Since
things are going so well in the fantasy world of the Azzurri, and not so well
in the world of Milan (PSG’s president
was in Milan last night, claiming he is NOT there for Thiago Silva,) I
thought it would be nice to follow our Fantastic Four through to Sunday’s Euro
Final. (Sorry, Montolivo, someone had to be the girl, consider this your
initiation photoshop.)
Italy
were nothing but inspiring as they defeated Germany yet again yesterday. I
cannot say enough about the performances of nearly all of the Italian players.
While a few have been singled out for their heroics in certain games, it has
truly been a team effort to get them here. But after having written for the Italy
World Cup Blog for over a year and having bent over backwards to be
impartial, I am going to praise the hell out of our Milan boys, just because I
can. And so I present to you, Milan’s Fantastic Four:
Mr.
Fantastic: Antonio Cassano, a.k.a. Fantantonio Balotelli said it best when he
said, “It was a
fantastic assist, the kind only Antonio Cassano can provide… No striker I've been teammates with compares to playing alongside Antonio. He just brings me to another level.” Cassano, long considered selfish and a “bad boy” of calcio, quietly rules the assists column whenever he plays, while still scoring some beauties along the way. Has he changed? I’m sure he
has. In the last year, he’s gotten married, had a son, had a stroke, had heart
surgery, and miraculously come back to the pitch to play in Europe’s most elite
competition. If that doesn’t change a man, I don’t know what will. But if
anything, it’s all simply made him that much more fantastic.
 |
| Cassano & son celebrating the semifinal win (so much PFW!) |
Invisible Woman: Riccardo Montolivo
He’s half German. And he lobbed that assist to Balotelli yesterday with the
boot that has the German flag on it. Maybe sometimes he is invisible, but he is
no woman. His past two matches have been brilliant, save the penalty miss
against England. But his teammates had his back even then, and he lived to
fight another match. For a player who varies from brilliant to invisible, he picked a great time to bring on the brilliant performances. The big question for me is: why was he subbed off for
Motta last night? And yet the comparison proved to those of us who are doubtful of his
abilities that maybe, just maybe we have something special here… if he doesn’t
do that vanishing act of his.
Human Torch: Ignazio Abate, a.k.a. The Blonde Fury The name comes from his amazing speed and his ability
to torch the opposition. But in addition to being his lightning fast self and defending like his life depended on it, our little fireball has done for Italy this
tournament what he struggled with at Milan thus far: Put in some good crosses.
I do not begrudge him saving it for Italy, but now that his secret is out, he
will have to show it at Milan, too. He was, of course, injured and missed the
big showdown with Germany. But with the enthusiasm he showed in his
celebrations, I am hoping he will be available to play on Sunday. Nothing would
give me more pleasure than to see him cook up some Spanish barbecue on the
right flank.
 |
| This is how he celebrates. Don't mess with him. |
The Thing: Antonio Nocerino He has
played 41 incredible minutes at this Euro tournament, and the only question is
will Prandelli use him on Sunday? Like his namesake, he is strong and seemingly
indestructible, but he is also fast and seems almost addicted to scoring goals.
Which could come in handy to the Azzurri on Sunday. He is humble, unassuming,
and hardworking, and when unleashed thus far, has proven himself more than
worthy of the blue jersey. Plus, if he doesn’t at least get subbed from the
bench on Sunday, I might just turn into The Thing and pay a little visit to
Prandelli. Bring on the Noce.
The
entire Azzurri squad are superheroes, some quietly saving the day, others’
heroics dominating the spotlight. And while it is true that Italy would not be
playing in the final on Sunday without any of them, I am so very proud of
Milan’s Fantastic Four. I hope Spain have learned from their first game of the
tournament and have some answers for Italy’s superheroes, because I want to see
some great football. But mostly, I hope they water the pitch.
This post inspired by the music of Il
Canto degli Italiani
“Fratelli d’Italia” or “Inno di
Mameli”