Azzurri Suffering

Nothing has changed since the first day I began watching World Cup Football. Why is it that Italy always makes me sweat up until the final pass, shot, or minute? Tonight was a perfect opportunity to join Paraguay at the top of the group table and almost eliminate New Zealand and Slovakia from the tournament. Instead, we have left the door open and put pressure on ourselves to ensure we beat Slovakia. NZ deserved the result. Although we pressed and were unlucky with chances to Montolivo and Di Natale, NZ held out and gave the Italians a taste of their own medicine with a tactically balanced performance. The goal by Smeltz was clearly offside but at the other end the foul on De Rossi to earn the penalty was ‘soft’ at the very best. I am still reasonably content with the way Italy is playing going forward but I can see some frailties developing when or if we play a stronger team. A win against the Slovaks in four days time is a must. I’ll be there, in Azzurro blue, willing Cannavaro and the boys onward toward the second round. Forza Ragazzi!