By Carlo Garganese, Goal.com
Ask any non-Italian football fan for their view on the Azzurri, and more often than not you will be greeted with a response, something along the lines of “old team.” While sometimes these kinds of charges are fuelled by jealousy and ignorance, there can be no doubting that in recent times they have been accompanied by an element of truth.
At Euro 2008, 14 of Italy’s original 23-man squad were over the age of 30, while the team that took to the field in the opening game against Holland was the oldest starting 11 in the history of the competition at 31 years and 56 days.
It has been stated on numerous occasions, since the Euros, that the time has now come for the Italian national team to turn the page and begin a new youthful era ahead of the 2010 World Cup. However, there were fears that Marcello Lippi was set to ignore these appeals, as his first couple of squads since returning to the helm were mainly composed of players who helped him win the World Cup in Germany two years ago.
The results were not great. Although Italy drew 2-2 with Austria in a friendly, before winning both of their opening World Cup qualifiers against Cyprus (2-1) and Georgia (2-0), the performances in these games were far from impressive, and indeed the Azzurri really did look like an “old team.”
Lippi finally rang the changes ahead of the double-header with Bulgaria and Montenegro. Mature or underachieving players such as Alessandro Del Piero and Andrea Barzagli were dropped from the squad, while four fresh faces were included – Christian Maggio, Fabiano Santacroce, Giuseppe Rossi and Simone Pepe. The youthful Riccardo Montolivo, Daniele Bonera and Antonio Nocerino all returned, too.
The Italy starting XI against Bulgaria on Saturday night had an average age of 27 and included debutant Pepe as well as the relatively inexperienced Montolivo and Andrea Dossena, who had just four caps between them. Rossi was also thrown on for his first cap midway through the second half. These were bold moves by Lippi when you consider that an away Bulgaria game could be considered, along with Ireland in Dublin, as Italy’s toughest match in the entire Group 8 calendar.
The results were very promising. Although a rather dour and uneventful game ended in a goalless draw, Italy, who was always going to be happy with a point, was almost always in control. The Azzurri looked solid, organized and authoritative in defense and midfield, and they were never in any danger of conceding a goal. In fact, Bulgaria did not create a chance all night, and goalkeeper Marco Amelia did not make a save until the 87th minute.
Compare Italy’s display on Saturday to its last away game in September when it was torn apart at times by Cyprus and was extremely lucky to win, and the improvements are marked. Granted, Italy’s fitness is far superior now than it was a month ago, but you must also take into consideration the fact that Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Grosso, Mauro Camoranesi, as well as a number of others including the blossoming Angelo Palombo, were injured for the trip to Sofia.
The fact that a youthful Italy could assert itself so well in a difficult environment is surely proof that the way forward now for Lippi over the coming months is to retain most of the young players. Italy is in a relatively weak group, so now is the time to prepare the youngsters mentally for South Africa.
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Showing posts with label Italian Professioanl Soccer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Italian Professioanl Soccer. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Official: Lippi 'New' Italy Coach
The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Marcello Lippi has been named as the new coach of Italy, succeeding Roberto Donadoni whose two-year reign ended earlier today.
Donadoni’s position became virtually
untenable after Italy crashed out of Euro 2008 at the quarter final stage to Spain on Sunday night.
The Italian media have long since claimed that Lippi had already been lined up as his replacement, and the FIGC have now confirmed the 60-year-old’s return.
”Marcello Lippi returns to guide the Italian national team,” a statement reads.
“The president of the FIGC Giancarlo Abete has appointed a new national team coach of the Azzurri in place of Roberto Donadoni. Lippi will be presented next Tuesday, July 1, in a press conference in Rome.”
The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Marcello Lippi has been named as the new coach of Italy, succeeding Roberto Donadoni whose two-year reign ended earlier today.
Lippi has been on a two year sabbatical since winning the World Cup with Italy in the summer of 2006.
The 60-year-old has stated on numerous occasions that he would be returning to the bench in time for next season, and he will lead the Azzurri into their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, hoping to retain the title he won in Germany.
Lippi is expected to bring Ciro Ferrara and Angelo Peruzzi as part of his backroom staff. The latter, who was second choice goalkeeper at the last World Cup will act as a unifying force in the dressing room.
Lippi should also confirm coach Narciso Pezzotti, goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon, and doctor Enrico Castellacci.
Text Source: Anthony Sormani (Goal.com) http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=752824
Image Source: Goal.com
Donadoni’s position became virtually
untenable after Italy crashed out of Euro 2008 at the quarter final stage to Spain on Sunday night. The Italian media have long since claimed that Lippi had already been lined up as his replacement, and the FIGC have now confirmed the 60-year-old’s return.
”Marcello Lippi returns to guide the Italian national team,” a statement reads.
“The president of the FIGC Giancarlo Abete has appointed a new national team coach of the Azzurri in place of Roberto Donadoni. Lippi will be presented next Tuesday, July 1, in a press conference in Rome.”
The Italian Football Federation has confirmed that Marcello Lippi has been named as the new coach of Italy, succeeding Roberto Donadoni whose two-year reign ended earlier today.
Lippi has been on a two year sabbatical since winning the World Cup with Italy in the summer of 2006.
The 60-year-old has stated on numerous occasions that he would be returning to the bench in time for next season, and he will lead the Azzurri into their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, hoping to retain the title he won in Germany.
Lippi is expected to bring Ciro Ferrara and Angelo Peruzzi as part of his backroom staff. The latter, who was second choice goalkeeper at the last World Cup will act as a unifying force in the dressing room.
Lippi should also confirm coach Narciso Pezzotti, goalkeeping coach Ivano Bordon, and doctor Enrico Castellacci.
Text Source: Anthony Sormani (Goal.com) http://www.goal.com/en-US/articolo.aspx?contenutoid=752824
Image Source: Goal.com
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Italian Soccer School by Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School has become the leader in offering the best Italian soccer programs. Scuola Calcio offers players the opportunity to partecipate in two special Summer Programs located in Italy and USA.
Soccer Programs in Italy:
Scuola Calcio technical staff brings many years of coaching experience to the North America. Their experience will show players why this Italian Soccer-Language Program is one of the best in and around North America. The Italian Soccer Coaches will test players using their their youth development program system, the same system that youth players use in Italy to help them launch their professional career.
The Italian soccer coaching sessions will be taught in Italian Coaching style starting with technical drills, skill exercises, and finishing with game situations and small sided games. All Italian coaches have UEFA (Europe Soccer Governing Body) coaching licenses from "A" to "C" and also licenses from the FGCI (Italian Soccer Federation).
Scuola Calcio Programs in USA (North America)
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School is pleased to announce and present the 2008 Italian Soccer School program on Jekyll Island, GA.
Academy Directors feel very confident that 2008 will be even better than our very successful 2007 & 2006 programs.
"We have built our itinerary on player and parent recommendations to continually improve our program and offer you a true 100% Italian soccer and cultural learning experience" said Antonio Saviano. He went on to say "All our coaches and teaches arrive direct from Italy to deliver the best Italian soccer/cultural day by day learning program in America."
The instructors and teaches are always in attendance throughout this 16 day Italian summer program, here in the USA.
Player will stay and train at the soccer complex on beautiful Jekyll Island at one of the famous barrier Island’s along the Georgia coastline. www.jekyllisland.com
Scuola Calcio promotes many other soccer programs. The Italian All-Year (High School) Boarding Soccer Schools is a world-renowned and enjoyed by students all over the world.
About Scuola Calcio:
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School offers various soccer programs. From the all-year boarding soccer school (high school), University all year program, monthly training in Italy and summer soccer programs. Scuola Calcio has a great relationship with many Italian Professional Youth Soccer clubs. Check out our official web page: www.soccerkix.com or email us at info@soccerkix.com for more information .
Soccer Programs in Italy:
Scuola Calcio technical staff brings many years of coaching experience to the North America. Their experience will show players why this Italian Soccer-Language Program is one of the best in and around North America. The Italian Soccer Coaches will test players using their their youth development program system, the same system that youth players use in Italy to help them launch their professional career.
The Italian soccer coaching sessions will be taught in Italian Coaching style starting with technical drills, skill exercises, and finishing with game situations and small sided games. All Italian coaches have UEFA (Europe Soccer Governing Body) coaching licenses from "A" to "C" and also licenses from the FGCI (Italian Soccer Federation).
Scuola Calcio Programs in USA (North America)
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School is pleased to announce and present the 2008 Italian Soccer School program on Jekyll Island, GA.
Academy Directors feel very confident that 2008 will be even better than our very successful 2007 & 2006 programs.
"We have built our itinerary on player and parent recommendations to continually improve our program and offer you a true 100% Italian soccer and cultural learning experience" said Antonio Saviano. He went on to say "All our coaches and teaches arrive direct from Italy to deliver the best Italian soccer/cultural day by day learning program in America."
The instructors and teaches are always in attendance throughout this 16 day Italian summer program, here in the USA.
Player will stay and train at the soccer complex on beautiful Jekyll Island at one of the famous barrier Island’s along the Georgia coastline. www.jekyllisland.com
Scuola Calcio promotes many other soccer programs. The Italian All-Year (High School) Boarding Soccer Schools is a world-renowned and enjoyed by students all over the world.
About Scuola Calcio:
Scuola Calcio, Italian Premier Soccer School offers various soccer programs. From the all-year boarding soccer school (high school), University all year program, monthly training in Italy and summer soccer programs. Scuola Calcio has a great relationship with many Italian Professional Youth Soccer clubs. Check out our official web page: www.soccerkix.com or email us at info@soccerkix.com for more information .
Monday, February 18, 2008
Maldini the Millennium Man
Paolo Maldini has been celebrating another historic milestone in his illustrious career.
The 39-year-old made his 1,000th appearance in professional football when he came on as a substitute for AC Milan against Parma on Saturday.
He said: "I would like to dedicate this achievement to my family, in particular my mother who has followed me all these years and has always backed me."
The veteran made his debut as a 16-year-old back in 1985 and in that time has amassed 126 caps for Italy as well as winning seven Italian league titles.
Ever the consummate professional, the defender was more disappointed with the Rossoneri's draw at Parma than celebrating his own achievements.
He added: "I've played my 1,000th match, it is a number that remains impressive, it is only a shame that we haven't won the three points but there are always highs and lows."
Coach Carlo Ancelotti's side have now drawn their last two Serie A games and remain just outside the final Champions League spot in fifth place.
This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.
The 39-year-old made his 1,000th appearance in professional football when he came on as a substitute for AC Milan against Parma on Saturday.
He said: "I would like to dedicate this achievement to my family, in particular my mother who has followed me all these years and has always backed me."
The veteran made his debut as a 16-year-old back in 1985 and in that time has amassed 126 caps for Italy as well as winning seven Italian league titles.
Ever the consummate professional, the defender was more disappointed with the Rossoneri's draw at Parma than celebrating his own achievements.
He added: "I've played my 1,000th match, it is a number that remains impressive, it is only a shame that we haven't won the three points but there are always highs and lows."
Coach Carlo Ancelotti's side have now drawn their last two Serie A games and remain just outside the final Champions League spot in fifth place.
This article was featured on SereA.tv. Click here to go directly to the site.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Don Fabio, What To Expect England!
This article is featured on "Vital Villa Forum" - click here!
Monday he starts his new job. I doubt the English people are very clear on what the next four years of national football will bring them. The media sure don`t.
They don`t seem to have a clue, as usual. After all the cries for only an Englishman can manage England they got McClaren and that silenced those cries. (For now).
Fabio Capello will be the highest paid national coach, quite possibly the highest paid coach period. Which means there is no reason to moan about his pay. A major newspaper issue with Sven Göran Eriksson. Even if Capello too is forced away the severance pay will ensure that Wembley will be leased out to just about anything thinkable so that the FA will make the dough.
Don`t expect attractive, creative, attacking football a la Nike`s joga bonito. Capello will not, as Grant, even pretend to offer that. If you thought José Mourinho had a set system of how football is to be played, then you will not be able to imagine how Capello does it. Capello will literally run over the Queen to get England to play his football. Whatever the press says. Capello has never ever failed in proving that his way is the right way. If you want to win.
The media will hate him (love him for the abuse they can throw at him). As he will in no way bow down to them as the last couple of managers have. Capello will not listen to the media, nor will he let the media pick the players. He will not offer up any nice scandals by being caught with his zipper down as Eriksson (especially not with that infamous Ulrika). He will infuriate the press I think.
Don Fabio has an idea about what football is. That idea is; it is all about winning. I repeat; It is all about winning! That is the beauty, the meaning and the purpose of playing football. Fabio Capello is the guy you turn to if you want to win. It can be beautiful and it can be ugly, but it will be winning. It will be effective, it will utilise the talent of the players whether that pleases or not pleases the audience. He will enjoy the feared England boo-boys. If he plays Lampard no audience in the world can make him change his mind.
Something I think England desperately needs!
The English media is used to running the national team and with Capello they wont. (Absolutely everything I write is however dependant on the guts and courage of the FA, and around that serious doubt can be raised. So for the sake of argument let us pretend they will stand firmly behind Capello! Not that that is all that likely, we all know how the media can turn coach and management on each other, Chelsea is just another example.)..............read more!
There is much more to read, to continue reading this article visit "Vital Villa Forum" - click here!
Monday he starts his new job. I doubt the English people are very clear on what the next four years of national football will bring them. The media sure don`t.
They don`t seem to have a clue, as usual. After all the cries for only an Englishman can manage England they got McClaren and that silenced those cries. (For now).
Fabio Capello will be the highest paid national coach, quite possibly the highest paid coach period. Which means there is no reason to moan about his pay. A major newspaper issue with Sven Göran Eriksson. Even if Capello too is forced away the severance pay will ensure that Wembley will be leased out to just about anything thinkable so that the FA will make the dough.
Don`t expect attractive, creative, attacking football a la Nike`s joga bonito. Capello will not, as Grant, even pretend to offer that. If you thought José Mourinho had a set system of how football is to be played, then you will not be able to imagine how Capello does it. Capello will literally run over the Queen to get England to play his football. Whatever the press says. Capello has never ever failed in proving that his way is the right way. If you want to win.
The media will hate him (love him for the abuse they can throw at him). As he will in no way bow down to them as the last couple of managers have. Capello will not listen to the media, nor will he let the media pick the players. He will not offer up any nice scandals by being caught with his zipper down as Eriksson (especially not with that infamous Ulrika). He will infuriate the press I think.
Don Fabio has an idea about what football is. That idea is; it is all about winning. I repeat; It is all about winning! That is the beauty, the meaning and the purpose of playing football. Fabio Capello is the guy you turn to if you want to win. It can be beautiful and it can be ugly, but it will be winning. It will be effective, it will utilise the talent of the players whether that pleases or not pleases the audience. He will enjoy the feared England boo-boys. If he plays Lampard no audience in the world can make him change his mind.
Something I think England desperately needs!
The English media is used to running the national team and with Capello they wont. (Absolutely everything I write is however dependant on the guts and courage of the FA, and around that serious doubt can be raised. So for the sake of argument let us pretend they will stand firmly behind Capello! Not that that is all that likely, we all know how the media can turn coach and management on each other, Chelsea is just another example.)..............read more!
There is much more to read, to continue reading this article visit "Vital Villa Forum" - click here!
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