News: Rossi injured again

Sad news for Italian fans this afternoon, after news confirmed that Giuseppe Rossi has picked up another serious knee injury.

The Villarreal striker, who had recently been recovering from torn anterior cruciate knee ligaments in his right knee, and has again injured the same knee in training earlier today and currently face another six months out of the game.  He will also miss the Euro 2012 championships in Ukraine and Poland, a major blow for the Azzurri, for which he had started to become a regular.

Villarreal face another period without their talismanic striker, who since his arrival from Manchester United in 2007 has hit a total of 82 goals in 192 games for the Yellow Submarine.

This Villarreal side has had serious problems this season, and find themselves in the midst of a relegation battle in La Liga. With a difficult and somewhat distracting Champions League campaign, a small squad, with a visible lack of depth, Villarreal have had their poorest season for some time, making their way through three managers in the process.

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament, according to everyone's favourite spot for diagnoses and prognoses, Wikipedia, the ACL is "one of the four major ligaments of the human knee." The picture below, highlights the ins and outs for all those interested.

Fabio Quagliarella aka Mr Wondergoal

Fabio Quagliarella aka Mr Wondergoal



One week ago, reigning World Cup holders Italy were eliminated from the 2010 tournament, after failing to qualify from their designated group, finishing embarrassingly bottom of their group which consisted of minnows New Zealand, perennial underdogs Slovakia and tricky South American side Paraguay.

The Azzurri crashed out with only 2 points from a possible 9, a woeful defence of their title, leading to Marcello Lippi accepting full responsibility and subsequently to step down.

Upon returning to Italy, the Italian press slaughtered the team, while fans likewise hurled abuse and scrutinised the players seemingly more so than any other nation; including the French and English.

The scrutiny established different reasoning and discussions to the Italian failures. Was is that the Italian team were too old; mainly relying on players such as 36 year old Fabio Cannavaro, 32 year old injury plagued Gigi Buffon, 33 year old Gianluca Zambrotta.



Or is that the coach had no idea what the best team was? Experimenting with the 4-3-3 formation in the first game, then switching to 4-4-2 in the second, when Lippi clearly should have had this known before he even took his team to South Africa.

The final notion that came up was that the Italian team just couldn’t function effectively without key midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who was instrumental in the win four years ago, but has had a relatively poor season hindered by injury.

Despite these issues and damaging criticism of the Italian side, there was one shining individual who summed up the spirit and importance of the playing for their given national side, as well as producing the best Italian individual display at this World Cup, despite only playing for 45 minutes in the whole tournament. This being Napoli’s 27 year old striker Fabio Quagliarella.



He made his mark in the shock 3-2 defeat to Slovakia, whereby the striker came on at half time for Gennaro Gattuso with the Italian’s 1-0 down, and his influence was clear for all to see. His first impact was having a goal controversially ignored after the referee claimed that Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel had cleared his attempt off the line.

In addition to lifting his team, and causing the Slovakian defence all sorts of problems, he scored an absolute stunning strike to keep Italy slim hopes of a fight back alive.



The problem for him was simple, the rest of the Italian players were not up to his standard to match his desire and determination, subsequently sending Italy reeling towards a 3-2 defeat.



Upon the final whistle, scenes of elation erupted from the Slovakia bench while the Quagliarella took a knee and began to shed a tear at his nations defeat. As the Italian substitutes consoled the 27 year old, captain Cannavaro could also be seen getting emotional.



The key motive and lesson to be learnt from the Italian teams fall from grace, is that they still have one of the most overlooked and talented strikers in Europe, as a motive for new coach Cesare Prandelli to pair him with Gianpaolo Pazzini to build his new squad around.

Here’s all the info you need:

Name: Fabio Quagliarella
Position: Forward
Age: 27
Current Club: Napoli
Previous Club: Sampdoria
Career Apps: 235 Career Goals: 73
Int Apps: 21 Career Goals: 5

Although never the most prolific of strikers, Quagliarella is without doubt the wonder goal specialist, and an exceptionally gifted striker with excellent technique, pinpoint accuracy and a subsequent eye for goal.



He has now well and truly staked his claim for the number one striker in Italy thanks to his performance at this World Cup, noticeably for being a lot better than those of Alberto Gilardino, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Simone Pepe who let’s be honest, will be too old for the next World Cup, and who were believed to be above Quagliarella in the pecking order.

Quagliarella, known for being somewhat of a Journeyman in Italy, may not need to settle down with one single club, but he will definitely need to settle down and establish himself into the national team since the Italian nation are waiting for someone to come and rescue them from their troubled times, and Quagliarella will need to grasp this opportunity with both hands.

Take a look at some of his unbelievable goals below







Real Talk Football

A Look At The World Cup: Part Two

Holland vs Slovakia

Holland

Details

The Dutch side haven’t really hit top form yet, but managed to overcome Denmark 2-0, a very tidy and hardworking Japan side 1-0 and the disappointing Cameroon side 2-1. Players such as Wesley Sneijder and Robin Van Persie have been vital for the Dutch side, helping them top the group with 9 points, scoring five goals and conceding just the one solitary goal.



Key Man

Wesley Sneijder

The Inter Milan midfielder has shown no signs of fatigue from his treble winning season in Italy, and has been instrumental in the midfield five, playing behind Robin Van Persie. Sneijder has an excellent long range shot, world class technique, the ability to unlock a defence and great passing ability.



Slovakia

Details

The Slovakian side showed they were a very good side, who were unlucky to concede a late goal against New Zealand in the opening game to draw 1-1, while they lost to an impressive Paraguay 2-0, but Vladimir Weiss’s men produced the biggest upset by beating and knocking out the reigning and defending World Champions 3-2 in the final group game.



Key Man

Robert Vittek

The 28 year old striker built his career with 5 years at Nuremberg in Germany, before playing in France with Lille, and he now plays for Turkish side Ankaragucu. He has scored 22 goals in 72 international matches, and has been deadly at this year’s tournament, scoring 3 goals in 3 games, scoring a brace against Italy in the process. If Slovakia get a chance in the game, expect Vittek to be clinical in his finishing.



Prediction

As Slovakia have shown, they are capable of causing an upset, but the Netherlands are no mugs so far at this tournament and more importantly haven’t started their most impressive player; Arjen Robben, in any of the matches. With this in mind I can’t look past Bert Van Marwijk’s men winning 3-1.



Brazil vs Chile

Brazil

Details

A squad that came to South Africa, seemingly under the radar, without any real major expectations or pressure on them, which for me is a big mistake as they are the genuine contenders to win the World Cup. Brazil coach Dunga left star players Ronaldinho, Pato and Adriano at home while the likes of Kleberson returning, while Grafite and Ramires both appear at their first World Cup; fresh blood to freshen up the Brazilian side. This campaign has started ominously for the competition with Brazil topping the “group of death” ahead thanks to wins over Ivory Coast and North Korea, and a draw with Portugal.



Key Man

Luis Fabiano

The striker is a definitely as his peak right now, and has been for the past few years, and is the newly established Brazil number 9. He has 27 goals in 41 appearances for Brazil, and scored 2 goals in all 3 group games. Another clinical striker in the tournament, with power and pace, and has the benfifit of playing with creative players such as Kaka, Robinho, Maicon and Elano.



Chile

Details

Chile are a personal favourite of mine, and one of the most attacking teams in the tournament, coach Marco Bielsa is one of the best and most respected managers in South America and has began receiving the plaudits for his team performances. A poor performance against Spain aside, Chile beat Honduras 1-0 and Switzerland 1-0 to book their place in the second round.



Key Man

Alexis Sanchez

The Udinese winger has already caught the eye of many football fans with his performances in South Africa, but has been causing a stir for quite a while now. He has 11 goals in 32 caps and is expected to be Brazil’s main threat when the two meet.



Prediction

In the South American qualifying campaign, Brazil and Chile met twice; with the five time World Champions winning 4-2 and 3-0 respectively. The Chile side attacking they may be, lost their head in the match against Spain and threw away any chance of a victory with some poor decision and sill bookings. For this reason, I cannot look past a Brazil victory. They met in the 1998 World Cup at the same stage, and the Brazil side won that day with two goals apiece from Ronaldo and Cesar Sampaio consigned Chile to a 4-1 defeat.

Stay tuned for Part Three

Real Talk Football

World Cup Countdown - Group F

Group F

Italy

The defending champions overcame a terrible 2005/06 season domestically, and grouped together to overcome all competitors and beat France 5-3 on penalties to collect the trophy. Italy now boasts a team with an array of experienced players. The likes of Gigi Buffon, Gianluca Zambrotta, Fabio Cannavaro, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Mauro Camoranesi are aged 30 or above and each have over 50 international caps amongst themselves respectively, not to mention being members of the previous 2006 squad.



This time round, the Azzurri have the man who guided them to the last World Cup; Marcello Lippi back at the helm and in place since 2008. They qualified top of the UEFA Group 8, six points clear of their nearest rivals Republic of Ireland, while Alberto Gilardino was the top goal scorer with four goals.



Manager: Marcello Lippi

The 62 year old Italian has a CV that other managers only envy, managing the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus, Napoli and of course with the national side. He has won four Serie A titles, the Champions League and the World Cup.

Key Player: Giorgio Chiellini

Detested by Arsenal fans, loved by Juventus fans, the 25 year old defender has emerged as a no nonsense textbook Italian defender. The back bone of a struggling Juventus side, Chiellini has materialised as one of the most converted central defenders in Europe and is set to take part in his 1st World Cup.



Best Finish: Winners 1934, 1938, 1982, 2006

Prediction: Group Winners/Quarter Finals

The top seeds seem to be dominating my predictions, and there’s no difference here. With the Italians defence and creative midfield, I believe they will finish this group with maximum points. However I worry about their ability to score goals. Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta are unlikely to score against stronger defensive units once past the group stage; however the talented Pazzini of Sampdoria and Villareal’s excellent Guiseppe Rossi should definitely help Italy undo the trickier teams.

Paraguay

La Albirroja qualified 3rd in the South American campaign behind Brazil and Chile (who finished ahead of them on goal difference) and above fellow qualifiers Argentina and Uruguay. Goalkeeper Justo Villar of Valladolid, centre back and team Captain; Denis Caniza, along with creative midfielder Diego Barreto are players to look out for. Paraguay’s most impressive assets however, are their strike force, boasting the likes of Roque Santa Cruz of Manchester City, Oscar Cardozo of Benfica and Nelson Valdez of Borussia Dortmund, which give the South Americans considerable options upfront.



Manager: Gerardo Martino

The 47 year old made his name as a manager made his name managing teams in Paraguay before being given the top job in 2008. After a successful qualifying campaign, which saw his side beat Argentina amongst their 10 victories, he will look to cause an upset on the World stage.

Key Player: Oscar Cardozo

With strike partner Santa Cruz quite happy to sit on the bench at Man City, and receive his pay check, it’s now clear to me that 6ft 4in striker Cardozo is the man most likely to upset the defences in South Africa. A powerful, strong striker with an eye for goal; only has 4 international goals to his name, but his scoring record for Benfica is amazing, scoring at 56 goals in 82 games for the Portuguese side.



Best Finish: Second Round 1986, 1998, 2002

Prediction: Group runners up/Second Round

Déjà vu again for the Paraguayans as they will be too much for Slovenia and New Zealand collecting 4 points from the group and going home after the second round.

New Zealand

Their first World Cup for 28 years, they beat Bahrain in a 1-0 aggregate win, thanks to a goal from Plymouth Argyle striker Rory Fallon. Football is the countries third favourite sport behind Rugby and Cricket. A few players play in England include Tommy Smith of Ipswich Town, Rory Fallon of Plymouth, Chris Killen of Middlesbrough and most noticeably Ryan Nelson of Blackburn Rovers.



Manager: Ricki Herbert

The 49 year old New Zealand native may have the name of race car driver, but he did represent his nation (in football) during the 1982 World Cup campaign. He has been in charge of the All Whites since 2005.



Key Player: Ryan Nelson

The Blackburn Rovers player is the Captain of both his club and national side; making over 140 Premiership appearances, and subsequently 38 international caps to his name. He is the real quality player the New Zealand side have, and his experience and leadership will be required if his side are to pick up any points this time round.

Best Finish: Group Stage 1982

Prediction: Group Stage

The minnows will probably finish bottom of the group.

Slovakia

The tricky European team stunned the football World by finishing top of their qualification campaign ahead their rivals Slovenia and the Czech Republic, as well as the tough Northern Ireland and Poland teams. The Slovaks are a very collective and competitive unit, with players such as Marek Cech, Liverpool’s Martin Skrtel, Ankaragucu’s Robert Vittek, Napoli’s Marek Hamsik as well as the most capped international player Miroslav Karhan.



Manager: Vladimar Weiss

45 year old Weiss, has been in charge of the national side since 2008, and heightened his managerial credentials managing in Slovakia, and most impressively by guiding Slovakia to the top of their qualification group. His son; Vladimar Weiss plays in the Premiership for Man City, and is expected to join up with the squad.

Key Player: Marek Hamšík

The Napoli midfield dynamo has played 106 times in 3 years for the Italian side and is one of the most impressive and exciting young professionals in the World. The 22 year is Slovakia’s national Captain, and has been linked with both AC Milan and Manchester United in the past few weeks.



Best Finish: N/A this will be there 1st appearance

Prediction: Group runners up/Second Round

I believe that the creativeness of Hamisk is a very influential in midfield, and can guide his side to second spot in the group, considering they beat or draw with Paraguay, and depending on how much they can put past New Zealand.

Up Next Group G

Mario Balotelli A Future Star?? Here's all you need to know

Name: Mario Barwuah Balotelli
Date of Birth: 12/08/1990
Age: 19
Height: 6ft 2in
Nationality: Italian Ghanaian
Position: Striker
Previous Club: Lumazzene
Club: FC Inter Milan
Apps: 44 Goals: 15
Shirt Number: 45

Mario Balotelli was born in Palermo in Italy, in 1990. His story is a complicated one as he is born of Ghanaian parents, but see's himself as a full blooded Italian, and pride's himself on one day playing for the Azzurri (Italian national team). Balotelli is already fully capped at Italian under 21 level, with 15 Appearances and 6 Goals.

Mario is a technically gifted player with great pace and is an excellent set piece taking. He has excellent awareness in and around the box, and rose to recognition by scoring two goals against Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-final. This talent has been recognized by Inter manager Jose Mourinho, who has already handed him 33 appearances, scoring 12 goals, in just a season and a half. He has already played up front with players such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luis Figo and Julio Cruz, while currently partnering the likes of Samuel Eto'o, Diego Milito and David Suazo.

The downside to the 19 year is his temperament, which has consistently got himself into disciplinary problems, for club and country as well as referees and Jose Mourinho himself.

The youngsters temperament may have been induced by a degree of Racism he has suffered while playing in Italy, from supposed football fans. In any case these hollow "fans" are just idiots, and will struggle to curb the processes of the wonderkid. Sports giants Nike having already taken a shine to the youngster, become an official sponsor.

Despite the racism Mario Bolatelli continues to prides himself on being Italian with respect to being born by Ghanaian parents, and despite many calls from Ghanaian fans for him to play for the Black Stars, he has expressed his desire to play for the Azzurri on numerous occasions’. All I can say is once he graces the International stage, for either nation, with an improvement in his behaviour and attitude, he will be a world star, watch this space.