Italia: La Nazionale II

It's not even a knock on Conti, Zappacosta was just really impresssive when he came on.

Also, what's with Conti being subbed so early in the second half? Did he get hurt or is Ventura just that tactically inept that he decided three minutes into the second half to make a change rather than at half time?

^he got hurt. Tried to continue but couldn't and came off.

But yes, its what I think too. Zappacosta looked impressive. He had this level for a while last season when he broke through and made the NT but then struggled for a bit. This Zappacosta I'd like to be a starter until Conti hopefully comes through with Milan.

Conti probably sprained his ankle. And said it happened around the 20th minute. That is why he had to be removed. Not a serious injury, but it most likely had an impact on his game.

Conti has been pretty good with Milan from what I have seen and has been our starter. Here is what he had to say about what happened:

http://app.football-italia.net/index.htm#article/footballitalia-109455&menu=news-all

If they don't start putting Insigne exactly where he needs to play then don't even call him up as a sub. He's useless every time I've seen him play for Italy but he's also playing practically as a wing back.

Oh and disclaimer I never watched this game so if Insigne beasted in this shit formation then that's an exception

Tomwin Lannister wrote:Oh and disclaimer I never watched this game so if Insigne beasted in this shit formation then that's an exception

He didnt and you're right. It would be like Juve playing a 4-4-2 with Dybala as the right midfielder. It's a massive waste.

http://app.football-italia.net/index.htm#article/footballitalia-109459&menu=news-all

Lmao there is a difference between creative possession and crap ball holding. Buffon needs to retire.

Guess what ? He will soon. Let him be content with his starter status and be a mentor to Donnarumma.

4-2-4, Ventura, too much possession... Gigi is way above all that. Barely a concern for him anymore, as long as the Nazionale qualifies and it's 90% gonna happen now. Then he'll feature in his last World Cup and retire right after. You really think he gives 2 shits about the post game interview in WC qualifiers ? Buffon is just too polite to tell the journos to *bleep* off. That's what a true captain is, no need to talk in the medias or bash on Ventura like everyone else would.

Lmao spin spin spin me around.

He will retire after his third group stage exit lol?

At least Italy looks better than the USMNT. Now that is a blundering embarrassment to watch lol. I guess they are just replicating their country.

Italy has a talented squad, the 4-2-4 will be scrapped by then.

But i guess he needs to retire so your milanista child can look good right ?

The 4-2-4 will most likely be scrapped after Ventura is fired and Italy exits at the group stage. Then we can all talk about how the team is in transition. Except it's been in transition for well over 11 years. Italy has some talent, and a lot of rubbish. It's a diamond in the rough, but Ventura isn't the one that can polish it. Frankly I don't know anyone would want to or even could at this point.

Allegri or Sarri could but i don't think they want. A foreign coach is out of question i guess.

Ventura won't keep the 4-2-4, it cannot happen in a reasonable world. Let's hope this nightmare vs Spain/Israel was the final nail in the coffin.
In a World Cup situation i do believe Italy will have a more serious/intelligent approach.

Immobile is a sub at best. 4-3-3 please, it's OBVIOUS to everyone bar the manager, unbelievable

The new squad

GK: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Milan), Mattia Perin (Genoa);

D: Davide Astori (Fiorentina), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Danilo D’Ambrosio (Inter), Matteo Darmian (Manchester United), Daniele Rugani (Juventus), Leonardo Spinazzola (Atalanta), Davide Zappacosta (Chelsea);

M: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Marco Parolo (Lazio), Lorenzo Pellegrini (Roma), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain), Federico Bernardeschi (Juventus), Antonio Candreva (Inter), Stephan El Shaarawy (Roma), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Simone Verdi (Bologna);

F: Andrea Belotti (Torino), Eder Citadin Martins (Inter), Manolo Gabbiadini (Southampton), Ciro Immobile (Lazio).

Belotti injured and replaced with Inglese. Verratti injured as usual and replaced by Barella (first cap).

De Rossi in doubt since he has some inflammation from the Milan match. Marchisio is still of course. Hopefully Ventura calls up Gagliardini if De Rossi has to go.

I guess Parolo and Pellegrini will be starting in these circumstances.

Pellegrini out too. Gagliardini in.

The first 4 midfielders injured. Who knows who will play these two games.

Bonaventura--Gagliardini--Jorginho

But that will never happen

He-who-must-not-be-named will never be called up (Jorginho). Maybe its because of the Brazil comments. The reason cannot be a sporting one.

Is Bonaventura fit and on form?

Not in form but fit, he just came back from an injury so he's finding his feet

Decent talent but a very limited manager. Even if Italy gets through the playoffs, they will be returning home quickly. The 12 year itch ends in 2018.

so he goes with the 4-2-4 again ? how foolish

and the plan is to give minutes to some proper finished lads Eder & Gabbiadini ffs even Zaza is far better than them

The U21 won their game vs Hungary 6-2.

Scuffet; Calabria, Romagna, Mancini, Adjapong; Murgia, Locatelli, De Paoli; Cutrone (Orsolini 46), Vido, Chiesa (Verde 46)

5 goals in the first half. 2 from Cutrone, 2 from Chiesa and 1 De Paoli

Some finished scrub wearing the new Italy kit

Might risk it all for a Bernardeschi home kit