Italy

Italy are my favorite side;

and its not because the won the last WC. The reason I like them is well because they are just too damn good-looking when they win together, that's why...

and given that Italy are one of those sides that really play to win for hurt pride;

and that is what I like about them.

Okay now to this year's side;

Um..old at first glance, everybody including Buffon is old

do they have a point to prove at this year's WC..um NO..

They don't; most teams are happy if they can deliver a Knock-out phase entering performance in they edition subsequent to one they have won;

They are a good side in that they have some serious-serious experience;

But this year with the same coach and players, with a few changes here and there, Ital;y at the moment look patchy to go the whole way...

But a WC winning side is never usually short of tricks, are they short of motivation then, NO, not really..

Although they would wish deviously that a Calicopoli scandal coincided every 4 years with WC, so that they have a point to prove to the World about Italian football every time they walk out to the pitch.

Their coach is a tactician who is well known for his match winning substitutions;

He has put together a solid side with some really reliable names in the country

For me Laquinta's inclusion and Balotelli's exclusion was a little cruel and to my footballing mid rather unsound..

Was it racially motivated, I don't know, Laquinta is old, but he has heart but not much talent, to come up with a finish when it really matters

Mario is young, lacks confidence, but does that kid have some talent or what..!!

He's pacy, has a few tricks up his sleeve, and if given the right encouragement he'll make a great footballer and striker...

Italy have a great albeit aging defense, but they know their bread and butter, which is why this side are never to be taken lightly, the world already made that mistake 4 years back.

What Italy need are a great attacking combination, not a suspect one they have right now,

they miss Del Piero, Balotelli, Toni, etc;

But they have Di Natale, Borriello, Pazzini and G Rossi;

Now I don't know how much these names are going to add up to make a decent combination.

I personally believe Del Piero could have made a difference, he was their talisman..

I don't have too many worries about other names in their mid-field and defence...

Seems solid enough, unless they are caught out for age, speed and complacency...

If the Italians can keep these three evils at bay, which they did very well 6 years back, then they are going to be a very serious side to reckon with..

Now, if there are worries about Grosso not being there, well he's earned it, he has'nt done much in the last 4 years to catch the coach's eye, he's a good left back, but the WC team needs the best..

He may have been able to score a few important goals, I am not without that thought, but well, its just 23 people, you need your country's best and there are better than Grosso...I'm sorry Fabio...

Totti being missed out is going to hurt this team, more than they think..

Pirlo's great but aging...hmmmm..let's wish them a decent tournament, I am not hoping to see them go the full way, The Quarter-finals should be a fair expectation.. I am guessing..not for any Italian though..chuckle..:D