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)
by Philip Mboya on July 13, 2010
Maicon’s sure transfer to Spanish giants Real Madrid seems to have hit a snag-one i must say, makes me feel very relieved. Here’s why. The Brazilian defender had a great run towards the end of last season (who can forget the fantastic goal he scored against Juventus) where he was sort of Inter’s 4th striker as his constant runs up field terrorised many defenders.
It was this ability that caught Mourinho’s eye and made him consider taking Maicon along with him to Madrid. There was only one hurdle that prevented this deal from going down sooner-the World Cup. Read more... (433 words, 1 image, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on July 6, 2010
After having such a glorious year at club level, helping Inter Milan winning the treble last season, Dutch midfielder, Wesley Sneijder looks ready to lead his country for a World Cup glory in South Africa. This fine showing for both country and club have eventually set the midfielder as a top candidate to win the upcoming best player award, the new FIFA-Ballon d’Or, which recently has been combined into one award. Read more... (433 words, 2 images, estimated 1:44 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on July 4, 2010
Juventus Brazilian midfielder Felipe Melo proved just why he was voted Serie A’s worst player for 2009. Melo was part of the Selecao’s World Cup squad that was bundled out of the tournament in the quarter finals for the second consecutive time.
As you would expect, fans are not taking that defeat too well. One fan in particular, told Melo not to return to Brazil for holiday. Three time world player of the year and record world cup goal scorer Ronaldo Nazariao da Lima wrote on his twitter account that Melo should come back to Brazil for holiday. Read more... (364 words, 1 image, estimated 1:27 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on June 27, 2010
If there is one thing i like about the Italian national side, it has to be there confidence. The Azzurri were so confident going into the World Cup that some of there players even had the word World Champions Tattooed on their arm. Imagine that!
Now that they are out of the tournament, Vicenzo Iaquinta will definitely be seeing his doctor as early as tomorrow to get it out. Italy arrived home to one of the most dullest and sullen receptions yet. Read more... (270 words, estimated 1:05 mins reading time)
by Philip Mboya on June 25, 2010
Italy’s group stage World Cup exist marked the end of an era for its dominating golden generation that included star players like: Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Gattuso, Camoranesi and Buffon.
The 4 time World Champions learned their hardest lesson yet when a mixture of poor coaching decisions, old age and out of form players saw their 2010 campaign end in disaster as they exited the tournament bottom of their group and with just two points.
What’s even more shocking is the fact that the unfancied All Whites of New Zealand had a much better tournament than the defending Champions. Existing the tournament in the group stages, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert is definitely a proud man. Read more... (339 words, 1 image, estimated 1:21 mins reading time)
by Dewa Nugraha on June 24, 2010
The shock of the World Cup has just emer
ged today as the defending champion, Italy crashed out from the tournament in a depressing and shocking fashion after loosing out to Slovakia 3-2 in a very intriguing and emotional game. The Azzurri just left everything late on the game which pretty much showed the outcome of the game as they have to trail twice and only came up close without manage to save the game, although there were some controversial decisions that could actually goes their way. Read more... (679 words, 2 images, estimated 2:43 mins reading time)
