Group-D - WC 2014

[ACMILAN1983]

They have to do it over a couple of tournaments first

Truth is, Italian football needs a rethink about where it's heading (basically what I said in my first post after getting knocked out). I'm not even a fan of the senior players of the squad, guys like De Rossi aren't exactly characters to lead a group (De Rossi is actually one to do stupid things himself) and don't get me started on a guy like Cassano. The only exceptions are Buffon and Pirlo imo, where only the former has spoken. However, the biggest issue I have is the young Italians coming through have awful attitudes and lack the professionalism to grow to be top players. Some, like Darmian, De Sciglio and Verratti are exceptions.

[Aficio]

The riff between senior and younger players, the thinly-veiled criticism of playing like a real men and not some Panini sticker, the manin striker went straight to the team bus, the coach immediately resigned. Is Italy the new France team?

I think Italy is the old France team, the new France look strong and qualified

[Mystik]

It's funny that Darmian and Verratti were almost cut from the squad but actually ended up being two of the only good performers during the tournament. Age is just a number after all..

[xudong]

no one posted this?

---

Lots of news coming out about Balotelli's issues with the Italy squad and Prandelli. There are stories going around that Prandelli told him to change his attitude at half time, otherwise he'd sub him. Balotelli reacted by muttering something which annoyed Prandelli (I think the report said he told him to shut up) and decided to sub him immediately.

Bonnuci was also apparently on the verge of hitting Balo, while De Rossi was also furious at him:

http://www.milannews.it/rassegna-stampa/...ssi-148310

Finally, apparently players in the Italy squad were also annoyed at Balotelli's Panini sticker tweet:

http://www.milannews.it/rassegna-stampa/...ine-148307

I'm actually worried about the influence this guy will have at our club this coming season.

Good for Prandelli. I hope that Inzaghi will tell Balotelli the same or he will be sold (or put on the bench, if we can't sell him).

Still, the tension within Azzurri is concerning.

[Stitch]

I cant believe how low the punishment for Suarez is. Incredible, four months, almost all during offseason. The guy should have been banned for life.

[xudong]

I think it is probably because FIFA does not want to get in trouble with those powerful European clubs.

[Aficio]

Italy have 3 head coaches at this WC: Zaccheroni, Capello, and Prandelli

All can not pass table round!!!

[reza]

Vote in the poll!
http://www.milanmania.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=703

[xudong]

Luis Suarez's grandmother slams Fifa's "barbaric" treatment of Uruguay striker
Jun 27, 2014 01:23 By Sam Adams

Lila Piriz Da Rosa says Suarez has been "treated like a dog" after he was thrown out of the World Cup for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/w...rs-3773627

Maybe Suarez should not have behaved like a dog then.

[Nalx]

Italy have 3 head coaches at this WC: Zaccheroni, Capello, and Prandelli

All can not pass table round!!!

On the other hand Argentina have three coaches in Sabella (Argie), Pekerman (Columbia), and Sampaoli (Chile) and they all qualified for the 16 round.