Italy v Scotland: Well, That’s Better

By: Martha | March 28th, 2007

Happy Toni It’s amazing what an early goal can do for the shape of a game, huh? The Azzurri flat-out dominated the first 10-15 minutes of the match and, after Toni’s goal in the 11th (off a wonderful Oddo free kick — his service was great throughout the first half, and Toni squandered at least one other fantastic chance) they settled in and turned in a performance worthy of the World Champions. And it was about damn time.

It wasn’t as if Italy bossed the entire game — Scotland had some nice possession, particularly in the second half — but the Azzurri always looked confident, no matter what was going on: No moments of panic, no lapses in concentration, no carelessness anywhere. Just a solid, tight performance. (Hurrah!) Even when they kept the ball for extended periods of time, Scotland were never really able to find openings, and the last ball either went harmlessly out or right into Buffon’s hands.

Random odds and ends:

•De Rossi and Gattuso look fantastic together — it’s not pretty or smooth, per say, but they’re a very effective pair. I like.

•Best moment: When Zambrotta almost went handbags on a Scottish player for not noticing the hand he’d offered after a tackle. He grabbed the guy’s shirt and made a hand-shaking gesture, but then pouted and refused when the confused Scot offered his hand. Eventually he gave in, but it was a grudging shake. Who knew Zambrotta was one for such ceremony?

•Di Natale had two GIFTS and screwed them both up. And then he came off. Not such a good sign for the little Udine man.

•What with his team in Serie B and all, it’s been ages since I last saw Del Piero play. Note to self: He’s fun as hell to watch. I love watching players who look like they’re moving really slowly and yet somehow still see things before anyone else on the pitch. If only he didn’t play for Juve …

•For what it’s worth, Gila wasn’t even on the bench.

•Zambrotta (who is really scrawny these days — apparently he’s not getting enough pasta in Spain) takes the concept of an attacking back to a new level known as “flanks, shmanks.” This is a wingback who goes to goal right down the middle of the field, with the ball at his feet. Scares the hell out of me, but clearly everyone that matters is ok with it.