Cuore Azzurro: Road of Champions

Cuore AzzurroA girl’s English guide to the Italian National Team

The Road of Champions

AFPAlberto Pizzoli

AFPVano ShlamovASphoto

ASphoto

ASphoto

Quiz!

Which Italiansoccer player is your

best match?

Our exclusiveinterview with

TLN’s soccer hostAlf De Blasis!

Telelatino Remembering the2006 World Cup

Tania Rebuli

Review and fanstories inside

Editor, writer, designer:Tania Rebuli

Contents:2006 World Cup: In Review................

Remembering the 2006 World Cup....

Quiz.......................................................

Road to South Africa............................

Lippi: What to do?................................

Fantasy Soccer.......................................

Italian Fantasy Soccer Catalogue........

My Italian Fantasy Team.....................

Fantasy Soccer Points Table................

Interview with Alf DeBlasis................

2010 World Cup: Group F...................

Acknowledgements..............................

1

3

4

5

6

7

8

15

16

17

19

20

2006 World Cup: in review

July 9th, 2006.Does that date run shivers

down your spine? It probably does for any loyal fan of

the Italian national team. It brings back the vivid

memories, and the amazing sensation of knowing that

your team is the best soccer team in the world. The best

way to prepare yourself for the upcoming World Cup of

2010 is to recall the previous one, from Pirlo’s perfect

free-kick in the first game against Ghana, all the way to

Grosso’s winning penalty shot in the final against France.

Italy impressed all during their 2006 World Cup

campaign, which occurred right after a game-fixing

scandal in the Italian soccer league, Serie A. Most of the

world champions came from the Italian powerhouse

teams that were accused of paying referees, and arrived

in Germany with a point to prove. Italy scored twelve

goals throughout the campaign coming from ten different

players, and only conceded 2 goals, one being an own-

goal, and another a penalty shot. Italy’s

team effort seems to be what lead them to victory in

2006, rising up from the rest of the teams, coming

unbeaten in all 7 games.

The group stage saw Italy beating Ghana and

Czech by a score of 2-0 in both games, and tying 1-1

against USA. Daniele De Rossi was sent off during the

game against USA for a violent elbow to Brian McBride,

and later suspended for four matches. Meanwhile,

Christian Zaccardo managed to get the ball past his

teammate, Gianluigi Buffon, to gift the Americans a goal

(Yes, an Italian defender scored in his own net). In the

round of 16, Italy beat Australia with a late game penalty

shot from Francesco Totti at the 95th minute mark, and

they later surpassed Ukraine with a 3-0 game. Two of

those goals came from goal-scorer Luca Toni, who had

great difficulty finding the back of the net throughout the

World Cup.

Cannavaro lifts up the World Cup for Italians across the

World to see. Fifa

And finally, who can forget the semi-final game

against Germany. One hundred and twenty minutes of a

scoreless game, filled with excellent talent and tactics,

nonetheless. A corner kick awarded to Italy, taken by Del

Piero, lobs the ball to Pirlo, who then passes the ball to

Fabio Grosso to put Italy up a goal with a minute left in

extra time. The ball almost pierced through the net as all

Italian fans went wild. This was quickly followed by

Alessandro Del Piero’s goal on the counterattack, which

ended the game and lead Italy to the final. Many Italians

can surely still hear commentator Fabio Caressa in their

back of their heads yelling to close their suitcases,

because Italy is off to Berlin.

The final against France was not the most appealing

game of the campaign, and perhaps it was the most

agonizing, but it is what lead Italy to lift up the World

Cup. An early penalty shot by Zinedine Zidane seemed to

crush Italian hopes, but luckily Marco Materazzi’s header

was able to keep their hopes alive. The goal scorers of

the game, however, were not remembered for their goals,

but for the controversy surrounding them after Zidane

head butted Materazzi. After Zidane’s expulsion in extra

time, the game went to penalty shots, where Pirlo,

Materazzi, De Rossi, Del Piero, and Grosso all scored their

respective penalties. And thanks to the crossbar hit by

Trezeguet, Italy went on to lift up the World Cup.

Each player received a gold medal, as they each,

one by one, kissed the gold cup, knowing they might not

have the opportunity to ever do this again. The captain,

Fabio Cannavaro, made his way through the crowd of

teammates, stepped up onto the platform, and lifted up

the cup for the world to see. Many celebrations followed,

several players shaving their heads on the flight back to

Italy, followed by the presentation of the world

champions at Circo Massimo in Rome.

The Italian National Team now makes their way

into a new era, as they fight to keep their

title as the “Campioni Del Mondo”. The best

we could do is remember the joyful times,

in hopes that we will be able to experience

the wonderful sensation once again in

our lifetime.

Italian teammates chase Fabio Grosso as he scores in the last minute of extra time

against Germany. Fifa

I watched World Cup final at my house with my cousins.When the game ended, and Italy won, we drove to LittleItaly, waving the Italian flag out the windows of the car.When we arrived and finally found parking, we walkeddown the crowded street, had ice cream, and waited untilthe celebrations were over to leave.

-Marcella Pacitto

The day of the World Cup final, I happened to be ata bridal shower! Nobody really cared about thefuture bride, and the groom brought in a smalltelevision so the guests could watch the game.Everybody was huddled around the screen, and thevolume on the TV was horrible, so it was difficult tounderstand what was happening in the game. Whenthe game ended, everyone ran out into the street tocelebrate, but the bride was crying.

-Melissa PalumboI watched Italy vs. France at home. When Italy won, while therest of my family screamed, my dad and I cried. My sister andbrother ran out on the street blowing their horns. The entire Val-des-Brises community was out on the streets celebrating. Wethen left to Little Italy, and on the way we stopped at a gas stationto gas up the car. Here we met France fans who were cheeringfor Zidane when they saw our Italian flag. I got mad, and wasabout to tell them off when my dad said it wasn’t worth it, becauseItaly were the World Cup champions. We then picked up mygrandmother, and arrived in Little Italy. We joined in on thecelebrations as everyone was honking, and singing We Are TheChampions.

-Diandra Rossi

I arrived in Little Italy in the early morning the day of thefinal, my dad and I met up with my uncle, and a friend andhis son. We found what we thought was a seat to watch thegame in the heart of Little Italy, but we were later told thatwe needed to leave as the seats were already reserved. Afterpulling some strings, we were able to watch the game standingup in Epoca, a small cafe which had certainly reached itsmaximum capacity that afternoon. Watching the game incompany of such enthusiastic spectators was truly theexperience of a lifetime, as well as the after party as thousandsfilled the streets of Little Italy that day. I felt like I was livinga dream as people masked in azzurro surrounded me andthe green, white, and red confetti fell from the balconies ofthe St. Laurent apartments.

-Tania Rebuli

Remembering the 2006 World Cup

What were you doing when Italy won the World Cupin 2006? We want to hear from you! Email us at

[email protected]

Montrealers share what they were doing the day of the 2006 World Cup final.

Diego Rebuli

People flock the streets of Little Italy, Montreal as Italy is crownedWorld Cup champion for the fourth time.

Diego Rebuli

Confetti falls from the decorated balconies on St. Laurent.

3

I like men with shaved heads.

Yes

I know if I want to spend the rest of my life with someone right away. I don’t mind rushing into marriage.

I prefer them with hair I don’t mind being far away from home most of the time.

I want many kids, at least 3.

I find it romantic when a man can speak a variety of languages.

False

False

True

False

I need a man who knows how to cook well.

Pick the quality that you prefer in a guy.

False

True

True

False

Funny Caring

True

?

Daniele De Rossi

A dedicated Roman gladiator on the

field, a real sweetheart off it.Married in

June 2006, Daniele has 4 year-old

daughter, Gaia. However, De Rossi is

recently divorced and available after a

bad turn of events!

Which Italian Soccer Player

is your Best Match?

Fabio cannavaro

Although he is captain of the Italian

National Team, and has been considered

the best defender in the world, Fabio still

finds plenty of time to spend with his

family. He is married to his high school

sweetheart and has 3 children.

Giuseppe Rossi

Native Jersey boy, Giuseppe

Rossi, moved away at the early

age of 12 to play soccer in Italy.

Currently living in Spain, this

American boy is still living the

single life.

START!

True

Road to South Africa

06/09/08Cyprus

1-2Italy

10/09/08Italy

2-0Georgia

11/10/08Bulgaria

0-0Italy

15/10/08Italy

2-1Montenegro

28/03/09Montenegro

0-2Italy

01/04/09Italy

1-1Ireland

05/09/09Georgia

0-2Italy

09/09/09Italy

2-0Bulgaria

10/10/09Ireland

2-2Italy

14/10/09Italy

3-2Cyprus

Qualification Results

Qualification for the 2010 World Cup began at the beginning of the2008 European soccer season directly following the European Cup.

AFP PhotoGiuseppe Cacace

Gianluigi Buffon at the end of Italy’s matchagainst Bulgaria on September 9, 2009.

AFP PhotoAlberto Pizzoli

Vincenzo Iaquinta celebrates with captainFabio Cannavaro after scoring against

Ireland on April 1, 2009.

Pts W D L GD

Italy

24 7 3 0 11

Ireland

18 4 6 0 4

Bulgaria

14 3 5 2 4

Cyprus

9 2 3 5 -2

Montenegro

9 1 6 3 -5

Georgia

3 0 3 7 -12

Qualification Group 8

Standings

"No team is superior to Italy. I don't want to say that we're better than everyone,

but you might say that we're not inferior to any other team."Marcello Lippi, coach, said after qualifying for the 2010 World Cup 5

After Roberto Donadoni’s sacking in June 2008, whichoccured shortly after Italy’s flop in the Euro, Marcello Lippidid not hesitate in accepting his former job as coach of theItalian National Team. He was given two years to construct ateam from shambles, and once again lead them all to victory,all while making sure to qualify for the 2010 World Cup. Hehas succeeded, partially at least, as we have yet to know whatthe upcoming World Cup will bring, but some fans (or perhapswe should call them critics) cease to be content with his workthus far.

One of the major contorversies surrounding Lippi ishis refusal to call-up Antonio Cassano. His talent as a secondattacker is undeniable, but his foolishness masked this for themajority of his career. Constantly stirring up fights with coaches,and getting suspended for being rude to referees, are not theactions which classify a team player. After coming back to Italyin recent years on return from Spain, many claim he’s changed. He’s formed an unstoppable attack duo with striker GiampaoloPazzini, been given the role of vice-captain at Sampdoria, aswell as settled down with longtime girlfriend, Carolina Marcialis. No one can argue that Cassano’s performances in the past twoyears at Sampdoria are not worthy of a national team call-up,but Marcello Lippi is not falling for Antonio’s new image. InLippi’s eyes, Antonio Cassano has no place on the ItalianNational Team, and in the end, nobody can change his personaltaste. Whether this proves to be an advantage or disadvantageis still unknown, but if the World Cup is lost, the media willno doubt blame this on his neglect to call-up Cassano.

The media has also been hammering Lippi withquestions about Francesco Totti’s future with the national teamat just about every press conference since his return. Onewould think; Totti hasn’t played for the Italian National Team

since the World Cup final, he made his retirement from theAzzurri official in July 2007, claiming that he wasn’t fit enoughto play for both the national team and his club. Now, why onEarth would we be discussing his return? Well, for Italians,the term ‘retirement’ seems to be used quite lightly. Just a fewmonths ago, when asked if he will return to the national team,Totti said to “talk to [him] in April, if Lippi needs [him], [he’ll]be at his disposal.” His wife, Ilary Blasi, has also been urginghim to go to South Africa. In a recent interview with magazineDiva e Donna she stated that she'd "love to go to South Africa,and would certainly bring [3 year old] daughter, Chanel, and[4 year old] son, Cristian, along."

Some will say Totti is too old, and that he neverperformed when it came to playing for the Azzurri. Eventhough it is easy for many to recall Toti as the one who spit onhis opponent in the 2004 Euro, he played an integral part inthe 2006 World Cup squad. He came back early from a severeankle injury because he was honoured that Lippi expressedhis willingness to have him on his squad come June. Althoughhe was not fully fit, Totti made 4 assists, scored a winningpenalty kick, and developed much respect for coach MarcelloLippi. If Totti is fit by the time May rolls around, it would beno surprise to see him on the up and coming World Cupsquad.

The coach is always first to blame when the squad isperforming poorly, which is why Marcello Lippi has beenunder the spotlight for the past year. Although he was praisedduring the previous World Cup for his coaching decisions,fans are now questioning them. Only time will tell how theItalian squad will shape up, and whether or not Lippi is beingrightfully critisized.

Lippi: What to do?Some of Lippi’s biggest coaching decisions are discussed;

the futures of Antonio Cassano and Francesco Totti with the Azzurri.

ASPhoto

Marcello Lippi gives direction to his squad during amatch against Ireland, having finished 1-1. A bannerprotesting his neglect to call-up Cassano can be

seen in the background.

Francesco Totti and Marcello Lippi in mid-discussionat practice for the 2006 World Cup.

Getty Images

6

How to play:

-Pretend you were in the place of Marcello Lippi, leading the Italian National Team to the 2010 World Cup-You have to chose a starting line-up, in a 4-3-3 formation (to be explained), that will earn you the mostpoints duing the course of the World Cup-You are allotted 100 points to buy 11 players to put on your starting line-up

Rules:

-Your team must be made by May 16th, before Marcello Lippi announces his World Cup call-ups. Althoughthe players you chose may not necessarily be called-up, you will have neough time to rule out any playerswith major injuries.-You cannot change your team at any point during the World Cup-You must stick with the 4-3-3 formation, therefore you must chose one goalkeeper, four defensemen, threemidfielders, and three forwards

Calculating points:

Game action Points

Goal scored by any player on your team

Assist made by any player on your team

If no goals are conceded in a game,goalkeeper and defensemen playing eachreceive points

With each goal conceded, any goaltender,defenseman, and midfielder playing losespoints

If Italy wins, every one of your players thatwas playing during that game receivespoints

If Italy loses, every one of your players thatwas playing during that game loses points

Any player who scores an own goal losespoints

Fantasy Soccer

+5 per goal+3 per assist+4 per goalkeeper/defensemanion the field during given game

-1 per goalkeeper/defenseman/midfielder on the field duringgiven game+2 points per player that tookpart in the winning match

-2 points per player that tookpart in the loss-5 if the player who scored theown goal is in your line-up 7

Italian

Fantasy Soccer

Catalogue

Its like shopping with someone else’s credit card, just makesure to get what you need without surpassing the limit.

Statistics by FIGC.Valid as of March 3rd, 2010.

Goalkeepers

Albus Grand Hotel

Gianluigi BuffonAge: 32Games played: 100Club: Juventus

10Getty Images

Federico MarchettiAge: 26Games played: 3Club: Cagliari

5

Getty ImagesClaudio Villa

Morgan De SanctisAge: 32Games played: 3Club: Napoli

3

BSkyB

8

Defensemen

Fabio CannavaroAge: 36Games played: 132Goals scored: 2Club: Juventus

8

Getty ImagesClaudio Villa

Gianluca ZambrottaAge: 32Games played: 92Goals scored: 2Club: A.C. Milan

8Getty ImagesClaudio Villa

Getty Images Fabio GrossoAge: 32Games played: 48Goals scored: 4Club: Juventus

9

Giorgio ChielliniAge: 25Games played: 28Goals scored: 2Club: Juventus

8

9

Getty Images

Defensemen

Nicola LegrottaglieAge: 33Games played: 16Goals scored: 1Club: Juventus

6

Fifa

Domenico Criscito Fifa

Age: 23Games played: 5Goals scored: 0Club: Genoa

8

ESPN

Alessandro GamberiniAge: 28Games played: 7Goals scored: 0Club: Fiorentina

7

Davide SantonAge: 19Games played: 5Goals scored: 0Club: Inter Milan

6

Fifa

10

Midfielders

Andrea PirloAge: 30Games played: 65Goals scored: 8Club: A.C. Milan

8Getty Images

FIGCGennaro GattusoAge: 32Games played: 71Goals scored: 1Club: A.C. Milan

Mauro CamoranesiAge: 33Games played: 53Goals scored: 5Club: Juventus

8

8

Angelo PalomboFootbo

Age: 28Games played: 15Goals scored: 1Club: Sampdoria

7

BSkyB

11

Midfielders

Alberto AquilaniAge: 25Games played: 11Goals scored: 2Club: Liverpool

6

BSkyB

AP PhotoSimone PepeAge: 26Games played: 13Goals scored: 0Club: Udinese

7

Simone PerrottaBSkyB

Age: 32Games played: 47Goals scored: 2Club: A.S. Roma

8

Daniele De RossiAge: 26Games played: 52Goals scored: 8Club: A.S. Roma

10

Getty ImagesClaudio Villa

12

8Alberto Gilardino

Age: 27Games played: 39Goals scored: 16Club: Fiorentina

Forwards

BSkyB BSkyBAntonio Di NataleAge: 32Games played: 31Goals scored: 9Club: Udinese

6

Giuseppe RossiAge: 23Games played: 14Goals scored: 3Club: Villareal

9

Getty ImagesClaudio Villa

Vincenzo IaquintaAge: 30Games played: 35Goals scored: 5Club: Juventus

8

Fifa

13

Luca Toni

8

Age: 32Games played: 47Goals scored: 16Club: A.S. Roma

Forwards

Francesco TottiAge: 33Games played: 58Goals scored: 9Club: A.S. Roma

Antonio Cassano

Age: 27Games played: 15Goals scored: 3Club: Sampdoria

7AFP

8

Getty Images

BSkyB

14

Coach Name:

15

The following table should help you in calculating your points for the group stage ofthe World Cup. If Italy’s continues on in the competition, you can continue using this

table or make one that best fits your needs.

See www.fifa.com for official results and statistics during the World Cup.

Player Name Position Match 1Points

Match 2Points

Match 3Points

TOTAL

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16

I n t e r v i e w w i t h A l f D e B l a s i sO u r e x c l u s i v e i n t e r v i e w w i t h I t a l o - C a n a d i a n s p o r t s c a s t e r ,A l f D e B l a s i s . O r i g i n a l l y b o r n i n F r o s i n o n e , I t a l y , A l f i sc u r r e n t l y l i v i n g i n To r o n t o a n d h o s t i n g I t a l i a n c h a m p i o n s h i ps o c c e r o n Te l e l a t i n o . H e a l s o s t a r s i n t e l e v i s i o n s h o w T h eI t a l i a n S o c c e r F a n a t i c s e v e r y S u n d a y n i g h t . S e e w h a t h eh a s t o s a y a s h e a n s w e r s o u r q u e s t i o n s a b o u t th e I t a l i a nN a t i o n a l Te a m .

What are Italy’s chances of repeating at the2010 World Cup?

It is always difficult to repeat as World Cup championsand there is a reason why it has only been done twicebefore in the 80-year history of the competition. Withmany returning champions and the experience theybring, I think Italy still has the pedigree and the abilityto reach the final four but in the most recent qualifyingmatches and friendlies, they haven’t demonstratedthe winning attitude that is necessary at World Cuptime. I felt very strongly about Italy’s chances ofwinning the title in 2006. The current squad doesn’tgive me the same vibe but a lot can change in sixmonths.

Who do you think Italy’s strongest opponentswill be come June 2010?

Italy’s strongest opponents will always be the usualsuspects including the South American powers Braziland Argentina, certainly Spain and Germany andmaybe even England…

What has changed most about the ItalianNational Team since 2006? In which areashave they proved to be stronger and/or weaker?

I’m not particularly impressed with the Italianmidfield; I think it lacks a dynamic, imaginativeplaymaker with skill and vision. I think some of thenew players that Lippi tested in the recent friendliesall have good qualities but none stood out above therest. Defensively, I think the Juventus backline coreof Buffon, Grosso, Cannavaro and Chiellini will beeffective although I think Cannavaro will need to berested often since he is so much older than the others.I like the Genoa duo of Criscito and Bocchetti. I thinkthey both offer pace and versatility and can be solidcontributors. Up front, a final decision needs to be

made on Amauri’s status and if he is eligible to play,I think he can be a solid performer. If not, Lippi willneed to use the next six months to test some attackingalternatives, including a player like Marco Borriello,who I like very much.

Are you happy about Lippi’s return to thenational team? Is he a strong or weak additionto the team?

I was pleased to see Lippi return to the National Teambut I’ve been disappointed by his general attitudetowards the fans and the media which to me seemsto border on arrogance. I don’t think he is endearinghimself to fans by challenging them after games inwhich Italy was clearly a disappointment. I understandas a manager you will want to defend your playersat all costs but when your side has not performedwell, you should not deflect the criticism to the fansor media.

What is your opinion on Lippi’s decision notto call-up Antonio Cassano? Would you dothe same if you were put in Lippi’s position?Why or why not?

What I’m most upset with Lippi is his continuedignorance of Antonio Cassano who is clearly one ofthe best playmakers in Europe, let alone Serie “A”,right now. Cassano has all the qualities that are lackingin the team at the moment. His skill is undeniableand I’ve been impressed with the way he has kept histemperament in check, something that has been hisundoing in the past. If there is an underlying reasonwhy Cassano is not being selected Lippi should beresponsible enough to express it. If Cassano continuesto have an exceptional season and continues to beignored by Lippi, his exclusion will be one of themajor stories of World Cup 2010 and will certainlybe a distraction to the squad.

Telelatino

17

What would you think about FrancescoTotti’s return to the national team? Whatare the odds of him returning?

Given the form he displayed in his return to Serie“A” from injury just recently, I hope that FrancescoTotti is considered for the 2010 squad but I think it’sa long shot that he will be recalled to the team. WhileI think Lippi admires him and respects his abilityand experience, I think Totti may elect not to returnto the National Team simply because he no longerhas anything to prove. In 2006 he returned from aserious injury to help Italy win the World Cup. Whilehe has been effective when healthy, his career hasbeen interrupted too often by injury and I don’tbelieve he’ll want to compromise playing out whatmay be his final contract at Roma.

Which 11 players would be on the startingline-up in the World Cup if you were thecoach of the Italian National Team?

If I were the Italian manager, this is the startingeleven I would put on the field in the first game ofthe 2010 World Cup in a 4-3-1-2 formation:BUFFON; SANTON, CANNAVARO, CHIELLINI,GROSSO; PIRLO, DE ROSSI, CRISCITO; CASSANO;PAZZINI, ROSSI

Where were you and what were you doingwhen Italy won the 2006 World Cup? Whatdid you do to celebrate?

I watched Italy’'s 2006 World Cup victory at homeand then, to celebrate, I flew to Italy! My family wasalready there and I joined them and, although Imissed the Italian team’s return from Germany, Ienjoyed being in the afterglow of the Italian victoryas I travelled around the country that summer.

Are there any other teams or specific playersyou will be rooting for during the WorldCup?

I would like South Africa to be successful since theyare hosting the tournament for the first time and,traditionally, host nations have done reasonably wellin the past. I also like to root for Australia simplybecause they have always been compared to Canadabut unlike us, they have built a very strongfoundation for soccer in that country. I would verymuch like to see young players like Brazil’s Diegoor France’s Gourcuff or Argentina’s Messi havebreakout tournaments.

Telelatino

Telelatino

Alf De Blasis (far left) stars alongside GinaBucci (middle) in the TLN Soccer Fanaticsevery Sunday night at 7PM EST.

18

Italy

Paraguay

New Zealand

Slovakia

Monday, June 14th2:30 PM EST

Italy-

Paraguay

Sunday, June 20th10 AM EST

Italy-

New Zealand

Italy-

Slovakia

Thursday, June 24th10 AM EST

19

AcknowledgementsSources:

Alf DeBlasis

Quotidiano Il Romanista

www.corrieredellosport.it

www.fifa.com

www.figc.it

www.goal.com

www.tlntv.com

Pictures:

AFP Photo

Albus Grand Hotel

ASPhoto

BSkyB

Diego Rebuli

Fifa

Footbo

Getty Images

Tania Rebuli

Telelatino

Feedback:

A. Andzic

E. Falco

A. Gagliardi

L. Kandella

C. Liu

C. Lamontagne

M. Pacitto

M. Palumbo

F. Pietrangelo

D. Rossi

D. Rebuli

Z. Salameh

E. Wu

Thirty two teams

Seven hundred and thirty six players

One thousand four hundred and seventy two hands

One World Cup

Fifa