Quote:
Originally Posted by ipuckedyourmom
I think when it comes down to it, Italy will go back into that defensive shell that won them the world cup last time around, although I hope you are right!
I can't really blame North Korea seeing as they are in by far the hardest group with Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Portugal, all 3 of which are offensive powerhouses. N. Korea would probably need 13-14 defenders to stop those teams.
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As an Italian fan I am a little biased, and will admit they usually play defensive football, but they actually played more attacking in 06 and have been playing much more offensive since then.
They got a bad rap for boring football in that tournament, but they played some exciting games that tournament. That semi-final game against Germany, especially the extra time, was one of the most exciting, nail biting soccer games that I have ever seen. By the end up it I think both Italy and Germany were playing with 4 strikers and were trading chances end to end.
I think they will try to be a bit more offensive in this tournament, as they do not have the defensive quality that they traditionally have in their back four and through the midfield, with Chiellini being the only true defensive stud.