[Milan Are Brilli...]

All World Cup 2014 talk in here (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[Danny]

I don't see Italy making it to the last 8.

[X-Offender]

I honestly see Italy winning the thing, but that's just me.

[Danny]

I honestly see Italy winning the thing, but that's just me.

Given the current weakness of Italian players and Serie A in comparison with far stronger teams of the past, this Italy is a pale shadow of teams from years gone by.

Serie A is pretty mediocre and far weaker than so many other of its peer leagues. And that's where the players are all coming from, PSG goalie aside.

I think they will really struggle in this world cup.

I don't mind being proven wrong, I've got well over my hatred of them re: Euro 2008 qualification. Although I will mind being proven wrong if it means I lose my bet ha (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[X-Offender]

I don't really get why they compare him to Pirlo, totally different kind of player.

He's the exact same player as Modric. Identical style, identical technique. Italy have a gem in their hands. Definitely gonna become a football great, if he already isn't.

Given the current weakness of Italian players and Serie A in comparison with far stronger teams of the past, this Italy is a pale shadow of teams from years gone by.

Serie A is pretty mediocre and far weaker than so many other of its peer leagues. And that's where the players are all coming from, PSG goalie aside.

I think they will really struggle in this world cup.

I don't mind being proven wrong, I've got well over my hatred of them re: Euro 2008 qualification. Although I will mind being proven wrong if it means I lose my bet ha (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

Um, like Han said, the quality of the league has really got nothing to do here. England have the best league in the world yet their NT is pretty average currently compared to other powerhouses.

I think Italy have about 14-15 very good players in there, who know each-other well. Their midfield is as good as Germany's and Spain's IMO. I honestly think you're underestimating them.

[Danny]

Um, like Han said, the quality of the league has really got nothing to do here. England have the best league in the world yet their NT is pretty average currently compared to other powerhouses.

Errrr no, England have the most competitive league of the big 3, not the best. Didn't you see how their clubs struggled in ALL European competitions last season?

Spain, now, is the best league, thanks to having 3 titans challenging for the title and a very strong Bilbao.

I've never been fond of Spain on any level but anyone calling the EPL stronger than La Liga currently, is, well, absolutely potty! And I mean that fondly of course (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I think Italy have about 14-15 very good players in there, who know each-other well. Their midfield is as good as Germany's and Spain's IMO. I honestly think you're underestimating them.

We shall see but I stand by my last 4 prediction. I think Italy are poor and it'll be reflected in their world cup.

[han2503]

Errrr no, England have the most competitive league of the big 3, not the best. Didn't you see how their clubs struggled in ALL European competitions last season?

Spain, now, is the best league, thanks to having 3 titans challenging for the title and a very strong Bilbao.

I've never been fond of Spain on any level but anyone calling the EPL stronger than La Liga currently, is, well, absolutely potty! And I mean that fondly of course (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

England have had an all English final in the CL, have had 2 teams winning the CL since the last 2 world cups (2006 - now), and always have at least one club representing the league in the semi finals. How is that poor?

Yet in every one of those WCs the English side has just been shameful in their showings imo

Spain has 2 giants and an overall poor league where the other teams struggle to stay financially afloat each year. Atletico had a massive season thanks to their coach who made them a strong unit. But this is a side who has already been picked off of its best players. And that's just 2 or 3 who are really class, the rest are all pretty average who were part of a great collective, once tha collective is picked apart they won't be that great.

We shall see but I stand by my last 4 prediction. I think Italy are poor and it'll be reflected in their world cup.

Can you explain how this side is poor?

This is a side that got to the Euro finals 2 years ago, did very well in the confed cup just last summer, went through their group undefeated and qualified with 2 games to spare.

No they don't have the star names Brazil, Spain and Argentina have. I just don't get where that poor tag comes from. But make no mistake, Italy do their best when they're underestimated and derided by the international media, and I seriously hope everyone, especially the English think the same as you do