Acerbi is a beast. One for the underrated thread.
One of those players who was a late developer, he’s beaten cancer twice and had a bit of an issue with alcohol for a while but has cut that out and been arguably the best defender in Serie A over the past 3 seasons.
I’d count winning a World Cup quarter-final as being worthwhile.
Midfield up the age profile is very good.
Bonucci and Chiellini is still a strong partnership, I just don’t think it’s the best available. I’d definitely have Acerbi starting. The only thing I can think of on Mancini’s mind is that Toloi, Bastoni and Acerbi all play in a back 3 at their clubs while Bonucci and Chiellini are more familiar with a back 4.
Barella, Jorgino, Verratti is as good a midfield three as there is in the competition and Chiesa could turn out to be the star of the tournament.
Immobile looks like he is going to get the nod to lead the attack but Belotti is a serious striker too and Italy have two strikers who know where the goal is and can run defenders ragged all game long, they have serious energy and will run in behind all night for you.
It’s a nicely balanced squad and you can’t buy that team spirit that Italy always seem to garner as they go on in tournaments.
We’re going to fucking do it
I suppose what I meant to say was have they beaten anyone who they weren’t expected to beat? Or even a 50/50 game?
Did Spain beat any team weren’t expected to beat at major finals from 2008 to 2012?
I think you’re deliberately fudging the issue here. I can’t remember England ever wining a knock out game at a tournament against a “top” side. Every time they came up against one they either folded or weren’t good enough.
I think they’ve been good enough plenty of times. They’ve lost a lot of big knockout ties on penalties. They were definitely good enough in 1990 and 1996, probably 1998 and 2004 too. I think France would probably have beaten them in the semis in 2006 had they got through the shoot out against Portugal. 2012 they weren’t great.
Anyway I don’t think their previous losses have much to do with this team’s chances. I think this is a very good team. I’d have a few doubts about Southgate tactically. But I think he’s the sort of chap that can generate a good spirit in a squad and I’ve often thought that’s been half England’s problem over the years.
England havent a hope in my opinion. Themselves and Holland flops of the tournament for me.
The Dutch were going great guns under Koeman. Two things have changed - they no longer have the best centre back in world football and they now have a manager who from the evidence of his last few jobs hasn’t a clue what he’s doing. I’ve also formed a loose impression of the same person over the years that he’s a thundering dickhead. I hereby withdraw my prediction of Holland reaching the semi-finals.
I hope I’m wrong but Italy look very uninspiring on that line up. Doesn’t scream likely winners to me.
Major international tournaments are about being functional and finding a framework to play. If you can’t do that it doesn’t matter a fuck if you have stars. If you have a half decent, competent team with players who are comfortable on the ball and will demand the ball, a decent defence and a decent tactical framework, you stand a good chance.
Engerland very poor again today blessed to be winning.
Is Bellingham the most mature 17 year old since the great Norman Whiteside?
Bought three English broadsheets today. 3 Euro wallcharts acquired. Best was the Sunday Times effort next was the Observer. The Telegraph was a terrible specimen.
Disagree. The circular wall chart in it is very poorly designed. All style but difficult to read. We got our wallchart with the young lad’s match magazine. Functional but very easy to read.
Surprised most of these squads haven’t been vaccinated.
Think the Italian squad have all been vaccinated.
I see trouble already surfacing in the England camp. Jordan Henderson has some ego.
