Bloggin On..

FOOTBALL


EURO 2008 is coming soon into our television and of course this is no small matter to all the football fans all over the world. EURO not only viewed by European only but almost all countries in the whole world will set their eyes on this tournament. Scouts from different clubs coming from various countries will watch any player on their shortlist. Tournament like usually will increase a price of a player that plays well and clubs will be sure to wrap the deal for their targets before the tournament or at the very least at the beginning of the tournament. There are several players that still undecided regarding their future that will compete in Euro '08. Valencia had a lot of trouble last season and even though they ended up winning Copa Del Rey, their season is not something to be remembered by fans. 3 managers last season is a good evidence on how Valencia is having trouble last season. Many players will get the ax during the transfer window and maybe..just maybe David Villa will be one of those player that checking out of Mestalla.

17 million pounds are reported to be the tag price of David Villa. Even though he will not decide his future until after Euro, moving to Premier League maybe a good idea for him. He is lethal, has a very good technique and not afraid to get physical, I have no doubt that he will be quickly adapting just like Torres last season. The only problem is whether he will choose the right club to move. Real Madrid touted to be one of the front runner for his signature but this will certainly not too be a brilliant move for him as Madrid now have enough attacking power in their arsenal and David Villa will eventually be surplus to requirements. Chelsea and Arsenal will be a good choice for Villa. Chelsea will need to get rid Sheva and Pizza if they want to land the Valencia striker. It depends on who is going to be the manager for Chelsea next season. Villa need to be positioned as a forward, either a pure striker up front or as a forward that support the main striker, he can fit in both roles perfectly. If he will be used in the wing like Anelka mostly last season, then it will be a waste of money for Chelsea. Arsenal is another option for Villa but this will be highly unlikely since Wenger has stated that no big name will come in this transfer window but anything can happen in football. Villa will be perfect to duet with Adebayor up front with Ade will be playing as a target man and he also can pulls defender away from Villa with his technique. Spurs is another London club related with Villa but I don't think it will be a good move for him to Spurs as he will not play in Champions League next season but surprise are common in football world and expect one coming to you in this transfer window.

Another news related with Euro '08 is the injury of Italy captain, Fabio Cannavaro. As an Italy fan this is not a good news but it maybe just the right moment for the younger defenders to step up and prove themselves that they can replace the Canna-Nesta generation in the heart of Italy's defence which has been solid for a few years (until Nesta retired just after World Cup '06). Despite calling up Alessandro Gamberini, Giorgio Chiellini is expected to fill in the gap for Canna as a partner for Barzagli while Grosso and Zambrotta will take the wide position. Chiellini was originally a left back before being converted into a center back due to the injuries suffered by Juve defenders. He is tall, strong and quick and have experience as a central defender for Juve. He will be a suitable replacement for Canna and hopefully no scouts will be too much interested in him as I would like him to stay at Juve for life! (As I am a Juve fan of course..). I think Italy will do well in the Euro '08 despite placed in the group of death together with Netherlands and France. Italy's probable formation will be:

4-3-3

Buffon

Zambrotta Barzagli Chiellini Grosso

Gattuso Pirlo De Rossi

Camoranesi Toni Di Natale

Zambrotta can possibly shifted to the left in order for Panucci to take his place on the right back. This will give more aerial power to Italy as Panucci usually scores from set piece. Either way the formation has no weaknesses on it and should help Italy all the way to the final of the Euro '08.
Di Natale has been in a stunning form this season both for club and national team. The explosive winger could torment the defenders in Euro as there are not many defenders that will be familiar with him. Del Piero and Cassano are standing by just in case Camo and Di Natale under perform in Euro. Italy has no shortage of talent at all and justified as the favourite to win the championship.