Italy head home as underachievers, unable to set the mark before their World Cup title defence next year, with losses to Egypt and Brazil at the Confederations Cup. This latest setback isn't the worst of it with manager Lippi already indicating there will be no changes.Lippi has been criticised at home for persisting with his "old men" rather than handing a chance to the multitude of young talent he has on hand.
"You don't throw youngesters into these matches, you have to put them in gradually."
From what I've seen at this tournament Lippi has done neither, instead he has decided to stick with a front third of Luca Toni, Mauro Mauro Camoranesi and Vincenzo Iaquinta who could not score a goal between them. The only bright light was Guiseppe Rossi scoring 2 of 3 for Italy against the US and challenged Brazilian keeper Cesar with several poweful shots from distance in his substitution appearance on Sunday. Seven of coach Lippi's starting XI against Brazil were aged 30 or more and despite the current squad continuing to offer tired and uninspiring performances, Lippi has no plans for big changes.
"My plan is not going to change, I'm sticking to it," the Azzurri manager said.
Football Italiano: The funniest aspect of how yesterday's events unfolded was La Nazionale could have progressed even with such a heavy defeat. All that was required was a goal, and their inability to find one when it was truly needed epitomises this team. Even in the second half, when the players were more than aware a goal was needed, the urgency was sorely lacking from the attacking members on the pitch.
Okay so Marcello wants to stick with the old men how about calling Del Piero coach.
Italy's Confederations Cup
USA 1-3 Italy
Egypt 1-0 Italy
Italy 0-3 Brazil
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Shades of Enzo Bearzot in 1986
funny you should mention that Vince I was talking to Mando about the 82 & 86 squad not changing much under Bearzot and we know what happend in Mexico 1986.
Yep, they died out against France in the 2nd round. In 1988 we got a pretty new Italy with a few of the vets like Baresi and Bergomi. New names like Baggio, Zenga, Maldini, Ferri, Vialli, etc... were given their chance.
nice blog....well maintained....
thanks Don I hope you'll keep reading and spread the word about SerieAWeekly and the OwnGoalNetwork