A new soccer strategy by the Italians

Jayman · 11-18-2008, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AP

ROME (AP)—In the latest fashion statement out of Italy, soccer players are dropping their shorts to score goals.

Catania, a team in the country’s top division, unveiled the new look while taking a free kick. The players lined up in a wall and dropped their shorts in an effort to block the goalkeeper’s vision.
The Sicilian team carried out the maneuver to perfection Sunday. Three players dropped their shorts practically to their knees so Torino goalie Matteo Sereni couldn’t see the kick by Giuseppe Mascara, who scored during Catania’s 3-2 victory.

Catania is coached by Walter Zenga, a former goalkeper on Italy’s national team.
“This is a strategy that Zenga tries continually in training,” Pietro Lo Monaco, the club’s chief executive, told RAI state radio Monday.

Former referees coordinator Paolo Casarin called the move “unsportsmanlike and in bad taste.”
“It’s a trick that should not be tolerated anymore by the referees,” he said.

Lo Monaco replied: “A trick? I wouldn’t say so. It’s up to the referee to decide if it should be penalized, otherwise I don’t see where the problem is. … Good taste is relative.”

I almost died laughing while reading this. Give me a break....

Do you think this is fine, or do you think it's in bad taste and there should be a rule against doing this?

PeaceSells · 11-18-2008, 09:21 AM

I think that's the height of stupidity and makes an even bigger mockery (if it's possible) of Italian football to be honest.

I just searched for highlights of this game however, and frankly it looks like a really good freekick anyways. Seems like it just takes credit away from the scorer.

Bigpapa42 · 11-18-2008, 09:27 AM

For a game where sportsmanship is supposed to still count for something, not a good strategy at all.

The Phantom · 11-19-2008, 12:01 PM

This won't catch on. It's unsportsmanlike conduct, thus yellow cards will be given to each offender. FIFA and UEFA will stamp this out straight away if this strategy continues to be used.

James Deuce · 11-19-2008, 08:11 PM

It sounds like an idea 10 year olds would come up with and be giggling about their brilliant idea in the halls of their school. Like Stevo said, it will not catch on....as you don't need to do that kind of stuff if you are quality at what you do.

A new soccer strategy by the Italians

This is a discussion on A new soccer strategy by the Italians within the European Sports forums, part of the Sports Forums category; Originally Posted by AP ROME (AP)—In the latest fashion statement out of Italy, soccer players are dropping their shorts to ...