La Dolce Vita

The Transformer

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 05 Dec 2010 22:00:00 +0000

Often times we tend to make training, weather for athletics or with physique enhancement in mind all to complicated.
Simplicity, as often discussed by John davies and myself is abandoned and a stressful, disoriented, disconnected approach is taken. A more is better and even more is best approach. I find myself at a personal crux which has driven me to begin journaling my transformation from a 238lb NPC Bodybuilder back to a athlete. with the goal of Spring 2011 soccer ahead, and 39 years under my belt I begin down the road. With all the mediums for resistance work and endurance as well it could have been easy to be overwhelmed. I find myself first making assessments:

weighted Resistance training MUST be eliminated at the onset. Muscle mass through torso needs to be reduced and this is only possible through concentrating resistance training towards Lower body, unilateral and bodyweight work. Perfect components will be Renegade Trainings, RED, DMC and LPS (www.renegadetraining.com)
If one wants to be a Futbol player, and able to go strong for 90 minutes a high level of conditioning is necessary. In poor weather situations indoor steppers, precors, treadmills are ok, BUT Running, in the form of submax Farklet training will be the core of my efforts.
Diet and supplementation- this is where EVERYTHING is different. No overboard calories, no counting, diet based on simply eating whole foods. Supplements, well apart from my minerals, vitamins and antioxidents the only sports related supplements I plan to incorporate is Mt Capra Double bonded goat protein, Genr8-Vitargo, and a BCAA formulary..

I will be posting some initial assessments and journaling several times a week...Ciao!

Pal Joey

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 01:52:00 +0000

She's a fool and don't I know it?But a fool can have her charmsI'm in love and don't I show it?Like a babe in armsLove's the same old sad sensationLately, I've not slept a winkSince this silly situationHas me on the blinkI'm wild again, beguiled againA simpering, whimpering child againBewitched, bothered, and bewildered am ICouldn't sleep, wouldn't sleepThen love came and told me I shouldn't sleepBewitched, bothered, and bewildered am ILost my heart, but what of it?She is cold, I agreeShe might laugh, but I love itAlthough the laugh's on meI'll sing to her, bring spring to herAnd long for the day when I'll cling to herBewitched, bothered and bewildered am I

The one thing worth Everything

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:59:00 +0000

AS I type this quick post I am excited with New beginings!
Renegade Philly set to launch, dates to follow very soon . Health, Vitality, Fitness, In times of economic turmoil these are things we cannot under value.
One thing John davies and I discuss daily- make no mistake about it,

We are gonna improve the way you live....Period..one body at a time.

PICK UP GAMES!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 17:08:00 +0000

I am currently setting a location...Hopefuly my old Grade School - St.Joesphs, Cheltenham
I am going to be making these fun Games- All Ages, Men and Women..NO ROUGH PLAY!
A great workout in the Sun...I am thinking every Sunday at 9am-whenever...Just bring a dark and a white shirt....
I will be updating on this , but hoping April 4th shapes up to be the day...

Ciao
T

FORZA CALCIO

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Well, I am thinking the "In like a Lion " saying has definately held true as I stare out at a beautiful Winter storm and my Big Ram 1500 sitting untouched..
I am using this chance to post on general thoughts of SerieA Fixtures, Champions League, and training..
I am incredibly delighted to see Juventus starting to click..La Vecchia Signora.."The Old Lady" of Italian Futbol is closing the gap between itself and Serie A leaders Inter Milan..
Alessandro Del Piero is continuing his rennasiance at 35 yrs young!
My Favorite Footballer- Antonio Cassano- Put on a Clinic vs AC Milan and must finally be given the respect he his due from Azzurri manager Lippi...
Training is "in Season" as I am playing indoor Thursday nights..I am ever increasing GPP (work capacity) training , and trying to limit Lifting to 2-3days per week..
As I am in my 4th year back in the sport, the first area of concern among minor league ranks is game day "Pre Match" and "Post Match"training
Most participants simply kick around - static strtetch before matches and after, simply do nothing to encourage recovery whatsoever...
Through trail and error I have come up with what seems to work best for me:
PRE MATCH:
I follow RENEGADE (DROM) - RED- its a Dynamic Range of Motion program - It is a fluid series of movement in progression that can be done in as little as 10yd area..I use a stopwatch and clock 4min blocks as below

RED- 4minutes
jog slow pace- 4 minutes
RED-4minutes
Juggling- 4minutes

At this point I am "Ready to go". I DO NOT employ long static stretches as I feel it reduces elasticity of muscle and actualy makes me feel weak...plus I attribute this to my Season 1 Hamstring issues...

RED can be found in numerous books my Coach John Davies www.Renegadetraining.com

POST MATCH-

I like to use a basic "Warrior Sequence" - Yoga - yes yoga...holding each position for min 30seconds...This sequence is a 10min block and really boosts recovery...

Next Post I will get into Day after match training and general Supplementation...

Nuovo Anno Felice 2009!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 00:47:00 +0000

Nuovo anno felice 2009! La pagina è pulita su un altro anno, lo usa saggiamente… salute e felicità a tutti…

Happy Holidays 2008

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 16:03:00 +0000

As 2008 comes to a end, I look optimisticaly towards 2009. It will be a challenging year - No Doubt. I will be posting updates on Renegade Italia, as we line up clinics starting in Firenze this spring.
But for now,
Enjoy the best things in a life, which hopefully many will again come to realize are "Free".
Ciao!
and a late Buon Natale!

Coach Tom Mastrocola

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 12:40:00 +0000

This Blog will be the new home for Coach Tom Mastrocola's Renegade Bootcamps. I will be posting Scheduling, and specifics on each class upcoming. I will also be posting the Focus of each class. Since Outdoors is always a option, that will also be posted as well.

Pricing also to follow..

To those of you awaiting the launch of Renegade Bootcamps...I am sorry its taken longer than expected but I look forward to a awesome Fall! Week 1 looks to begin the 1st saturday in october, That would be October 4 2008.

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:58:00 +0000

"Spartans say that any army may win while it has its legs under it; the real test comes when all strength is fled and the men must produce victory on will alone" Steven Pressfield, Gates of Fire

RENEGADE TRAINING PHILADELPHIA

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:39:00 +0000

We are about to launch Renegade Bootcamp fitness , and Performance Training in The Philadelphia, New Jersey Area at very Select Fitness Facilities. I am very Excited to announce the first dates to follow shortly for http://scorpionathleticsyogafitness.com/

WEEK 4 Recap

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Well I Fun but extremely frustrating L to a team we clearly should of man handled...I felt we played well enough to win and take 100% blame on my breakaway blunder..
Adam called me later Saturday and let me know he is out indefinately and was in the hospital...I think I speak for everyone when I say get better quick Brother!

I also feel as we were clearly missing some of of "core" players...we covered well but we missed you all no doubt..
This weeks Game is Sat at 11:15 , At Philly Soccer Club Fields...Look on www.phillysoccer.org

I am posting my Selected Formation and line up...I NEED any No Shows by Weds, please ok? I as well as everyone else knows that things will pop up last minute..thats life, this is just a game, but if you know early just please let us know....

Formation: 4-3-1-2

The back 4:
JP
Devon
Boon
Craig

Middle 3:
David
Ali
Edgar

Set back 1:
Rocco
Wide 2:
Aziz
Vijay

We know we all play..So no one feel slighted..

We lost this week when we shifted and lost game plan in half 2....Stay the course...

WEEK 4 LINEUP

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:22:00 +0000

Ok Team,
As I mentioned in prior email here is the formation and starting 11
I want to run a 3-4-1-2
ok heres the breakdown
GK- Do I need to list it? :-) BUD

Defense:
R-Craig
C-Devon
L-JP

Midfield- this is where things get tricky, Our two outside Mids basically will peel back in Def support anytime ball is in our end. This creates a Pseudo 5 man back line , but only when needed..
Our Inside Midfielders will play in a slightly more forward position and look to "hold up" play and develop play to forwards, Tenacious play all through midfield area will make us in my opinion Unstoppable!

Outside RM- Emily
Ouside LM- Paul

Inside RM- Edgar
Inside LM- Boon

Forwards- I am calling it a 1-2 because I intend to be the 1...I will play set back "in the hole" in center...looking to work with wings on breakaways, and provide dump option..

Center- Rocco

Left W-Aziz
Right W- Vijay

and thats all Folks
1:10 Start
Field 7
I will be there by 12:30

WEEK 3 STARTING LINE UP

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 20:43:00 +0000

OK TEAM,
The formation is in my prior post...
Based on Confirmed attendees here it is :-)
Right Forward- JP
Center Striker- Aziz
Left Striker- Adam
Right Midfield- Vijay
Central Midfield- Edgar
Left Midfield- Emily

The Subs by zone will be:
Victor- M or Fwd
Rodger- Mid
Paul A- Mid or if necessary D

The Defense I want to leave in place, If you sub out- I would like that to be the spot you Jump back into as soon as you can...So we build a cohesive unit.
LBack- Boon
Center Back- Devon
R Back- Craig
Sweeper - Rocco

And of course Bud"The Wall" Ament in Goal

Catenaccio- WEEK 3

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 02:55:00 +0000

As I was driving home from WEEK 2 loss 0-3 to Philly United I reflected on a very good Renegade FC effort. I stopped and trained for an hour and a half...I hate to lose and as the Captain feel it for everyone. I am sitting outside at 11pm going over some things that I feel we can do to build on weeks one and two:

first, and foremost here is the formation I feel best playing in. I am meeting Vijay, Adam, Nima for pick up game on Monday night...Anyone else?

well see below :-)

Catenaccio - The Lost Art Of Defensive Football
What is Catenaccio and how to use it as a defensive strategyCatenaccio (literally meaning “lock” or “dead-bolt”) has become something of a dirty word in modern footballing circles, evoking memories of dour, negative football and a lack of invention said to be synonymous with Italian football, in particular, during the 1960s and 1970s.
To discard the tactical lessons learned from Catenaccio would be extremely foolhardy for any soccer coach however as, when performed correctly, it creates as solid a defensive strategy as has ever been displayed in modern football. The main reason many soccer pundits don’t like to see it used anymore is a very simple one – it stops the other team scoring.
The High Priest Of Catenaccio
Catenaccio’s primary exponent, and the man The Guardian newspaper has called “the high priest of Catenaccio”, was Argentinean trainer Helenio Herrera, coach of Italian Serie A side Inter Milan during the 1960s. The High Priest Of Catenaccio
Catenaccio’s primary exponent, and the man The Guardian newspaper has called “the high priest of Catenaccio”, was Argentinean trainer Helenio Herrera, coach of Italian Serie A side Inter Milan during the 1960s. Under the guiding hand of Herrara and his Catenaccio system, the “Grande Inter” side won four Serie A titles and two European Cups during the 1960s, proof positive of the effectiveness of Herrara’s system.
How Catenaccio Is Implemented
While British clubs were still playing under old-style “WM” or 3-2-5 formations, the Italians, led by Herrara, were using a more defensive and stable 1-3-3-3 catenaccio formation with one libero or sweeper, three man marking defenders, a solid midfield three and three attackers (usually two wingers and a goalscoring centre forward). Herrara actually used four man marking defenders with Inter and a sweeper who covered the area between the goalkeeper and defensive line, picking up loose balls, covering extra attackers and moving the ball out of defence to midfield and attack.
With Catenaccio, defensive security was of utmost importance. Teams would push for an early goal to lead 1-0 and would then defend in numbers based around their sweeper and two banks of three in front of him with the defence and midfield protecting each other against attack. Attacking flair was foregone in favour of defensive strength and for a long time the tactic worked splendidly.

Saturday Week 2 Lineup

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 10:46:00 +0000

As I stated earlier and multiple times. With a large squad, Weds is dealine for attendence, you are all still welcome as reserves, but as you will see below I even slot reserves based on early reply.

We are running a 4-3-3

here is sats Starting lineup and the designated reserves:

Left forward- Aziz

Center Striker- Nima

Right forward-JP

Left inside Mid- Vijay

Central Mid- David

Right inside mid-Griffin

Left Outside back-Paul A.

Left central D- Boon

Right central D- Rocco

Right outside back- Jenn

GK- Bud "The Wall" ament

Reserves by position as follows:

Defense-

Craig

edgar

Midfield-

Devon

Jonathan

Victor

Forward-
Dan Z.

Emily

Derrick

Adam

I want to be abundantly clear, we will rotate frequently!!, I want everone getting field time that has replied...

But anyone who did not reply I gets last call

RENEGADE FC WEEK 1 recap

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:30:00 +0000

Week one
Renegade Fc 0 Leftovers 2
I hate to lose as much as anyone but I see a team core that is going to be strong and hard to score on. Eric (Casa President) was playing GK for leftovers and commented on the great potential we have.

Now, we clear the slate. Week 2 in our sights.
I want to roll out a 4-3-3.
I will post starting lineup each Thursday (once I know projected attendees).
As far as anyone NOT in starting 11, we WILL sub frequently and your sub spot will be in starting line up …
Each sub will be designated as a sub for a set zone (F/M/D).
As far as practices, WE NEED TOUCHES….all of us…
I will be setting a early am Monday workout with Nima (was not here due to family obligations) and whoever else would like to attend …Just call me anytime Sunday.
Monday night is the pick up game at Peleggi park in Huntington Valley..its a great way to get touches for anyone in burbs (Vijay J ). Its from 6pm to about 8…No rough stuff, I am always there BUT this week I have a commitment in the pm so I wont be there..anyone interested, call me and I will get you there!
Boon has had some pick up work down 33rd & diamond, So Boon, please see what you can set up during the week..
I travel as a regional in Vits/Sports Nutrition industry and am in Northern NJ training Tuesday through Thursday so I will not be around.
A couple of you expressed concerns about your General fitness levels (GPP), I can help you out just call or shoot me a email.
Friday looks like I am up for a light Sprint, practice…It can be either early am or Later pm (after 6)
Next week is 3pm start, same fields..Lets meet there at 2. I will get there early and set up some warmup drills and cones, ladders…
I am pretty excited at what we have here, I hope you all are to…R
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO E-MAIL YES or NO FOR WEEK 2 BY WEDS**

Viva La Vida.....says it all...

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:38:00 +0000

I used to roll the dice Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes Listen as the crowd would sing: "Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"

One minute I held the key Next the walls were closed on me And I discovered that my castles stand Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing Roman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can't explain Once you go there was never, never an honest word That was when I ruled the world (Ohhh)

It was the wicked and wild wind Blew down the doors to let me inShattered windows and the sound of drums People couldn't believe what I'd become

Revolutionaries wait For my head on a silver plate Just a puppet on a lonely stringOh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringingRoman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can't explain I know Saint Peter will call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world (Ohhhhh Ohhh Ohhh)

I hear Jerusalem bells a ringingRoman Cavalry choirs are singing Be my mirror my sword and shield My missionaries in a foreign field For some reason I can't explain I know Saint Peter will call my name Never an honest word But that was when I ruled the world

Friday July 4th Workout

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:43:00 +0000

Hey anyone interested in joining me for a 8am Sharp workout at Burleholme park fields please email me.
This is not a Game, or regular Practice, It is my usual training:
Rangle of motion /hip flexibility work
Agility Work
Sub max 100s :-)
and a good 1/2 hr kick around
finished off with Renegade LPS work
The park site is
http://www.saveburholmepark.org/activities.html
Please anyone SERIOUS, call me by thursday....

Renegade Futbol Club

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 01:48:00 +0000

Ok Team Renegade. I will from this point forward be posting ALL important information regarding Practices, Games, ect on this Blog...So check it at least once per week. I am always a email away Rocco44444444@Yahoo.com
Pick Up Games at Peleggi field in Huntington Valley..I have been asked via email by several of you about location and Time. I will meet anyone wanting to go at Cottman and Central avenue (Burleholme park) at 5pm SHARP!! my cell is 267-982-1625
I can drive a Red Dodge Ram
Contact Boon if you live in CC area to get together a weekly practice at 33rd and diamond.
His address is boso118@yahoo.com thanks Boon
On the Uniform issue, We are being provided Purple jerseys...Lets wear white shorts and socks..I am going to work on a couple sponsors I have and get us some first rate kits, hopefully FREE :-)
I am posting the Summer schedule below, Please lets meet at the fields at 10am Sharp to meet then get a good warmup...I can set up a Full warmup circuit if everyones ok with it?
heres 1st games field directions
http://www.phillysoccer.org/field.html#Penny

arrivederci Azzurri.....Forza, Onore

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Well,

Anyone who sat and watched the quarterfinal between tourament favorite Spain and the Azzurri know, It was textbook Catenaccio...Bravo!

Italia had some great chances and in the end while disappointed, I hold my head high...through all the adversity...Forza Azzurri!

below is from De Rossi after loss on PKs

Heads highWith the scores still locked at 0-0 after 120 minutes it took a shoot-out to separate the sides and the AS Roma midfielder was one of the unfortunate few to miss as Spain prevailed 4-2. "We go out with our heads up, but it's a painful defeat," he said. "We all gave our best and we all know it was not enough. We're very sorry for ourselves and for the Italian fans. Spain enjoyed most of the possession but we had better chances to score. The draw was a fair result, then on penalties sometimes you celebrate and sometimes you cry."

Spain......You're NEXT!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:22:00 +0000

Well,

Italy seems to me to have found stride at the perfect time. The exclusions of Pirlo and Gattuso due to suspension will hurt , however, with young gun Aquilani, De Rossi and Cammoranesi I feel that Azzurri tide will continue to build.

below is post from Euro 2008 page

My prediction

Italia 1 Espagna 0

and sheer frustration ...they will wish for Raul ;-)

Italy have the maturity to add the Henri Delaunay trophy to their world crown according to injured captain Fabio Cannavaro, who believes the Azzurri can overcome Spain in their UEFA EURO 2008™ quarter-final.
MomentumCannavaro lifted the FIFA World Cup in Germany two years ago but was forced out of these finals on the eve of the tournament, and has now been joined on the sidelines by another injured defender, Andrea Barzagli. The 34-year-old centre-back has nonetheless stayed on in Austria and Switzerland to lend his support to a team who, having struggled initially in Group C, may now have the momentum to surge past Spain in Sunday's Vienna quarter-final.
'False start'"Sometimes you get off to a false start in tournaments," the Real Madrid CF player told euro2008.com. "But now we've got it together again and have rediscovered our team spirit. The great high we experienced at the World Cup can be repeated again. It's hard for me – not playing can seem easier, but mentally it's a lot more difficult. However, the boys know what they've got to do and they are mature enough to rise to the occasion."
Spain threatThe next big stage for Roberto Donadoni's team is the Ernst-Happel-Stadion where they take on a Spain side who beat them 1-0 in a March friendly. Cannavaro, as a two-time Primera División champion with Real Madrid, knows what it takes to stop their leading forwards. "There's no doubt they have players of great technical ability and they will be fit too because they rested several players [against Greece]. They have an excellent side which we respect, but we are confident we can win.
'United'"All teams have weaknesses and we'll have to exploit theirs by taking advantage of the space they sometimes leave when going forward," the former Juventus man continued. "Sometimes they are so enthusiastic about attacking that they leave one-on-one situations in defence, so that's something we'll look for. We won the World Cup because we were united as a team – not because we had a phenomenon like [Diego] Maradona – so we know that if we are concentrated and together, we can beat anyone. Perhaps this is the best time to face Spain because playing against the best is more challenging and you know you have to give 100 per cent."

Arise Saint Antonio?

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 20:52:00 +0000

Much To my satisfaction this is the latest heading on Euro 2008 Italia page..It has been my prediction all along...Italia v Espania round two

With the Azzurri having scored just once in two matches at UEFA EURO 2008™ the Italian newspapers are calling for coach Roberto Donadoni to give Antonio Cassano his first start of the tournament.Cassano optionDonadoni has so far kept faith with the misfiring Luca Toni and in turn deployed Antonio Di Natale and Alessandro Del Piero on the problematic left side of the three in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. Now though it seems the unpredictability of Cassano, who has only so far made two appearances as substitute, may be called upon against France.
Big-game playerCassano does has previous at this tournament, having scored two of Italy's three goals at UEFA EURO 2004™, and such is his unique personality that he appears oblivious to high-pressure situations. So are the 'giornalisti' right to call for 'Saint Antonio'? Can he provide the missing goals for the Azzurri against France? Let us know your thoughts.

When its Right, Its Right!! Go APD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 13:34:00 +0000

Del Piero relishes added responsibility
by Michael Harrold from Stade de Suisse

Del Piero and Luca Toni during an Azzurri training session (©Getty Images)
var pb=new ArticlePhotoBrowser('ipThumb','pcCr','pnAL','pnAR','nb');pb.addElement('/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/EURO/70/77/18/707718_w2.jpg','369','656','Alessandro del Piero will captain Italy against Romania','Alessandro del Piero will captain Italy against Romania (©Getty Images)');pb.addElement('/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/EURO/71/51/71/715171_w2.jpg','369','656','Del Piero and Luca Toni during an Azzurri training session','Del Piero and Luca Toni during an Azzurri training session (©Getty Images)');pb.addElement('/MultimediaFiles/Photo/competitions/EURO/71/51/70/715170_w2.jpg','369','656','Gianluigi Buffon (left) will hand the armband to Del Piero','Gianluigi Buffon (left) will hand the armband to Del Piero (©Getty Images)');

1 2 3
pb.start();
var k='/e/photos/photo+';

//
function openPopUpPhoto(){
var widthWin,heightWin,leftWin,topWin;
var widthPhoto = 996, heightPhoto = 585;
try{
if (screen.width
Print e-mail Digg Save Share

A veil of secrecy hung over the Italy camp on Thursday evening as they prepared for their crucial Group C tie with Romania at the Letzigrund Stadion.
Great formRoberto Donadoni spoke of making major changes to the side that had lost 3-0 to the Netherlands on Monday, but was giving little away as he fielded questions from the massed ranks of Italian journalists. All he would confirm was that Giorgio Chiellini would start in defence and that Alessandro Del Piero would indeed be captaining the side. Del Piero's inclusion has been an open secret since he brought Italy to life after coming on as a substitute against the Netherlands. He showed enough to keep his place in the side and now Italy's most-capped player, with 87 appearances, will take over from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon as skipper. It is a remarkable turnaround for a player who was only on the fringe of coach Donadoni's plans at the turn of the year, but whose superb form since for Juventus has forced the Azzurri coach's hand.
'Turnaround'"The fact there was a chance I would not make it into the squad and now I am captain for the game somehow reflects the reality of the last couple of months," the 33-year-old said. "Now I just need to look ahead to this game without any pressure to perform, approaching it just like I would in the league." Do that and Italy could have plenty to thank him for. Del Piero scored ten times in the final six weeks of the season to finish the Serie A campaign wth 21 goals and will be looking to provide a similar spark for the Azzurri on Friday. "We have all worked very hard together to prepare for this match," he said. "Now we will need to transform our desire into positive results. When the expectations are high, we usually play at our best. Keeping cool heads is important, but we do that in every game. We need a boost and we'll play with heart."
'Difficult group'Del Piero's relaxed demeanour belied the pressure on the Azzurri ahead of a match they cannot afford to lose if they are to reach the quarter-finals. The reaction to the loss to the Netherlands back home has been one of anger, but right-back Gianluca Zambrotta is determined his side will make amends aganst Romania. "We made some mistakes in the first game but we also did some things well towards the end and created some good chances," he said. "I think we just need to improve our mentality a bit to be successful. We knew this would be a very difficult group."

Is Nothing Sacred?!

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:38:00 +0000

Ok,
Will The AZZURRI PLEASE SHOW UP!! I REPEAT, ITALIA, EQUALS PADLOCK DEFENSE!! NOT WIDE OPEN, CAUGHT WITH YOUR PANTS DOWN OFFENSE!!!
THE TALENT IS THERE! DONADONI, USE IT WISELY!!
My modest suggestions:
Buffon was actually the strongest in the match and it would have easily been 5-0 without his aggressive play
defense: I love panucci, but I am ready to see Chielini start, he has ruthless aggression and will take a bad call here and there BUT, you will think twice coming into HIS house!
Midfield: I know the ease of AC Milan midfield is appealing BUT as huge of a Milan fan I am, they were not too stellar this year...Lets keep ringho and Pirlo as they are perfect , put lets Go with that young talent in aquilani and De Rossi?? Hello??
Up top: I am a huge Luca Toni fan, but I want to see something different in game two
I would love to see Del Peiero, Yes, can anyone doubt that the point at which italia look like Azzurri was when Alex entered late and down by 2? and my big pick, Antonio cassano!!! PLEASE start Cassano!!

Here is La Gazzettas summary:
HUMILIATION - The only way back at this point for Italy would have been through one of those miraculous efforts, perhaps inspired by the right substitutions. Instead Donadoni brought exactly the same team out for the second half and made the first change only after 54 minutes when Grosso came on for Materazzi. The Azzurri defence was thus reshuffled with Zambrotta on the right, Panucci in the middle and the Lyon defender on the right. But Italy seemed to lack passion and the will to win, the team unable to find their rhythm, ineffective just like Zambrotta's turning shot on 53 minutes, weak as Toni's low shot on 60 minutes. Donadoni then tried to change things by replacing Di Natale with Del Piero, who had started the game well but had lost his way in the tragic events of the first half. On 66 minutes, Del Piero tested van der Sar with a shot, but it was simply not good enough. With 75 minutes on the clock, Donadoni replaced Camoranesi with Cassano, but it was simply not to be. Had there been a more aggressive midfield, able to placate the orange tide, perhaps we would have been writing a different story. Instead Holland kept on pottering along in the knowledge that their backs were covered by a comfortable lead, and even took pleasure in their mistakes as Toni on 76 minutes contrived to miss the impossible alone in front of van der Sar. On 78 minutes the Dutch goalkeeper then pulled off two miraculous saves first from Grosso and then from Pirlo, putting the icing on top of the triumph, because it is of triumphs we must talk about. On 79 minutes the world champions fell apart once again allowing van Bronckhorst to add a third, serviced by the usual Kuyt. Never has Italy got off to such a bad start in a tournament. The Azzurri can already no longer afford any mistakes.
from our correspondentGaetano De Stefano

Yes I am vain, and proud of it.....

noreply@blogger.com (The Rebel) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 01:36:00 +0000

I have made a decision out of pure vanity :-)
I will be dieting a few weeks to see just how much leaner I can become while continuing to forge ahead with futbol. I will not restrict carbs as is the BIG mistake with bodybuilding diets, instead I will take more of a ZONE approach 30/30/40 with the main emphasis being on eating as cleanly as possible and adding some BCAAs and WPI (Whey Protein Isolate). I currently weigh 193lbs and most likely will be shredded to the nth degree at about 189lbs..