Eight years have passed, yet everything seems to have remained the same. As in Euro 2004, we find ourselves commenting on a draw after the second round of the group, which today as then sees us moggy mogi with just 2 points in the standings. But what's worse is that the worst nightmare threatens to materialize again. Since that 22 June 2004, at least in Italy, the word "biscuit" has taken on a different meaning. Indeed, everyone well remembers the 2-2 draw between Sweden and Denmark, which qualified both Scandinavian teams to the quarter-finals, leaving the Azzurri, who had also beaten Bulgaria, with a match in hand. Eight years later we are back to square one: the passage of the round no longer depends on us and our opponents can kill us (and consequently go ahead with them) with a draw, to be exact a 2-2.
A sort of unwanted amarcord, which fortunately hasn't (yet) turned into reality, even if the scenarios are rather disturbing. In the event of our victory over Ireland (minimum salary to play for it), we will have to hope that Spain and Croatia don't draw, otherwise we will have to start doing the calculations. Imagining the worst scenario (that of an x sign between the Spaniards and Croatians), the Azzurri will go through only if: 1) It will be a draw without a goal. 2) will finish at most 1-1. This is because in the event of three teams finishing level on points (they would all be at 5), the goals scored in the direct matches between them would become decisive. At the moment Italy has scored 2, Spain and Croatia 1 each, but if they draw with at least 2 goals each, the calculation would soon be done. Hoping we don't have to meet again in four days to comment on another sad football page (but the Spanish newspapers are already making headlines…), let's ask ourselves why we are (again) in this situation. Yesterday's draw was to blame, much less honorable than the one obtained against Spain.
Taking the lead at the end of the first half thanks to a spell from Pirlo, Italy, which had also had several chances to close the match, simply stopped playing. And so, as in all stories that go badly, Mandzukic's mocking goal arrived, a kind homage from Chiellini and his crazy marking from three meters away. But blaming Giorgione alone would be too much: everyone is responsible, Prandelli in the lead. Why insist on this form that has never been tested in two years of management? Why delay the changes so much, especially in attack? In place of Thiago Motta, who came out on 1-0, wouldn't a Nocerino have been better than a Montolivo? And again, does it make sense to insist on Giaccarini and Maggio? Questions in series, which will accompany us until Monday evening. When we hope to find ourselves uncorking sparkling wine (strictly Italian), and not having to swallow the most bitter biscuit ever.
