Euro 2020
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H.P. Lovecraft
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will end up fourth in its group (although it can boast 3 points). The victory against was a little misleading. It was obtained after "the Eriksen Shock". In front of the of the "second generation of gold", is currently tenth in the Ranking FIFA and which can boast a firm soccer tradition and who started his football revolution from well before 2018. It was clear what It would happen. has already won by obtaining qualification for Euro 2020. Until today the Finnish national team had never reached the final phase of the European Championships. I wish Finland to continue growing and qualifying to the World Cup of 2022 in Qatar. The Finns deserve to live the emotions of a world championship. has tried to emulate the "Swedish method" without success: all in defense and miraculous goalkeepers of the goalkeeper. I can say that also had a more proactive approach than who could only count on Isak's physicality (Italian telecronists still are wondering why he was replaced in the second half 
). The qualification as "Best Third" in the "group F" will be determined by the way in which and will be able to beat (in addition to the points a good difference networks). After the disaster against the , will be able to keep attention high? Often in European championships and world championships, the "small teams" (we are not talking about Puskas Hungary) can be annoying. has quality and has a good youth sector. What is suffering from the German national team is the "generational change". It is clear that, sooner or later, it will return to the very high levels (certainly in 2024 it will be candidate for the victory of the European Championships). The match against France showed a who has courage but that is lower than his opponent. has let play, alternating dangerous attacks to careful defense. The match between and , however, has shown two useful things to other nationals: is devastating from midfield to attack but is a little vulnerable in defense. Although the French defense is of "first quality" it is not impeccable and in fact ... we saw the continuous sacrifice of Kante, Pogba, Griezman and Benzema that also carried out cover roles. The French game is choral, I can say a kind of mix between the "Italian game" (made of defense, speed and restartence) with the philosophy of "Total Dutch football" where you can see a striker to go into defense. I am curious to see how will react to the quality of Cristiano Ronaldo and the ball possession.The "group E" is putting into confusion, many European fans
could also be able to qualify but, for me he must make a good result (minimal a draw) against . I'm curious to see -. In this game we will see the Swedish national team less dedicated to its "anti-soccer" and more inclined to attack. must pay maximum attention. will not give up easily and has a lot of quality, is a guarantee (although it is light years away from the facts of "Tiki Taka").The "group D" is clear:
will pass and ... or the . has entered a "negative period", will it be able to get out of it? It could also happen something "impossible": if the "group stage" now ended, may not be enough for third place. instead is 100% eliminated. I'm curious to see if will give "wire to twist" to .Regarding
, never as you now have to win absolutely. The English national team is composed of excellent athletes and plays "the final phase" in London. Will the creators of football succeed (which then is a Greek derivation game) to finally win a title? The 1966 World Championship was and will remain a farce
The "Group C" for me will be switched from the
and . Probably (if we arrive early in the group) could face . It would be a very hard challenge because is a national good: physical strength, quality, determination and lethal restarts. However ... - brings me back to mind the 2006 World Cup. What is a "good sign"?
will instead pass as "better third" unless it falls badly under the shots of the and . , with all respect ... Bye Bye 
The "group A" should see the passage of
(probably in first place) and, who knows, the second position of (ugly but performing national). I think , even if third classified, could qualify without problems (It depends on how they will play against Italians and if wins with ).The
of EscTurkey (the one who says that football is toxic 
) could be eliminated. It depends on how it will react to the defeat suffered by . For the moment ... is reacting badly ... they are losing 1-0 against .The Italian national team could be a contender in the European title but for the moment I consider
, and a step further. However ... According to the "Betting odds" is second behind . What happens again "The climbing Maneskin"?My words could hurt some European fans
but this is not my intention 
My words are calibrated, objective and are based on data. My words can hurt but ... this is reality Then, obviously, the predictions can be subverted
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H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
The songs sung by the Italian public at the stadium:
MUSICA LEGGERISSIMA
:
www.youtube.com
SEVEN NATIONS ARMY
:
www.youtube.com
The song sung by H.P. Lovecraft
:
ZITTI E BUONI
:
www.youtube.com
MUSICA LEGGERISSIMA
:
Colapesce, Dimartino - Musica leggerissima (Official Video - Sanremo 2021)
COLAPESCEDIMARTINO – Musica leggerissimaAscolta Musica leggerissima qui: https://smi.lnk.to/IMortali2 “Musica Leggerissima” è un video di Ground’s OrangesReg...
www.youtube.com
SEVEN NATIONS ARMY
:
The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)
Watch the official music video for "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes, directed by Alex & MartinListen to The White Stripes: https://TheWhiteStripes.ln...
www.youtube.com
The song sung by H.P. Lovecraft
:ZITTI E BUONI
:
MÃ¥neskin - ZITTI E BUONI (Official Video â Sanremo & EUROVISION 2021 Winners)
RUSH! (Are U Coming?) new album edition by Måneskin Listen & Download - https://maneskin.lnk.to/Rush_AreUComingMåneskin – Zitti e BuoniAscoltala su https://s...
www.youtube.com
ShoeFlo
Well-known member
it's way too early to make prediction but the 10 Euros I put on Italy as Euro champion prior to the tournament might be well invested money 
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
Italy is showing exceptional football. Our game is choral, each of our players is dangerous (from Chiellini to Locatelli up to Immobile), our substitutes on the bench are reliable and we have an excellent coach like Mancini (who changed the 4-3-3 into a 5-3- 2 towards the time when we were "in debt for oxygen"). Our path after the defeat was long but positive. It's true, in life you have to burn yourself with fire before you understand your mistakes.it's way too early to make prediction but the 10 Euros I put on Italy as Euro champion prior to the tournament might be well invested money
The Italian football proposed by Mancini is modern but is anchored in our traditional way of doing football. I can also say that there are innovations: Italy faces every challenge with conviction and we score many goals (!). In the past, however, we have always had a "humoral", "arrogant" and at times "lazy" national team. We often lost ridiculous groups with New Zealand, Paraguay and Slovakia ... the friendly matches against the "small teams" we won 1-0, we drew them or we lost them because for us they were useless games. The European Championships? Not very important to us ... Then ... when we faced Brazil, Argentina or Germany ... we became lions! When the World Cup began (if we managed to overcome the "diabolical groups" and the penalties did not stop us or ... Byron Moreno
) we won the greatest of competitions. I have always envied Germany for her "always being ready", her never underestimating any challenge
However ... it is still early to say that Italy is the favorite. There are many strong national teams and three more that, at the moment, are more popular: Portugal (champion of Europe and Nations League champions), Belgium (first in the "FIFA Ranking" and third in the 2018 World Cup) and France (champion of the world 2018). We can "make our voices heard", we can "bring out the Italian pride" that has allowed us to triumph but ... "we fly low". One step at a time ... "Rome was not built in a day".
njdevils94
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Based off a couple group stage games. It's too early or Italy still. Mancini is building towards Qatar 2022 in my opinion. France and Belgium are still the favorites for me with Spain maybe as a 3rd but they need to improve.
It's too early or Italy still. Mancini is building towards Qatar 2022 in my opinion. France and Belgium are still the favorites for me with Spain maybe as a 3rd but they need to improve.
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
Excellent observation. I also believe that Italy's real goal is the world championship in Qatar but ... never before does Italy need to win and convince. Do you want proof? Qualification to the Europeans, excellent streak of victories (almost equaled the record of Pozzo - the coach winner of two consecutive world championships), qualification for the "Final Four" of the Nations League and so far a good path to the European championships. It is true that France, Belgium and Portugal are one step ahead of us but ... would anyone ever have bet on the victories of Denmark, Greece or Portugal? Also, if I remember correctly, Portugal didn't play spectacular football at the 2016 Europeans. Italy has to believe it: humility and ambition. It is not a paradox. These are qualities that can coexist.Based off a couple group stage games.
ShoeFlo
Well-known member
don't wanna turn this into a "praise Italy" thread but they have a stunning record in knock-out stage of big tournaments that makes me believe they'll be very hard to beat by ANY opponent.
Italy didn't lose a single all-or-nothing match after 90 minutes since 1990, apart from the Euro 2012 final against the golden generation of Spain
1990: lost to Argentina in Penalty Shoot-Out (Semi final)
1994: lost to Brazil in Penalty Shoot-out (final)
1998: lost to later winner France in Penalty Shoot-Out (quarter final)
2000: lost the final to France in extra time after being in lead until the 95th minute
2002: lost to South Korea in extra time under scandalous circumstances
2006: won the WC
2008: lost to later winner Spain in Penalty Shoot-Out
2016: lost to Germany ( ) in Penalty Shoot-out
the introduction of penalty shoot-out probably prevented Italy from winning more titles in their history, the Italians must really hate it
Anyway, one thing is sure for me, whenever Italy survives the group-stage they will even get stronger. Brace yourselves, Europe!
Italy didn't lose a single all-or-nothing match after 90 minutes since 1990, apart from the Euro 2012 final against the golden generation of Spain
1990: lost to Argentina in Penalty Shoot-Out (Semi final)
1994: lost to Brazil in Penalty Shoot-out (final)
1998: lost to later winner France in Penalty Shoot-Out (quarter final)
2000: lost the final to France in extra time after being in lead until the 95th minute
2002: lost to South Korea in extra time under scandalous circumstances
2006: won the WC
2008: lost to later winner Spain in Penalty Shoot-Out
2016: lost to Germany (
) in Penalty Shoot-outthe introduction of penalty shoot-out probably prevented Italy from winning more titles in their history, the Italians must really hate it
Anyway, one thing is sure for me, whenever Italy survives the group-stage they will even get stronger. Brace yourselves, Europe!
This is a saying I repeat quite often at home in all kinds of situations to justify myself when I did something not correctly.
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
Your analysis is excellent, Whiteshoes.
Italy, in its history, has always had weaknesses:
-) The group stage (especially in easy groups on paper)
-) Penalty kicks (a curse that we carry with us from Italy '90 and partially debunked in 2006)
I have already explained in the previous post the "humoral side" of our national team that has often led us to lose simple groups and now I will focus on penalties.
We Italians, having passed the groups, can say that we are dangerous opponents for the title. Always. We only lose when we face "a golden generation" (not always) or when we have to take penalties (almost always). Why this weakness? The reasons are these:
-) During the 120 minutes of the knockout match we give all our sweat and blood. When it comes to penalties we are exhausted both physically and mentally. We lack lucidity.
-) We, by nature, have a too emotional. We can't be glacial. Having "too much heart" is often counterproductive.
Penalties have deprived "our best generation" of winning. Leaving aside the sad 1990s, I want to focus a little on 1994 and 1998.
In 1994 Brazil managed to win on penalties thanks to the mistake of ... Roberto Baggio! But I want to say that Brazil has managed to mature and managed to win the World Cup with "more European football". 1994 was the year in which Brazil completed a transformation that started in 1982 after the "Tragedy of Sarrià" (with the destruction of the "Futbol Bailado"). Ironic, right? We Italians have taught Brazil how to face us.
In 1998, I will be much shorter, France won the World Cup after defeating Italy. Having overcome this wall they easily reached their first world title. If Italy had won on penalties ... perhaps France today would be another national team and would not have won a soccer world cup yet.
Now we reach 2002 ... Italy has not suffered thefts only at the ESC. I remember Trapattoni's Italy. They were a great team and, with all due respect for Brazil, we had to win. The surprise elimination of Japan and Blatter's intrigues with the Turkish and Korean federations led Byron Moreno to referee our game ... a scandal ... better not to comment further ...
Anyway ... Byron Moreno aside, losing on penalties is a note to our demerit. Nobody stole anything from us. We wasted the opportunity to become first in the world championships.
In 2006 an Italy "at the end of the line" won the world championship. The "golden generation" was aging and we were struggling to find replacements because our clubs were not focusing on our young people. The strength of that group was Lippi's cunning, some top players and the cohesion of the group. In the final Zidane let himself be fooled by Materazzi and on penalties ... we returned the favor of 1998.
But ... after this focus of the 90s and early 2000s. I also want to mention some occasions that prevented Italy from winning something:
-) In 1930 we did not participate. We would probably have won (in fact in 1934 and 1938 we were undisputed champions).
-) The outbreak of the "Second World War".
-) The "Superga Massacre" of 1949 where the "Grande Torino" players died (most of them were Italian nationals).
These "golden generations" of the turn of the century is perhaps our greatest regret. After these generations, there were "10 years of emptiness". Something changed in 1962, Italy could reach the final or even win but ... the English Ken Aston (the Byron Moreno of '62) refereed in an ignominious way and ... what happened? The famous "battle of Santiago" ... the most violent match in the history of football ... In 1966 we would never have won the World Cup (for me it had to win West Germany or Brazil) but we could have avoided defeat against North Korea but ... our arrogance to consider the North Koreans "inferior" and not fielding a decent squad have led to the Italian national team being humiliated. In 1970 he would probably always win Brazil (it was at its peak). But Brazil would not have won easily if a few days before Italy had not played "the game of the century" against a fierce West Germany. If the semifinal had won West Germany would have been annihilated by Brazil in the same way. The expense of a semifinal (which was a final) and the Mexican climate would never forgive the victim. Finally, after the parenthesis of the 70s, came ... 1982! Italy sucked in the groups and a strong dispute broke out in Italy ... then our players managed to tarmac Maradona's Argentina, Brazil's "strongest ever" and Lato and Boniek's Poland and... forgive me Whiteshoes, it's reality, "our favorite victim" West Germany. Before concluding my journey to the World Cup, I hope you enjoyed reading, why has Germany always suffered against Italy? In part we can understand this by seeing yesterday's match: Swiss football (similar to German football) is an athletic football, made up of speed and running that suffers against "systematic fouls" that break the game, against a grim defense and counterattacks. sudden (in fact ... this is what happened in France - Germany).
In conclusion, Italy could also have had 2 more World Cups but this is also the beauty of football ... everything is unpredictable. As A-lister would say ""
Italy, in its history, has always had weaknesses:
-) The group stage (especially in easy groups on paper)
-) Penalty kicks (a curse that we carry with us from Italy '90 and partially debunked in 2006)
I have already explained in the previous post the "humoral side" of our national team that has often led us to lose simple groups and now I will focus on penalties.
We Italians, having passed the groups, can say that we are dangerous opponents for the title. Always. We only lose when we face "a golden generation" (not always) or when we have to take penalties (almost always). Why this weakness? The reasons are these:
-) During the 120 minutes of the knockout match we give all our sweat and blood. When it comes to penalties we are exhausted both physically and mentally. We lack lucidity.
-) We, by nature, have a too emotional. We can't be glacial. Having "too much heart" is often counterproductive.
Penalties have deprived "our best generation" of winning. Leaving aside the sad 1990s, I want to focus a little on 1994 and 1998.
In 1994 Brazil managed to win on penalties thanks to the mistake of ... Roberto Baggio! But I want to say that Brazil has managed to mature and managed to win the World Cup with "more European football". 1994 was the year in which Brazil completed a transformation that started in 1982 after the "Tragedy of Sarrià" (with the destruction of the "Futbol Bailado"). Ironic, right? We Italians have taught Brazil how to face us.
In 1998, I will be much shorter, France won the World Cup after defeating Italy. Having overcome this wall they easily reached their first world title. If Italy had won on penalties ... perhaps France today would be another national team and would not have won a soccer world cup yet.
Now we reach 2002 ... Italy has not suffered thefts only at the ESC. I remember Trapattoni's Italy. They were a great team and, with all due respect for Brazil, we had to win. The surprise elimination of Japan and Blatter's intrigues with the Turkish and Korean federations led Byron Moreno to referee our game ... a scandal ... better not to comment further ...
Anyway ... Byron Moreno aside, losing on penalties is a note to our demerit. Nobody stole anything from us. We wasted the opportunity to become first in the world championships.
In 2006 an Italy "at the end of the line" won the world championship. The "golden generation" was aging and we were struggling to find replacements because our clubs were not focusing on our young people. The strength of that group was Lippi's cunning, some top players and the cohesion of the group. In the final Zidane let himself be fooled by Materazzi and on penalties ... we returned the favor of 1998.
But ... after this focus of the 90s and early 2000s. I also want to mention some occasions that prevented Italy from winning something:
-) In 1930 we did not participate. We would probably have won (in fact in 1934 and 1938 we were undisputed champions).
-) The outbreak of the "Second World War".
-) The "Superga Massacre" of 1949 where the "Grande Torino" players died (most of them were Italian nationals).
These "golden generations" of the turn of the century is perhaps our greatest regret. After these generations, there were "10 years of emptiness". Something changed in 1962, Italy could reach the final or even win but ... the English Ken Aston (the Byron Moreno of '62) refereed in an ignominious way and ... what happened? The famous "battle of Santiago" ... the most violent match in the history of football ... In 1966 we would never have won the World Cup (for me it had to win West Germany or Brazil) but we could have avoided defeat against North Korea but ... our arrogance to consider the North Koreans "inferior" and not fielding a decent squad have led to the Italian national team being humiliated. In 1970 he would probably always win Brazil (it was at its peak). But Brazil would not have won easily if a few days before Italy had not played "the game of the century" against a fierce West Germany. If the semifinal had won West Germany would have been annihilated by Brazil in the same way. The expense of a semifinal (which was a final) and the Mexican climate would never forgive the victim. Finally, after the parenthesis of the 70s, came ... 1982! Italy sucked in the groups and a strong dispute broke out in Italy ... then our players managed to tarmac Maradona's Argentina, Brazil's "strongest ever" and Lato and Boniek's Poland and... forgive me Whiteshoes, it's reality, "our favorite victim" West Germany. Before concluding my journey to the World Cup, I hope you enjoyed reading, why has Germany always suffered against Italy? In part we can understand this by seeing yesterday's match: Swiss football (similar to German football) is an athletic football, made up of speed and running that suffers against "systematic fouls" that break the game, against a grim defense and counterattacks. sudden (in fact ... this is what happened in France - Germany).
In conclusion, Italy could also have had 2 more World Cups but this is also the beauty of football ... everything is unpredictable. As A-lister would say "
"
Last edited:
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
We have to thank our ancestors who left us sayings to justify usThis is a saying I repeat quite often at home in all kinds of situations to justify myself when I did something not correctly.
A kiss for you, Mauve 
Charly
Well-known member
I'm not so sure yet, although they won 3-0 back to back especially against Switzerland who played pretty shit that day, we need to see them face much stronger teams to know exactly how strong they are.Italy definitely is a hot candidate to take the crown!
Even though I was hoping for to be a potential surprise on this championship, I think those 3 points were the maximum. But still, it's a huge success to reach this stage and I hope they will continue this trend and qualify to the World Cup as well.
unfortunately didn't recover after the first match and I expected much more Deserved victory of ::wl.
has impressed me yet again. has kept the same team for a while now and there is an obvious downfall of quality. Still, played 2 amazing matches so far and things look pretty good right now. It's too early to judge but I would add to the list of the biggest contenders for the trophy. So far, I think and are the hottest contenders, but and also have their chances as well.
to be a potential surprise on this championship, I think those 3 points were the maximum. But still, it's a huge success to reach this stage and I hope they will continue this trend and qualify to the World Cup as well. unfortunately didn't recover after the first match and I expected much more Deserved victory of ::wl. has impressed me yet again. has kept the same team for a while now and there is an obvious downfall of quality. Still, played 2 amazing matches so far and things look pretty good right now. It's too early to judge but I would add to the list of the biggest contenders for the trophy. So far, I think and are the hottest contenders, but and also have their chances as well.
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
You have to see things as they really are. To do this we need to see Mancini's entire career at the helm of the Italian national team. Is it possible that every national team that has faced us "played like shit"? Is it possible that it is the "Italian game" that makes the opponents look poor? Italy does not have top players but has a choral game, high pressure, dribbling, attention, lethal restarts and all the players who can score (Chiellini is a defender and Locatelli a midfielder). We must also consider that the Italian "historical defense" is added that we ... win the games in midfield! Our midfield is of extreme quality: Barella, Jorginho, Locatelli and Verratti. I saw that Italy annihilated Switzerland and made elegant verticalizations and phrasing with a stronger opponent than Turkey (a team that still has excellent players, made excellent qualifiers and also beat France!). Obviously the level will rise from the quarters onwards and there we will see the strength of the seed planted by Mancini.
As for the tiredness around the 60 minute, the season was very tough for the players. A decline is normal. However, I think we wanted to "pull the handbrake" and save energy. At the moment we have no injuries, we have no yellow cards and with Wales we can make a turnover and even decide to lose to go to the "simpler" part of the scoreboard (although I like to do it).
Let's see what happens.
H.P. Lovecraft
Banned
Ukraine's victory over North Macedonia was certain. Sheva's team proved to be very strong in attack (4 goals scored) but also fragile in defense (4 goals conceded). Ukraine will have to work in defense or if they meet teams with more quality (Netherlands docet) or with stronger defenses (France and Italy) it will be difficult very difficult for them to continue their adventure in the European Championships. There is a saying "There is no power without control". If Ukraine manages to consolidate the defense, it will be able to get a lot of satisfactions.
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