italy definitely has some tough opponents as Czech and USA are both ranked top10. Are there any other groups with 3 of the top 12 ranked teams in the same grouping?
I just hope the players go into this tournament with a lot more will and desire than they showed in Euro04. Somehow I think they will. They have something to prove this time.
Ghana is FULL of world class players and the U.S. has several in the Premiership, Bundesliga and Eredivise.
Our defense is spectacular, the best in the World. No discussion. ;D
Midfield is the best since Italy 1990.
Gattuso, Pirlo, Camoranesi, De Rossi... not to mention the support from Zambrotta and Grosso.
Technique, athleticism, experience, age... great group.
"10"
Totti and Del Piero
Forwards
Luca Toni, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Vieri... even Inzaghi should be considered.
I follow Nedved very closely, as he has been a great player for my favorite team for the last half decade. What I have noticed is a general decline these last few years in his play with Juve. A few years back, he was rightfully considered in the top three players in the world. In my view, he has simply become a strong squad player, with only flashes of his former brilliance.
The most likely seems to be the combination of his age and the fact that he is a player who plays rough and constantly takes his hits. If this is the case, I don't see him, or the Czechs, making a big impact on the tourney.
However, some have attributed his decline to a tactical decision by Capello. Since he has taken over, he has switched Pavel to a more traditional role on the left wing, rather than an attacking midfield role that he played under Lippi when he enjoyed his greatest success. In fact, that is the role that he plays for the Czech team. If this is the reason that he hasn't been his old self with juve, then we all need to watch out for the Czechs.
The form of Nedved can have a great impact on the way this group plays out.
FORZA ITALY,TUNISIA AND SAUDI ARABIA.