Italy are lucky to have the group they have, if they were in some of the other groups, like ours, then tbh I would not have been surprised if they didn't progress from the group. I know we underestimate the wily old Italians at our perile, but without Totti and co, they just aren't that dangerous to even the more middle tier sides like Mexico. Italy to me, seems another example of a side suffering a massive 'Defending World Cup Champions' decline from that era, like how soo many Defending Champions do, with retirements, aging squads, lack of equivalent standard replacements coming through etc...

Sheesh, Paraguay, Slovakia and NZ, what a gift for Italy, but as we've seen with even the vastly improving NZ, the Italians should beware as their group could still cause them some hiccups.


What do you think about the FourFourTwo article Mexico Shock Italy?
GOALS from Carlos Vela and second-half substitute Alberto Medina helped Mexico to consign world champions Italy to a friendly 2-1 defeat in Brussels tonight.

Have your say.

It is a suprise but Mexico have a bit of quality. I still think Italy will have a decent World Cup but also I think Mexico can cause an upset or two. Like all the other friendlies I dont think much can be made of the result.

means nothing, the italians never take friendlies seriously

Lippi will get us nothing this time without any luck. Most Italians or fans in general can think of like a half a dozen who should be there instead, but I guess a lot are like that. Very much a lack of flair or creativity. Good thing I prefer and support the Socceroos and always have.

Italy's biggest problem imo is Lippi. He is relying way to much on the 2006 squad. Holding personal agendas doesn't help when you've got Cassano who really should walk into the team but can't because of Lippi. Hopefully Prandelli gives hima go because he's the creative spark they need.

Shock? No shock. Not even suprised.
Had money on Mexico and will have more.