[Fishdoll]

Here from the FIGC is Prandelli's first call up list for the Azzurri friendly against Ivory Coast (the game's Wed. Aug 10 at Upton Park):

Portieri: Marchetti (Cagliari), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);
Difensori: Antonini (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Bonucci (Juventus), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), Lucchini (Sampdoria), Molinaro (Stoccarda), Motta (Juventus);
Centrocampisti: De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus);
Attaccanti: Amauri (Juventus), Balotelli (Inter), Borriello (Milan), Cassano (Sampdoria), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal).

Lots of new names in there, including Antonini.

No Pirlo (first time in ages for that). And both problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) are included.

[Dracoris]

Im so happy for Antonini, I feel like a Father sending his kid off to college.

[CHU-LIP]

Im so happy for Antonini, I feel like a Father sending his kid off to college.

lol, he's already 28 years old

This post has been edited by CHU-LIP: Aug 6 2010, 06:08 PM

[Dracoris]

lol, he's already 28 years old

I feel like a father watching his kid graduate from med school?

[Dracoris]

CIV 1- ITA 0

Despite the loss I think this Italian team looks head over heels better than their WC counterparts. I really like this team....and I really like Rossi. If you add some of the big names to the roster that we're missing (i.e. Pirlo) they could be really solid.

[Fishdoll]

Only if they stop fielding all-gobbi backlines - who were again at fault for the goal (both cbs and motta at fault for the goal conceded).

That said, Prandelli's Azzurri get a fins up. At least they're generally enjoyable to watch. And +1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) each to the two problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) who not only sang the anthem full out but who also both played rather well.

[Locke Lamora]

Only if they stop fielding all-gobbi backlines - who were again at fault for the goal (both cbs and motta at fault for the goal conceded).

That said, Prandelli's Azzurri get a fins up. At least they're generally enjoyable to watch. And +1 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) each to the two problem children (Cassano and Balotelli) who not only sang the anthem full out but who also both played rather well.

You'd kinda expect at least Cassano to sing the anthem though, wouldn't you?

[elcordobez]

Anyone watching Brazil v USA?

Pato and Silva both starting

[elcordobez]

Pato goal!

2 - 0

[Fishdoll]

(IMG:http://i39.tinypic.com/28r07sk.gif) (IMG:http://i39.tinypic.com/28r07sk.gif)


This fish also rather likes Neymar. He has spiky hair! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

[Linkman]

Told ya, didn't I?

[Dracoris]

I admit, I cheered when Pato scored. I couldn't help it!

[Zed.D]

LINK! LINK!

EDIT: I hope he always wears the #9 (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wub.gif) the heir to Ronaldo!

This post has been edited by Zed.D: Aug 11 2010, 09:20 AM

[CHU-LIP]

LINK! LINK!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6zMaLuxNcE...player_embedded

This?

[Zed.D]

I admit, I cheered when Pato scored. I couldn't help it!

You're a true Rossonero!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6zMaLuxNcE...player_embedded

This?

Thanks, it's better than the one I saw. anyone got a link to.. say.. HD quality video of Pato's goal?! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/innocent.gif)

This post has been edited by Zed.D: Aug 11 2010, 09:33 AM

[Fishdoll]

This fish also rather liked the Benfica defender with the fluffy hair, David Luiz. (mediaset thinks he may go to Chelsea).

All in all both Milan players had good games but there was a moment of concern when I saw Pato (after he'd been subbed) appearing to have an ice bag on his leg. Anyone else see that?

[Fishdoll]

Ireland NT coach Giovanni Trappatoni had surgery this morning (they thought it was food poisoning, turned out to be scar tissue from a previous operation causing the pain). Assistant Marco Tardelli will coach Ireland against the Argies tonight. (from espn, eurosport, etc)

[For those of you not up on your history, Il Trap - aside from being awesome for soundbytes in interviews - is a former Milan star who played on the team that won two european cups in the 60s along with Cesare Maldini and Gianni Rivera. Tardelli....former gobbo but scored what's probably my favorite world cup goal in 1982.]

[kurtsimonw]

Scotland 2-0 down to Sweden at HT. Oh noes!

England Team vs Hungary

Hart

Johnson - Jagielka - Terry - Cole

Lampard - Barry

Walcott - Gerrard -Johnson

Rooney

Subs: Fielding, Loach, Dawson, Cahill, Gibbs, Milner, Young, Wilshire, Zamora, Carlton Cole.

No booing as the team came out, well done to the fans.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 11 2010, 08:02 PM

[Fishdoll]

But how full is Wembley?

[kurtsimonw]

About 70k.

[Fishdoll]

Thomas Hitzlsperger scores for Germany (v. Denmark.)

[kurtsimonw]

Young finally gets a chance under Capello, so what's this make him, your 10th? 11th? favourite winger, despite being the best winger in the Premier League? Very strange.

[kurtsimonw]

Mexico lead Spain. Hernandez with the goal, if it's the same Hernandez that United signed he's having a superb pre-season.

[Fishdoll]

I'm pretty sure it is. He looked good at the weekend.

Denmark-Germany now 2-2.

[kurtsimonw]

Dawson mistakes lead to a great chance from Hungary after a deflection off Jagielka and.. despite the ball not going over the line, the French linesman gives the goal.

You couldn't write the story of the English team any better.

[kurtsimonw]

"Wayne Rooney has been replaced by James Milner of.. Aston Villa, I think." **** off ITV.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 11 2010, 09:26 PM

[kurtsimonw]

Cracker from Stevie G.

EDIT: Jesus Christ. Great little ball from Ashley Young, then Gerrard takes on a few players in the box and finishes superbly, what an incredible goal.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Aug 11 2010, 09:32 PM

[Fishdoll]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) to Norway's NT for defeating France today. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

EDIT: And David Silva saved a dire Spain from embarrassment with a goal in injury time at the Azteca. FT Mexico 1-1 Spain.

This post has been edited by Fishdoll: Aug 11 2010, 11:03 PM

[servbot]

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cookie.gif) to Norway's NT for defeating France today. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/96.gif)

EDIT: And David Silva saved a dire Spain from embarrassment with a goal in injury time at the Azteca. FT Mexico 1-1 Spain.

Not easy to win there, even for powerhouse teams.

[Locke Lamora]

Not easy to win there, even for powerhouse teams.

You've got a point, Ullevåll is a fortress as long as Olsen is in charge...

[vahid]

Pato and Silva both starting

Thiago Silva vs. USA

[MizNelson]

PARIS -- Nicolas Anelka scoffed at his 18-match suspension from France's national football team, saying it has him "dying of laughter."

The French Football Federation suspended the Chelsea striker Tuesday for his profane tirade against France's then-coach Raymond Domenech at the World Cup. Anelka was sent home from South Africa, prompting a player strike.

"These people are real clowns ... I'm dying of laughter," the report quoted Anelka.

The 18-match ban is expected to last for nearly two years, meaning that by the time he's again eligible to play for "Les Bleus," Anelka will be 33 and unlikely to be recalled.

"Who said I wanted to play again in blue?" he asked, adding that "for me, after the World Cup in South Africa, the French team is now history."

All 23 players on France's World Cup squad boycotted a training session in South Africa to protest Anelka's expulsion after he insulted Domenech during a 2-0 loss to Mexico.

The French federation summoned the five players who played a leading role in the boycott to a hearing Tuesday. Anelka and Franck Ribery didn't attend and sent lawyers instead.

Ribery, who was vice captain at the World Cup, was prevented from traveling to the hearing by his club, Bayern Munich, before the team's opening Bundesliga match on Friday.

The French federation's disciplinary commission handed former captain Patrice Evra a five-match ban, Ribery a three-match ban and Jeremy Toulalan a one-match suspension. The players can appeal.

Eric Abidal, the fifth player summoned to the four-hour hearing, wasn't punished.

(ESPN)

[Tennie]

(from acmilan.com)

Italy's call ups for the upcoming national team games:

ITALIA: L'ELENCO DEI 23 CONVOCATI DI PRANDELLI
28/08/2010
MILANO - Ecco l'elenco completo dei 23 Azzurri convocati dal CT Cesare Prandelli:
Portieri: Mirante (Parma ), Sirigu (Palermo), Viviano (Bologna);
Difensori: Antonelli (Parma), Bonucci (Juventus), Bovo (Palermo), Cassani (Palermo), Chiellini (Juventus), De Silvestri (Fiorentina), Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Molinaro (VfB Stoccarda);
Centrocampisti: De Rossi (Roma), Lazzari (Cagliari), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan);
Attaccanti: Cassano (Sampdoria), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Pazzini (Sampdoria), Pepe (Juventus), Quagliarella (Juventus), Rossi (Villareal).

Pirlo the only one called up from Milan.

[d'Arc.LP]

(from acmilan.com)

Italy's call ups for the upcoming national team games:



Pirlo the only one called up from Milan.

Molinaro and Antonelli before Antonini ?

This is not looking good Cesare.

[X-Offender]

Molinaro and Antonelli before Antonini ?

This is not looking good Cesare.

+1

[Tennie]

(from uefa.com) link

UEFA rules against vuvuzela use

UEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup – may not be brought into stadiums at UEFA competition matches.

UEFA rules against vuvuzela useUEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence during the 2010 FIFA World Cup – may not be brought into stadiums at UEFA competition matches. Read more
UEFA has decided that vuvuzelas – the trumpet that came to prominence at games during this summer's FIFA World Cup in South Africa – may not be brought into stadiums at matches in UEFA competitions.

European football's governing body has informed its 53 member associations that it has taken the move for reasons related to Europe's football culture and tradition, saying that the atmosphere at matches would be changed by the sound of the vuvuzela.

The World Cup was characterised by the vuvuzela's widespread and permanent use in the stands. In the specific context of South Africa, the vuvuzela adds a touch of local flavour and folklore, but UEFA feels that the instrument's widespread use would not be appropriate in Europe, where a continuous loud background noise would be emphasised.

The magic of football consists of the two-way exchange of emotions between the pitch and the stands, where the public can transmit a full range of feelings to the players. However, UEFA is of the view that the vuvuzelas would completely change the atmosphere, drowning supporter emotions and detracting from the experience of the game.

To avoid the risk of these negative effects in the stadiums where UEFA competitions are played and to protect the culture and tradition of football in Europe – singing, chanting etc. – UEFA has decided with immediate effect that vuvuzelas will not be allowed in the stadiums where UEFA competitions matches are played.

UEFA's associations have been instructed to take all necessary operational measures, and to instruct their clubs concerned to do the same in all UEFA club competitions in which they participate.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cry.gif) THOSE MEANIEHEADS!

[X-Offender]

Romania 1-1 Albania

Great result by our side (that is, Albania).

[Jack Bauer]

Belarus beat France in Frace (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

4-0. I'll take it, decent enough performance and good result.

[Ry4n]

I wish the referee in the england game could referee every game it was so refreshing to see him let the game be free flowing without calling on little fouls (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

This post has been edited by Ry4n: Sep 3 2010, 10:41 PM

[X-Offender]

Ugly win for Italy. They were playing rather well before Estonia scored though.

[Jack Bauer]

Ugly win for Italy. They were playing rather well before Estonia scored though.

Pirlo assisted one of the goals.

[X-Offender]

Pirlo assisted one of the goals.

Well, both of them came from his corners.

[Jack Bauer]

Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

A lot of surprising results today.

[kurtsimonw]

I wish the referee in the england game could referee every game it was so refreshing to see him let the game be free flowing without calling on little fouls (IMG:style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif)

Yeah, he wasn't to bad at all.

Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

A lot of surprising results today.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif)

That is a bit of a shocker. Portugal were so good defensively at the World Cup too.

[acid911]

Our friendly neighborhood Huntelaar scored a hat trick today. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleepysmiley03.gif) Granted it was against San Marino, but hey who's looking, three goals are all that count.

[MizNelson]

Portugal couldn't beat Cyprus at home 4:4

What's more embarrassing: that Portugal didn't win or the fact that they conceded four goals from a minnow squad at home?

[X-Offender]

What's more embarrassing: that Portugal didn't win or the fact that they conceded four goals from a minnow squad at home?

I'd say the second.

[han2503]

Hopefully Pirlo doesn't play the full game against the Faroe Islands. They don't really need him, and we're about to begin a long stretch of a grueling schedule with 2 matches practically every week.

[X-Offender]

Hopefully Pirlo doesn't play the full game against the Faroe Islands. They don't really need him, and we're about to begin a long stretch of a grueling schedule with 2 matches practically every week.

He'll play, and I don't think Allegri should play him against Cesena. My midfield for that game would be Boateng-Seedorf-Ambrosini.

[samira]

Torres just bad at not scoring in WC or just good that he can score agianst a non great team?

[han2503]

He'll play, and I don't think Allegri should play him against Cesena. My midfield for that game would be Boateng-Seedorf-Ambrosini.

Cesena gave Roma a lot of trouble, I wouldn't take them lightly. Imo Pirlo needs to play in that one, while Italy won't have that much trouble against the Faroe Islands

Torres just bad at not scoring in WC or just good that he can score agianst a non great team?

He scored in the final against Germany in the Euros. He was just in terrible form at the WC

[d'Arc.LP]

I saw Albania's and Italy's game.

Albania got a good result from Rumania scoring in the last 15 minutes. It's not that Albanian players were good, it was Rumanian players who were poor.

In other hand Italy too, got a good result. Pirlo made some mistakes in passing but it wasn't his fault it was the other players who didn't understand his passes. Cassano had a good game and I think he is good enough to be Italy's next 10.

[han2503]

I saw Albania's and Italy's game.

Albania got a good result from Rumania scoring in the last 15 minutes. It's not that Albanian players were good, it was Rumanian players who were poor.

In other hand Italy too, got a good result. Pirlo made some mistakes in passing but it wasn't his fault it was the other players who didn't understand his passes. Cassano had a good game and I think he is good enough to be Italy's next 10.

Yep, Cassano was great. His back heel assist for Bonucci's goal was class!

[kurtsimonw]

1-0 up in Switzerland, Rooney. Walcott off injured.

[vahid]

Another 2 goals by Huntelaar.

[Jack Bauer]

Zlatan scored 2 in a 6:0 blowout. It's good that he's coming here in game shape after two 90 minutes matches.

[kurtsimonw]

Swiss down to 10 after a stupid foul.

Scotland losing at home to leitchenstein. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

EDIT: Defoe down injured, Switzerland refuse to kick the ball out, they give it away. Gerrard with a good ball, Adam Johsnon rounds the keeper, 2-0. I think they'll kick the ball out next time.

EDIT: Great goal, 2-1. we got a game.

This post has been edited by kurtsimonw: Sep 7 2010, 09:15 PM

[X-Offender]

Brazil won 3-0 against Barcelona B this afternoon. Pato, Thiago Silva and Robinho played only the first half (thankfully). Pato scored the second goal, whilst Robinho assisted Lukas Leiva for the first.

[d'Arc.LP]

Albania 1-0 Luxemburg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Good result, now we have 4 points (A)

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Swiss down to 10 after a stupid foul.

I thought he got the ball... just!

Fair play about their goal then though.

[X-Offender]

Albania 1-0 Luxemburg (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Good result, now we have 4 points (A)

*likes*

[Jack Bauer]

Portugal are in trouble. After 4:4 home draw with Cyprus, they lost 0:1 to Norway.

Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.

[X-Offender]

Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.

And what a goal. I can't remember the last time he scored on free kick.

[Dracoris]

Portugal are in trouble. After 4:4 home draw with Cyprus, they lost 0:1 to Norway.

Pirlo scored a goal and assisted another in 5:0 win.

Dang it you beat me to it!!

What a beauty of a free kick!

[d'Arc.LP]

And what a goal. I can't remember the last time he scored on free kick.

Any links ??

[Jack Bauer]

Any links ??

Surely will be on youtube in a a hour or so.

[kurtsimonw]

With 5 mins added on Scotland score to beat Leichenstein in the 97th minute. Shocking officiating in the end, oh well, an embarassing result anyways. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[d'Arc.LP]

Nope I only found one but there was shown only 3 goals.

[Locke Lamora]

(IMG:http://blog.fanfaktor.de/images/ronaldo-crying.jpg)
Deliver us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen...

[Milan Are Brilli...]

(IMG:http://blog.fanfaktor.de/images/ronaldo-crying.jpg)
Deliver us, oh Lord, from the wrath of the Norsemen...

Ronaldo didn't even play!

I'm still getting over Murray going out in the US Open, then saying he was definitely fit enough but his fitness somehow let him down (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) If Scotland drew or lost to Liechtenstein I would have died of laughter.

[Jack Bauer]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKKDsVXk5s

Highlights from Itay game.

[Danny]

With 5 mins added on Scotland score to beat Leichenstein in the 97th minute. Shocking officiating in the end, oh well, an embarassing result anyways. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

It was appalling, but until England aren't, kindly try not to gloat.

[d'Arc.LP]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ndKKDsVXk5s

Highlights from Itay game.

Thanks, a lot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[kurtsimonw]

It was appalling, but until England aren't, kindly try not to gloat.

Meh, we're fine. As for gloating, you won't find me doing that regarding England until we win games where I feel we shouldn't. I have not gloated over beating Bulgaria and Switzerland, because they're games we should be winning. Maybe I didn't expect such high scorelines, but anything less than 6/7 wins from this group would be disapointing, uin my opinion.

[Jack Sparrow]

Ibra scores. Pato scores. Silva looks good. Robinho assists. Pirlo is conducting symphonies from midfield. Be still my thumping heart!! It can't all come together at once!! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sleep.gif)

[Locke Lamora]

Ronaldo didn't even play!

I'm still getting over Murray going out in the US Open, then saying he was definitely fit enough but his fitness somehow let him down (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) If Scotland drew or lost to Liechtenstein I would have died of laughter.

Your point being... ? The picture I was looking for was one of a crying Portuguese, and rather than sitting through pages of google images results, I took the easy route and googled this guy instead.
Crying Portuguese - That's it. End of. 1-0. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

[han2503]

Pirlo is back people! Not just because of the free-kick goal, but his general play was amazing. I was still a little unsure if it was just the space Lecce gave him when we played but he obviously found his form again, I don't think I saw one bad pass on his part last night. And the free-kick was just amazing, I don't think he's scored one in over a year.

[Jack Bauer]

Pirlo is back people! Not just because of the free-kick goal, but his general play was amazing. I was still a little unsure if it was just the space Lecce gave him when we played but he obviously found his form again, I don't think I saw one bad pass on his part last night. And the free-kick was just amazing, I don't think he's scored one in over a year.

It's a good season to be in shape for. With our strikers line, he can break the assist reacord (whatever it might be).

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Your point being... ? The picture I was looking for was one of a crying Portuguese, and rather than sitting through pages of google images results, I took the easy route and googled this guy instead.
Crying Portuguese - That's it. End of. 1-0. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/devilsmiley.gif)

Hmm, just that he is obviously their best player, yet he didn't even play!

That would have been like United fans posting pictures of Pato crying from last years CL...!

[Locke Lamora]

Hmm, just that he is obviously their best player, yet he didn't even play!

That would have been like United fans posting pictures of Pato crying from last years CL...!

Well I've already explained why I chose that picture, but clearly the issue of importance here is me posting the wrong picture. Not my country beating one of the best national teams in Europe. Profound apologies.

This post has been edited by Locke Lamora: Sep 8 2010, 04:48 PM

[servbot]

Congrats on the big win Locke.

Can we really take anything from Italy or Pirlo's performance yesterday? It was against the Faroe Islands. No ill intention towards the good people there, but they'd probably be beaten by a 3rd division (Serie C?) Italian side.

[han2503]

Congrats on the big win Locke.

Can we really take anything from Italy or Pirlo's performance yesterday? It was against the Faroe Islands. No ill intention towards the good people there, but they'd probably be beaten by a 3rd division (Serie C?) Italian side.

Obviously they're not a great team, but what was concerning me in preseason was the fact that Pirlo was misplacing passes he usually does with his eyes closed, in the Italy and Milan games he's been pin point accurate. He also seems to have dropped trying that flat freekick technique, which he had been using these past few seasons and went for the curler. Not to mention the 3 assists off corners he's made in just 2 games

[Dracoris]

Obviously they're not a great team, but what was concerning me in preseason was the fact that Pirlo was misplacing passes he usually does with his eyes closed, in the Italy and Milan games he's been pin point accurate. He also seems to have dropped trying that flat freekick technique, which he had been using these past few seasons and went for the curler. Not to mention the 3 assists off corners he's made in just 2 games

I think he uses the knuckle ball in long-distance situations. I can't remember the last time Milan got a free kick that close to the 18yrd box, we're due for a few.

[han2503]

I think he uses the knuckle ball in long-distance situations. I can't remember the last time Milan got a free kick that close to the 18yrd box, we're due for a few.

Last season we got a lot, but both Pirlo and Dinho were misfiring badly from them.

I remember short distance free-kicks he's scored with that flat ball that slightly wobbles. Especially in the 05/06 season, Carlo dubbed it Pirlo's "full proof technique" at scoring from free-kicks

[X-Offender]

Aye, there was a period around the 05/06 season when he scored something like 5-6 goals from those free kicks. But now he just misses them miserably.

[d'Arc.LP]

I'll pretend I haven't read what you have write about Pirlo ...

Next time there will be blood (IMG:style_emoticons/default/guntootsmiley2.gif)

[CHU-LIP]

Oh please, it's the truth. Pirlo free kicks are a terrible thing to watch these years (knowing how he did them in the past).

[X-Offender]

Yup. I love Pirlo as much as you do, d'Arc, but his free kicks have been poop in the last few years.

[Milan Are Brilli...]

Well I've already explained why I chose that picture, but clearly the issue of importance here is me posting the wrong picture. Not my country beating one of the best national teams in Europe. Profound apologies.

Eh?! All I said was Ronaldo didn't play (and he's an important player), who you posted a picture of! Then tried to make an analogy that both, you and I would commonly understand.

I didn't mean to cause offence, or take anything away from the victory.

[d'Arc.LP]

Oh please, it's the truth. Pirlo free kicks are a terrible thing to watch these years (knowing how he did them in the past).

Oh really ?

It's not just Pirlo it's football in general, now the game is not based on free kicks.

btw do you know why Pirlo is not scoring from free kicks?

Cos 3/4 of them are crosses and only 1/4 of them goes directly in the goal.

Pirlo is really mature and is very special. He is no Ronaldo who does not care about the result and all of free kicks he shoots goes in the direction of goal. Pirlo plays for the team, not for personal honours.

Do you even watch his free kicks? The lasts ones (two) free kicks against Lecce were very good, the GK couldn't catch the ball he just punched it and our ex-player Borriello and other strikers had good chances if they were concentrated.

Pirlo is maestro. All his passes, crosses, shoots and his game in general is genius.

[X-Offender]

We're talking about the free kicks which he shoots at the goal, d'Arc, not the ones he crosses. The simple question is: when was the last time he scored on free kick before last night? Frankly, I can't remember.

[d'Arc.LP]

We're talking about the free kicks which he shoots at the goal, d'Arc, not the ones he crosses. The simple question is: when was the last time he scored on free kick before last night? Frankly, I can't remember.

Well man you should understand there is only one free kick that goes in the goal in 3-4 games.

Not to mention Ronaldinho,Beckham(before)...

Find me a video or tell me when Pirlo failed to score more than 2-3 times in a row from e good position like that one against Faroe Island. I'm not talking about 30m free kicks or those near the corner.

[X-Offender]

I don't need to show you any video. I just want you to put your mind to work, and think, when was the last time Pirlo scored on free kick before last night? That question should be more than enough to prove that he's not that good at free kicks (and I'm talking about the ones he shoot on goal) as he used to be. Fin.

[d'Arc.LP]

I don't need to show you any video. I just want you to put your mind to work, and think, when was the last time Pirlo scored on free kick before last night? That question should be more than enough to prove that he's not that good at free kicks (and I'm talking about the ones he shoot on goal) as he used to be. Fin.

Before Ronaldinho camed and suddenly was the 1st free kicker (at least in good positions).

[X-Offender]

Before Ronaldinho camed and suddenly was the 1st free kicker (at least in good positions).

That's no excuse. Pirlo's had his fair share of free kicks on goal and he's always missed. I remember him hitting the post once last season, and that's all.

[d'Arc.LP]

That's no excuse. Pirlo's had his fair share of free kicks on goal and he's always missed. I remember him hitting the post once last season, and that's all.

The way you judge Pirlo it's just not fair. Last night he proved that his free kicks are as good as used to be, he just need his space.

Maybe it can be irracional but answer for the question why Pirlo hasn't score from free kicks for 2-3 years, is simple. We changed, our philosophy, the way we play, players, coaches and everything.

[kurtsimonw]

Taking free-kicks is an individual skill, absoloutely nothing happening at the club will change that. only he can. His free-kicks have been dreadful for a few years now and scoring 1 against the Faroe Islands is nout to brag about.

[Dracoris]

Well whether the free kick is vs. The islands or vs. Barcelona the only thing that changes is the goalie. And there are not too many goalies getting to that shot yesterday. That being said, Pirlo has been sub-par on his freekicks as of late. Ronnie too.

[han2503]

Pirlo has ben awful at just about everything these past 2 seasons. He's been off form, constricted by the tactics Carlo and Leo had. But even when playing terribly he's still our most important player. These past 3 weeks he looks like he's getting back into the form of old. I haven't seen Pirlo playing with such accuracy since 06. His free-kick is no coincedence.

He's back to his best therefore his free-kicks are also back. Not to mention the corner assists he provided for Italy as well, something he's also been lacking at these past few seasons.