The good news is that Italy, with a 1-0 victory, have secured qualification to the European Championships in Poland and Ukraine next summer. The bad news - it’s not that bad - is that the they haven’t been living up to the hype recently. Italy have been compared with Barcelona an awful lot during Cesare Prandelli’s tenure in charge of the Azzurri, but any viewers tuning in to see a Catalan imitation tonight will have been left feeling unsatisfied, confused [...]
guest writer/Frank Tigani This week the Azzurri recorded a highly impressive victory over reigning World and European Champions Spain. Sure, it may have just been a friendly, however, considering the strength of the two line ups it was clear that neither Cesare Prandelli nor Vicente del Bosque took to the contest lightly. The Azzurri’s triumph in Bari was a statement of intent that this Italian team is back. South Africa is now a long time ago and since then, under [...]
the question(s) is, will Guiseppe Rossi show up in Italy at a club side this summer or are those feet firmly planted in Spain? will Antonio Cassano find his scoring partner at Milan and in doing so transfer that partnership to the national squad, if yes who will Mister X be? and will Andrea Pirlo find rejuvenation at mighty Juventus during the 2011-2012 season as both club and player look for a renewed respect? Can only wait and see the [...]
The Serie A Weekly crew are very happy to welcome Football-Italia.net writer Susy Campanale to the show. Susy graciously made herself available for this recording while under the weather so big applauds for our guest as she enlightens on the progress of the Italian National football squad under manager Cesare Prandelli. In the second segment Susy, Adam and Kevin discuss Milan success but more to the point the Inter and Juventus shortfall. Podcast Powered By ForzaFutbol.com Standard Podcasts: itunes | [...]
It is incredible to think that Italy, World Champions five years ago, were ever ranked outside of the top ten in the FIFA rankings. But, such had been their fall from the summit of world football that started after their horrid display in South Africa, that the Italian National team found themselves in sixteenth position last November behind the likes of Slovenia, Norway, Egypt and Greece. However, with guidance of new boss Cesare Prandelli, La Nazionale have slowly but surely [...]
Back to join us during this international week of Euro 2012 qualifers is Giancarlo Rinaldi. The panel discuss the Prandelli revolution or evolution, depending how you see things. Topics include, Born in Brazil but with roots in Rovigo What are Oriundi, Giancarlo? Midfield footing Age of the ‘destroyer’ is over New partnerships Players of interest include, Stefano Mauri, Giampaolo Pazzini, Alessandro Matri, Leonardo Bonucci, Antonio Cassano, Riccardo Montolivo, Alberto Aquilani, Gigi Buffon and Federico Balzaretti Podcast Powered By EPLWeekly Standard [...]
With most of the peninsula focused on the Milan derby this weekend with the front runners taking on their second place rivals for the Scudetto, it would be easy to forget about another derby taking place that is just as important for the parties involved. The Derby della Sicilia between Palermo and Catania is second to none in terms of rivalry and passion. While most of Serie A may focus on the more glamorous matchup between Milan and Inter, an entire island’s inhabitants [...]
With the new found optimism for Italy’s goalkeeping future beyond Gigi Buffon being highlighted yesterday, Qasa Alom takes a moment to reflect on the strange and sad tale of Federico Marchetti. As another International break draws to an end, it seems that Cesare Prandelli’s new look youthful Italian national team have answered many questions and passed scrutiny with aplomb. Prior to the qualifier against Slovenia there was a vested interest in seeing how the former Fiorentina manager would address the [...]
Much changed and much accomplished. Cesare Prandelli continues his brilliant run with the Italian National Team with a two-nil victory over Ukraine. What exactly can Italy fans take away from this? Here are six points worth noting. Cesare Prandelli is the new Tinkerman. A better one. Claudio Ranieri, the old “Tinkerman”, has become somewhat infamous for tinkering in all the wrong ways. For the former Chelsea boss, a set starting eleven is as a spider to an arachnophobe : something [...]
Cesare Prandelli’s Italy side is somewhat odd. Gli Azzurri are historically known for defensive football, but the former Fiorentina tactician envisions his side playing a brand of attractive, smart passing play. On the basis of the game against Slovenia, Italy are on the right track to success although not quite there yet. A lack of a cutting edge and questions over one role in particular hinder this Italy side from reaching greatness, but three points on the night was fully [...]
Prandelli’s men resume their Euro 2012 qualifying campaign for the first time in the new year. With previous matches against the likes of Estonia, Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland, the first place Azzurri will face their toughest challenge yet in Group C. Italy travel to Ljubljana to take on a talented and emerging Slovenia side who have garnered a name on the world stage. With Italy and Slovenia in first and second place respectively, the match should be exciting enough. [...]
Now that we know the squad that Cesare Prandelli is taking with him it is time to discuss the matches coming up. Italy have two games within a 4 day stretch, and they will be the away side for both games. However, there is a big difference between the two games. One is a Euro Qualifier that, with a win, could send Italy to a very safe place in group C and the other is an international friendly. So far Italy [...]
