by David on October 10, 2011
Italy were held to a 1-1 draw by Serbia on Friday. Cesare Prandelli’s side took a first-minute lead through midfielder Claudio Marchisio before Branislav Ivanovic levelled midway through the first half.
Serbia left back Aleksandar Kolarov tested Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon with a long range effort almost straight after the kick off, before Marchisio scored at the other end after he was put through by Giuseppe De Rossi.
The midfielder took De Rossi’s pass in his stride and easily rounded Serbia centre back Slobodan Rajkovic before he steered the ball past keeper Bojan Jorgacevic.
The Italians nearly doubled their lead but Jorgacevic denied Giuseppe Rossi with an excellent save, before the home side regained their composure and started to pile on the pressure. Read more... (304 words, 2 images, estimated 1:13 mins reading time)
by David on September 3, 2011
While Italy remain unbeaten in Group C, there were far from impressive as they beat the lowly Faroe Islands 1-0 behind an 11th minute goal from Antonio Cassano. The result has placed Cesare Prandelli’s side eight points clear of nearest rivals Slovenia in the pool with three games remaining. Slovenia lost 2-1 at home to Estonia and will travel to Florence on Tuesday to take on Italy.
With the first week of Serie A action postponed due to a player strike, it was not surprising that Italy were unimpressive. The lack of competitive match fitness apparent. Read more... (317 words, 1 image, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)
by David on August 4, 2011
Italy have been drawn against Denmark, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Armenia and Malta in their 2014 World Cup Qualifying draw. While it is not the easiest of draws it could have been a lot worse as Italy avoided both France and Russia. Regardless, it will be a major shock if Italy does not head to Brazil as group winners.
Cesare Prandelli Reaction: Read more... (404 words, 2 images, estimated 1:37 mins reading time)
Italy strengthened their grip on UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying Group C after an impressive victory against Estonia in Modena.
Goals by Giuseppe Rossi, Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini earned the Azzurri their fifth win of the campaign, which has all but secured their place in Poland and Ukraine nest summer. They have the chance to move closer to next year’s finals in their next fixture, on 2 September against the Faroe Islands, who are Estonia’s opponents on Tuesday.
Italy dominated this match, as its midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Alberto Aquilani and Riccardo Montolivo completely dominated the game. Up front the partnership of Cassano and Rossi looked dangerous all game. Read more... (334 words, 2 images, estimated 1:20 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on September 23, 2010
This was definitely not the picture Ranieri had envisioned when the season got underway a little over a month ago. With 4 games played Ranieri had hoped that his side would continue with their impressive run that saw them miss out on last season’s scudetto by only 2 points.
The Giallorosso are now in 17th place with 2 points from 4 games and Ranieri’s future hangs in the balance. Foermer Milan coach and player Leonardo has been linked as one of the potential replacements for Ranieri. The other is Former Italy coach Marcelo Lippi. Read more... (291 words, 1 image, estimated 1:10 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on September 8, 2010
Italy‘s most famous goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will not return to action this year. The Juventus custodian suffered a serious injury while on international duty with the Azzurri in the World Cup and is in a race against time to be fit for Juve’s match against his former club Parma after the winter break.
Gigi as he is commonly referred to, had a herniated disc operation to try and rectify the problem that could have otherwise ended his career in late June and doctors want to make sure he does not suffer a relapse of his injury should he return to the pitch any time before hai fully recovers. Read more... (267 words, 1 image, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on August 11, 2010
Fielding equally strong sides for yesterday’s international friendly against the Elephants of Ivory Coast, Cesare prandelli tasted defeat in his first match as Azzurri boss.
Italy lost by a single Kolo Toure goal in the 55th minute as the the Manchester City defender rose above everyone to connect with Guy Demel’s perfect cross from the right to head the ball past Italy’s goalie Salvatore Sirigu.
This result will of course be the main talking point for this football mad nation that is still coming to terms with its humiliating exist at the group stages of the FIFA 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Read more... (327 words, 1 image, estimated 1:18 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on August 9, 2010
New Italian national team coach, Cesare Prandelli, prove his words to give a fresher look to the Azzuri team as he called up some interesting new players and also those who were left out by Marcello Lippi.
Among some of the names being summoned for the upcoming friendly against Ivory Coast, the likes of Antonio Cassano and Mario Ballotelli are the ones that surely catch many attention. Read more... (549 words, 2 images, estimated 2:12 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on August 3, 2010
Italy‘s World Cup Villain turned hero Roberto Baggio is back in business after 6 years out in the sidelines. The 43 year old former Italy international famed for his trademark ponytail is now the president for the technical committee of the FIGC (Italian FA).
For a player of such immense talent, it is a shame that Baggio is remembered more for his penalty miss in their 1994 World Cup final loss to Brazil rather than for his exceptional skill that made him one of the country’s legends and endeared him in the hearts of many fans worldwide. Read more... (333 words, 1 image, estimated 1:20 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on July 23, 2010
AC Milan’s versatile defender Gianluca Zambrotta has extended his contract with the Rossoneri until June 2012. Despite his age, this is one deal that i am very pleased with. Zambrotta is still a very good player and i believe, the next two years will produce the best in him.
Gifted with a natural attacking ability, Zambrotta was one of the few Azzurri players who stood out in the World Cup. The former Barcelona and Juventus player joined Milan in May 2008 signing a 3 year contract earning him annual wages of 4 million Euros. Read more... (470 words, 1 image, estimated 1:53 mins reading time)
