It didn't take very long. Italy is out of the 2010 World Cup at the earliest opportunity for the first time since 1974. There's not much to say about it. They played very poorly for all three games, except for the final 25 minutes of today's 3-2 loss to Slovakia. They came very close to making it through, with a goal cleared off the line and another called back for offside, but in the end they leave without a single win, out of the easiest group in the World Cup.
A new coach is on the way, which is definitely required. Lippi refused to take several young and dynamic players due to personality conflicts, and when Pirlo went down injured, there was no adequate replacement. The brief period where they played well in this tournament coincided with the brief period where Pirlo played. Cassano would have been nice to have around to fill that playmaker role.
Based on the team Lippi picked, I never expected Italy to challenge for the championship at this tournament, but like everyone else I expected them to make it out of the group. For the record, my prediction since before the tournament began has been an Argentina win. I still think that Maradona has what it takes as a motivator to take his team all the way.
0 comments:
Post a Comment