[ITALY-ENGLAND] Italy entered the knockout phase of Euro 2012 with a record of only two wins in seven shootouts in major competitions. But the Azzurri couldtake solace in the fact that their quarterfinal opponent, England, was even worse with a 1-5 record entering Sunday’s match. Like at the 1990 1998 and 2006 World Cups and […]
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Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Injuries take toll on Italy
After Giorgio Chiellini, Italy’s most experienced defender, Brazilian-born midfielder Thiago Motta, who has startedall three games, is injured, suffering a hamstring strain that makes him doubtful for Sunday’s European Championship quarterfinal against England. Azzurri team doctor Enrico Castellacci said Motta, who has played as Italy’s most advanced midfielder, was able to train but his fitness […]
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Hodgson brings Inter experience to showdown with Italy
Englishman Roy Hodgson, who speaks Italian and has an intimate knowledge of Serie A after coaching Inter Milan, is plotting Italy’s downfall in Euro 2012.This subplot is one of many embedded in the Euro 2012 quarterfinal between two of the world’s great soccer nations that have rarely played in a major tournament. Although he possessesold-fashioned […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Juve bails on North America tour
[WORLD FOOTBALL CHALLENGE] Italian champion Juventus has pulled out of its summer North America tour, canceling matches to play D.C. United in Washington, ParisSt. Germain in Montreal and Real Madrid in Las Vegas. D.C. United is looking to find a replacement for Juve, which was scheduled to play a July 28 friendly at RFK Stadium. […]
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Mario Balotelli told to grow up
Mario Balotelli is not talking to the Italian press, but teammate Daniele De Rossi talked about the controversialManchester City striker, whom he says must grow up or risk undermining Italy’s chances against England in Sunday’s quarterfinals. “He’s a great player,” said De Rossi, a holdover fromItaly’s 2006 World Cup championship team, “so if he wants […]
Posted inSection 2 Around the Net, Story
Balotelli outburst remains mystery
Mario Balotelli lived up to his reputation for being unpredictable as he came off the bench to score a sensational second goal in Italy’s 2-0 win overIreland — then instead of celebrating, seemed angry and started to shout something in the general direction of his own bench. He was stopped from continuing his rant by […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Captain Keane credits 'Il Trap' for Irish rebirth
Los Angeles Galaxy forward Robbie Keane, Ireland’s all-time leading scorer, will captain the team Sunday when it opens the European Championshipagainst Croatia. An estimated 20,000 fans are in Poznan for the game, and Keane credits Ireland’s 73-year-old Italian coach, Giovanni Trapattoni,with building support behind the team. “The job the manager has done has been great,” […]
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Euro 2012 Preview: Spain is Group C favorite
PREDICTION. 1. Spain, 2. Italy, 3. Croatia, 4. Ireland. NAME YOU KNOW. You probably know him by the name ofMario Balotelli, born in Sicily to Ghanaian immigrants and raised by an Italian family. At 21, he is already one of the world best players and surely one of themost controversial. But UEFA has registered him […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
More Italy injury worries
[EURO 2012 COUNTDOWN] Italy is hopeful young star Mario Balotelli will be fit for the Azzurri’s Group C opener againstdefending champion Spain at Euro 2012 on Sunday. Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said the controversial Balotelli should be fit for the gameeven though he injured his abductor muscle during training on Monday. Right back Christian Maggio […]
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Montreal opens up Serie A player pipeline
In just a few months, the Montreal Impact has signed almost as many Italian players as have previously played during the entire history of Major League Soccer. Marco Di Vaio is the latest to sign up with the MLS expansion franchise. He will be formally introduced at a press conference Monday, and upon the opening […]