Zanetti for Euro 2008

[azzurri]

He has been playing extremely well with Juve. Very consistent player. I see no reason y he shouldn't be called up.

Assist leaders: (Zanetti is 3rd in serie a. Pretty good for a defensive mid)
ALICE Sport | Calcio | Serie A | Statistiche | Classifiche giocatori: assist

1 Pizarro Roma 7
1 Lavezzi Napoli 7
3 Ibrahimovic Internazionale 6
3 Di Natale Udinese 6
5 Zanetti Juventus 5
5 Reginaldo Parma 5
5 Figo Internazionale 5
5 Vucinic Roma 5
5 Santana Fiorentina 5

Higher than Pirlo (3 assists), De Rossi (0 assists), Gattuso (0 assists), Ambrosini (0 assists)

Tackles won: (Zanetti is 3rd in serie a)
ALICE Sport | Calcio | Serie A | Statistiche | Classifiche giocatori: contrasti

1 Gargano Napoli 92
2 Morrone Parma 87
3 Zanetti Juventus 81
4 Juric Genoa 76
5 Blasi Napoli 75

Higher than Gattuso (60), De Rossi (48), Ambrosini (43), Pirlo (not in the top 47)

He is also Juve's leader in intercepted passes, at 39 (Pirlo has 40, Ambrosini 39, De Rossi 47, Gattuso 36)
ALICE Sport | Calcio | Serie A | Statistiche | Classifiche giocatori: passaggi intercettati

[llewelyn]

Originally Posted by azzurri

He has been playing extremely well with Juve. Very consistent player. I see no reason y he shouldn't be called up.

When you talk about Juve's success this season, Zanetti is right up there with Buffon, Chiellini, and Trez in terms of importance to the team. However deserving he may be, and I agree with you that he is, I don't see him making Euro 2008.

The only way I see it happening is if Milan drops Ambrosini in favor of a two striker system the rest of the season (and Champions League). Even then I'm not so sure Ambrosini wouldn't get called up.

There's no doubt he's deserving, but bar injury, De Rossi, Gattuso, and Pirlo are all on the team, and Ambrosini probably will be as well. That's 4 d-mids.

It's a shame really because he's played incredibly this season. Everyone talks about Del Piero's two goals against Lazio, but it was two perfect passes that met DP in stride that made those goals possible.

Euro 2008 is still a long way away and anything can happen. I'm glad I'm not Donadoni.

[azzurri]

Well said.

He has revitalized his career since moving from Inter, like Cannavaro. I cant imagine how our midfield would function without him. He is a silent force, but as the stats show, he has a huge impact.

Pirlo, De Rossi and Gattuso are untouchable, so its between Zanetti and Ambrosini. Based on Zanetti's performances this season, I see no reason y he shouldn't be chosen over Ambrosini. Zanetti takes on alot more responsibility in midfield with Juve than Ambrosini does at Milan, since he isn't playing alongside players like Pirlo and Kaka.

[Jager]

He should be looked at and invited to camp. Though I think he doesn't have the speed that is needed in international football. That is my take on it.

However we should look at all options.