Comments on: Game Faces On: Scotland – Azzurri Preview

By: mctalian

mctalian — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 20:35:48 +0000

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.

By: Vlad

Vlad — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:34:25 +0000

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.

By: mctalian

mctalian — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 16:08:34 +0000

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.

By: chris

chris — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:29:39 +0000

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.

By: Gabriella

Gabriella — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 11:18:09 +0000

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

By: josh(i giallorossi)

josh(i giallorossi) — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:58:51 +0000

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

By: Smurf1873

Smurf1873 — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:53:04 +0000

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 !!!

By: Vin

Vin — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:20:33 +0000

Oh… and Chris – I made nice with my ISP, and thems Internets are at my fingertips once again!

By: Vin

Vin — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 09:18:31 +0000

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/blog/2007/11/18/non-gridate-scozia/

By: Chico

Chico — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 03:03:16 +0000

I am not sure you are really Buffon, you look like a terrorist, come with me
http://www.ilmessaggero.it/fotogallery.php?fg=14&id=3008&sez=HOME_SPORT