As the Azzurri floundered and failed in South Africa, it was left to the Azzurrini to provide the Italian nation with something at cheer about or at the very least restore some national pride, which they managed to do, and even more so if it weren’t for the great German machine.

Heading to the European U21 Championships in Sweden, the Italy U21 side were the favourites, along with England and Spain U21’s. Boasting an unbeaten qualifying record and an impressive group of youngsters, more of whom have been tried and tested this season in Serie A, the omens looked positive for the Azzurrini, who have won this tournament a record five times.

Several of coach Pierluigi Casiraghi’s players have this season broken through in for their respective Serie A clubs, Marco Motta has made the right-back slot at AS Roma his own, Domenico Criscito and Salvatore Bocchetti are stalwarts of the Genoa defence, Claudio Marchisio has shown for Juventus he can dominate a midfield, while the front trio of Sebastian Giovinco, Robert Acquafresca and Mario Balotelli are a fearsome prospect for any defence in Europe.

In a group that contained hosts Sweden, Serbia and Belarus, a semi-final place was all but assured for the Azzurrini, however a nil-nil draw with Serbia in the opening game may have led to some furrowing of eyebrows among the Italian nation. But, the positive from an opening day performance were that this U21 side looked a very exciting prospect coupled with some truly excellent players.

In the following game against Sweden the Italian defence held firm against an extremely talented Swedish attack, containing Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonin. A ten man Italy triumphed two-one, with two goals from Balotelli and Acquafresca assuring the Azzurrini of victory. Then a brace from Acquafresca propelled Italy from one-nil down to Belarus, to victory and subsequent first place in the final Group standings. A semi-final with unfancied Germany awaited.

Earlier in the day England played Sweden, and produced game of the tournament. Sweden coming back from three-nil down, only to lose on a penalty shootout. Italy vs. Germany had a lot to live up to.

Maybe lacking in goals the second semi-final was an enthralling game. German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer pulled off a string of top class, if unconventional saves as Italy totally dominated from start to finish, with only a momentary lapse that eventually cost them the match. Andreas Beck’s forty-eighth minute strike meant Germany would play England in the final.

Undeservingly the Azzurrini were dumped out of the competition. However, the performances of many Azzurrini throughout the tournament were a joy to behold.

The first to spring to mind has to be Giovinco, he terrorised defences in each match and unlucky not to get on the score sheet at all. It is clear from his performances, the ‘Atomic Ant’ is best used as a trequartista, operating just behind a front two. His incisive passing, endless running and eye for the unexpected led to him picking holes in all the defensive lines put in front of him. His attacking partners, Balotelli and Acquafresca had differing tournaments. Balotelli showed his amazing potential and tremendous skill, but also his fiery temper and ungainly attitude. Acquafresca on the other hand had a relatively successful tournament, bagging three goals and a man of the match performance against Belarus.

The midfield of Marchisio, Paolo De Cegile and Luca Cigarini demonstrated the benefits of a well balance centre. Combining defensive solidity and organisation with drive and creativity. Luca Cigarini being the standout pupil. His passing range, vision and set pieces distinct highlights, described as an heir apparent to Andrea Pirlo and on this evidence he is surly the only viable candidate.

For me, most praise must go to the defence. Andrea Consigli, Bochetti, Criscito, Marco Andreoli and Marco Motta were the most solid unit of the championship. Andreoli and Bocchetti were imperious as a defensive pairing, both acting as this own version on the ‘Berlin Wall’ they laid the solid foundation for many an Italy attack. Criscito was showing the form that has been with him all season. But it was Marco Motta who stole the show throughout the Azzurrini journey. Bombing down the right flank like a man possessed, as if single handedly wanting to claim the title for Italy. As team captain, showed authority and leadership, while containing opponent’s advances with precision timing and composure. This boy man (as Sir Paul would say) given a few years is certain to be attracting the interest of Real Madrid, who seem intent on buying the worlds best.

As the Confederations Cup left Italy desperate for any glimmer of hope internationally, a full-scale fireworks display blazed in Scandinavia. A few of these players could and should have been present in South Africa, where many others will most definitely be close to Marcelo Lippi’s thoughts. The future is bright, the future is Azzurri.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Now regular listeners to the Italian Football FanCast and the Manchester United Football FanCast will be very aware of my liking for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, some of my colleagues would even call it a blind obsession. After weeks of mockery, I have decided to take it upon myself to explain why I think Zlatan is truly world class and up there with the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. So be prepared for some statistics!

He is a player that has everything, his 6’3 and a half inch frame holds within it, a talent that many of us can only dream of. He possesses pace, movement, sublime finishing ability, the dexterity to try then ultimately pull off the unexpected and amaze his watching audience. All this is complemented by a footballing intelligence that can only be described as extraordinary.

This season in Serie A, Ibrahimovic has been at his most prolific scoring 25 goals in 35 games adding 7 assists, that’s 0.7 goals per game. He is the reigning Capocanonniere. Comparing this to Nicolas Anelka, the Premierships top scorer with 19 goals in 33 games, 0.54 goals per game. Granted the likes of Samuel Eto’o, and Lionel Messi boast better records, but it must be noted, La Liga is much more open tactically compared to Serie A, thus leading to more goal scoring opportunities.

His record for Sweden is also impressive, 21 goals in 56 games, in addition to his 6 goals in 7 games for the U21’s. With all due respect, Sweden aren’t exactly setting the world alight with their scintillating brand of football and thus adds weight to a very good scoring rate at international level.

It is not only his scoring record that is worth looking at, on the most part his performances have been excellent and in some cases breathtaking. A mention has to go to the manner in which he scores his goals, most notably his near post back heel flick against Bologna, the free-kick he blasted in against Fiorentina and the sublime ‘edge of the box’ chip against Reggina. Plus the final day back heel, which showcased his strength, touch and ability to pull off the unexpected.

Ibra began his career at local team FBK Balkan, and on one occasion a 10 year old Ibrahimovic was a second half substitute, at which point FBK Balkan were losing 5-0, Zlatan went on to score 8 and his team won. Ibra-cadabra indeed. Transferred between Malmo, Ajax, Juventus and Inter for a combined total of €50 million, it was money well spent as far as I’m concerned.

On his Champions League debut in 2002 he scored 2 goals for Ajax against Lyon and in the same season scored what can only be described as a wondergoal against NAC Breda, later voted goal of the season by Eurosport. He dribbled past the whole defence took the ball round the keeper, put another 3 or 4 players on there backsides and slotted the ball home, beyond the shadow of a doubt the work of a marvel.

He then went on to play for Juventus and was an instant hit with the Bianconeri, with 16 goals in his first season. Although in his second and final season with Juve, his form dipped and eventually forced his way out of the club after the Calciopoli scandal, moving to the club he supported as a boy, FC Internazionale.

It is in Milan that Irbahimovic has blossomed and become and integral part to the Inter juggernaught. Last season he managed to bag 22 goals in 33 games including 5 goals in 7 starts in the Champions League. It must also be noted that Ibra had 24 shots of which 7 were on target in the Champions League, what that tells you is … if you give him a chance he will score.

He has often been criticised for his performances against the big clubs and especially those in the Champions League. Statements which bear fruit when you consider he has never scored in the knockout stage of Europe’s premier club competition. This aside, I will put forward a case for his defence. This player is one that is arguably his team’s only attacking threat; nullify Ibrahimovic and Inter become somewhat impotent in attack.

Pressure on him to perform has resulted in a player that can it be said, ‘tries too hard’ in the so-called ‘big’ games. Instead of just playing his natural game, he seems intent creating and scoring all on his own in an attempt to prove to all his doubters that he is indeed the best player in the world. Although Jose Mourinho already deems this to be the case.

Zlatan however, does have his shortfailings, he is a supremely confident young man, when asked what could stop him becoming the best player in the world he replied with only one word “injury” then asked to describe himself in three words … his retort, “I am brilliant”. A statement I agree with wholeheartedly.

In more recent times he has voiced his desire to move from the peninsula, stating: “I don’t know what else I can still do in Italy, other than keep going and build a collection. We’ll see. Now there are two internationals with Sweden and then we’ll wait and see what happens. The future? I don’t know. If something is going to happen, it will be after this match. We will see, I don’t know yet”.

In my view Zlatan would only go to a top club, and with no disrespect to any other teams in Spain that means Barcelona or Real Madrid. At both teams he would score more goals get more assists and ultimately become a Ballon d’Or winner.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a magician, a talisman and an enigma but even so he is undeniably one of the finest players on this small blue planet and if he does leave it would be a massive loss to Inter and Calcio as a whole.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

May 4^th 2009 witnessed the 60^th anniversary of the Superga air disaster. It is a day remembered throughout Italy, with a sense of tragedy and mysticism, but ultimately fondness. Il Grande Torino as the side were affectionately known, were undoubtedly the best side in Italy, in Europe and arguably the World. It is a tragedy in itself that this moment is not given the worldwide coverage, Il Grande Torino deserve.

The players and staff of Torino perished when the Avio Linee Italiane Fiat G-212 plane carrying them crashed into the side of the Basilica of Superga, situated on a hill overlooking Turin. It was a tragedy that shocked the world of Calcio and the city of Turin even more so. Two days later, 500,000 people attended the funeral procession in Turin and at the time the cities population was 600,000. A staggering figure that merely cements the value this team had to the city itself.

At the time Torino were well on the way to a fifth straight Serie A title. They were a symbol of hope and the regeneration of Italy, as the country rose from the ashes of Fascism and the Second World War. They were pioneers, being the first Italian side to play in South America, and could count Eva Peron as a fan.

Torino were returning from a match against Benfica, the game was a testimonial of sorts for Jose Ferreira, a very good friend of Torino captain Valentino Mazzola. After being diverted to land in Milan due to a thunderstorm and subsequent low cloud and poor visibility then at 5:04pm precisely the plane went down. The entire 18-man squad perished, as did the coaching staff, journalists and crew. There were no survivors.

Il Grande Torino was the vision of club President Ferruccio Novo. He was a paternal and personal in his relationships with players and staff, he created a special atmosphere in Torino, he employed the best coaches who could nurture the talent he brought to the club. He brought in foreign coaches such as Englishman Leslie Lievesley and Hungarian Egri Erbstein. Both brought new ideas, better training methods and innovative tactics.

With the outbreak of war it took a quick thinking man in Novo to keep his players at home in Torino by citing they were working at his FIAT plant on the production line. This man had kept the players together, even if they weren’t playing football, the bond of the team was being formed

The leader of the side was captain Valentino Mazzola, he was an exceptional man, with the charisma and character with drove the side forward during times when all looked lost. He had quick feet, a masterful touch complimented with the physique of an ox. His presence was most prevalent during a match against Lazio in 1948, Torino were 3-0 down but came back to win 4-3. This match was also made famous by a legendary banner that read ‘il quarto d’ora Granata’ which translates as ‘the maroon 15 minutes’.

Il Grande Torino holds the record of most consecutive league titles jointly with Juventus at five. Most consecutive games undefeated in a year at 21. Most points and most home wins in a season. In 1947/48 Torino scored 471 goals in five seasons between 1945 and 1949, and during their peak in 1948 only 15 players featured in the campaigns 40 matches. At the Stadio Filadelfia Torino were unbeaten in 93 matches between 1943 and 1949 laying down a record of 83 wins and 10 draws.

This team was truly remarkable. If disaster hadn’t have struck maybe Torino would be the most successful club side in the world.

Another event, which highlights the importance of Il Grande Torino, took place during 1947 when Italy played a Hungary side containing Ferenc Puskas, and all ten outfield players were from Torino.

Immediately after the disaster, Torino did secure their fifth consecutive Serie A title by playing their youth side and as a mark of respect their remaining four opponents, Palermo, Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Genoa all played their youth sides.

The heartbreak of the club lasted until 1976 when they won their only Scudetto after Superga. The day after the league was won the Torino fans marched up the hill to Superga. They players also tried to make their way to pay tribute as well but as club captain Renato Zaccarelli explains, it was impossible, “The day after the match there was a massive march when all the fans walked to Superga. It was spontaneous and the team tried to go up to it, but there was such a line of people.”

The only player from the legendary side did not make the trip and survived, he was Sauro Toma. Toma makes a pilgrimage to Superga every year and despite being over 80 years old, the sadness and heartache such an event must cause can only be imagined.

Regarded as the best club side Italy has ever produced, Il Grande Torino shall never be forgotten in the minds of all Calcio fans.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Juventus need to strengthen their back line, that is apparent, but is Fabio Cannavaro the right man to lead the Bianconeri in the next decade? His protracted return to the Old Lady seems like a step in the wrong direction for Italy’s most successful team.

It has come to light this week that Fabio Cannavaro may be on the verge of a sensational return to Turin. As has been the case since January, Cannavaro has been free to negotiate with other clubs as his contract with Real Madrid expires in the summer.

Rumours have flown from Russia to France via Manchester and Milan, whilst not forgetting hometown club Napoli. A club he has said he wants to end his career with.

But a curveball from leftfield was thrown when Cannavaro’s agent Enrico Fedele confirmed he was in talks with Juventus. “A month ago, Juventus asked if Fabio was still available and we began discussions after I had spoken to the player. Juve behaved totally correctly and approached Real Madrid first. Fabio would be very, very happy to return to the Bianconeri and would take a sizeable pay cut.”

This move has had a varied response from those associated with Juventus. Manager Claudio Ranieri has been very welcoming of the Azzurri captain. “When I was consulted about this I gave the go-ahead”, Ranieri said.

Giorgio Chiellini has also been supportive of the move, adding, “He would be a great signing for Juventus. We cannot forget that Cannavaro is a Ballon d’Or winner and the captain of the Italian national side. You can talk about his decision to leave the club when we were demoted to Serie B, but you cannot question his value as a player and as a man. We can all learn something from him.”

It is this decision to leave Juve that has left a bitter taste in the mouth of the tifosi, and the general consensus from them is that he would not be welcome at the Stadio Olimpico. However, much to Fabio’s credit he has made a plea to the fans, “I have explained my decision to leave 1000 times and I am ready to do it again. I am not worried because I will talk to the supporters.” Cannavaro states.

Juve legend Jose Altafini is critical of the decision to sign the 35 year old, “I don’t see how Cannavaro alone can resolve Juventus’ defensive problems. Age counts more in defence than in any other position and Juventus’ backline is already slow.”

It is believed Cannavaro will be offered a 4-year deal. One year playing with the opportunity to extend if he intends to carry on playing after the 2010 World Cup. After retirement Fabio will then move into a directors role.

If the move turns into reality then Fabio will link up with Chiellini in defence, a man he knows very well from the national side and thus will form a strong partnership quickly. He will also have behind him an old friend and teammate Gianluigi Buffon, who he spent 8 years at club level with. His experience will also prove invaluable to the young players at the Bianconeri.

But to me this move is a step in the wrong direction for Juventus. They do need to improve the defence, but at full back not centre. Chiellini and Legrottaglie have formed a formidable partnership this season, but Grygera, Molinaro and Mellberg have not been up to the Juve standard.

Whether his acquisition will be a success remains to be seen, but I feel Juve should be looking to strengthen the backline with more youthful talents not an aging star, regardless of how good he once was.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News