Euro 2012 Italy Football Blog

‘imbarazzare’ (embarrassing) ’una baraonda’ (a shambles) ’disonorare’ (disgrace); just some of the words used to describe Italy‘s world cup performance.  Aside from the collapse of 2006 finalists France; the defending champions’ failure to even get out of their group was undoubtedly the shock of the summer. The pessimistic Azzurri followers claimed that the writing was already on the wall without [...]

Reigning champions Italy were sensationally knocked out of the World Cup by Slovakia, who clinched their place in the last 16 with victory in a match of incredible drama and tension throughout. The Azzurri were looking to bounce back after two consecutive draws against lower opposition and knew that only a win would be good enough [...]

Italy face a stern test in their third and final group game against Slovakia in Johannseburg. Nothing but three points will do for Marcello Lippi’s men in their quest to reach the last 16 in their defence of their world title. A disappointing two points from a possible six leave the Azzurri dangerously close to [...]

World Champions Italy struggled to a 1-1 draw against minnow opposition New Zealand in Nelspruit on Sunday, leaving their chances of reaching the last 16 hanging in the balance. Once again the Azzurri were slow out of the traps and after just six minutes, New Zealand were in front. A free-kick was swung into the box and [...]

Reigning champions Italy look to put their recent poor form behind them when they take on The ‘All Whites’ of New Zealand in Nelspruit tomorrow. Lippi’s men are without arguably their greatest asset in goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, but hope he will still play a part in the rest of their campaign after stating his will to delay [...]

A goalkeeping howler spared Italy‘s blushes in their opening group stage game against Paraguay, ensuring they claimed a fortunate point on a rainy night in Cape Town. Spirits were running low in the Italian camp after a number of sluggish displays in freindlies leading up to the game. But the attitude of ‘it’ll be alright [...]

It’s been a turbulent few months for the Italian national team, on and off the field. A poor string of results, numerous injuries to key players and rumours of disarray within the dressing room haven’t given the supporters much to shout about; but come 7.30pm on Monday, all will be forgotten as the four-time champions begin their title defence [...]

Italy manager Marcello Lippi has announced who is to be left at home as his squad prepare to travel to South Africa to begin the defence of their world title. With two players already deducted from the squad prior to June 1st, Lippi’s job was made a tad easier, with only five players facing the [...]

World Cup holders Italy were held to a draw by Switzerland in their final warm-up match in Geneva, before heading to South Africa. Manager Marcello Lippi and his side were looking for an improved performance following their lackluster 2-1 defeat to Mexico two days earlier, but this failed to happen and left The Azzurri without [...]

The pressure on Italy Manager Marcello Lippi continues to rise after his side were beaten 2-1 by Mexico in Brussels last night. The world cup holders fielded a strong team despite Giorgio Chiellini and Mauro Camoranesi missing the game through injury. Vincenzo Iaquinta, Antonio Di Natale and Alberto Gilardino all featured up-front. Arsenal fringe player Carlos [...]