A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of getting tickets to watch an international friendly soccer (football) match between longtime rivals Italy and Brazil. As a lifelong Azzurri fan, this is as good as it gets. While international squads often play friendlies in preparation for the next round of World Cup qualifying, a match between these two powerhouses is something more. A significant amount of pride is on the line each time they meet.
Now, like I said, I have been a lifelong Italy fan, through the highs (yes, still reigning World Cup Champions, no big deal) and lows (numerous, numerous low points). In the days leading up to the match, all I could think about was Roberto Baggio’s epic shootout miss against Brazil in the 1994 World Cup finals. It still draws tears of pain to my eyes. In a rivalry loaded with history and World Cup final clashes, this was sure to be a treat. In their previous matchups the teams were an equal 4-4-2, and I was thirsty for a victory.
The match was played at Emirates Stadium, Arsenal’s new-ish home in North London. The atmosphere around the stadium was electric; and surprisingly Brazilian fans outnumbered the Italians significantly. And Brazilian fans aren’t the quiet, corporate type (see: Toronto Maple Leafs). We’re talking drums, flares, and constant chanting. After much cop horse and drunk fan dangling, I managed to finally make my way into the packed stadium for the beginning of the Italian national anthem, which, if you haven’t heard it, is probably one of the most epic pre-sports anthems ever.
A quick look at the starting lineups was the first ominous sign. Brazil had loaded their starting 11 with several first-team starters, including Gilberto Silva, Ronaldinho, and Robinho. Italy, on the other hand, was going with a more experimental side, but still fielded first-team stalwarts Andrea Pirlo, Gianluca Zambrotta, and Fabio Cannavaro. Surprisingly, many first-teamers started the game on the bench, giving some youngsters a chance to prove themselves.
At first, I figured it wasn’t too bad of an idea. Italy is a team with a core of star aging veterans, but in need of youth development, and what better opportunity to get the kids some work than a friendly against Brazil? My optimism was soon satisfied after Italy came out of the gate strong, putting together a few great opportunities and a few unlucky offsides calls. The tide quickly (like five minutes in) turned though, with Brazil’s superior midfield controlling play. Ronaldinho even gave the Brazilian crowd something to cheer about with his classic showmanship and ball control, seemingly de-pantsing Italian defenders at will. To put this in FIFA 2009 context, he was rocking the trick stick beautifully.
After numerous first-half opportunities, Brazil struck first and worked their possession control well, with Elano finishing strongly. After that it was all downhill for my beloved Azzurri. Robinho capped another Brazilian offensive in the first half with an admittedly outstanding goal, undressing a clueless Andrea Pirlo and numerous Italian defenders. The stadium erupted as my heart sank.
At halftime, the halls of the Emirates were alive with Brazilian cheer. I was hoping for at least some semblance of a comeback in the second half. Again, I had reason for optimism as the second half saw regular starters Daniele De Rossi and Luca Toni enter the pitch. To my dismay Luca Toni continued his shit-tacular run with the Azzurri and failed to convert two golden opportunities. The rest of the game saw both teams put out their youngsters and generate few scoring opportunities. Final score: Brazil 2, Italy nil. Heartbreaking.
This is the best account of the game I can possibly give (understand I was in the bag after several pints of English cider and a North American style halftime that involved flip cup and hot dogs). But the facts remain, Italy was clearly outplayed. I’m going to go ahead and blame it on the classic Italian underperformance in friendlies, or the fact that the stadium was almost entirely pro-Brazil, or the fact that Brazil started more of their first-teamers, any excuse will do. I dearly hope that the performance isn’t a sign of things to come for the Italians.
Overall, my first trip to a match in England was a great experience. Coming from a Canadian perspective, it was amazing to see the passion in the stands, and the pure enjoyment fans got out of the passing and intricacies of the match. National pride and love of the game lit up the stadium in a way I have never experienced before. That being said, the Italians seemed lacking on the pitch. The rooks and vets didn’t gel too well, and although it will be a long transition period away from the team that won the 2006 World Cup (evident from their recent Euro performance), it’ll take a lot of work to get them back at the top of world of football.
