Italy and the notion of 'Attacking Football'

As an absolute football fan (you might have noticed!), I have only this to say after Italy were knocked out of Euro 2004 tonight.

Prof, please don't castigate me for quoting the late, great Jock Stein, after Glasgow Celtic became the first British team to win the European Cup, in 1967:

"There is not a prouder man on God's Earth than me at this moment. Winning was important, aye, but it was the way that we have won that has filled me with satisfaction. We did it by playing football. Pure, beautiful, inventive football. There was not a negative thought in our heads. Inter played right into our hands; it's so sad to see such gifted players shackled by a system that restricts their freedom to think and to act. Our fans would never accept that sort of sterile approach. Our objective is always to try to win with style."

This quote sums up the Italian attitude in one fell swoop. At one stage earlier in the tournament, they were a certainty for the second round when, at 1-0 up against Sweden they sat back and refused to attack. Sweden then punished them with a late equaliser, and deservedly so.

.... Hell will mend them.......