants to attack at the Defender and wants to take players on. Just passing on the periphery. Do wonder if Spalletti reintegrates him in October or re-evaluates for November. I say call him but whether he plays is another matter. Would love to give Belgium and Israel a battering next month. Also, Pinamonti not doing as good as I hoped.
Chiesa was by far better and more impactful for Italy but yes I could see him getting lost in a very large shuffle at Liverpool
Empoli: I'm watching them closely. Esposito played fantastically the other day. Colombo with a nice finish. Those two are only 22 still and if they find their stride, it only helps us with options. Fazzini is only 21 as well. Good to see them 5th in the table. Re: Juve/Napoli: I have to say I have no clue what Thiago Motta is doing right now. Yildiz is played far too wide for my liking. Should be closer to goal. McKennie absolutely sucks and he keeps playing him. Then he subs Vlahovic and puts in brick feet Tim Weah. Just dumb, dumb, dumb. Is US trying to up their merchandise sales in the US market? If they are going down the Milan road, that won't end well for them.
Not sure if this is the right place to ask but does anyone know if there are any tickets on sale for Italy - Israel in Udine? Only see the Belgium match in Rome on the official Federation site. Would appreciate any replies.
As of right now, the tickets are only available to Udinese season ticket holders, but they should open up to the general public soon. https://figc.vivaticket.it/it/event...etynet&qubsh=665da46f29f5eb5a3c5380ebc91e7532
Might want to stay away for that one. Protests are planned outside the stadium before Kick Off. Not approved by the municipality.