Soule could be another Camoranesi situation. I always was skeptical about whether Mauro's heart was with Gli Azzurri, but I have to say he played his heart out for us. There definitely can be Argentinians who have a ton of pride in their Italian heritage. This all depends on Soule's mentality. Is he torn or is this just a ploy to get Scaloni's attention? My guess is he would take the Argentinian call up in 2 seconds.
I don't think they see it that way (pride). It's a professional decision to make more money, play in a tournament and they will give you effort because it's just what they are used to doing in a team sport.
Soule has held out this long from taking a call with Italy. Spaletti was trying hard to lure him in as well for some time, IIRC. The pathway for getting involved was always there with Italy, but Argentina has been number one for him. Either way, I am aligned with other posters --- this just feels like the final power play to strong arm the Argentine federation to get him involved in the mix. 2026 is just around the corner in the player's mind. We are simply a leverage piece for Soule's camp at the present moment. However, if he is left out once again, the player and camp really need to think this one over and what they ultimately value. Argentina have a lot of interesting young attacking pieces and if he falls to the wayside the situation only gets worse. I honestly have sort of let this Soule ship sail in my mind for quite some time and have accepted it is highly unlikely he caps for Italy.
Soule would be a major coup and a bigger deal than Camoranesi because Mauro was never in consideration to play for Argentina. He never even played for their youth teams. Soule should be apart of the Argentinian squad right now. It would be a big steal. But I would not get excited. Soule just needs to be patient and he’ll play for Argentina eventually. Thats what he wants.
Interesting transfer news. Como have finally identified an Italian they like. Di Marzio is reporting that Como will try to sign Cambiaghi.
Camoranesi what a safety valve he was for Italia. In 2006 world cup may times on the counter he provided us the dribbling and relief on his side to get the ball up the field and move possession into the attacking end. Even if just to get it to the attacking corner of the field far away from danger as possible. Great player. Underrated at heading the ball too.
Well that's interesting...you'd think at first that it would be a lateral move or even a step down for Cambiaghi...also why leave Italiano...but, apparently, it is said that Como is apparently rich
Gatusso said to stick with a 442 but it is essentially 334 when you look at it. Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Raspadori; Kean, Retegui -----------------------------Kean-----Retegui -------------Raspadori--------------------------------Cambiaso -------------------------------Tonali------Barella -----Di marco----------Bastoni-------Calafiori-------Di Lorenzo -------------------------------------Gigio Of course we want goals and dont fear Estonias counter but you can see how it can become a 343 with Di lorenzo tucking in and Di marco matching Cambiaso's width on the left. Against Israel I'd suspect Tonali in place of Raspadori and maybe another midfielder to add more balance but this kind of hybrid 442/352 could work for us.
There is something I really like this time around. Less than 24 hours before the game and no one really knows which system amd which players we are going to use! I can’t remember when was the last time this happened.
Time has come! Israel is avoiding defeat against Norway and everything is up to us to qualify! I hope this will happen. Otherwise…playoffs.
I agree with a comment upthread. You can surely have an opinion on what's going on but careful with the bulletin board material. Gravina also piping in saying we have to play this match or they would give Isreal 3 Points by default just adds to it. Use your head. Gattuso didn’t like it when a journalist from Germany wrote disparaging things back in 2006. Just glad Israel are playing Norway first and not Italy. Because if the fixtures had Isreal play Italy first in this window, and lost, and thereby eliminated, they would probably roll over for Norway and condemn Italy to a Playoff.
Some thoughts and questions to everyone. Do you guys think that Israel may not play with full effort against Norway because of all this fuss happening in Italy and what happened at the end of our previous game? Do they really believe they can qualify and play as they have to play against Norway in order to keep their hopes alive? Do they have any chance of getting a spot to playoffs through Nations League so second place is irrelevant to them?
I would think Israel would be playing to win against Norway. I just don't see FIFA banning Israel given who's in charge and I would think Israel would know this and give it their best shot.
No, Israel are NOT assured of a Playoff based on Nations League. Beating Norway and Italy really is their last chance to get to the WC so IMO they won't mail it in.
@Pambiero Italy need to be smart about this. I know shit-talking happens but if they get distracted and bust the Israel teams chops over something their politicians do and out of their control, Italy risk it. Red Card or bad play. Need to have a professional performance about things. Gattuso was a beauty as a player and you need a grunt like him on your team but the team cannot fully take on the personality of their manager all of the time. Focus.
It seems we will play with 4-4-2. Actually it’s like 4-2-4. Donnarumma Di Lo-Bastoni-Calafiori-Di Marco Orsolini-Barella-Tonali-Raspadori Retequi-Kean We are going full attack instead of playing with Cambiaso-Spina in the wings. All this according to Gazzetta
Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Vicario, Carnesecchi. Defenders: Bastoni, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Di Lorenzo, Dimarco, Gabbia, Mancini, Spinazzola, Udogie. Midfielders: Barella, Cristante, Frattesi, Locatelli, Tonali. Forwards: Cambiaghi, Esposito, Kean, Orsolini, Raspadori, Retegui. Coppola Caviglia Meret and Piccoli were cut from the final squad so no surprises really. but its a fairly strong group when we consider the players we could still bring in if they perform/get healthy down the line.
yeah it makes sense ... I would even go a step further and play Spina at RB since he offers more than Di Lorenzo going forward. Im sure against Israel we will see a more balanced lineup. Likely with an extra midfielder and a wingback to make it a hybrid 442/352.
No surprise. 2-0 for Norway already at the 26th minute. The Israelis are trying but the Norwegians are showing them little respect. 3-0 as I type. This might end 8-0
This game was practically our last hope of winning the group, now that is gone. It's playoffs or nothing.
I never for a minute doubted that we were going to the playoffs. It was our destiny from the first game