Group F

[FCBarca]

Well, the Azzurri played great for about 20 minutes in this World Cup, otherwise the 250 other minutes looked pretty poor

 

[Michael]

New Zealand finishes better than Italy in the group.

 

[FCBarca]

New Zealand finishes better than Italy in the group.

The mighty Kiwis

 

[Suneet]

The only difference between France and Italy is that Italy have a better coach than Domenech. And there is no public infighting.

 

[FCBarca]

The only difference between France and Italy is that Italy have a better coach than Domenech. And there is no public infighting.

Well, Domenech is no longer around so that won't be an issue...The team unity issue is the biggest difference, for me...Although I think in terms of talent and youth talent, the French are far ahead of the Italians, atm

Were it not for the tragicomedy that is Les Bleus, the Azzurri and their unceremonious exit in the first round (Last in the group behind a part time crew of Kiwis) as defending World Champs would be THE story of the WC...Lippi et al should send a nice basket of cheese to the FFF

BTW, the similarities don't stop there...Lippi pulled a DumbDumb and did not shake hands with the Slovak coach - stormed right off the pitch

 

[Michael]

The only difference between France and Italy is that Italy have a better coach than Domenech. And there is no public infighting.

Not to that extent, but there were disagreements between Lippi and the players (Pepe, Marchisio etc...). Italy's dressing room was not as united as they'd like to be.

 

[FCBarca]

Not to that extent, but there were disagreements between Lippi and the players. Italy's dressing room was not as united as they'd like to be.

That says a lot about unity though, IMHO...Not every lockerroom is going to be a love fest between players & managers but to put out a unified front is important, I believe...The Azzurri did a good job of that, although they were perhaps more prudent in their selections for the squad too (Omitting Cassano, Balotelli etc. played into it I'm sure)

 

[Michael]

"Go home with shame"

 

[Jnr]

LMAO @ Azzurri..hairgel-boys get a serious beating from..(drumms) SLOVAKIA ..anyhow they totally deserved to win as they were superb today..Lippi might aswell blow his brains into the SA hotel walls for all I care..Humiliation, embarassment, LAST in one of the easiest of groups in Italys World Cup history..I mean semi-pro New-Zealand knocked them to 4th..Lets open the champagnes as Lippi era is over forever!

 

[Fitzy]

This World Cup for Italian fans must have felt like a very slow, painful death...

 

[Maslany]

I'm actually really happy to see Italia out. May all italian fans on this board forgive me, but i'm happy for all italian media now, it backfired miserably for them, everything they've done to make Inter a dirty club cuz they fucking hate us actually, when Inter is the only thing that makes Italia proud atm. KARMA is a bitch!

 

[FCBarca]

I'm actually really happy to see Italia out. May all italian fans on this board forgive me, but i'm happy for all italian media now, it backfired miserably for them, everything they've done to make Inter a dirty club cuz they fucking hate us actually, when Inter is the only thing that makes Italia proud atm. KARMA is a bitch!

How exactly can Italia be proud of Inter if a precious few Italians actually feature for them?

 

[Maslany]

How exactly can Italia be proud of Inter if a precious few Italians actually feature for them?

Inter is an Italian club after all. Besides the fact that we have around 3 italians at our team, and i'm not so happy that Inter is an italian team, it's the reality.

 

[FCBarca]

Inter is an Italian club after all. Besides the fact that we have around 3 italians at our team, and i'm not so happy that Inter is an italian team, it's the reality.

No I understand, I like Inter too but I was just asking if the idea is for Italians to be proud of a club etc., they will be far more proud of one that features Italians, IMHO

 

[Maslany]

No I understand, I like Inter too but I was just asking if the idea is for Italians to be proud of a club etc., they will be far more proud of one that features Italians, IMHO

I know, maybe that's why they hate us so much. In the past we had few more italians tho, but we are Internacionale, screw them.

 

[vitomins]

I guess it just was not meant to be...Pirlo getting injured right before the tournament, Buffon goes out after 45 mins, a goal-line clearance that to me looked in and normally would be called in, and an offside call that was millimeters of going either way...

As FCBarca said, Italy looked dangerous for about 20 minutes the entire tournament and that just is not enough when you are playing teams that are fighting to stay alive. Next month is completely ruined for me as I am going to just fill my brain with 'what if's' until July...

 

[Syn]

I expect a great final game between Italy and France ...... on the airport.

 

[brehme1989]

a goal-line clearance that to me looked in and normally would be called in

100% not a goal

 

[jamsieboy86]

Delighted Italy are out, they played terrible and got exactly what they deserved. Lippi should've brought some flair players, like Balo or Miccoli.

 

[vitomins]

100% not a goal

It is 100% impossible to declare that because there was no clear view of the incident...nice try though.