Ranocchia and Mirante were brought along in the off chance off any injuries. Changes can be made 48 hours* before the tournament starts if there is an injury but there were none and both have gone home. I have full faith in Darmian, seems to a very level head and mature young man and I donāt think heās the type of player who would be overrawed although heās primarily a right back and will be playing out of position. Iād have preferred Pasqual was there but he was the only option there in the provisional squad when there were better alternatives in Antonelli and Criscito overlooked.
My mother just asked me who is playing tonight. Once I mentioned England and Italy were playing she says āI hope Italy win, they are a very civilsied peopleā
Reports that Perin could start for Italy tonight as Sirigu is also carrying an injury, Iād say this is highly unlikely but I would have full trust in the young man.
There is nothing better, I canāt wait to be bellowing āItaliaā from my balcony tonight with il Tricolore proudly on display. I have full faith in these lads tonight, they represent you, me and all the other Italians across the world with great pride - a smashing bunch of lads.
Serving up a good bowl of grub and a nice glass of wine doesnāt equate to been civilised. Italy is a failed economic basket case of a country. I fully expect the best of England to but those greased up mammy boys in their place tonight. All this guff about Englishmen not been able for a bit of sun and stickiness. Those conditions werenāt a problem when the best of England whipped Italyās warmongering Japanese comrades in evil in the jungles of Burma. Seventy years on from the English invasion of Italy and defeat of fascism in 1944, get ready for another conquest of Italy tonight.
The latest reports would suggest Buffon has little chance of making it tonight. His injury occurred after he went over on his ankle when Italy trained in Manaus last night - the pitch must be in a shambolic condition.
