And the Nesta Talk Begins
By: Martha | August 24th, 2007
The official prognosis isn’t even in yet on Marco Materazzi (the Inter site says, and I quote, “He will undergo routine checks during the day.” Great, thanks for that.), and the clamoring for the return of Sandro Nesta has already begun. He’s an obvious solution to the temporary hole in the Azzurri back line and, despite his long absence from the national team, his name alone does a lot to calm the nerves of people who were left in a panic at the dire defensive performance on Wednesday.
There’s an article in the print version of La Gazzetta (I can’t find it online, sorry) that seems to suggest Roberto Donadoni will not approach Nesta for a temporary return, but it’s hard for me to believe that someone with the FIGC wouldn’t give it a shot. I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? He’d say no, and they’d be right back where they started, praying Barzagli and Cannavaro pull it together once they’re in a game that really matters.
But would he say no, if the FIGC came begging? Aging though his body is, the temptation to play the hero would entice anyone, even those much older and more fragile that the Nesta. One imagines it would be a case of deciding for himself — away from the endless flattery Donadoni and the FIGC would surely be throwing around — whether he can still contribute at the top level, and if his presence on the pitch would make a difference to the good. Returning as a hero is one thing, but returning as a liability is quite another; Nesta is surely very conscious of his legacy and the awkwardness of a possible return, and would be loathe come back and hurt both himself and the team he’s trying to save.
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Comments
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Well, we saw what he’s really like in the last couple of months of the season after, what, a year and a half of bad form/injury? If he was to return to the Nazionale, and IF he was to perform at the level he did for Milan during the crunch CL games, he can save the day – I don’t see anyone in this back line who can contain Henry and Ribery otherwise, not at this stage. Nesta *might* be able to make a difference. Unfortunately he will not be able to win the match single-handedly for them, which is probably what will be expected of him?
I could be wrong, and Henry might be absolute pants – but he is still the guy who cut through Juve’s defence like it was butter in their 2006 CL game.
But it would make a great story if that last hurrah did happen. Sigh.
Posted from
United States
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I never thought I would see the day when the Italian calcio federation had to beg a retiree to come back and fill the hole of a single injury on a frickin’ azzurri centreback.
I could see it in Spain, Holland or Portugal – but Italy? What the hell?Posted from
Netherlands -
I was so disheartened to hear of Nesta’s retirement. I understood why he did it, but man he is something special and, if healthy, can hold the French attack at bay. If you look at the Azzurrini squad they’re loaded with forwards and midfielders but we don’t have much in the way of center backs that make you take notice. Chiellini maybe I guess. Perhaps it’s just the nature of a CB that they are valuable precisely when they don’t stand out. Who knows, but I don’t care how sad it is, Rickard. If Nesta can play, you ask him if he’d come back for a few.
Posted from
United States -
Yeah, I’m not so disheartened about actually asking Nesta to come back, just that we’re in a position where there doesn’t seem to be anyone to take over for Canna and Materazzi. (Although personally I have to question if Barzagli really is that untrustworthy?)
Posted from
Netherlands -
These players need to start playing, they are not match fit. I’m sure a solution will present itself, it always does. I’m not worried, whatever happens, happens. Just sit back and enjoy the match. Italy have nothing to prove to anyone except themselves. I think at this time bringing Nesta back for our two September qualifiers may ease a bit of the tension and perhaps allow us to settle down and play our game. France is quite predictable in the way they play. You know they are going to have more possession and they are going to rely heavily on Henry to create the magic up front. Ribery won’t be too much trouble especially if Zambrotta or Gattuso are covering him. Take away Thuram in the back and France are easily beaten. Remember France are weak on set plays, they do not defend them well, so win free kicks and corners and send in some nice crosses for Toni to get on the end of. You basically have to work with what you got. This team didn’t win the world cup because they were the best team in the tournament, they won because every player was capable of scoring and creating something. We have to get this mentality back than we’ll be OK.
Posted from
Canada -
OH NO! I heard Carnavarro picked up an injury to. Well we better get on the phone with Maldini!
Posted from
Canada
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