OK, let's start this one early...
Well you all know who I want to win. Without being Italian by passport, I feel it in every other way and for Italy to win on Sunday would be not only as good as England winning it but better (and more likely).
But will we?
France are a good side, maybe surprise finalists but there and by merit. So can Italy beat them? The solid back four are yet to concede other than a freak own goal but they haven't played against Henry yet.
I'd say Italy will come out on top about 3-1.
And then it's party time!
Originally posted by asromacalcioHave Italy conceded a goal this tournament?
OK, let's start this one early...
Well you all know who I want to win. Without being Italian by passport, I feel it in every other way and for Italy to win on Sunday would be not only as good as England winning it but better (and more likely).
But will we?
France are a good side, maybe surprise finalists but there and by merit. So can Italy bea ...[text shortened]... nst Henry yet.
I'd say Italy will come out on top about 3-1.
And then it's party time!
Hmm, tough one. Neither team has looked like world-beaters (sorry, but it's true) so it could go either way.
However, I feel France have been more fortunate than Italy (except for the Aus game 😉) so far, and I think their luck will run out.
Italy to win, I reckon, by one goal.
Originally posted by VargSure Italy may have conceded 1 goal and France 2 goals. but France and Italy are world beaters. But take this into consideration....
Have Italy conceded a goal this tournament?
Hmm, tough one. Neither team has looked like world-beaters (sorry, but it's true) so it could go either way.
However, I feel France have been more fortunate than Italy (except for the Aus game 😉) so far, and I think their luck will run out.
Italy to win, I reckon, by one goal.
1. USA, Czech and Brazil(they aren't invincible. they were beaten by uruguay) are overrated!
2. Ghana, Australia, Ukraine, Switzerland (not 1 goal against them!), South Korea and France are underrated.
3. Italy hasn't been in a final since '94 (mind you it was a penalty shoot out)
4. France has ben in a final 8 years ago (home turf doesn't mean s**t)
5. Italy hasn't won a world cup since '82
6. France won it 8 years ago
7. Italy won on french soil in '38
And Finally...
8. There is a Match fixing scandal in Italy with Serie A.(Italy's big players[Buffon, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Del Piero, Gilardino{correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't he play for Lazio?}, Iaquinta and Totti] all play for either Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Lazio, Sampdoria, and AS Roma) The fate of these clubs are at stake on July 9th. the day of the Final. Which will intimidate these players. If you didn't know Juve is up for relegation to Serie C and the others to Serie B excluding AS, Inter and Sampdoria.
Argue all you want but all this points to France winning 4-1 Henry scoring 2 of them giving Klose the Golden boot and either C. Ronaldo, Trezeguet, Totti or Gilardino the "Ballon d'Or" (golden ball). let's see if i'm right
P.S. back in May 19th i predicted France would win the cup. I had doubts when Cisse got injured. but all that was false dobut. Go France Forza My A** you robbing I-Ties! We will get revenge soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mark My Words.
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Originally posted by CrUiZeRJust a few points, Gilardino plays for Milan. The last time Italy won was on the back of another similar scandal. It doesn't seem to have intimidated them so far, anzi, the opposite seems to have happened. Buffon especially, the only player to be investigated individually, has been outstanding this World Cup. There is no threat to Roma, Sampdoria and Inter, it is only Juve, Milan, Fiorentina and Lazio threatened with relegation, which you would think would mean that they'd lose the players at this tournament. Logically, these players performing well in a final of this nature will mean that they have more chance of landing a decent contract next season.
8. There is a Match fixing scandal in Italy with Serie A.(Italy's big players[Buffon, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Del Piero, Gilardino{correct me if i'm wrong but doesn't he play for Lazio?}, Iaquinta and Totti] all play for either Juventus, AC Milan, Inter, Lazio, Sampdoria, and AS Roma) The fate of these clubs are at stake on July 9th. the day of the is up for relegation to Serie C and the others to Serie B excluding AS, Inter and Sampdoria.
Your other points are well made, and although I don't want to tempt fate, I am surprised to see anybody predicting that Italy will let in four goals (in one game).
Good luck on Sunday.
I have the feeling it will be a final to remember. I've been behind Italy all along the tournament so I'm a bit torn now.
I think it would be a fitting finale for one of the game's greatest if France wins it. Coming back from NT retirement to help France qualify and then leading them to win the World Cup is one of those feats to remember in footballing history.
On the other hand, Italy have been great all along and if they play great football. The most offensive Italian side of the last years also deserves a win, for the quality of football played and for what it could mean for Italy's style of play in the future.
I think I'll root for France, though. Zidane deserves it, he was the best player I've ever saw on the field. A great leader with a velvet touch and a perfect reading of the game.
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Originally posted by asromacalcioAnd actually, Buffon is not under investigation for match fixing. He's being investigated for betting on games. As far as I know no player has been implicated in the match-fixing scandal.
. Buffon especially, the only player to be investigated individually, has been outstanding this World Cup.
But your overall point is right. If the Juve players are "intimidated" by the threat of relegation, they certainly haven't shown it. I haven't seen any signs of intimidation on the part of Buffon, Cannavaro, Zambrotta and Camoranesi, that's for sure.
Also, two of the French players (Thuram and Trezeguet) play for Juventus. So they'd have as much reason to be worried about the prospect of relegation as the Italians would.
Originally posted by CrUiZeRI'm France all the way, but I think it is a little unlikely that Trezeguet will win the Ballon d'Or as he has played only a few minutes in the whole tournament. I think more likely (if it is to be a French player) would be Zidane as he is a great player and has kept his skill to the very end. Of course that is the sentimental vote, and I don't think any Frenchman will win the Ballon D'Or as they play more as a team.
... either C. Ronaldo, Trezeguet, Totti or Gilardino the "Ballon d'Or" (golden ball). let's see if i'm right
My one concern is Abdigal who needs to be more sure of his ball control. I think Italy will punish these blunders more than Portugal could.
Via France!
Originally posted by jgvaccaroThanks, but I knew, I just wanted to keep it short (a rarity for my posts) so I didn't bring that bit up.
And actually, Buffon is not under investigation for match fixing. He's being investigated for betting on games. As far as I know no player has been implicated in the match-fixing scandal.
Originally posted by jgvaccaroJuve are going down. The only question is, Serie B or C? Cappello has quit and even the Juve lawyers have said the club are probably prepared to accept relegation and a points deduction as an 'acceptable punishment'. It's Milan and their .... vice-President Galliani that are less gallant in defeat.
And actually, Buffon is not under investigation for match fixing. He's being investigated for betting on games. As far as I know no player has been implicated in the match-fixing scandal.
But your overall point is right. If the Juve players are "intimidated" by the threat of relegation, they certainly haven't shown it. I haven't seen any signs of i ...[text shortened]... have as much reason to be worried about the prospect of relegation as the Italians would.
.... choose your own adjective.