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Italy versus Croatia - Good Game but Disappointing Result | Print |  E-mail
Written by Larry Aiello   
Friday, 15 June 2012 12:33

The Italian soccer team played another inspiring first half of football in the EuroCup Finals earlier today, only to show weakness in the second-half by letting Croatia equalize in the 72nd minute. The Azzurri totally dominated the game in the first half, but squandered a couple of good chances to really put away the Croatian team.

This is a team that Cesare Prandelli, the Italian coach, put together with more of an emphasis on youth.  They shouldn't be tiring at the end of the games.  Mario Balotelli, the gifted striker again wasted a couple of good opportunities to put the ball in the net. For the second straight game, Antonio Di Natale came in to provide a spark, but this time was not able to get that goal like he did against Spain.

It was Andrea Pirlo's freekick from just outside the box in the 32nd minute that gave the Italians a 1-0 lead.  It sailed a few inches of the heads of the defending wall and curved right into the goal.  It was a beautiful kick.

However, they got too comfortable and played what's called "prevent defense", and by not continuing to attack, they let the Croatian team back into the game, and perhaps wilted away their chance of advancing to the next round.

With Spain winning earlier today over Ireland, the fate of Italy's beloved soccer team does not rest in its own hands.  Gli Azzurri will have to hope for a win against the Irish, which may not be that difficult after they are already eliminated and dejected after a pounding by Spain.

However, the Irish team is coached by Giovanni Trappatoni, a paisan that knows the Italian-style of futbol in intricate detail.

Then they have to hope for a victor in the game between Spain versus Croatia.  A draw will send the Italian team back home with another disappointing showing in a major soccer tournament.

 

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