lost the final 2-0 to Spain, but achieved a solid qualification. A Mario Balotelli-inspired victory over Germany in the semi-final of the Euros has led fans to believe that Cesare Prandelli’s team can really put pressure on the favourites at this summer’s tournament. Whilst 2010 has now been accepted as a blip there will be no excuses for a repeat. The squad is now more balanced, with young players like Balotelli, Stephan El-Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio slotting in alongside wise old heads such as Daniele de Rossi, Gianluigi Buffon and there is even a suggestion that Francesco Totti may return after a stunning season with Roma.
So after surrendering with barely a whimper in South Africa both countries have much to prove. Both have a new manager, a new squad and exciting new talents ready to make their names on the international stage. However, for England there has been no breeding of optimism under Roy Hodgson. A European Championships characterised by sturdy defending and a lack of flair, which was then repeated in a dour qualifying campaign, it has left many in England wondering whether the current squad can even make it out of the group.
Italian optimism was boosted by a fantastic European Championships, in which they
So after surrendering with barely a whimper in South Africa both countries have much to prove. Both have a new manager, a new squad and exciting new talents ready to make their names on the international stage. However, for England there has been no breeding of optimism under Roy Hodgson. A European Championships characterised by sturdy defending and a lack of flair, which was then repeated in a dour qualifying campaign, it has left many in England wondering whether the current squad can even make it out of the group.
Italian optimism was boosted by a fantastic European Championship, in which they lost the final 2-0 to Spain, but achieved a solid qualification. A Mario Balotelli-inspired victory over Germany in the semi-final of the Euros has led fans to believe that Cesare Prandelli’s team can really put pressure on the favourites at this summer’s tournament. Whilst 2010 has now been accepted as a blip there will be no excuses for a repeat. The squad is now more balanced, with young players like Balotelli, Stephan El-Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio slotting in alongside wise old heads such as Daniele de Rossi, Gianluigi Buffon and there is even a suggestion that Francesco Totti may return after a stunning season with Roma.
So after surrendering with barely a whimper in South Africa both countries have much to prove. Both have a new manager, a new squad and exciting new talents ready to make their names on the international stage. However, for England there has been no breeding of optimism under Roy Hodgson. A European Championships characterised by sturdy defending and a lack of flair, which was then repeated in a dour qualifying campaign, it has left many in England wondering whether the current squad can even make it out of the group.
Italian optimism was boosted by a fantastic European Championship, in which they lost the final 2-0 to Spain, but achieved a solid qualification. A Mario Balotelli-inspired victory over Germany in the semi-final of the Euros has led fans to believe that Cesare Prandelli’s team can really put pressure on the favourites at this summer’s tournament. Whilst 2010 has now been accepted as a blip there will be no excuses for a repeat. The squad is now more balanced, with young players like Balotelli, Stephan El-Shaarawy and Mattia De Sciglio slotting in alongside wise old heads such as Daniele de Rossi, Gianluigi Buffon and there is even a suggestion that Francesco Totti may return after a stunning season with Roma.
ALI HAGGIS
MARIO BAlotelli
italy vs germany