I agree with with most of what you are saying. But this is the first time we have strikers with a killer instinct for the first time in a long time. There is work to be done, but if we do qualify I believe we have some time to iron out some of these issues. I see potential here, we are not yet there, but Gattuso seems like the right guy to me considering what we have available. It is certainly a big improvement over Spalletti. But I do admit it is too early to say. We have yet to face a strong opposition under him. Time will tell.
The Pots as they stand with all factual data through October 14th. *The Fifa rankings update again on October 22nd so I will re-release these in 8 days* Pot 1: Italia (10th), Turkey (27th), Ukraine (28th), Poland (36th) Pot 2: Czech Republic (39th), Hungary (41st), Slovakia (42nd), Scotland (43rd) Pot 3: North Macedonia (63rd), Albania (66th), Bosnia (73rd), Kosovo (91st) Pot 4: Wales (30th), Romania (51st), Sweden (32nd), Northern Ireland (72nd)
In this current Pot of all known data, I drew the following simulation: Match 1: Italia v Wales Match 2: Italia / Wales v Hungary / North Macedonia You do not want to face Hungary in Hungary. Gattuso is navigating the waters so far but that would be a serious mental challenge for out team. Those fans would psyche out our fragile team. I predict if we are to play Hungary in Hungary, it's a serious serious hurdle. If you wonder why I say this...the morons of Fifa allowed a random draw to determine the home team for Match 2 of the playoffs because they are indeed morons of the highest order. We are the home team of match 1 without a doubt. The only doubt is in match 2.
I may be crazy, but I want Comrada on this team. If we are sticking with 3 5 2 or 4 4 2 and are taking 4 CF's each time in the future....I say go with Pio, Retegui, Kean, and Camrada.
I know Portugal aren’t sweating qualification but Hungary did earn a Draw today in Portugal. As for how they are playing (uaglio's comments)... OK agreed. Far from the finished product. Same would apply for France who only managed a 2-2 with Iceland over the weekend. I would pump the brakes on Camarda. Let him enjoy the U21 team. If anything, he can come next window enjoy a week of Training (like Pafundi was doing under Mancio) be named to the Moldova match and come is should Italy have comfortable lead late in the match. But the Norway match isn’t for him, especially given another young player, Esposito, has just joined the setup.
It's not bad. I'd like to avoid Scotland but the rest I don't fear. But yes Hungary in Hungary for the 2nd game would suck.
So, unless I'm reading the format-bracket wrong, if Italy advances to the play-offs, they still have to play 4 more games in order to qualify for the final WC tournament? Is this correct?
Just watched the highlights… it’s a shame how this was an Italy home game a crucial one at that and there were no fans in the stands… also I’m just not convinced by this team.. we are beating teams that Italy should always win against I want to see Gattuso coach against stronger side…
Italy was never in a position or good enough to beat Norway with either Spalletti or Gattuso at the helm.
Correct they will be pot 1 with us. The fear is the second game, it’s a draw to determine home field so we could be playing away to Scotland, Hungary, Wales etc. that’s not an easy game.
Yes if we are away at Hungary or Scotland it will be very tough game. The key is we draw home field.. even Wales away is a very difficult game. March is long way away- we need health and form and a good draw..we are due for some good luck.
I hate these 1 game Paths. I accepted the elimination to Sweden in 2017 because it was a 2 Legged Tie against the same team. But 2022 versus North Macedonia it was Italy dominating North Macedonia only to lose on a sucker punch in Added Time. No 2nd Leg to overturn it.
Yeah you just know McTominay, Gilmour, Adams, Ferguson and any other Scotsmen playing in Italy would be up for it. Italy NT have been burned like this a few times. Scotland are to be avoided. Really need help from Estonia.
My Dimarco and Di Lorenzo concerns truly showed up in this game. It can be fixed against the better teams: Calafiori Bastoni Buongiorno* Scalvini*/Leoni* Cambiaso (pick any two of Buongiorno, Scalvini, and Leoni) Gattuso prolly will never try it but hopefully whomever follows will build on this core and not call up Di Lorenzo anymore and utilize Dimarco against the weaker teams only.
Also I know it is wishful thinking but as long as Norway have Haaland and/or Sorloth up top, Estonia has no chance. Estonia literally tied Moldova today, they are a poor team. Israel was our only hope to take something off of red hot Norway and they got destroyed as well. Can Moldova just let us score 15 goals on them please? In all seriousness, I am ready for the playoffs. Let's hope no major injuries until then!
I personally hated Cambiaso as a false winger or whatever it is in this tactic. The one game path combined with random home draw for the "final" is just a joke within a joke. Italia or not...it's so dumb.
I've been thinking about where does Chiesa fit in a 3-5-2, but watching him play CF for Liverpool, he would link up nicely next to either Kean or Retegui up top. He would be my first attacking sub to enter.