Quote:
Originally Posted by Locke
I think you're giving Italy a lot of credit for what could essentially be chocked up to luck.
How about not even making it out of the group stage at the last Euro despite being in a relatively easy group with Sweden, Denmark and Bulgaria and managing the only win against an uncompetitive Bulgarian side.
And even further back, barely managing to squeak out of the group stage at the 2002 World Cup again managing only one win in the entire tournament. Against Ecuador, only to be immediately knocked out by Korea.
I dont share the optimism for Italy at this tournament, I thought they were incredibly fortunate to win the World Cup rather than good. Further, most of the players from that squad havent looked that good for their clubs since.
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I agree with what Girlysports said. But to be specific:
As well, almost every major team choked at the last Euro cup, which is why Greece somehow defied logic and won. They also had a poor coach in Trapattoni that they inexplicably held onto after 2002 WC, and had a lot of bad luck.
As for 2002... Korea won on very suspicious circumstances. Again, a terrible coach, and a horribly picked roster... this was almost none of the 2006 team and before they found a competent coach in Lippi. Trapattoni was incompetent, and that's why he coaches Ireland now, instead of a big club team or a top NT.
Many of their squad players haven't looked as good for their club teams. This I agree with. Like I said, the core of this team is getting older and aside from probably Buffon, Chiellini, Pirlo, Camoranesi, De Rossi, Del Piero, Toni, Borriello and Cassano... the majority of the team did not have great campaigns, and are on the team because of pedigree.
Will the trust pay off? I think it might with some players (Gattuso, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Materazzi) it will. With others (Barzagli, Panucci, Ambrosini, Perrotta), it will be a mistake. How that plays out is anyone's guess... but anyone who doesn't think Italy is not deserving as the #1 ranked European team is out to lunch. They are ranked where they are for a reason.
The wildcard is Donadoni. If he's half as good as Lippi, they'll be alright. If he's as bad as Trap, they'll never make it out of the group stage.