EURO 2008 Italy - Who will you choose in defense Materazzi or Chiellini?
By Anna
Italia
Covering the UEFA EURO 2008 from an Italian Perspective
Click here to find everything about the UEFA EURO 2008 Italian National Team
ItaliaCovering the UEFA EURO 2008 from an Italian Perspective
Click here to find everything about the UEFA EURO 2008 Italian National Team
With only 7 days to prepare for the first EURO 2008 match Netherlands - Italy, Italian Head Coach Roberto Donadoni must make a careful calculated decision on who to choose to replace the broken defense after Captain Fabio Cannavaro is out of the UEFA EURO 2008 for an ankle injury. Replacing Cannavaro is no piece of cake. So, only after examining the players during the training sessions, Donadoni will be able to make a decision that will determine the success of the Italian National Team starting from the first match on Monday, June 9 against Netherlands.
| UEFAEURO 2008 Group C Italy must win Group C. Challenge here are France and Netherlands MAKE YOUR BET today  Italy France  Netherlands Romania Only two of each group pass to the next round |
If you were Italy's coach, who would you pick in the defense between Inter defender Marco Materazzi and Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini? This is the dilemma for Donadoni, so why not giving a helping hand with your advice.
Donadoni already said that he won't make any tactical revolutionary change. Good thing is that Donadoni is not adopting a "defensive strategy" but going for the "offensive strategy" despite losing World Cup Champion Fabio Cannavaro.
Hey, I am happy for this approach because the catenaccio cannot be used in the first round of EURO 2008. Italy must adopt an offensive strategy, especially in the first match Netherlands - Italy.
The issue here is who to choose to accompany defender Andrea Barzagli. The options are Materazzi and Chiellini. Donadoni already decided that Roma defender Christian Panucci will be playing in the right side. I agree with this move because Panucci is used to this side with his team "la magica Roma."
| Buy your Official Italian National Team Gear Click Here (Jersey, Caps, Balls, etc)  |
The rest is history as you know that Materazzi was a key player for the victory of Italy as World Champions.
Can he do the same in the EURO 2008? I hope so because my guts tell me Materazzi will shine again in EURO 2008.
Challenge now is for defender Chiellini to keep focused and not having any guilty thought for clashing with Cannavaro causing him the ankle injury.
Good thing is that Cannavaro encouraged Chiellini not to feel guilty because it was just a plain accident and that could have happened in a real match. This is great from Cannavaro because Italy cannot afford to lose another player, like mentioned by Donadoni.
I will choose defender Marco Materazzi. Why? Is not that Materazzi is better than Chiellini, both are good defenders. Yet, the difference with Materazzi is with his personal determination and solid mental concentration. I think Materazzi will resist tension better than Chiellini and right now Italy need a strong and focused defense. Sure, both defenders are tall, but for me, the strongest wall is Materazzi.
Point is that Materazzi is a player that you either hate or love. As a Milanista, I don't like Materazzi when playing with Inter, but I love Materazzi when he plays with the Italian National team because I know we can count on that iron wall.
It's time to get united and motivated in Casa Azzurri. No time to lose concentration but go all for it on Monday, June 9 against Netherlands.
Forza Italia, come on Azzurri
So, who will you choose for EURO 2008 Italy's defense MATERAZZI or CHIELLINI and why?
Posted by Anna Italia at 6/3/2008 7:20 AM 
Categories: Juventus, Italian National Team, Inter Milan, Euro 2008, General Surveys
Categories: Juventus, Italian National Team, Inter Milan, Euro 2008, General Surveys
I will choose Materazzi. Not only because I am an inter Fan but like you mentioned even as a milanista you choose Materazzi because you know Italy can count on his iron will and good defense skills. My respect to your objectivity Anna.
Reply to this
Whether we like it or not, Materazzi is one of the best defenders. As long as Materazzi wears the Italian jersey, I will supporting him
Reply to this
Man, I hate to admit that Materazzi will be a better option in the defense right now instead of Chiellini. I already can see Mark laughing with his big Inter flag. What's your take?
Reply to this
I just couldn't resist to reply immediately to your response Pietro. As we speak, I am watching my big Inter banner in front of my computer and enjoying how at times we go into peace treaties with you milanisti. I am laughing and cheering for Materazzi.
FORZA MATERAZZI, I don't hear you Pietro!
Reply to this
Materazzi was a great defender. The key here is was and I’m being objective, no emotions involved. Chiellini is the better man for the Azzurri based on their performances with their respective teams this season. In addition, Materazzi is a red card waiting to happen or unnecessary plenty or foul. He is slow and out of form, but I hope he gets back to his old self. He is more experienced than Chiellini, but his current form is not good. We can’t pretend we did not see his sloppy tackles or being humiliated By Del piero in the Juve game. Do we need a repeat of that in the euro and against supper fast young players like Ribery?I still love all Azzurri players and continue to pray for them.
Reply to this
Nina, my dear twin sister, we have mixed opinions on Materazzi. I agree that Materazzi right now is not at his top condition and that Chiellini did a better job with Juventus this Season. Let's not forget that Materazzi also got injured and had to take time off for recovery.
Where I agree is on the risk of having Materazzi risking an unnecessary yellow card or even a RED one.
Sure, it was a total disgrace to see how our beloved DEL PIERO, excuse me, let me repeat it again, OUR BELOVED DEL PIERO, made a fool of Materazzi during the match with Juve. Yet, my guts tell me based on training reports that Materazzi will do a better job than Chiellini, at least in the first match.
I might change my opinion after the first match.
Ribery... that's a clear and present danger for Italia.
Reply to this
Dear twin,i hope the same because i like the Matrix and want him to do well for the national team.I just hope he is back to his old self and that he doesn't make any mistakes;we can't afford to play with 10 men. Let's hope he uses his experience to deal with these young players we are facing in teams like France and Holland.Forza Azzurri
Reply to this
OK- Materazzi of course- No doubt he's Donadoni's 1st option as central defender. Chiellini's not that bad either in terms of attitude. I remember him in the Juve-Inter game. He practically 'suffocated' Ibra. Very focused in big matches. I'm sure he'll do as well in the Euro 2008.
Reply to this