Why do people always seem to play down the threat that Italy pose in international football ?
All I´ve been hearing this tournament is what a suprise it is that Italy have got so far etc.
Hang on a minute, after Brazil at international level Italy are the most successful nation in world football with 4 World Cups. Only one behind Brazil´s 5 World Cups.
In fact only a penatly shootout at the World Cup Final in 1994 seperates the two nations. Had Italy won that shootout then they would have 5 World Cups instead of Brazil.
Also you only have to look at the statistics between Italy and Germay in major tournaments. Italy have played Germany 8 times in World Cups and Euros and have won every single time.
That´s a pretty impressive stat when you consider that Germany are the third most successful national team in world football with 3 World Cups.
So I ask why am I constantly hearing what a big suprise and a big shock it is to see Italy in the Euro Final ?
Italy won the World Cup 6 years ago and they got to the Euro Final back in 2000. They know how to get far in tournaments and win things.
It´s no big suprise or shock to me to see Italy in the Final again and I struggle to understand why people always seem to make a big deal of it when it happens.
Why are Italy constantly underestimated ?
posted on 29/6/12
I wonder if it has anything to do with the fact that they have such a successful history. People look at this team and think it's not the best ever Italy team, and write them off.
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Quite possibly. But with Italy it´s always been more about the team ethic than individual players.
Italy won the World Cup in 2006 because they played as a team. I don´t remember one individual standing out in that World Cup like say Zidane did in 98 with France.
posted on 29/6/12
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posted on 29/6/12
Pirlo shined in the WC 2006, very brightly in fact.
posted on 29/6/12
Pirlo shined in the WC 2006, very brightly in fact.
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I agree he did but he was just one of a few Italy players that shined in that World Cup. Buffon and Cannavaro were immense at the back and both Gattuso and Pirlo bossed the midfield with Totti doing his bit up front.
It was more of a team effort when Italy won the World Cup in 2006.
Compare that to Argentina with Maradona in 86 or France with Zidane in 98. Neither of those nations would have won those World Cups without either Maradona or Zidane.
posted on 29/6/12
I agree with that. They're a very strong unit all over the pitch with no real weak links. Also, having a top keeper like Buffon does wonders for a team's confidence.
posted on 29/6/12
Zidane never singlehandedly won the WC in 98. He wasn't even the best French player.
We won because of our backline.
posted on 29/6/12
Zizou was at his best in the Euros 2000 and was great in 2006 too.
WC 98? He got himself sent off and missed crucial games. Props to him for owning the final though.
posted on 29/6/12
I've said it from the start that they will win, you can ever count Italy out, and when looking at the teams before the start of the tournament, Italy had very balanced and well organised squad. But included in that was Seria A best player Pirlo.
posted on 29/6/12
Saìn† >
France had some good players in 98 with likes of Djorkaeff and Vieira but I don´t think they would have won the World Cup without Zidane.
France struggled against Paraguay without the suspended Zidane and only scraped through that game if memory serves me right.
As you say Zidane owned the Final against Brazil and his 2 goals were crucial in winning it.
posted on 30/6/12
I think it's because they finished bottom of their WC group 2 years ago... behind New Zealand