Dear Antonio,
Let me start off by saying that your hair is glorious. Anyone who tries to say that you looked better during your playing days really doesn't have your best interests at heart. As a man who is becoming increasingly aware of the unlikelihood that a comb over is ever really the best option, I'd just like to say that you and your expertly purchased head of hair are real heroes of mine. I look up to you Antonio.
Which is why last night could have been so difficult for me. It could have made me despise you. You could have went into that game thinking of the Turks and thinking of 'the right thing to do'. You could have went into that game and set your team up in a way that stifled the life out of it. You could have set your team up in a similar manner to the one that was so ruthlessly efficient against Sweden and Belgium. But you didn't Antonio. You didn't and despite all your supposed bitterness, I think it's because, deep down, you wanted to taste defeat.
You've clearly been following the media coverage of the Irish fans. You clearly decided that shutting up shop wasn't the way to go. Listen, we'd still contend that you didn't need to do it. The way we were playing last night, we'd fancy giving your first choice team a run for their money but nonetheless, we appreciate the sentiment of letting Jeff Hendrick and Robbie Brady dance all over your 'game plan'. Thank you for that Antonio.
And it's not even about making a host of changes. That was always going to happen. It's more to do with the fact that you seemingly sent out a team devoid of any real shape. You may well be the master of the 3-5-2 but when last night, it was made to look like a set of Venetian blinds caught in a hurricane. Bernardeschi looked thoroughly lost and Thiago Motta may have been on his holidays but that was only the start.
But that's not even the start of it. The substitutions. You could have shut up shop. Bonucci and Barzagli were looking a bit worse for wear, Chiellini could have killed us off. But no, you opted for Insigne and El Sharaawy. Granted, the Napoli man looked more dangerous than anyone else on the pitch but we'll forgive you that. The reality is that as long as you kept it wide open at the back, we'd get a chance.
We got two for good measure so cheers for that Antonio. When you head to Chelsea and start pissing everyone off, we'll remember this moment.
Sincerely yours,
A nation of football fans.
