Can Italy Win It All? (Euro 2012)

Euro 2012

Can Italy Win It All?

With news that the rebuilding Italian National Team has worked it’s way back in to the top 10 in the FIFA world rankings, we ask ourselves if it’s too soon to hope that they can win the next big trophy on their radar, the 2012 European Cup. Let’s take a look…

Coaching – Italians are quickly warming up to their new National Team Manager, Cesare Prandelli. Typically, the Italian Federation hires big name coaches, and Prandelli’s most prominent job had been with Fiorentina, not exactly one of Italy’s major club powers. But he is quickly winning the affection of fans by infusing youth in to the side and playing a 4-3-3 that looks to keep the ball in the opponent’s half of the pitch. Under his tutelage, players like Giuseppe Rossi and Ricardo Montolivo are making the most of a rare chance at national team glory for Italy. A side that is notorious for sticking with veterans (perhaps to a fault) is getting younger. And a younger, more aggressive Italy can’t be a pleasant sight for opposing countries. If Prandelli can also continue Italy’s traditional dominance on the defensive side of the ball, he will have to do so with only one proven star, Giorgio Chiellini. But if others emerge and step up to the challenge, this will be a balanced and very difficult opponent for any nation in the world. We think Cesare is on the right track. Now about that defense…

Defense – It wins titles, right? That is what the experts in all sports seem to think, and we agree. In Italy’s case, the strength of the team is usually at the back. Will Prandelli’s defense be up to the level of past Italian backlines? While other nations are grateful if they have one, Italian Managers usually have at least a pair of World Class defenders on the pitch at any given time. To match this level, someone like Gamberini or Maggio will need to make a jump in quality to reach that level. But it has been done before. Otherwise, Italy’s defense is average if measured against it’s usual high standards. However…

Offense – There is a rare wealth of offensive talent on the Italian peninsula, and this is what seems to be getting some Italians in a lather. Unfortunately, there are personality issues that could keep the attack from reaching it’s potential. Balotelli’s immaturity and Cassano’s…what the hell do you call a guy who screams at his club president until his contract is voided??? And what of Sebastian Giovinco, a player of whom expectations were soaring just a couple of years ago, but who just hasn’t quite lived up to them? Again, the potential for a powerful attack is there. But so is the possibility of implosion due to personal conflict. The good news is that Giuseppe Rossi is blossoming in to a mature, proven striker at Villareal. He should be a regular for Italy for years. And by all accounts, he GETS ALONG with everyone.

We shall see what the future holds. Italy leads their Euro 2012 qualifying group with relative ease. The future could be bright. But without answers to some very important questions, it could also turn out to be like Pompeii in 79 AD…

Enjoy the Games

Jerrito

Euro 2012