Forza Azzurri

Now that the Italians have knocked my favourites out of the tournament, I have no option but to support them today. The Italians have always been a fantastic team to watch, not for the football they play, but the entertainment they provide. When they had Rossi, and Dino and then Maldini, Nesta, Del Piero and Totti, one could forgive their eccentricity because of their brilliance. Now though, its another story.

Chiellini is a decent defender, an effective aerial threat from set-pieces, and looks like a monkey most of the time. When the ref books him, he'll just pull a face and escape a yellow card. And the chicks love his thighs.

Not laughing anymore.

The Italian midfield is typical Italian midfield, hard tackling, flamboyant, cursing, swearing. But this time its a little more aggressive than before. More offensive, actively passing the ball around and trying to create chances rather than relying on counter-attacks and the acuity of their strikers. Pirlo is at his imperious best, Montolivo is very smooth and finds himself in with the chances, but lacks the talent to finish. Marchisio is a threat as substitute and De Rossi reminds us of the Italy of old.

de Rossi. Lesbian.

Their forwards, Balotelli and Cassano are combining really well upfront. I can see them score a goal tonight.
I hope Italy wins. But more than that, I hope Spain loses, so that I can like them again.