Game Faces On: Scotland – Azzurri Preview

By: chris | November 15th, 2007

Scozia – Italia

The time has come. One game which means nearly everything. And yes, we’re looking past the international juggernaut that is the Faroe Islands. Basically, take points, and the Azzurri go through to Austria & Switzerland. Lose and it’s time for some meaningless friendlies until World Cup Qualifying starts (don’t even get me started on the reigning champs needing to “qualify” – bullshit). Everybody on board? Good.

Last time I checked, playing in Scotland isn’t exactly the same as a pitch smack dab in the middle of Candyland; unless, of course, you mean Lord Licorice’s lair, at which point I’d totally agree with you. The atmosphere will be loud (drunk), raucous (drunk) and heavily leaning in the favor of the Tartan Army (drunk). If there ever was an away game, this is it. Well, on second thought, I believe it might come in a close second. Scotland has some of the best fans in Europe, and they will literally be a collective 12th man in Glasgow. But last time I checked, the Azzurri did pretty well against a team which is vastly superior to the Scots in the summer of ‘06. And, oh yeah, they happened to be hosting the World Cup.

The mental preparation which that provides will be huge, as much of this team was also in that starting XI in Dortmund. (Probably looking at 6 out of 11.) Therefore, this team, and especially the leaders, will know how to deal with a hostile crowd, and block it out. It’s one of sport’s oldest cliches, but damn it fits: “They’ve been there before.” Of course, that time a little more was on the line…

The variable which, horrifically, hasn’t remained constant is the guy calling the shots on the sideline and getting his team in the proper mindframe in the locker room. Or, in the case of Roberto Donadoni, doing neither and being an overall jackass to boot. Yes, that’s code for “Donadoni is no Lippi”, but I’m sure I didn’t need to remind you of that. Will it be enough to make a major difference and have the big fellas forgetting what it was like in Dortmund? I don’t think so and I hope not, but only time – specifically 90 minutes – will tell.

Oh, and Scotland will be at an immediate disadvantage as the game is not being played in France or against France, because they bitch French teams on a regular basis. (Which kinda sorta makes them endearing.)

Squads

Azzurri:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (AS Livorno Calcio), Gianluca Curci (AS Roma).

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (US Città di Palermo), Daniele Bonera (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid CF), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Massimo Oddo (AC Milan), Christian Panucci (AS Roma), Gianluca Zambrotta (FC Barcelona).

Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (AC Milan), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Simone Perrotta (AS Roma), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan).

Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese Calcio), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Cristiano Lucarelli (FC Shakhtar Donetsk), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese Calcio), Luca Toni (FC Bayern München).

No real surprises other than Palladino, but he’s deserving of at least a spot in thhe stands (nothing more until the Faroes roll around). I’m not really understanding the uproar over the ADP and Pippo snubs. They’re both pretty much finished, and are substitutes at the very best these days, unless one of them decides to switch positions.

A quality 6 midfielders, 5 of which are central. Logic would have us believe this means we’re going to see a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 (or maybe he reads this page and is ready for the 4-3-1-2), but knowing Don we could see 4-4-1-1 with 4 deep-lying central mids, Gattuso in the hole and Camo up top. Why? Because he’s a fucking idiot. That’s why.

Scotland:

Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland AFC), David Marshall (Norwich City FC), Allan McGregor (Rangers FC).

Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley FC), Gary Caldwell (Celtic FC), Christian Dailly (West Ham United FC), Alan Hutton (Rangers FC), Jay McEveley (Derby County FC), Stephen McManus (Celtic FC), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United FC), David Weir (Rangers FC).

Midfield: Scott Brown (Celtic FC), Barry Ferguson (Rangers FC), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United FC), Paul Hartley (Celtic FC), Lee McCulloch (Rangers FC), Stephen Pearson (Derby County FC), Barry Robson (Dundee United FC), Gary Teale (Derby County FC).

Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich Albion FC), Kris Boyd (Rangers FC), James McFadden (Everton FC), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa FC), Kenny Miller (Derby County FC), Garry O’Connor (Birmingham City FC).

Tactics

Azzurri: Ah, fark. Here’s the lineup you’re likely looking at…

Gigi;
Zambro, Canna, Barzagli, Grosso;
Gattuso, Pirlo, DDR;
Camo, Toni, Toto.

Alright, maybe DDR starting is kinda unlikely seeing as how Donadoni has no fucking clue what he’s doing and will probably start Ambro, but I can’t bring myself to line up the Milan midfield in this game. Listen, MA can “surge” into the final third all he wants, but the fact is he couldn’t hit fucking Stay Puft from twenty yards with a pass (my bad, wrong pic). I’m done – and I like Ambro, I really do…but puhlease.

The other position up for debate is that LB/RB spot, where Old Man Panucci and Space Balls (Oddo’s new nickname, for obvious reasons) are supposedly in competition, but I hope we see a little Fab Grosso action on the left with Zambro on the right. Fact is, the guy plays his best ball in the shirt and has proven he shines on the biggest of stages. So expect to see Space Balls in the XI.

* – The one reason I won’t be too upset if Grosso is on the pine is because Scott Brown could give him absolute hell, and it might be best if Zambro deals with him. However, if I’m coach, Grosso has a starting place in my squad for what goes down in my book as the greatest goal celebration of all time. What a moment. (Biased? Nah.)

Otherwise, there is little else we can say about The Don’s choices when it comes to tactics. They’ll probably struggle mightily to score a goal (or to pluralize that), and 99.999999999% of the offensive opportunities will come through one Andrea Pirlo. Luckily enough, on the other side, it will be just a hard to break down the Azzurri defense. Unless, of course, they take to the wings, where a three-legged Schnauzer has been able to expose them as of late.

Oh, and then there’s that Tonigol guy…..

Italia vs Scozia 2-0
Uploaded by cybermac

Scotland: Please forgive me for knowing little (read: nothing) about Scottish football. What I do know is that they’re less “joga bonito” and more “fuck, is this over yet?”. Therefore, here’s my guess at Scotland’s tactics:

Ian’s got his XI up (and preview), which reads a little something like this:

Gordon;
Naysmith, McManus, Hutton, Weir;
Brown, Ferguson, Hartley, McCulloch;
Boyd, McFadden.

Key Matchups

Tonigol’s Noggin v The Entire Tartan Army (And Navy, For That Matter): Did you watch that video? The only Scot who could’ve stopped him that day was William Wallace himself (don’t ask me why I know this, but it’s because the real Wallace was like 6′8 – not because Mel Gibson was badass). Unless Scotland has somehow put out a couple of elite defenders in the last 6 months or so (they haven’t), they don’t have a prayer of stopping him from getting to balls up high. Therefore, expect a Tonigol header or two in the net.

(If I’m a Scot, my prayer is that Space Balls is in the lineup, so you man mark all other 9 players, leave him all by his lonesome on the right and let him send crosses towards Greenland all day.)

Italy v Hampden Park: I’m of the belief that intangibles matter more for country than club. Why I don’t know, but I’ve always run with that train of thought. Which is exactly why Scotland’s home record in the qualifiers terrifies me: 6 games, 6 wins, 15 goals scored, 3 conceded. There isn’t much more to say other than “yikes” and hope the boys in (the good) blue play their farkin’ arses off. If they don’t…….

Azzurri v The Flanks: As Ukraine displayed in September, getting down the flanks against the Azzurri for good teams can be akin to a Sunday stroll in the park at times. This is not one of those games that you want to allow space out wide, especially on the counter for Scotland. Scott Brown, one of Celtic’s whizkids, is mad pacy and can beat most fullbacks down the line. Lock him down, or else. Same goes for McCulloch on the other side, although he’s not nearly as talented. But it’s in the biggest games that the most unheralded players tend to shine. Underestimate nobody, especially those in an area of your own weakness.

Can Somebody, For The Love Of God, Please Create Some @#$%in’ Scoring Chances On This Team? v Roberto Donadoni: This is one game where the only thing that matters is the end result, and I could give a fuck all about the means. However, the only way the boys can get that result is if they either play out to a nil-nil draw (entirely possible) or create some freakin’ chances already. As is said after nearly every game, this team would be nowhere without Andrea Pirlo. It would be nice to get him a little help, but The Don Doni don’t play that. Can they win despite playing what will probably be one of the biggest, yet ugliest, games in European qualifying history? Maybe. But DDR would be nice sending in some passes or scoring from distance, ya know…

Key Men

To me there are two: Gennaro Gattuso and Fabio Cannavaro. I suspect Ivan has been waiting for this game for a very long time, considering his fondness for his old stomping grounds as well as the fact that his Mrs. is Scottish (So who does she root for? The hubby or what could be the greatest football victory/upset in the history of her homeland?). He’ll give us his greatest attribute and play his enormous heart out.

Last year, when the Azzurri needed their captain the most, Fabio put on a virtuoso performance in Germany and earned the Golden Ball in a 4 week period. They need him once again. We don’t get to see many vintage Canna performances these days, this very well may be one. If anyone understands what needs to be done at Hampden Park, it’s Fabio.

Predictions

The way I see it, it’s either going to be an ugly one goal win or an exceptionally ugly draw (it’s going to be Wayne Rooney ugly on Saturday no matter what – which is really really bad). What I don’t see is Scotland beating Ivan & Ambro/DDR, then the back line…and then the best keeper in the world. Sure, they may play well and valiantly, but Scotland can’t stop Tonigol, nor can anybody in the world seemingly stop Andrea Pirlo. The D combined with those two will be enough to take a hard fought 1-0 victory out of Scotland.

Score: 1-0
Goal: Tonigol (47)
MOTM: Canna, giving us flashbacks of Germany (God was that beautiful)

When: 1800CET, 1700 Scottish Time, 1200 US EST
Where: Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland
Forecast: 5°C, high winds and rain. Oh boy. Welcome to the UK in November.
Streams: Here.

And of course…….

Italia campione del mondo 2006
Uploaded by 7S7

(That video being in French is incredibly satisfying, no?)

Still Campioni del Mondo.

FORZA ITALIA

Some Related Roma Posts:

Category: Team News

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mctalian

Vlad: Salute! I agree. The slow-mo replays show Zam made every effort to keep his arm and hand down. The ball hit his shoulder/chest. The whiners will whine, though. That's okay. So long as the Azzurri win.
Vlad

Well said Mctalian, it really does get annoying after a while. Scotland was outplayed for most of the match and that's that. It's unbelievable that a coach would complain about the refereeing when 2 score-changing calls go his way. "all the 50-50 calls went their way". Watch the game again, idiot. Plus, the Zambrotta handball wasn't a handball: his arm was attached to his body, meaning that the fact that it was his arm that touched the ball did not influence the path of the ball and the outcome of the play.
mctalian

Smurf and Vin,
I admit calling McLeish classless was a bit harsh. Elsewhere I said his comments were because of frustration and I understand. I got my blood up at first about the Scottish skipper's comments after initially reading them because this is what we hear from opposing coaches and English-language commentators every time Italy wins. It's always "The Italians were lucky." "The Italians cheated." "The Italians are divers." etc. This is the usual post-match fallout: If the English win, it's because they're dogged. If Scotland wins, it's because they have heart. If Germany wins, it's because of Teutonic precision. If France wins, it's because they play beautiful. If Italy wins, it's because we cheat and are lucky. It's a biased, one could even say racist, position often taken. So my reaction to McLeish was based on the frustration I feel over these all those repeated unfair characterizations by opposing players, coaches and media.
chris

Gab, I have no doubts in my mind whatsoever Donadoni had set them up to play for the draw. Which is exactly how you lose games.
Gabriella

I have been reading some articles and here is a part of Gattuso's post match interview:

"It was a hard game with a fantastic atmosphere," he said. "Scotland played well, maybe not in the first half, but in the first 25 minutes of the second half, when they had a good chance for a second goal with McFadden.

"Because they almost scored then we could not accept 1-1. That result would have been good for Scotland because for me it is no easy game for France in Ukraine, what with the temperature and the way they play. "

Is it just me or Italy actually settled for the draw and only scored because Scotland almost did? Plus almost all Italian comments are indicating that they would have been happy with the draw.... hmmm
josh(i giallorossi)

seems tragic not to see totti in the number 10....sigh
Smurf1873

McLeish showing no class ?? you yanks sorry italians , or whatever nationality you are this week have a cheek , could you imagine the wailing and nashing of teeth we would have had from your side had decisions gone the other way ??? - i agree the decisions cancel each other out but i can just imagine the apoplectic rage of all Italians had it gone our way , you'd have been off moaning to all and sundry requesting that the ref and linesman be sine-died forever !!!
So good luck in the finals , it reflects well on us if you do well but remember the comments about class we all know the sore losers you can be if things don't go your way , people in glass houses and all that !!!
Vin

Oh... and Chris - I made nice with my ISP, and thems Internets are at my fingertips once again!
Vin

mctalian, I just chalked McLeish's comments to post-match frustration. The calls definitely went both ways, and what's left, if they cancel eachother out? Luca Toni's goal... so Italia wins by one anyway.

And for the record, the Scot 'keeper admitted that Di Natale scored (I link to it in my post below), so not all of them are so stricken with grief that their memories are malfunctioning:
http://www.serieamerica.com/bl...
Chico

I am not sure you are really Buffon, you look like a terrorist, come with me
http://www.ilmessaggero.it/fot...
Chico

Jb,
would have liked to see Scotland through together with Italy, you guys make Great Britain a better place. Great atmosphere in the stadium, I wish Italy had the same crowd. Hope to see you beat England sometime soon, maybe in the next WC.
mctalian

...and one more thing...today one of Roma's heros was a hero for Italians the world over! Grazi Panucci!
mctalian

Italia showed the heart, character, talent and determination to win a hostile atmosphere in horrible weather against a team playing with mad passion and confidence of victory. A sportsman, even if he is Scottish, would acknowledge that. A sportsman would also acknowledge that both sides played with grit and heart, and that BOTH sides were hard done by some calls. The bad calls more than offset, and one could argue Italy was the side harder done. I'll not enumerate the instances. But I will say that McLeish showed no class with his post-match comments. I again thank the Azzurri for lifting Italians around the world. They played with the heart of lions, and they won with the determination of a world a champion.
To the other Azzurri fans, be proud of our guys and stop worrying about what a lot hateful idiots have to say. If they spent less time hating us and more time improving their skills, maybe today's result would be different. But it isn't. Well done the Azzurri! FORZA ITALIA!
Gabriella

http://sport.scotsman.com/foot...

well the Scotsman (very reputable newspaper) just put this article onto their website as part of their after match reports...
DB

exciting match...great to see the azzuri move on...but also, you go to love Scotland...their determination, pride, etc...they played some impressive football during this qualification and i would much rather see them playing in the tournament than England (thats if they qualify)
chris

ha, I downloaded that immediately after the match for the post. I wonder why...
Gabriella

bogosian on RA posted a great pic for your match report, chris

http://www.uefa.com/multimedia...
Gabriel

PANUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCCI.

seriously impressive win, despite donadoni . . . who absolutely MUST be sacked before the euros start.

the game should have ended 3-0. the scots' goal was clearly off, and how in the hell was our second disallowed . . . not even close.

anyway, first win on scottish soil, EVER. impressive.

chiellini for camo? WTF?
MarcoMTL

Italy could not defend a set piece to save their lives. Italy really lost the battle in the midfield. It is beyond me that Ambrosini starts ahead of DDR. Oddly enough I think our best chance at doing well at the Euro is to go into the tourney with guys like Aquilani, De Rossi, Montolivo and Rosina as starters. We need a little flair on the pitch. Di Natale played an excellent first half but seemed out of sorts in the second. Luca Toni on his own brings this team to another level. Without Big Luca I don't know where this side would be. Go with the youth at the Euro and prepare for 2010. It wouldn't be shocking to see a side with the players mentioned above win the fucking tourney. I watched the game on TLN because I can no longer stomach the video quality (or lack of quality) of the Rai broadcast. I love the part where the Scottish announcer mentions Luca Toni as being a substitute for Bayern Munich because he didn't start in a meaningless UEFA game against Bolton. All in all not a terrible result. Should have been 2-0 and that would have changed the rest of the game. Actually should have still been 1-0 because Ferguson was offside. The last call went Italy's way but the game would have been over if the ref didn't fuck up the two previous calls.
sofia

donadoni is an idiot and has no idea what he is doing. the boys come out each game and save his ass in the last 10. sometimes i found myself wishing they wouldnt so he would get kicked out of the country...but ..well i just love my country too much.

dammit!! stupid england! i was really hoping they would be out..

domenech needs to learn that when he speaks out of his ass bullshit comes out. it seems that lesson will take a while for him to learn....

gattuso's post match comments were the highlight of my evening haha
Jb

Well done Italy.

I have to say that was a cruel ending. I realize that the offside decision was wrong (for what would have been Italy's second) and that Italy controlled portions of the match, but that was a cruel, cruel way to end.

Unfortunately it was an entirely Scottish way to end a qualification campaign: get so close and then f*** it up. 0-2 in Georgia was definitely to blame.

Look out for us at the WC 2010, "We'll be comin' down the road".

All the best for Euro 2008.
Gollum

Woohoo England!! Congratulations Italy, see you in the tournament :D
Gabriella

Domenech: I motivated Italy
http://www.channel4.com/sport/...
CapoCorso

Not sure what more any of you wanted from Donadoni? Scored three goals (I do hate to take credit for that last goal with the phantom foul call) and really did not give up a goal....in Scotland....freezing rain...?
Laurie

Bonnie, I am also happy with the result but am feeling great pain in my maternal area for Scotland as well. It's a female thing.
Bonnie

And son of a bitch, Israel picked up a late winner. Dammit.
Bonnie

I know, Chris, I know. The football part of my brain is totally cheering for the win and knows Scotland shot themselves in the foot with that Georgia loss. But the girly part of my brain wants me to console the poor Scottish boys and hates seeing them all sad in the rain like that.

Trust me, as a Toronto FC fan, these two parts of my brain are constantly at war.
Thierry

First historic victory for Italia in Scottish soil. Great !!
Awful calls from this spanish referee. Nice played Azzuri, France thanks you, especially italian-french ones.
Vlad

This is the only site I've been to where people seem to think Scotland deserved to win. Italy totally controlled the first half, scoring once and nearly twice in the first fucking five minutes, then they let go a little, only to pick it up again in the last 20 minutes, even scoring the second goal, which was incompetently disallowed. And Scotland was only dangerous once or twice on set pieces in the first half.

In the second half, very little transpired till the tying goal, on set pieces, in clear offsides. Towards the last fifteen minutes the rabid crowd obviously provided a psychological boost to Scotland, who had nothing to lose, and they came close to the second goal twice. But pushing up too much comes at a cost, exemplified by the three golden chances, one of which was turned into a goal, int he last five minutes.

Not to be rude, but as easy as it is to cheer against Italy and Donadoni (don't get me wrong, I still think he's a total idiot at times), Italy played well and deserved the win. If you're an Italy fan, be happy, and if you're not, don't bitch.
Daniel

Italia supporters SHOULD celebrate (as well as the team and Dona), don't know what's wrong with the few who made comments saying we/they shouldn't celebrate. Regardless of Panucci's goal (shouldn't have been our free kick), we should have been 2-0 up after Di Natale's goal (on-side) at half time and Scotland's equaliser was offside. And as far as Scotland having their heart broken.. PLEASE!! .... if you lose to Georgia when they are playing 2 or 3 teenagers - how can you have your heart broken. They're just rubbish and lucky the Frenchies couldn't score against them to keep them in the qualifying race up till this game. FORZA ITALIA, Scotland DREAM ON. Now for the Faroes to confirm 1st spot, just to keep DUMenech's mouth shut (maybe not)
Gabriella

I agree it is the team that pulled Donadoni through every time... well almost.

now...FORZA MOTHERLAND!!!!
I am from Eastern Europe, still know the Russian national anthem by heart...lol
chris

Bonnie, if it helps, Scotland only have themselves to blame with the loss against Georgia.
Bonnie

James, I totally understand that Italy played pretty well (sometimes) in awful conditions and to get the victory really does show the team's unwavering belief in themselves...

I guess it's just that I've become emotionally attached to these scrappy Scottish boys who managed to beat France twice! As an Italy fan, I completely understand the heartbreaking losses, the unfair decisions and such, and that's probably why I can really feel for these guys who definitely outplayed us at times and totally don't deserve to go out like this...
chris

My mood will improve immensely once England gets sent home. Russia just drew even and are looking ready to score 1 or 2 more. (That and once this migraine goes away.)
chris

I'm with ricci

This isn't about just today's game, it's about nearly every single performance under Donadoni. He really just has no clue. Most people here could pick out a formation and lineup better than he. I just have zero expectations for the Euros, and am expecting an exit in the group stages. Anything else will be despite Roberto, not because of or with him.
ricci

I guess the point I was trying to make was that the players played as best they could, but were just let down. I'm not mad at them, I'm fuming with Donadoni's incompetence.
ricci

The problem that Donadoni doesn't realize is that Ambro-Pirlo-Gattuso only works when you have Seedorf and Kaka, 2 brilliant players in their own right. Pirlo had nobody to pass the ball to, has to loft it up to Toni, Italy can't hold possession...this has been the story for the entire Donadoni reign. I'm sure Ambro is a nice guy but c'mon he's not world class. You throw DDR in for Ambro and that game is completely different. DDR and Pirlo run circles around Scotland all day. Ambro did make some nice tackles tonight, but DDR does it all the time for Roma, and provides so much more. I almost wish we would have lost/tied so the FIGC wakes up and cans Donadoni.
Gabriella

we all live in hope, sofia, some in delirium too
sofia

anyone know if the don is gonna be sacked? i hope he will be because he is awful!!!
Gabriella

I am passed thinking, mele....lol... already had a bottle of bubbly but cannot really feel it.... other than going to the loo frequently.
Anyhow Israel is one up on Russian who need a win to eliminate England!... ohh that would be heaven! I also bought lottery tickets! Hungary lost to Moldova though... another reason to drink! let's stay positive!
mele419

haha, you said it Gabriella! I like the way you think!
James

Chris Bonnie Frank
Say What??!!?

To go into Hampden and get the victory in these CONDITIONS (weather,etc.), and have a goal disallowed, what the fvck do you want? Joga bonita - when you snap out of the ether please let us know. It's the Result. as for donadoni, the 2 subs he did make we're the best 2 coaching decisions he's done since he's been at the helm. Avanti AZZURRI
Gabriella

I am going to get drunk!
chris

I can breathe now...

The way I see it, if Donadoni is still at the helm in the summer, they won't make it out of the group stages unless they get a fluffy draw. They were outplayed (more accurately, out-thought) yet again. (yes, I'm in a bad mood and playing grumpy today.)
Frank

we didn't deserve to win it like that. i wouldn't have minded a draw (a fair result for both sides, plus beating the faroes is a formality anyway), but to see it decided by a really poor call at the end isn't right. i'll take the points, but i'm not celebrating.
Gabriella

And about the wrong call... there have been so many, we should have been 2 up and the Scottish goal was offside... at the end we won, that is what matters
ilcapitano

We've had our share of heart brake...you name it...WC 2002, the 1994 final, losing so many games in penalties

Just say luck has been with the Azzurri since the WC and hopefully it will stay!!!!

FORZA ITALIA...Euro here we come!
Bashar

Oddo should take that goal and shove it up his blind crossing ass!
Gabriella

I think at the end it was decided by what the Italian players said: They have been there before but Scotland hasnt experienced such pressure before

So glad for Panucci
Bonnie

While it's awesome that we're through, my heart is breaking for Scotland, I don't think I've ever been so sad to qualify.
mele419

France goes through, only to lose again, I'm sure ; ]
Laurie

Thank you, Italy. France goes through.
ilcapitano

Donadoni shouldnt be celebrating

that foul that set up the goal should have gone the other way......
Nick

Christ. I was rooting for Italy but the call to award that free kick was one of the dumbest things I've ever seen, it sucks to see one of the more likeable teams (with perhaps the best fans in Europe) in Euro qualifying go out like that.
Daniel

Bye bye Scotland
ilcapitano

YEAHHHHHHHHH

SO SODDS SCOTS
mele419

JUST CAN'T TAKE US DOWN!
Traian

So, we're gonna see fucking Donadoni one at least 7-8 more months!
James

FULL TIME

Scozia 1

AZZURRI 2
mele419

FORZA ITALIAAAAAAAA!
ilcapitano

OLD MAN RIVERRRRRRRRRR
ilcapitano

YHESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
James

Chielini almost makes it 3
Gabriella

Yeah!!!!!!!!
Dhaw

FUCKING A !!
FUCK YEAHHHHHHHHHH !
PANNNNUUUUUUUUUCCCCCCCCCCCIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
James

PANNNNNUCCCCCCIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dhaw

PANUCIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
James

OLE MAN RIVER OLE MAN RIVER
RETE RETE RETE RETE

CHRISTIAN!!!!
James

CP barely misses the go ahead rete w. a diving header on the back post. FVCK!
ilcapitano

DDR!!!!
James

DDR on for Ivan the Terrible
mele419

Thank you ambro -_-
mele419

So much for "We won't play for a draw"
ilcapitano

Why not DDR?? Please don don, use your fucking head

DDR is perfect for this situation
mele419

HAHAHAH ANOTHER GOLDEN CHANCE BLOWN SCOTS!
ilcapitano

WOW
Gabriella

WHAT A MISS! Kenny Miller....
mele419

I take that back. I'm scared.
mele419

I have no doubt that we can come back and score again, or hold the 1-1 tie. In either scenario, I also have no doubt in us taking 3 from the Faroes, in which case we qualify. As it is now, 78th minute, any subs in won't do anything, so unless there's some miracle, or Jesus hates us, we won't score, and Scotland won't score.
James

The Scotts just missed 2! golden opportunits to take the lead, and we just dodged 2 massive bullets. This is going from bad to worse, let's see if the DonDoni can make some adjustments in a hurry
Laurie

No, I was saying that it was definitely NOT offside, and if that was the difference between qualifying and not qualifying, I'd be pissed. That's all.
ilcapitano

Vincenzo for Antonio
Gabriella

the goal was offside...

FORZA AZZURRI
Kshitiz

That was so offside
ilcapitano

HE WAS FUCKING OFFSIDE
ilcapitano

SHIT FUCK SHIT
Kshitiz

Shit!!! they score :x
ilcapitano

NOT GOOD
RomaShield27

Laurie, does that actually mean anything and do you actually have anything clever to say, or are you still just attempting to sound smart? You didn't like Toni's goal..? Quite a nice finish to me, but looking at it again perhaps he slipped on the wet surface and just got lucky eh...
Laurie

If qualifying were to come down to that goal, I'd be pissed if I were you.
ilcapitano

STUPID AMBRO!
RomaShield27

1-0 LucaGol:
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/...

Non-offside yet disallowed goal:
http://www.d1g.com/video/show/...
ilcapitano

Yeah 2-0 is correct...No to complain, but what the hell was that call on the one Scottish head ball pass where the guy wasnt even close to being off? The linesmen have just been poor all game.
Gabriella

you now I am just really scared that someone will get seriously injured.... this match can turn into a chopping board for the Azzurri
Daniel

Should be 2-0, Di Natale's goal was good, f**ken linesman. Forza Azzurri
ilcapitano

Thank god for Pirlo!

Better step it up this half!
James

Pirlo Saves the Scoreline!
Clinical performance by gli Azzurri. Capello is going crazy (on RAI) ringing in praise for Toni & Di Natale, guess they remind him of SuperMarco coming back to help on defense. Other than that, where is Gattuso? Where is our midfield ftm? which is seriously lacking any bite or teeth whatsoever.
Mike

thank god for pirlo and screw that offsides call, we should be up 2-0
Kshitiz

"Italy are masters of relieving pressure by winning cheap free-kicks. There's nothing really wrong with the Scottish challenges, but their opponents are canny enough to realise that the Spanish referee will whistle for most minor infringements." This is what Eurosport has to offer as its live text commentary. Absolutely biased and pathetic
Laurie

No offense, but since the goal you guys are sucking. And I'm saying that as a temporary Italy fan.