If you have been curious to know what the Italian national team will look like when it lines up against the U.S. national team in Monday's Confederations Cup opener for both teams, today is your chance to see the "Azzurri".
Italy will face New Zealand today in a friendly in South Africa (4:40pm, GolTV). The match should provide a glimpse of just what Bob Bradley and his team will be in store for come Monday. If you haven't seen the Italian roster, here it is:
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GOALKEEPERS: Amelia (Palermo), Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Galatasaray).
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DEFENDERS: Cannavaro (Juventus), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Gamberini (Fiorentina), Grosso (Lyon), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Santon (Inter), Zambrotta (Milan).
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MIDFIELDERS: Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Montolivo (Fiorentina), Palombo (Sampdoria), Pirlo (Milan).
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STRIKERS: Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus), Pepe (Udinese), Quagliarella (Napoli), Rossi (Villarreal), Toni (Bayern Munich).
If you won't be able to see today's match, don't worry, SBI will be offering a detailed breakdown of all three of the U.S. team's opponents during the Confederations Cup so stay tuned for that.
Will you be watching today's match? Do you think the U.S. team can take a point or three from its match vs. Italy? Excited about Monday's match, or are you more worried? Waiting to see Italy play before you start thinking about Monday?
Share your thoughts below.
Dawg, you seem to know a lot about the thoughts of others.
You’ll have to explain to me what “my” notion of dual citizenship is, because I thought I did agree with FIFA that you shouldn’t be able to switch national teams after you were capped for one. Otherwise it WOULD turn into a situation like choosing Man U or Barcelona, and some players would float around trying to bend rules and see who could give them the best chance to win in any year.
And I realize ‘blind patriotism’ and ‘American exceptionalism’ are a little over-the-top, but reading over your posts, there are elements of those things in them. It seems like you are just voicing the decision you would make, without really knowing the position and thought process of the people we are talking about.
You say it is about national identity (life-long loyalty, emotions, family, way of life, culture, etc), not like choosing a club team.
Why wouldn’t that have been the basis of Rossi’s decision?
Family – his parents were Italian immigrants, and his father encouraged him to play in Italy.
Culture – he lived in an Italian soccer academy from age 13, and, once again, his parents were Italian.
Way of life – same as culture
Life-long loyalty – considering he has dual citizenship, it’s not as though this is a mutually exclusive decision, and considering half his life has been in Italy, and his parents, even though YOUR loyalty might be to the US, there is no reason Rossi is under an obligation to put the US ahead of Italy. He’s picking a soccer team; it’s not as though he’s selling nuclear secrets to enemies.
And don’t forget that Adu considered playing for Ghana as well, but in the end opted for the US, which I am grateful for (and I’d like to see him get more time).
Considering how much Adu seems to enjoy the spotlight, I don’t think it is ridiculous to guess that part of his motivation IS to help his path to stardom, that is probably what has motivated a lot of the things he has done – no offense to Ghana, but I think the US has a slightly more influential media and bigger stage (and more $) for sports stars.
I don’t doubt one bit that he considers himself an American and that is the reason he plays for us. But it would be naive to leave out the other part of the equation. (I’m also sure that he considers himself a Ghanaian as well).
So, please don’t make Rossi out as some kind of traitor – he made a decision between two viable options, he didn’t choose evil over good.
And don’t make Freddy out to be better than he is.
And please refrain from telling me what my opinions and thoughts are, and I apologize if I misrepresented any of yours (although sometimes they were incomprehensible/contradictory).
Dawg,
The problem is that national identity is not a black and white issue anymore. Actually, sometimes it borders on the illogical.
How do you explain the Cuban-Americans in Miami – no matter what generation – known for wrapping themselves very tight with the American flag, but still have an strong emotional allegiance to Cuba and speak fondly of it (not its government.)
How do you explain political refugees who flee the horrors of their countries and as grateful as they are to their host countries, they still yearn to go back some day? Does Neven Subotic ring a bell? Mac Kandji of the Red Bulls has expressed a desire to play for either Senegal or Gambia and he is in this country as a refugee.
What about the newer generation of kids from mixed marriages of immigrants, where the parents raise their children speaking many languages and expose them to other cultures?
What about kids whose parents move constantly for work or other circumstances? There are quite a few American kids with one European parent and get an EU passport, and live all over the place? Eventually some of them are only American on paper.
Cheers
Wiley,
Really? Blind patriotism and American exceptionalism?
Adu is playing for the US not because its a fast path to stardom, but because he considers himself (rightly) an American. Doesn’t that count for something in your book?
This debate is not the difference between playing for Man U or Barcelona. Rather, its national identity: life-long loyalty, emotions, family, way of life, culture, etc.
Don’t try to paint me with some sort of xenophobe label. I love the fact that the US team is made up of Americans whose roots are from places all over the world. That was true in the early days of the national team renaissance and is to some degree still true: Dooley (Germany), Ramos (Uruguay), Preki (Yugoslavia), Altidore (Haiti), etc. In every case they threw their lot in with their adopted country, the country of their citizenship and ultimate loyalty. The point is there is no going back.
By the way FIFA disagrees with your notion of dual citizenship; while technically correct, you omit the fact that while someone can claim dual citizenship, they can’t claim loyalties that switch over time, and certainly not after age 21. Hence the disgusting college footballesque recruitment of teenagers that goes on worldwide.
And finally, the US is not guiltless in this enterprise either. If you’re old enough, like me, to remember the 1998 WC debacle, then you’ll no doubt remember the fact that we naturalized David Regis through marriage, and the fact that he became a starter two months before the world cup, helped destroy the team chemistry and added to the teams dismal performance.
Lucked into the championshp. proved best team doesnt win. Always overated.Challenging Mex for more naturalized players.
Very beatable.
If Mcbride not offsides us beats them on Beasleys goal. They are so bad Mex tied them in a WC acouple years ago also. Didnt they also lose to Cameroon?
Some of the comments about Rossi are so out there that it’s not funny.
Rossi’s situation is one the first of many to come given the nature of this country’s population makeup. Immigration is a complicated issue and in these times of globalization many children are born with many options for nationality. Either by birth or by right of blood, and not just in the US.
The unfortunate thing is that many do not understand the dynamics of national identity among immigrants and studies have shown that it does not develop until after the second generation. Ties to our ancestor’s countries of origin and culture are stronger the closer we are to the boat that brought them here. It is very easy to forget if you are the 10th generation in this country.
So there is no right or wrong way to decide. It is all personal and keep in mind that the US has benefited the same way to the expense of other countries, even in more outrageous circumstances (does anyone remember David Regis and Tomas Dooley?)
Cheers
PDXDawg, you are embarrassing yourself with silly American exceptionalism and blind patriotism.
The Adu/Rossi comparison is spot on, and if anything, Adu’s decision was more “traitorous.”
ADU
-Born in Ghana to a Ghanaian family
-Lived here since he was 8 (according to you)
-Chose the US over Ghana for soccer
ROSSI
-Born in the US to Italian immigrant Parents
-Moved to Italy when he was 13
-Chose Italy over the US for soccer
BOTH have dual citizenship
So, if we look at the facts, Adu turned his back on the country he was born in and the country his immediate family is from.
Rossi opted for the country his immediate family is from over the country he was born in.
Finally, the gap between Italy and the US is far greater than that between Ghana and the US (and according to the most recent World Cup, Ghana is better than the US).
I want the US to win as much as anybody, but you don’t have to be a jerk and insult someone who made a decision to try and make it with the best in the world.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_football_players_with_dual_nationality
Look up the US on that link – we would be in sorry shape if we only used players born in the US.
rules are rules. But FIFA should change them.
can’t stand Camoranesi. ugly, dirty b@#tard.
For those who wish injury upon Rossi for HIS decision…You too shall suffer from finding joy in another’s pain.
I’m a US fan but you’re all forcing me to wish Rossi scores and Italy wins with your ridiculous, childish behavior.
don’t hate the Italians, don’t hate Rossi…I just think he’s a tool because he turned his back on the country of his birth and citizenship. Adu is an American, as is Rossi. IF Rossi wants to renounce his citizenship then so be it. The Adu/Rossi comparison is bogus.
People need to stop with the Rossi hate and grow up. The guy was 13/14 years old when he moved to Italy. He spent most of his developmental time there (soccer and as a human being) and obviously relates more with that culture.
Adu did the same thing but the other way around and I don’t see anyone calling him a traitor. Stop being hypocrites.
Posted by: Justin | June 10, 2009 at 03:19 PM
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IVES enjoys the hate and that’s why it gets posted here.
RAISE YOUR STANDARDS IVES /
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I don’t get this hating on Italy. They won in 2006 because they played the best football.
Hope Rossi breaks his leg, though.
Posted by: Chris | June 10, 2009 at 04:05 PM
……………………….
“I hate those Italian bastards.”
Posted by: Mad Maynard from “Eurotrip” | June 10, 2009 at 02:40 PM
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Some of you have no class and just TRASH.
and
Ives must agree with all the hate and racism against Italians, etc to let posters vent their stupid comments here.
You should change your site to:
Soccer By Ives
The world of soccer with an American TRASH
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Raise your standards IVES !!!
Ditto Don
While I don’t REALLY wish for Rossi to get hurt, I do find it incredible that the little prima donna has gotten a pass from the majority of folks on this board, and that there’s little sense of loyalty from many of you. Many seem to think that he’d be stupid for not playing for the Azzuri since its available to him. Ridiculous and Lame. He’s a tool for not honoring the country that he’s a citizen of, and all FIFA rules that allow this kind of thing are a sham. Neuville, for example, should have to play for Switzerland, Klose for Poland and Rossi should have to play for the US or no one. I don’t care who his grandparents are.
As for the illogical comparison of Adu and Rossi? Uh…Adu is a US citizen, and has lived here since age 8. If Rossi wants to renounce his citizenship so he can play for Italy, then be my guest. The issue is that hundreds of international players play out of convenience for the country of their choice. Again a sham.
For the record, I don’t want Rossi to get hurt, and I don’t want to see Oguchi get carded, though I would like him to shut Rossi down Borgetti style.
jake o, you are not alone.
Ives, when are you going to ban those who advocate “breaking an opponents leg”? If extensive swearing and personal attacks are improper, why is advocating a crime permissible?
You know what I get tired of hearing about? How the US has to qualify in an “Easy” region and that’s why we get no respect.
Score today:
England 6 – 0 Andorra…
Must be tough playing Andorra… hate the soccer media.
If the US can play without being itmidated we could do ok. Those first 20 minutes where the US tries to get comfortable will be important. We can’t give up an early goal.
Hey PDXDawg, I hope Essien breaks Adu’s leg if Adu ever gets to play on the same field as him in the future. What kind of jerk hopes a player gets injured because they didn’t play for the national team said jerk wanted? Get a life…
Wiley said:
He picked Italy, get over it. Who wouldn’t pick Italy when the US was the other option (and your parents were Italian immigrants, and you were groomed in Italy’s youth system)?
To Wiley-
I wouldn’t if I was AMERICAN. Since I am, I would pick the country of my birth, and play for the US. This is why I hope Gooch breaks Rossi’s leg-even if it costs him a red card.
PDXDawg
A bit of news about Rossi:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/10/sports/soccer/10rossi.html?ref=sports
Cheers
I am really excited for this game. I feel there is a very small rivalry between these two countries after their 1-1 red card-filled debacle in Germany.
As long as we don’t go down a goal early we stand a chance of getting some points.
I hope our backline learns to step up and pressure a player coming at our goal, or they will pick their spots easily and Howard will have himself a busy day in the office.
I’ve run out of cliches…
whats up with FIFA screwing the US every year in the “group of death” wouldn’t groups of: Brazil, Italy, Egypt, New Zealand and Spain, US, RSA, Iraq be more fare?
If anything this game is probably going to be bad news for the US. Italy usually needs a wake up call type of game before it starts taking things seriously. This was just a friendly, but if struggling against New Zealand doesn’t wake them up, nothing will.
@ag nigrin: 1) You are missing my point, age doesn’t matter when comparing the teams. Anyone with half a brain would take the experienced gramps of Italy over anyone the Nats could offer up. Quality and discipline trumps pure athleticism.
2) Tell me who on the Nats with the exception of Howard would regularly play with a Serie A team? Edu, maybe? Surely not Dempsey. No way Donovan after the Munich failure.
Italy were not even good at the last world cup. Did any of you guys watch?
@Anthony… You have got to be joking… Most of the players on this Italian team are 30+…
and what quality are you talking about? Serie A is no longer what it used to be… You are the typical arrogant Italiano. If you think this game will be a romp for the Whiners/Floppers/Thugs you call the Azzurri you are delusional… If they can just barely beat NZ even in just a friendly then that bodes well for the USMNT… We will see what happens on Monday…
hope Boca breaks Rossi turn-coat leg
Socrates:
my question was entirely rhetorical, as Mussolini ws the brutal Italian dictator at the time. Hitler’s ally. Known as “Il Duce.”
But, thanks for expanding my knowledge of football history!
Terror-
Wiki says Pozzo coached the back-to-back World Cup winning teams in 34 and 38.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italy_national_football_team
While its fun to pretend the game will close b/c of 2006, Azzurri are going to run all over the Nats.
Sure some of the players are showing some age, but even the grampas of Italy (Cannavaro, Cameronessi, Zambrotta, Toni) are all light years ahead in quality compared to the anyone on the USMNT. Not to mention they are loaded with young talent waiting in the wings.
As for Rossi, yeah, I’m sure that was a tough call for him. Hmm, world champs or perpetual losers with an dolt head coach and no fan base?
finally a rematch of that bulls*it game in 2006. hopefully being outside of europe the nats can pull this one.
Italy confed cup kit
http://www.seethecup.com/2009-confederations-cup/photo-italys-new-kit/
It’s gone final a 4–3. No NZ goals came from the run of play, and all 3 could be at least partially blamed on poor goalkeeping.
USA will receive no such gifts with Buffon in for Amelia.
On the attack, Italians looked dangerous with both sets of attackers (starters and subs).
Btw, Andorra, down 3-0, but still playing in the tried and true 5-5-0 formation! All players are within 25-30 yards of own goal.
Did I read that earlier post correctly. The Ities are going to wear their 1938 light blue uniforms?? 1938?? Wasn’t that the year that Mussolini coached the team?
Wow… every player but Toni plays in Serie A, and 7 are from Juventus!
Posted by: Kevin | June 10, 2009 at 04:32 PM
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??
De Sanctis (Galatasaray)
Dossena (Liverpool)
Grosso (Lyon)
Rossi (Villarreal)
Toni (Bayern Munich)
Wow… every player but Toni plays in Serie A, and 7 are from Juventus!
Posted by: Kevin |
Italy has 4 or 5 from outside Serie A this year (all WC06 players were playing in Italy).
pretty impressive for new zealand to score 3 times on the Azzurri. hopefully the united states can score just as many but have a better D
Judging from their last 2 outings and the impressive Italian roster, I’m going to say we will not be able to take any points against Italy. I hope I’m wrong though. Who knows, we might bring up our game a notch for that match. I’ll be watching the Italy match. Three minutes left!
Wow… every player but Toni plays in Serie A, and 7 are from Juventus!
Hey Rossi WHO? I hate to say this (not really) but you’re a ridiculous hypocrite. Born in the US, play for the US, no other options huh? So you agree then that Adu should have played for Ghana right, because if you disagree then you’re full of crap. And of course all the many former US players (Thomas Dooley and Ernie Stewart, for starters) born in other countries. Please explain how that’s different from Rossi’s decision. Next time think briefly before making stupid, hypocritical comments…
Italy 4–3 NZ and Italy looking like they could add 2 or 3 more if they care to.
73′ Iaquinta again tapping in after NZ keeper left a rebound on a Montolivo shot.
Most NZ players are out of season b/c they play in A-League.
68′ Iaquinta score on good long through pass from Pirlo. 2 subs combine to make it look easy. 3-3.
66′ Zambrotta for Danton
Other comments given:
– 3500 Italian fans with tickets for this NZ match.
– Tickets still available (70% sold) for Confed Cup, but not for Italy-Brazil.
– It will be cold, especially for night games.
My new favorite us player will be the one who just knocks the crap out of rossi or de rossi
I don’t think we have a chance of beating gli azzuri on monday to be honest. We had more than tough time playing costa rica, and costa rica is no italy. I’ll root for USA to win but since my family is italian, i’m really ok with whoever wins.
The italian team is clearly very old, and i doubt they make it past the round of 16 in the world cup this year. However i watched them play northern ireland this weekend and their young players showed promise. Youngsters like rossi, giovinco, montolivo, aquilani, de rossi, cerci, santon, pablo osvaldo, and foggia (who had a great game) all lead me to believe that the 2014 world cup will be a great tournament for the azzuri.
I wonder if Camoranesi has learned the italian nat’l anthem yet…. hadn’t known it ’06 and took heat for it…. see if hes learned his lesson.