With Euro 2008 just around the corner, the friendly against Espana is a gauge of how big a challenge the Azzurri, campione del mondo, can mount in that competition.
David Villa
His spectacular volley earned Espana a 1-0 win, and losing to this goal doesn't mean all is lost for the Azzurri. Villa's strike is typically the decider between who win the cup and who's not, if this game is not a mere friendly match. He will surely be a class act to watch during the Euro, and also the whole Espana. This victory extended Spain's unbeaten streak to 14 matches. Maybe it's time they end their jinx with major competition.
The positive
While Espana enjoyed the lion's share of possession, it was the Azzurri who created the better chances.
'We had very good chances. We didn't deserve to lose,' is what Italia coach Roberto Donadoni said.
The Azzurri threat came largely from set pieces, with Pirlo floating several dangerous crosses into the area, and Luca Toni actually scored a goal, headed in a free kick early on but the goal was disallowed for offside.
The Squad: Can they win it?
The 2006 World Cup was a dream come true to all the Azzurri fans! but this time around, with them in the group of death as well, it will be another big challenge, with the fans hopeful they can capitalize their "World Champion" status to win another major competition.
The current squad still built largely around the World Cup winning team: the likes of Goalkeeper Buffon, Defender Cannavaro and Materazzi, Midfield Pirlo and Camoranesi,and Striker Toni. Notable departure include Nesta, Totti, Del Piero(still possible to make the squad), which are irreplaceable, but life goes on, we will have to look forward to more stars to come through the ranks and keep the Azzurri at the top.
The goalkeeping section looks to be in good hand. Buffon is unquestionable, while Amelia has prove himself to be capable over this few years.
The list of defenders, besides the departure of Nesta and the inclusion of Panucci, looks very much the same as 2006. If there is anything to worry about, it is the age factor, with Materazzi and Cannavaro at 34 and 33. The inclusion of Panucci in recent games, to me has been a step backward, though I wouldn't write off his contribution to the Azzuri's qualifying campaign. The likes of Andrea Barzagli is not new to the team, and I hope he can step up to the shoes when called upon.
The midfield also, still consists of many of the 2006 team, is the strength of the team, though their form will largely effect the attacking ability of the team. Pirlo will have a much bigger role to play, with Totti now retired, he will need to provide that moment of inspiration. Some interesting young lad like Aquilani is included for this friendly, and I'm sure there will be more experimenting from Donadoni before the final squad is picked.
The Forward, or Striking department is the most worrying department. Besides Toni, there are no notable strikers with enough credential to lead the forward line. Vincenzo Iaquinta has been doing ok in Juventus, while Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Borriello and Antonio Di Natale are the in-form strikers in Serie A, but whether they can step up to the International scene is big question mark, with the recent decline of standard in Serie A.
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