For the record, I didn’t jump back on the Pirlo bandwagon after his match against USA. I did say that I was happy to see him play well, but over the past 2 or 3 seasons, I have watched Pirlo suffer drastically. The things he was once very good at (maintaining possession, free kicks, precision passes with 100% accuracy) are now visible foibles. He does lose the ball after trying to wriggle his way out of challenges by dribbling in circles. He does send free kicks into the stands. He also occasionally plays well and can still be useful, which is why I refrain from writing him off completely.

I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that Pirlo had a great game against USA, but overall has been leaving alot to be desired during the past couple of years.

Lippi has more silverware in his cabinet than Capello or Ancelotti. A flawless defensive record and goals from 10 different players.

Cannavaro/Materazzi [Nesta before injury] played a monster level in 06 that no defense line can match at this point. Zambro is declined too … Pirlo was another key to the success. He is still very good. But not as good as 3 years ago. Gatusso is as good as (not better than) in 06 … De Rossi may be better than he was, but anyone think he as good as (or better than) Totti at 06?

IF Italy could cover those difference, the success can be repeated, why not?

They were def all over us and outclassed us on the night but i dont think Brazil were trailblazing amazing, more that we kinda made it easy easier for them, but, it was good to see Ricky Kaka rocking it! His link up with Robinhio which lead to the 2nd goal made me smile (then frown as we ate another!)

Its gona be soo strange to see him playin for Madrid next season. sigh

Trophies are not the only way to measure how good a footballer is, simply because football, unlike tennis or golf, is a team work. A player won many trophies is no necessary the best. Seedrof has won CL champion in 3 different team, and he is a very very good player. But still I don’t think he is qualify for “one of the best in world”. As for Maldini, I view him as arguably THE (not one of) best defender in the world. Not only because the 5/7 CL/SerieA champions he won, but that was certainly big part of it. No one would take (Maldini as the best defender) if he did not win any of these 12 champions.

On the hypothesis if De Rossi in another team. Well, yeah. He could have won lots of trophies; he may or may not even playing as a starter. But that is the way it works, hypothesis is just hypothesis. What would happen if Maldini’s first game is playing against Milan as a Udinese player, I don’t know, people like me might not even know him as a footballer.

Remember, I am not saying De Rossi is bad. Indeed he is a world champion, and he takes key position in national team. The expect on him is very high. But I don’t think he has meet those levels. If he could lead the team (Italy or Roma) to success (no necessary champions), then it is more validate to label him as “one of the best”.

Nothing like a nice beatdown to instigate change.

Brazil may not always win every tournament they enter.

But they rarely get embarrased on the world stage. Not too many teams in the world can say that. They made it to the final of 3 of the last 4 world cups. I don’t think many other countries can boast a record that in recent history. And I don’t see any signs of them slowing down.