Lippi at least is doing that, han. De Sanctis, Bonera (as RB), Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi are all in the projected Italy starting lineup. Some of the changes might have been forced on him but Lippi's integrating the new guys.

Morning training has taken place.

The first half hour was stretching and exercises for all except for Ambrosini, Dida, and Emerson who started training in the gym. Following warmups, all the players worked in the gym for a time.

Following the gym work, there was individual work as follows:

Maldini, Seedorf, Viudez, Kaladze ran a series of sprints.
Flamini, Dida e Shevchenko ran the course in the woods.
Pirlo, Antonini, after some strength exercises worked on variations of rhythm.
Ronaldinho, Senderos and Favalli did technical exercises.
Zambrotta ran laps around the perimeter of the pitch and worked in the gym.

There will be an afternoon training session.

Agreed, the only grudge I have against Lippi right now is the Cassano issue. I think he's by far the best technical player Italy have aside from Pirlo (now that Totti and Del Piero aren't part of the Nazionale anymore) and I think Lippi would be the sort of guy who can guide Cassano and keep him in line, far better then Donadoni could. So I don't understand why he's leaving him out.

As for Bonera, he deserves it just as much as the awful Barzagli does (is he even called up for this one?) He's been arguably one of our best players this season and I would go as far as saying that we wouldn't be where we are right now if it weren't for him. I think he's matures at a really fast rate since coming from Parma

This post has been edited by han2503: Nov 19 2008, 04:16 PM

No, I dont' think Barzagli was called up for this one. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) Agreed that Bonera has really progressed.

As for the Cassano issue...I just don't know about him. He's insanely talented but the craziness factor is, I think, why Lippi is cautious about bringing him in. I don't think Cassano's been permanently ruled out, though. At least I hope not.

Rosina is not in Gazzetta's predicted line-up? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/huh.gif) That's a relief. A player I'd like to see in a red & black shirt one day.

Nah, Rosina has totally fallen out of form and out of favor at Toro recently. He usually comes on as a sub but he's generally not starting any more.

I think if he feels loved he'll flourish. And Lippi should understand this. Italy can't afford to let this kind of talent just go unnoticed especially since guys like Del Piero and Totti are not there anymore. I know Di Natele has really established himself but you can't really compare him to the brilliance of Cassano.

Like I said, if Donadoni could do it, then I'm sure Lippi can do it, and do it even better for that matter. A talent like Cassano should not be wasted. Even if he carries that crazy air around him (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)


Well every player goes through a rough season, I certainly wouldn't say no to someone like him

This post has been edited by han2503: Nov 19 2008, 04:38 PM

I heard he's not friendly with De Biasi. Rosina could always be in favour of his club. In last season's games, he was the only Toro player to cause Dida/Kalac trouble. It will be Amoruso this time, I guess. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Afternoon training has taken place. After warmups the players immediately started working with the ball.

There was a 7 v. 7 practice game followed by ball possession and attack v. defense drills. Finally there was a 7 v. 7 practice game with Abbiati and Dida in goal.

Ambrosini, after warmups with his teammates, rejoined Antonini, Borriello, and Zambrotta in the gym. (Fishdoll note: Zambrotta has been quoted as saying he expects to train with the team starting tomorrow).

Tomorrow there will be one training session starting at 3pm.

So inter and Juve play on Saturday .. And Milan plays on Sunday.

I am hoping Del Piero is in a good mood and that the Juve midfield can win the battle for them. But I believe that a draw is a very likely outcome.

Whatever the outcome might be, Milan will not drop the three points in Torino .. especially if a favorable result comes the night before (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

Del Piero to destroy Inter Milan! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/king.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)
Juve over Inter any day for me!

*the devil smiley is kind of unnecessary but I figured I would put it anyway*


EDIT: I wouln't mind a draw at all though!

This post has been edited by TriniKing_CE: Nov 19 2008, 10:26 PM

Here's Mediaset's projected lineup:
Abbiati;
Zambrotta, Bonera, Kaladze, Jankulovski;
Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf;
Kakà, Ronaldinho;
Pato

No Paolo?

Injured. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif) Slight knock.

I suspect Il Capitano is being kept wrapped in bubble wrap until the series of Really Nasty Games at the end of the year.