Group C: Netherlands v italy

[Missing Post Count]

italy have only ever been defeated by the Netherlands twice before in 15 attempts – the last coming in the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
The Netherlands suffered heartache in their Euro 2000 semi-final against the italian’s on home soil – losing on penalties after the two sides played out a goalless draw in Amsterdam.
The Dutch also missed two penalties during the actual game in Euro 2000.
Their last meeting came in November 2005 in the Netherlands – a game in which the italians prevailed 3-1 thanks to goals from alberto gilardino, mauro camoranesi and luca toni whilst the now injured Ryan Babel scored a consolation for the Dutch.

[TM87]

IMO 1-1 DRAW

[Bomber]

1-1

[COLOSSUS]

The Italians generally start most tournaments in 1st gear and because of that i would say a 1-1 draw. BUT, they have too much class for the Dutch, and the fact that i reckon there is discontent within the Dutch camp with Van Basten, im tipping Italy 1 nil

[Piola]

Dont think we'll be winning this game 1-0

we will score goals and concede them too

Italy 2-1

if things go extra well, 3-1

[ruud]

our team is a LOT stronger than it was when italy beat us 3-1 in a friendly

i still have nightmares about our game at euro2000.... fuck we should have won that game....

ill be happy with a draw, 1-1 or so.

Then we need to finish off our games with a win against france and romania

[Missing Post Count]

I'm predicting the Dutch to win this 2-1.

[skins]

2-0 win delpiero with the double

[HMFC]

I think this one will end even. 0-0.

Hope i'm wrong.

C'mon the Dutch.

[The Kop]

Dutch have more creativity in their side, Italy have the better defensive unit.
Depending on how well Toni gets supplied.

0-0

[medallion]

Italy have always been a strong defensive outfit, but without their World Cup hero Cannavaro they could be left 1 world class defender short of copping a few goals. Italy will come out and play their slow movement of the ball type game but I think you'll find that the natural attcking instincts of Van Basten will instruct his team to go all out attack. Why wouldn't you, with attacking options such as Huuntelaar, Van Persie, Van Nistelrooy, Babel and Hesselink. This match is the game all football fans have been waiting for in Euro 08. It promises to be a blockbuster, and hopefully it delivers otherwise there could be a lot of disappointed zombies walking around at work tommorrow.

[Piola]

I think we have an attack just as good too

-------Gattuso----Pirlo---De Rossi

Camo-----------------------------Di Natale
------------------Toni

Di Natale is in career best form, he is the man who I'm predicting will tear apart this Dutch defence. Camo on the right has been very good for Juve this year, and Toni, not much more needs to be said. Best striker in the world right now in terms of scoring record. With Pirlo creating there will be no shortage of service.

Of all 3 group matches, this is the one that I can't see us losing at all.

[ruud]

robben is going to miss all group games....

i think its time we stop calling him up to the dutch squad...

he is way too unreliable, everyone knew this would happen

[delfino_1936]

i think this is the one game we could almost certainly win!!

i think if we can bag 2 we won't let it slip

[Juventino]

Italia 2-1

[chelsea91]

Italia 2-1

[ronaldo07]

2 vs 1

[Translator]

Materazzi hasn't been in good form all year, last month of the season he seemed to move easier but still not convinced. Personally I thought he was lucky to make the squad on current form.

If he starts it's a worrying sign. Personally I reckon this is the weakest Italian defence I've ever seen. Mind you still makes it better than most others

[Piola]

Materazzi hasn't been in good form all year, last month of the season he seemed to move easier but still not convinced. Personally I thought he was lucky to make the squad on current form.

If he starts it's a worrying sign. Personally I reckon this is the weakest Italian defence I've ever seen. Mind you still makes it better than most others

it probably is the weakest, but the likes of Matrix and Gamberini would be walk up starters in other national teams. None of the Dutch defenders would even make our squad, so even as the worst Italian defence in recent memory, doesnt make it useless.

I dont think Matrix will start but I wouldnt pair him with Chiellini or Panucci at any time. Makes no sense to have 2 'risky' players in central defence together.

[Translator]

Materazzi hasn't been in good form all year, last month of the season he seemed to move easier but still not convinced. Personally I thought he was lucky to make the squad on current form.

If he starts it's a worrying sign. Personally I reckon this is the weakest Italian defence I've ever seen. Mind you still makes it better than most others

it probably is the weakest, but the likes of Matrix and Gamberini would be walk up starters in other national teams. None of the Dutch defenders would even make our squad, so even as the worst Italian defence in recent memory, doesnt make it useless.

I dont think Matrix will start but I wouldnt pair him with Chiellini or Panucci at any time. Makes no sense to have 2 'risky' players in central defence together.

same as what I was saying, I just said it with more words

I'd rather Maicon Cordoba Samuel Chivu

[BAGGIO 15]

Italia 2-1

[ruud]

2 vs 1

[Roman Gladiator 04]

babel out, robben out, van persie out

3-1

[ForzaChievo]

FORZA ITALIA

[ComeOnYouBlues]

Come on Italy (one of the only times i will say this), But i have money on them to win the tournament

[username]

italy 2 - netherlands 1

[olympiakos]

this one will be worth losing sleep over, where are the italians watching this one?

[LFTWNG11]

at home and getting very nervous.. still peaking about Canna!!!

I wont make a prediction...

[LFTWNG11]

good start, suprised Ruud didnt go down... commentators are gay

[Missing Post Count]

suprised Ruud didnt go down...

That makes two of us, but credit to him.