@ItalianStallion01

3 months ago

The loss of Berardi and Zaniolo hurt alot. Here is the thing what many don’t realize which resulted in both WC failures to qualify. In 2018 they were pitted in a group with Spain who were much better than Italy were at that time Italy lost 1 game out of 10 in qualifying to Spain and drew the other game finishing 7 wins 1 loss and 2 draws. So they were destined to have to go the playoff route no matter what. WCQ is a joke with these games spread out over so much time you are playing against totally different teams. The teams WCQ record isn’t indicative of future performance. The playoff against Sweden didn’t go as planned losing 1-0 on aggregate. Italy lost this despite dominated most of the games but just unlucky just like the game against NM for 2022 WCQ. While this Italy team wasn’t great they still had a legendary back 3 and add in Buffon, good midfield but poor up top. Ventura was a terrible manager to go with it so a recipient for disaster. 2022 WCQ let’s all keep in mind from 2018-2022 Italy went 37 games unbeaten won the most difficult tournament in dominating fashion but because it’s not a “qualifying game” for WC none of that mattered to help them qualify. Totally stupid and baseless way of choosing teams to play in a tournament that’s degree of difficulty is lesser than the Euros and eventually Euro Nations League. During Italys WCQ they suffered a slew of injuries in games counted for that that clearly created a dynamic that they couldn’t replicate at the Euros. Chiesa being the biggest loss who seems if just finally recovering from that torn Acl. Let’s be clear even if Italy beats NM corrupt FIFA isn’t allowing them to get by Portugal and not have a ratings draw like Ronaldo. They were doomed either way and when they drew NM who always play them tough I had a strong feeling they could lose. A full strength Italy can beat any team on any day anywhere. I expect them to finish 1st or 2nd in the group and I’d be shocked if they don’t at least advance to the QF. A fully healthy Italy team I’d say at least Semi-Finals.

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