2010 World Cup: Italia 2 x Slovakia 3 from Ellis Park: Azzurri Eliminated in Disgrace

Tonight was Cannavaro's 136th and last cap for Italy.
An unfitting way for the great Azzurri captain to end his
stellar international career.

Please read his pre-match comments at Soccerlens.

In a make or break match from Johannesburg, the Azzurri held their own fate. They had to win to assure passage to the round of 16. Paraguay faced New Zealand at the same time from Pokowane.

Gattuso and Di Natale Started

Mister Lippi called on the old workhorse, Rino Gattuso, to shore up the midfield and lend his significant experience to the side. Antonio Di Natale also received the nod to start up front.



Marcello Lippi: Defiant as always.

Azzurri Starting XI: 4-3-3

Marchetti

Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito

Gattuso, De Rossi, Montolivo

Pepe, Iaquinta, Di Natale.

Manager: Mr. Lippi

Slovakia Starting XI: 4-2-3-1

Mucha

Pekavik, Skrtel, Durica, Zabarnik

Strba, Kucka

Stoch, Hamsik, Jendrisek

Vittek

Manager: Mr. Weiss

Match Official: Mr. Howard Webb of England.

First Half

The Azzurri initially showed some urgency and pushed forward. But without a playmaker, there was not sustained urgency or cohesion. Hamsik missed a great chance in the 6th minute with only Marchetti to beat. The Slovakians were creating space in the Italian half.

In the 25 minute, on a mistake by De Rossi, Vittek pounced and scored past Marchetti to the lower left post. This was the third shot on target by Italian opposition that resulted in a goal. Italy was playing without cohesion, organization or passion. Slovakia was playing with confidence and crispness.

Near the end of the half, Kucka almost closed the game with a shot from 30 meters that barely missed. Slovakia led at the half, 0 x 1. The Azzurri were at sixes and sevens.


Vittek scores for Slovakia.

Second Half

Lippi made two changes: Maggio for Criscito and Quagliarella for Gattuso. Weiss of Slovakia made no changes. Di Natale had a great chance but couldn't put it past the keeper, In the 56th minute, Andrea Pirlo made his first appearance in South African for Montolivo.

Quagliarella appeared to score but it was cleared off the line by Skrtel. The whole ball looked over the goal line. But in the 74th minute, Vittek scored his second.

Di Natale scored in the 80th minute from a one-two with Iaquinta amidst confusion in the Slovakian area. Then controversy came. Quagliarella scored but it was whistled offside. The Azzurri seemed energized and moved forward for the equalizer.

But then it ended for good. Recent substitute, Kopunek, scored over Marchetti into an empty net. Quagliarella scored in injury time with a great effort with a chip but it was too little too late.

The Azzurri become the fourth defending champion not to advance from the group phase.



Well done, Slovakia.


Cannavaro and Quagliarella after the game.
The Napoli striker was one of the rare bright spots.

Match Highlight Video




Detailed Quotes by Marcello Lippi

Please read my commentary about this match at Soccerlens on Friday along with selected quotes from several players.


Image courtesy of La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"The worst Italy of all-time is out."

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World Cup 2010: Italia 1 x New Zealand 1 from Nelspruit: "Yes, we have everything to lose." Marcello Lippi

Marcello Lippi provided his thoughts ahead of the second group round game for the Azzurri against the All Whites of New Zealand from Nelspruit.

Everything to Lose

"Sì, abbiamo tutto da perdere: il passaggio del turno. Per cui lavoreremo sodo".

"Yes, we have everything to lose: the passage to the next round.
For which we will work hard."

Field testing the adidas Jabulani.

Azzurri are Ready for a Physical Side in New Zealand

"La squadra è cresciuta sia fisicamente che psicologicamente, penso sia pronta. La Nuova Zelanda non la dobbiamo temere sul piano tecnico, ma della fisicità, ad esempio dei colpi di testa. Serve attenzione. Specie sui calci piazzati. Dobbiamo giocare in velocità, con palla bassa".

"The team has grown physically and psychologically. I think it is ready.

We don't have to fear New Zealand on a technical plane, but on physicality, for example, headers. It grabs your attention. Especially on free kicks. We have to play quickly with the ball on the ground."

On the Bad Results by Favorites in South Africa

"Questi risultati inattesi dimostrano che quando inizia il Mondiale tutto quello che si è detto o è successo prima si azzera".

"These unexpected results demonstrate that when the World Cup starts, everything that was said or happened before is erased."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 19, 2010.

Both teams played a friendly last year before the Confederations Cup that was won, 4 x 3, by the Azzurri after being pushed more than expected by the All Whites.

Regretable Scoring Form of Late

In the last six matches, only one striker has scored a goal: Fabio Quagliarella against Switzerland. Mr. Lippi needs to address this problem and likely will pair Giampaolo Pazzini with Alberto Gilardino against New Zealand.

Azzurri Starting XI: 4-4-2

Marchetti

Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito

Pepe, De Rossi, Montolivo, Marchisio

Gilardino, Iaquinta

Manager: Mr. Lippi

New Zealand Starting XI: 3-4-3

Paston

Reid, Nelson, Smith

Bertos, Vicelich, Elliot, Lochhead

Fallon, Killen, Smeltz

Manager: Mr. Herbert

Referee: Mr. Batres of Guatemala.
Koman Coulibaly of Mali is the 4th referee today... Strange choice by FIFA after the situation at Ellis Park on Friday.

Italian Anthem



First Half

Both teams began with a fast pace, but New Zealand shocked the Azzurri with a goal in the sixth minute by Shane Smeltz. A free kick was not cleared properly by Cannavaro and Smeltz pounced on it and shot past Marchisio to give the All Whites the early lead. Smeltz appeared in an offside position although it was very close.


Shane Smeltz gives the All Whites an early lead.

The Azzurri looked stunned but kept pushing forward. Chiellini missed a good chance and Montolivo struck a post. Italy controlled possession but the All Whites looked calm and secure. But then a strange call changed the game. De Rossi was slightly held in the area by Smith in the 28th minute. The referee, Mr. Batres, pointed to the spot. De Rossi's dive no doubt forced the issue. Iaquinta took a well-placed spot kick past Paston for the equalizer.

De Rossi had a near miss as the half ended. Ball possession was 75% to 25% in favor of the Azzurri according to La Gazzetta dello Sport. Shots on goal were 11 to 1 for the Azzurri.


Vincenzo Iaquinta scored from the spot after
a controversial foul on De Rossi.

Second Half

Camoranesi and Di Natale came on for Pepe and Gilardino. Di Natale had an immediate impact with a spinning volley that came very close to beat the keeper, Paston. A few minutes later, Pazzini came in for Marchisio. Lippi was going for the win with three strikers. At the same time, Chris Wood came on for Rory Fallon.

Cannavaro made another mistake and cleared the ball directly to Vicelich at the top of the box who took a great shot that nearly missed. New Zealand was defending brilliantly with great organization and compactness. Montolivo took a shot from outside the area that was parried by Paston. One could sense desperation with the Azzurri who had all of the ball possession.

In the 83rd minute, Chris Wood almost wrote his entry in World Cup history. He barely missed from the left side with Marchetti beaten. Camoranesi had an equally good effort that was parried by Paston. The match ended, 1 x 1.


Mark Paston, the man of the match.

A historic and well-deserved result for the All Whites. The Azzurri face elimination and must wait for last game against Slovakia to learn their fate.

Notes

• This is the first time since 1986 that Italy have only achieved two points from their first two World Cup encounters. They progressed to the round of 16 but were eliminated by France (0 x 2).
  
• The last time that Italy exited at the group round phase was during the 1974 World Cup.
  
• Fabio Cannavaro equaled Dino Zoff with 17 World Cup appearances for second on the all-time Azzurri list behind Paolo Maldini.

For more coverage, please view my article on Soccerlens.

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Andres Cantor: The Gold Standard

Andres Cantor was born and raised in Argentina. He came to America during his youth. He attended the University of Southern California where he studied communications and journalism. If anyone can communicate, it is Mr. Cantor. He has been providing live soccer commentaries since the 1980s.

In 1994, he became famous for his passionate cries of "Gooooaaaallll". Mr. Cantor broadcasts the Futbol de Primera Daily Show and is the voice of soccer for the Telemundo television network.

Andres Cantor is a lifelong fan of Boca Juniors and
the Argentinean national team.

A few years ago, I had the pleasure to interview Mr. Cantor for Soccerlens. Here was an interesting and very candid response:

Your passion, professionalism, and unbiased perspective for the sport are legendary. If I may ask, respectfully, how difficult is it for you to remain neutral when you broadcast a game involving Argentina? Do you have to separate “Andrés the fan” from “Andrés the commentator?”

"It is tough and I have always been very open about it. When Argentina or Boca Juniors, my team, plays, I have a different feeling inside. I would be a hypocrite if I say otherwise or if I give you the political correct answer that would be 'all the teams are the same for me'.

But I’m totally conscious of that fact and I try to keep my feeling inside. Seldom do I let my bias affect my work. I get as enthusiastic with those games as with any other and perhaps the fact that people know my allegiance to country and club lends to thinking otherwise. But, in that case, I’m as energetic as ever in most games."

Read more at Soccerlens: http://soccerlens.com/interview-with-andres-cantor/5459/#ixzz0rAMQFuA2

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World Cup 2010: Italia 1 x Paraguay 1 from Green Point Stadium in Cape Town

From a rainy Cape Town, the Azzurri face Paraguay in their opening Group F game at the 2010 World Cup. There has a been a downpour of rain since yesterday and Mr. Lippi decided to cancel the pregame practice at the stadium this morning.


Picture of Fabio Cannavaro from "Casa Azzurri" in
Centurion, South Africa.

Azzurri Starting XI: 4-2-3-1


Azzurri in training.

Buffon

Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Criscito

De Rossi, Montolivo

Iaquinta, Marchisio, Pepe

Gilardino

Manager: Mr. Lippi

Italian Anthem



Paraguay Starting XI: 4-4-2



Salvador Cabanas: The Paraguayan star is still
recovering from his tragic gun shot wound suffered
last January in Mexico City.

Justo Villar

Bonet, da Silva, Alcarez, Morel Rodriguez

Vera, Riveros, Carceres, Torres

Barrios, Valdez

Manager: Mr. Martino

Referee: Mr. Archundia of Mexico.

Mister Lippi Before the Game

"La prima partita è la più importante, anche se non è decisiva. Il Paraguay però è un avversario difficile. Bisogna attaccarlo, ma bisogna sapersi anche difendere, perchè in avanti hanno giocatori importanti come Barrios, Valdez, Santa Cruz e Cardoso. Certo, fare un primo risultato positivo ci darebbe convinzione".

"The first game is the most important even if it isn't decisive. However, Paraguay is a difficult opponent. You need to attack them but also need to know how to defend because up front they have important players such as Barrios, Valdez, Santa Cruz and Cardoso. Surely, making an initial positive result would give conviction."

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 13, 2010.

First Half

On a cold rainy night in Cape Town, the Azzurri looked organized and determined to take the game to the South Americans. Italy pushed up with Pepe on the left and Criscito, a fullback, moving up on the right side. Their passing was crisp despite the weather and Paraguay had very little possession. But without Andrea Pirlo, this side lacked creativity even in Riccardo Montolivo was playing well.

Against the run of play, from a free kick by Torres, Antonin Alcaraz outjumped De Rossi and Cannavaro to head the ball into the corner past a motionless Buffon. The half ended, 0 x 1.


Alcaraz outjumps De Rossi and Cannavaro to score.

Second Half

Buffon was replaced by Marchetti due to a sciatic nerve problem. Paraguay pressed with more intensity chasing the knock-out punch. The Azzurri pushed forward with determination but seemingly without many creative options. In the 69th minute, Pepe's corner kick was missed by the keeper, Villar, and landed right in front of De Rossi who equalized. Montolivo and Pepe took a few long-range shots but Villar settled down and saved them without problems.


De Rossi equalized from a corner by Pepe.

The game ended, 1 x 1, but the Azzurri have work to do and Paraguay might regret not obtaining the three points. The second place team in Group F faces the likely winner of Group E, The Netherlands.

• Please see my more comprehensive article at Soccerlens with translated quotes on Tuesday.

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Lion House Lodge in Johannesburg, South Africa by Kenneth Walker

Images of Lion House Lodge courtesy of Kenneth Walker.
Images of wildlife courtesy of Picapp.com.

Editor's Note

I would like to thank Mr. Walker for his kind contribution to the readers of World Football Commentaries.


There are five cottages on the property. They come equipped with
televisions, kitchens, lounges and comfortable bedrooms and private,
ensuite bath and/or showers. One of the cottages, an open-plan
studio next to the pool, is available as an edit suite or other work place.
Each cottage comes equipped with queen sized bed in the bedroom
and a sleeper sofa in the lounges.

by Kenneth Walker

Just before I moved to South Africa 10 years ago to become the Africa Bureau chief for National Public Radio, I got a call from my mother in Oakland. "Son," she asked, "I've been reading about all this crime in South Africa. Are you gonna be okay."

I responded, "Mom," I live in Trinidad, a neighborhood with the highest murder rate in D.C., at a time when Washington had the highest murder rate in the country, which meant it had the highest murder rate in the world. A good day, Mom," I continued, "is when there is no automatic gunfire. Those guys in South Africa have nothing I haven't seen."

South Africa's crime has worsened since then, but I'm still convinced it's substantially safer here than in many American cities.

That's why I decided to live here and, seven years ago, opened a Guest Lodge, Lion House Lodge, which can be viewed at www.lionhouselodge.com.

As I prepare for the World Cup, I get a lot of questions about crime. While none of our guests has ever been a victim, I have responded by agreeing to post on-site 24/7 security on the property to augment the state of the art electronic measures. We are located in a very stylish and upscale neighborhood called Rosebank, which, along with Sandton, is one of the two best neighborhoods in town.

All of the fancy shops, restaurants, clubs, theaters, museums, gold courses, health clubs, are within shouting distance.

Lion House is maybe the only Guest Lodge in this area that's still available, and that's because I have a unique marketing strategy. Rather than take one guest at a time, I decided to make the entire facility available to one self-selected group. I figured that soccer fans want to be with their buddies -- people they know and like. I have targeted international media companies in the knowledge that journalists have a reason to come early and stay late. Pretty quickly after the World Cup Draw in Cape Town on Dec. 4th, I'm fairly certain Lion House Lodge will go off the World Cup market. While I have yen for reporters, I don't care if the guests are hot dog vendors -- so long as folks meet my four week minimum booking requirement.

Most folks don’t realize just how much there is to do in South Africa. In addition to having international standard shopping, it sits on two oceans and has some of the finest beaches on the planet. If wildlife is your thing, there’s no other country where you can see whales, sharks, dolphins, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetas, giraffes, cape buffalo, wild dogs, etc. And you’re just a puddle hopper away from one of the eight wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls.

So even if you come for the soccer, there still enough time to have a holiday of a lifetime.

So if you and your crew haven't nailed down your accommodations, be in touch while there's still time.

About the Author



Prior to opening Lions House in Johannesburg, Kenneth Walker served as the Africa Bureau Chief for National Public Radio, USA, the largest radio news network in the United States. In 1985, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences awarded Mr. Walker an Emmy for "Outstanding Analysis of a Current News Story," for his reports as the correspondent for ABC news' Nightline's historic broadcasts originating in South Africa.

The Nightline series went on to become one of the most honored series of news reports in the history of broadcast journalism; earning, among others, the first Gold Baton from Columbia University's DuPont Columbia Awards and the George Foster Peabody Award. In the same year, the National Association of Black Journalists also named Mr. Walker Journalist of The Year.

Update

Here is a link by the BBC that lists where several national teams will stay in South Africa:

• World Cup Boot Camps, 24 February 2010.

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Switzerland 1 x Italia 1: "There isn't an Italy B Team." Marcello Lippi

Fabio Quagliarella scores over Philippe Senderos.

Tonight in Geneva, the Azzurri displayed a much better performance than the other day in Brussels.

The game was decided in the first 15 minutes: Goekhan Inler scored for the Swiss on a great individual effort and Fabio Quagliarella equalized on a header shortly thereafter. The balance of this friendly was fought at midfield and there were several yellow cards.


Inler scores on an excellent left-footed strike through
the Italian defense.

The Azzurri held possession and were more precise. Perhaps as Mr. Lippi stated after the Mexican friendly, the boys would find their sea-level legs rather quickly. They used wing play much more than the other night. Without an injured Andrea Pirlo, Riccardo Montolivo displayed his own playmaking capabilities which should hearten Azzurri fans.

Mister Lippi After the Match


After the Mexico friendly, a Danish journalist presented
Mr. Lippi with a chocolate image of the World Cup.

"Non ci sono due italie, ma una sola squadra... Volevo che tutti avessero nelle gambe una partita quasi intera. A Bruxelles abbiamo pagato il 'picco' di fatica del dododicesimo giorno in altura: e non è una barzelletta, ma lo sostengono degli scienziati. Ora le cose cominciano a migliorare".

"There aren't two Italy's but only one side. I wanted everyone to have at least a whole game in their legs. In Brussels, we paid for the "drop" in conditioning after the 12th day of training at altitude. It's not a joke but is sustained by scientists. Now things are starting to get better."

"La squadra è cresciuta col passare dei minuti, nonostante il gol subito. Ha cominciato a sistemarsi meglio, a pressare più alto, con un secondo tempo giocato nella metà campo avversaria. La prestazione è incoraggiante".

"The team grew with the passage of minutes not counting the conceded goal. The team began to organize itself better and to press higher with a second half played in the opponent's half of the field. The presentation was encouraging."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 5, 2010.

Italian to English translation by Steve Amoia of World Football Commentaries.

Match Highlights



The Azzurri will depart from Rome on Tuesday night for the long journey to South Africa. Their opening match will be on 14 June against Paraguay.

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Italia 1 x Mexico 2: Friendly from Brussels, Belgium: "Mexico was brilliant." Marcello Lippi

Before the game.



This was the first competitive game for the Azzurri since March and the rust was evident. A highly technical and skilled Mexican side that has played several preparatory friendlies exposed several areas of Italian weaknesses: A disorganized back four, very little creativity from the midfield and lack of finishing up front.

Mexico was Clearly the Better Side

Mexico looked as if they had an extra man. You will read Mr. Lippi's comments below about the transition from altitude to sea-level, but make no mistake. The Azzurri were a slow side last year at the Confederations Cup and the current team won't ever challenge Usain Bolt.

History tells us that Italy is a good tournament team that usually finds its groove deep into a competition. But the South African World Cup presents unique challenges in the name of altitude and winter weather. Preparation will be vital and Mr. Lippi feels that Alpine training will help the Azzurri once they arrive in Johannesburg.

Disorganized in the Back


Carlos Vela of Arsenal opened the scoring as
Mexico controlled the match with ease.

Carlos Vela volleyed past a helpless Gigi Buffon as the Mexicans found space and took advantage of a new Azzurri back four of Bonucci, Cannavaro, Criscito and Zambrotta. Alberto Medina doubled the lead late in the match before the Azzurri pulled one back by Leonardo Bonucci.

Typical Slow Start


Mister Lippi wasn't be pleased by what he saw today
and blamed it on altitude training and Mexico's month-long
preparation.

"Noi invece siamo più indietro nella condizione. E sinceramente un campanello d’allarme c’è. Pensavo stessimo un po’ meglio, ma i ragazzi mi hanno detto che avevano le gambe molto pesanti. Probabilmente con un avversario che avesse fatto cose simili alle nostre, in preparazione, sarebbe stato diverso. Invece questo Messico era brillantissimo. Ma conta essere a posto fra un paio di settimane e ci riusciremo. Possono bastare anche pochi giorni perché le gambe comincino a girare bene".

"We on the other hand were further behind in conditioning. And frankly, there is cause for alarm. I thought we would be a little better, but the lads told me that they had very heavy legs. Probably with an opponent that had done things similar to us, in preparation (two weeks at altitude), it would have been different.

Instead this Mexican side was brilliant. But what counts is to have things sorted between now and two weeks and we shall do so. It may only take a few days because the legs will begin to operate well."

"A Wembley, una settimana fa, se il Messico dopo un’ora avesse segnato 3 gol con l’Inghilterra, sarebbe stato normale. Per questo oggi non sono sorpreso dalla loro prestazione. Stanno bene e hanno deciso di fare un lavoro diverso. Avversario peggiore non ci potevamo scegliere. Tutti vi siete resi conto della differenza evidente di preparazione".

"At Wembley, a week ago, if Mexico after an hour would have scored three goals against England, it would have been normal. Due to this, I'm not surprised by their presentation today. They are good and have decided to do a different type of work. A weaker opponent we could not have chosen. All of you see the evident difference in preparation."

Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 3, 2010.

Slow starts are nothing new for the Azzurri. The key factor will be can Mr. Lippi make the necessary adjustments before their first World Cup match against Paraguay? Their next friendly will be against Switzerland on Saturday evening in Geneva. The Azzurri are schedule to depart for South Africa on 8 June.

Heysel Tribute


Fabio Cannavaro and Italian FA President Abete.

Before the game, the Azzurri paid tribute to the 25th anniversary of the tragedy at Heysel Stadium which was the former setting of the King Baudouin Stadium. Thirty-nine fans, thirty-eight from Juventus, were killed during a European Cup final with Liverpool.

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Fabio Cannavaro Signs for Al-Ahli in Dubai

Fabio Cannavaro has 132 caps for Italy.
In 2006, he was named FIFA Player of the Year
and also won the prestigious Ballon d'Or from
France Football.

According to the Gazzetta dello Sport, Azzurri captain, Fabio Cannavaro, has signed a two year contract with Al-Ahli in Dubai.

According to Andrea D'Amico, who brokered the deal, Mr. Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah, the President of the Emirates club, was keen to bring Cannavaro to Al-Ahli. D'Amico also stated that Cannavaro turned down approaches from Italian and North American clubs.

"Fabio guarda al presente e al futuro - continua - aveva altre offerte anche dall'America e dall'Italia ma ha capito la qualità di questo progetto e vuole vivere questa esperienza di vita".

"Fabio looks to the present and future," D'Amico stated, "he had other offers also from America and Italy but he understood the quality of this project and wants to live this life experience."

L'Al Ahli, tra le formazioni più prestigiose negli Emirati Arabi Uniti "vuole costruire una squadra forte, vogliono anche un allenatore importante e si parla di Harry Redknapp (attuale manager del Tottenham,ì; n.d.r.) - continua D'Amico - e Cannavaro non sarà solo un giocatore ma anche l'ambasciatore sportivo di Dubai e potrà coronare la sua carriera con un'esperienza di vita e professionale ai massimi livelli."

"Al-Ahli, one of the most prestigious clubs in the United Arab Emirates, 'wants to build a strong team. They also want an important manager and have talked about Harry Redknapp (actual manager of Tottenham Hotspur),' D'Amico stated, 'and Cannavaro will not only be a player but also a sporting ambassador of Dubai and can crown his career with a life and professional experience at the highest levels.' "

Cannavaro and Mr. Abdullah Saeed Al Naboodah on the Deal



"Sono felice di aver firmato con l'Al Alhi per le prossime stagioni, stavo già pensando di andare a vivere a Dubai che adoro, è un sogno che diventa realtà".

"I am happy to have signed with Al-Ahli for the next two seasons. I was thinking of going to live in Dubai which I adore. It is a dream that has become reality."

"Quest'accordo è uno dei più importanti di sempre per noi - il commento del presidente del club, Abdullah Al Naboodah - è un giocatore con esperienza, talento e carisma, che ha guidato la sua nazionale alla vittoria dei Mondiali del 2006 e di cui sarà il capitano anche in Sudafrica"

"This deal is one of the most important of all time for us," commented the president of the team, Abdullah Al Naboodah, "he is a player with experience, talent and charisma, that has lead his national team to victory in the 2006 World Cup and who will be captain also in South Africa."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 2, 2010.

2018 and 2022 World Cup Bids



Cannavaro could become a significant voice to help the UAE secure either the 2018 or 2022 FIFA World Cup. Similar to David Beckham with England, Fabio's global appeal, character and name recognition will boost the efforts of the Emirates.

Marcello Lippi Releases Final 23 Man Roster for South Africa: The Dream Ends for Giuseppe Rossi

"Paul Newman" is chasing history.
Only fellow Italian, Vittorio Pozzo, has ever
won two consecutive World Cups. Mr. Lippi
has the oldest team in South Africa and the
last team to repeat was Brasil in 1962.

Marcello Lippi released his final 23 man roster for South Africa. The Azzurri have been training at altitude in Sestriere in the Italian Alps for the last two weeks. Mr. Lippi cut sentimental favorite, American Giuseppe Rossi, from the final team. A few weeks ago, he cut 2006 World Cup hero, Fabio Grosso, from the provisional roster.

Lippi on His Selections

"La duttilità è stato il criterio fondamentale, le scelte sono state tutte fatte in funzione dell'adattabilità a diverse posizioni in campo. Le esclusioni sono state tutte particolarmente difficili. Per Giuseppe Rossi vale forse un po' di più perché da più a lungo era con noi".

"Flexibility was the fundamental criterion. The choices were all made in conjunction with the adaptability of different positions on the pitch. The exclusions were all particularly very difficult. For Giuseppe Rossi, he deserved perhaps a little more because he had been with us longer."

Italian source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 2, 2010.


Mr. Lippi was a centerback during his playing days
with Sampdoria. He was never capped for the Azzurri.

Five Final Cuts

Borriello (AC Milan)
Cassani (Palermo)
Cossu (Cagliari)
Rossi (Villarreal)
Sirigu (Palermo)

All five will take place in the two friendlies later this week.


Giuseppe Rossi. The Clifton, New Jersey
native aimed high with the Azzurri. Many
in American soccer circles did not understand
his motives and may now feel justified in their
criticism of his decision. But Rossi had been in the
Italian youth system since he left home at the age
of 13 to train with Parma.

Rossi strikes a nerve because this country has rarely
produced a player with his creative instincts
and technical abilities. He has 13 caps with 3 goals
for the Azzurri.

Azzurri Roster



Goalkeepers

Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Cagliari).

Defenders

Bocchetti (Genoa), Bonucci (Bari), Cannavaro (Al-Ahli), Chiellini (Juventus), Criscito (Genoa), Maggio (Napoli), Zambrotta (AC Milan).

Midfielders

Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (AS Roma), Gattuso (AC Milan), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (ACF Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Udinese), Pirlo (AC Milan).

Strikers

Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (ACF Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli).

Italian Source: La Gazzetta dello Sport, June 1, 2010.

Top Italian Sides Provided Few Players

Only four players from the top three Serie A sides of 2009/10 made the final roster: De Rossi from AS Roma and the AC Milan trio of Gattuso, Pirlo and Zambrotta. Seventh-place Juventus has five players (six if you include Cannavaro who played with them in 2009/10) on this roster.

Final Friendlies

The Azzurri have two friendlies this week against Mexico (3 June in Brussels) and Switzerland (5 June in Geneva). They will depart on 8 June for Johannesburg.