Give me a break... you Italians just want Klose because he scored more goals than all of your so-called "superstars" combined.
Italy's boring defensive style won them the World Cup. Congratulations. But it's time for a reality check. Anyone who is unbiased can see that Italy was incredibly lucky to win, and that they certainly wouldn't have won without Buffon. Just check out the chronology: Group E was a joke (US and Ghana, and the Czechs choked), they cheated their way through Australia, Ukraine was a gimmie, I'll grant them one good game versus Germany, and they beat France on penalties.
On the topic of teams who fall and whine only to return to the game two minutes later, I hope they start giving cards to everyone who fakes an injury. That will make Italy wake up and start playing real football. While I fully realize Italy aren't the only ones to do this, this seems to be an appropriate time to suggest this amendment to the rules.
Thread
Posts in chronological order
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Sir GH<br><h6>ah yeah</h6> wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Give me a break... you Italians just want Klose because he scored more goals than all of your so-called "superstars" combined.
Italy's boring defensive style won them the World Cup. Congratulations. But it's time for a reality check. Anyone who is unbiased can see that Italy was incredibly lucky to win, and that they certainly wouldn't have won without Buffon. Just check out the chronology: Group E was a joke (US and Ghana, and the Czechs choked), they cheated their way through Australia, Ukraine was a gimmie, I'll grant them one good game versus Germany, and they beat France on penalties.[/QUOTE]
I'm sorry, you'll never agree with me (you already stated that you don't like italian fans) but it seems to me like you are denying too many things.
Italy scored 12 goals, from 10 players. Each of our forwards (Toni, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Inzaghi, Del Piero, Totti) scored at least one goal - if you count as Totti's penalty (which I wouldn't).
According to me, Italy didn't play a boring difensive style. Having a strong defence doesn't mean playing with a defensive style. Most of the times, Italy played with at least 3 forwards, sometimes 2 (in beginning of the later games).
Group E was a joke? Blame FIFA, not Italy.
We cheated our way through Australia? Yes, the penalty was really (REALLY REALLY) generous, but we played in 10 for most of the second half for a really (REALLY REALLY) generous red card. As we couldn't score 10 vs 9 against USA, Australia couldn't score 11 vs 10 against us. Blame them, not only the generous penalty.
Ukraine was a gimmie? Blame Ukraine. We were lucky in meeting Ukraine? Yes, as lucky as Switzerland. It could have happened to France, but they arrives second behind the Swiss.
I think I read a lucky game against Germany before you edited (but I'm not sure). Well, in the end we played with 4 forwards and we scored. Defensive style? What is offensive style then, 1-1-8?
We beat France at penalties, but we scored 1 goal, we scored another goal in offside and we hit the crossbar. We didn't play a good match (I admit it) but we tried.
About Buffon being our only good player, I disagree. If you don't like Cannavaro as defender, what about Pirlo? He scored 1 goal and I think he created at least 3 winning assists. I think he is a great player (even if he didn't play very good in this World Cup).
I don't want to sound harsh and I know that I'm biased, but I think that your opinion is wrong. We can disagree on many points, but we also agree on something. Even if I am an italian fans, don't hate me. I am sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with Italian fans in the past and you probably think that I'm one of them, but there are wonderful persons on Italy, please trust me.
[QUOTE]I hope they start giving cards to everyone who fakes an injury. If you fall and whine, only to return two minutes later, you should be punished. That will make Italy wake up and start playing real football. While I fully realize Italy aren't the only ones to do this, this seems to be an appropriate time to suggest this amendment to the rules.
[/QUOTE]
I ageee on this. I was ashamed when our players remained on the ground after each foul, it is not fair. It was ridicolous.
Italy's boring defensive style won them the World Cup. Congratulations. But it's time for a reality check. Anyone who is unbiased can see that Italy was incredibly lucky to win, and that they certainly wouldn't have won without Buffon. Just check out the chronology: Group E was a joke (US and Ghana, and the Czechs choked), they cheated their way through Australia, Ukraine was a gimmie, I'll grant them one good game versus Germany, and they beat France on penalties.[/QUOTE]
I'm sorry, you'll never agree with me (you already stated that you don't like italian fans) but it seems to me like you are denying too many things.
Italy scored 12 goals, from 10 players. Each of our forwards (Toni, Gilardino, Iaquinta, Inzaghi, Del Piero, Totti) scored at least one goal - if you count as Totti's penalty (which I wouldn't).
According to me, Italy didn't play a boring difensive style. Having a strong defence doesn't mean playing with a defensive style. Most of the times, Italy played with at least 3 forwards, sometimes 2 (in beginning of the later games).
Group E was a joke? Blame FIFA, not Italy.
We cheated our way through Australia? Yes, the penalty was really (REALLY REALLY) generous, but we played in 10 for most of the second half for a really (REALLY REALLY) generous red card. As we couldn't score 10 vs 9 against USA, Australia couldn't score 11 vs 10 against us. Blame them, not only the generous penalty.
Ukraine was a gimmie? Blame Ukraine. We were lucky in meeting Ukraine? Yes, as lucky as Switzerland. It could have happened to France, but they arrives second behind the Swiss.
I think I read a lucky game against Germany before you edited (but I'm not sure). Well, in the end we played with 4 forwards and we scored. Defensive style? What is offensive style then, 1-1-8?
We beat France at penalties, but we scored 1 goal, we scored another goal in offside and we hit the crossbar. We didn't play a good match (I admit it) but we tried.
About Buffon being our only good player, I disagree. If you don't like Cannavaro as defender, what about Pirlo? He scored 1 goal and I think he created at least 3 winning assists. I think he is a great player (even if he didn't play very good in this World Cup).
I don't want to sound harsh and I know that I'm biased, but I think that your opinion is wrong. We can disagree on many points, but we also agree on something. Even if I am an italian fans, don't hate me. I am sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with Italian fans in the past and you probably think that I'm one of them, but there are wonderful persons on Italy, please trust me.
[QUOTE]I hope they start giving cards to everyone who fakes an injury. If you fall and whine, only to return two minutes later, you should be punished. That will make Italy wake up and start playing real football. While I fully realize Italy aren't the only ones to do this, this seems to be an appropriate time to suggest this amendment to the rules.
[/QUOTE]
I ageee on this. I was ashamed when our players remained on the ground after each foul, it is not fair. It was ridicolous.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]eggy wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I've already done mine and last nights show made no difference;
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup??
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup??
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]AC wrote: [/QUOTENAME]According to me, Italy didn't play a boring difensive style. Having a strong defence doesn't mean playing with a defensive style. Most of the times, Italy played with at least 3 forwards, sometimes 2 (in beginning of the later games).[/QUOTE]
True, but you have to admit, they rarely attack on the offence. They are the kind of team that relies on their strong defence, capitalizes on one offensive chance, and then retreats back to the defensive for the rest of the game. Even though this style clearly works, in my opinion, from the perspective of a viewer, that's a boring way to watch the game being played. Someone here used the term anti-football to describe this style of play, and I have to agree. The baseball equivalent to that would be telling eight of your batters to strike out intentionally because the slugger will hit three homeruns to win the game 3-2.
[QUOTE]Group E was a joke? Blame FIFA, not Italy.
We cheated our way through Australia? Yes, the penalty was really (REALLY REALLY) generous, but we played in 10 for most of the second half for a really (REALLY REALLY) generous red card.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that's true too. Playing with ten men isn't easy, but I still blame the guy who chose to fall in the box. If every hockey player who was hit would choose to fall down, nobody would ever be skating!
[QUOTE]Ukraine was a gimmie? Blame Ukraine. We were lucky in meeting Ukraine? Yes, as lucky as Switzerland. It could have happened to France, but they arrives second behind the Swiss.[/QUOTE]
This is true as well. But I was just pointing out how they didn't have as many challenges like some of the other teams, such as France, who had to beat Spain and Brazil.
[QUOTE]I think I read a lucky game against Germany before you edited (but I'm not sure). Well, in the end we played with 4 forwards and we scored. Defensive style? What is offensive style then, 1-1-8?[/QUOTE]
Hahaha..!! Yeah, I rethought that one, and recalled that they did play a good game, and in the end they were the better team. In the last minutes versus Germany they did bring on the offence; of course I can't deny that. But 99% of the time, they are a defensive team.
[QUOTE]About Buffon being our only good player, I disagree. If you don't like Cannavaro as defender, what about Pirlo? He scored 1 goal and I think he created at least 3 winning assists. I think he is a great player (even if he didn't play very good in this World Cup).[/QUOTE]
Okay, I'll let you have that one. :)
[QUOTE]I don't want to sound harsh and I know that I'm biased, but I think that your opinion is wrong. We can disagree on many points, but we also agree on something. Even if I am an italian fans, don't hate me. I am sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with Italian fans in the past and you probably think that I'm one of them, but there are wonderful persons on Italy, please trust me.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I believe you! I think most of the true Italians are still in Italy... not here in North America!
[QUOTE][QUOTE]I hope they start giving cards to everyone who fakes an injury. If you fall and whine, only to return two minutes later, you should be punished. That will make Italy wake up and start playing real football. While I fully realize Italy aren't the only ones to do this, this seems to be an appropriate time to suggest this amendment to the rules.
[/QUOTE]
I ageee on this. I was ashamed when our players remained on the ground after each foul, it is not fair. It was ridicolous. [/QUOTE]
Haha, at least we fully agree on one thing!
I'm glad to know there are level-headed Italian fans such as yourself. I always like a good debate. Cheers.
True, but you have to admit, they rarely attack on the offence. They are the kind of team that relies on their strong defence, capitalizes on one offensive chance, and then retreats back to the defensive for the rest of the game. Even though this style clearly works, in my opinion, from the perspective of a viewer, that's a boring way to watch the game being played. Someone here used the term anti-football to describe this style of play, and I have to agree. The baseball equivalent to that would be telling eight of your batters to strike out intentionally because the slugger will hit three homeruns to win the game 3-2.
[QUOTE]Group E was a joke? Blame FIFA, not Italy.
We cheated our way through Australia? Yes, the penalty was really (REALLY REALLY) generous, but we played in 10 for most of the second half for a really (REALLY REALLY) generous red card.[/QUOTE]
Yeah, that's true too. Playing with ten men isn't easy, but I still blame the guy who chose to fall in the box. If every hockey player who was hit would choose to fall down, nobody would ever be skating!
[QUOTE]Ukraine was a gimmie? Blame Ukraine. We were lucky in meeting Ukraine? Yes, as lucky as Switzerland. It could have happened to France, but they arrives second behind the Swiss.[/QUOTE]
This is true as well. But I was just pointing out how they didn't have as many challenges like some of the other teams, such as France, who had to beat Spain and Brazil.
[QUOTE]I think I read a lucky game against Germany before you edited (but I'm not sure). Well, in the end we played with 4 forwards and we scored. Defensive style? What is offensive style then, 1-1-8?[/QUOTE]
Hahaha..!! Yeah, I rethought that one, and recalled that they did play a good game, and in the end they were the better team. In the last minutes versus Germany they did bring on the offence; of course I can't deny that. But 99% of the time, they are a defensive team.
[QUOTE]About Buffon being our only good player, I disagree. If you don't like Cannavaro as defender, what about Pirlo? He scored 1 goal and I think he created at least 3 winning assists. I think he is a great player (even if he didn't play very good in this World Cup).[/QUOTE]
Okay, I'll let you have that one. :)
[QUOTE]I don't want to sound harsh and I know that I'm biased, but I think that your opinion is wrong. We can disagree on many points, but we also agree on something. Even if I am an italian fans, don't hate me. I am sorry to hear that you had bad experiences with Italian fans in the past and you probably think that I'm one of them, but there are wonderful persons on Italy, please trust me.[/QUOTE]
Yes, I believe you! I think most of the true Italians are still in Italy... not here in North America!
[QUOTE][QUOTE]I hope they start giving cards to everyone who fakes an injury. If you fall and whine, only to return two minutes later, you should be punished. That will make Italy wake up and start playing real football. While I fully realize Italy aren't the only ones to do this, this seems to be an appropriate time to suggest this amendment to the rules.
[/QUOTE]
I ageee on this. I was ashamed when our players remained on the ground after each foul, it is not fair. It was ridicolous. [/QUOTE]
Haha, at least we fully agree on one thing!
I'm glad to know there are level-headed Italian fans such as yourself. I always like a good debate. Cheers.
Ukraine Vs Switzerland was by far the most boring game of the tournament.
It made me wish I was watching golf.
It made me wish I was watching golf.
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]Mr.Jingles wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Ukraine Vs Switzerland was by far the most boring game of the tournament.
It made me wish I was watching golf.[/QUOTE]
On that note... I recall the announcer toward the end of the game (at the peak of his wit, might I add), saying "the goaltenders at both ends of the pitch have been dramatically underemployed."
I laughed for quite a while at that one.
It made me wish I was watching golf.[/QUOTE]
On that note... I recall the announcer toward the end of the game (at the peak of his wit, might I add), saying "the goaltenders at both ends of the pitch have been dramatically underemployed."
I laughed for quite a while at that one.
In my previous post I forgot to say it, but I'm not denying that we were lucky. I was just trying to say that it was not only luck, but we also had some great players.
It's good to see we agree on something, Sir GH. :-)
It's good to see we agree on something, Sir GH. :-)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color="#FF00FF">freddies#1fan wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]eggy wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I've already done mine and last nights show made no difference;
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup?? [/QUOTE]
Of course! I'm a Gilardino' fan since he played in Verona and before in Piacenza! He's really a great player... and she's girlfriend... oh god! What a sex bomb! :)
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup?? [/QUOTE]
Of course! I'm a Gilardino' fan since he played in Verona and before in Piacenza! He's really a great player... and she's girlfriend... oh god! What a sex bomb! :)
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color="#FF00FF">freddies#1fan wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME][QUOTE][QUOTENAME]eggy wrote: [/QUOTENAME]I've already done mine and last nights show made no difference;
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup?? [/QUOTE]
Of course! I'm a Gilardino' fan since he played in Verona and before in Piacenza! He's really a great player... and she's girlfriend... oh god! What a sex bomb! :)
[/QUOTE]
*DOH!* I had a feeling he'd have a girlfriend! :(
damn! lol ;P
GK Buffon (Italy)
RB Miguel (Portugal)
CD Terry (England)
CD Cannavaro (England)
LB Lahm (Germany)
RW Maxi (Argentina)
DCM Gattuso (Italy)
AM Pirlo(Italy
LM Zidane (France)
CF Klose (Germany)
CF Podolski (Germany)
[/QUOTE]
OOPS!!! Is Cannavaro english?!?!?!
:) however:
Dream Team (3-5-2)
BUFFON; THURAM, CANNAVARO, RIO FERDINAND; C. RONALDO, GATTUSO, PIRLO, MANICHE, GROSSO; KLOSE, GILARDINO...
Coach: DOMENECH... I'm joking... I prefer Marcello Lippi! :)
[/QUOTE]
I'd put Gilardino on my dream team too! He's soooo good and hot! I don't understand why he didn't play in more games! Damn, why'd he have to be a substitute :( Do you think he'll play more in the next World Cup?? [/QUOTE]
Of course! I'm a Gilardino' fan since he played in Verona and before in Piacenza! He's really a great player... and she's girlfriend... oh god! What a sex bomb! :)
[/QUOTE]
*DOH!* I had a feeling he'd have a girlfriend! :(
damn! lol ;P
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Look here:
http://sport.alice.it/it/gallery/indiscreto/20060227/4025/index.html
;) have fun...
[/QUOTE]
I had a blast looking at those pics!!!(being sarcastic ;P) I'm sooooooo jealous!!!! At least Freddie didn't break my heart with pics like that! :( *tear* j/k lol :P But anyways, is Gilardino's gf famous? Is she Italian too? (If she is Italian, then I'm even more jealous!)
http://sport.alice.it/it/gallery/indiscreto/20060227/4025/index.html
;) have fun...
[/QUOTE]
I had a blast looking at those pics!!!(being sarcastic ;P) I'm sooooooo jealous!!!! At least Freddie didn't break my heart with pics like that! :( *tear* j/k lol :P But anyways, is Gilardino's gf famous? Is she Italian too? (If she is Italian, then I'm even more jealous!)
Yes, she's italian and she is a model as you can easily notice! :)
Don't be jealous! You're young and there are over 4 billions mens in the world! :D
Don't be jealous! You're young and there are over 4 billions mens in the world! :D
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Yes, she's italian and she is a model as you can easily notice! :)
Don't be jealous! You're young and there are over 4 billions mens in the world! :D
[/QUOTE]
lol :D thanks for reminding me ;P It's all good, I was just jealous at that moment but I get over things like that *snaps finger*. :) But seriously, I'm just DYING to go to Italy cuz it's so beautiful and it's the birthplace of my beloved violin! Thanks to the Italians for creating it! lol :))) Do you know Paganini??
Don't be jealous! You're young and there are over 4 billions mens in the world! :D
[/QUOTE]
lol :D thanks for reminding me ;P It's all good, I was just jealous at that moment but I get over things like that *snaps finger*. :) But seriously, I'm just DYING to go to Italy cuz it's so beautiful and it's the birthplace of my beloved violin! Thanks to the Italians for creating it! lol :))) Do you know Paganini??
Ehehehehehe... Are you joking?!?!
Gilardino played in Parma Football Club and when he marked goals he rejoiced miming a violin player! :)
Look at this link and open some videos:
http://www.gilardino11.com/video/video.html
PS: he did it also when he marked goal to U.S.A. at this World Championship!
;) have fun...
Gilardino played in Parma Football Club and when he marked goals he rejoiced miming a violin player! :)
Look at this link and open some videos:
http://www.gilardino11.com/video/video.html
PS: he did it also when he marked goal to U.S.A. at this World Championship!
;) have fun...
[QUOTE][QUOTENAME]<font color=black>ROG<font color=gold>37 wrote: [/QUOTENAME]Ehehehehehe... Are you joking?!?!
Gilardino played in Parma Football Club and when he marked goals he rejoiced miming a violin player! :)
Look at this link and open some videos:
http://www.gilardino11.com/video/video.html
PS: he did it also when he marked goal to U.S.A. at this World Championship!
;) have fun...
[/QUOTE]
OMG thanks!!! That was cool!! I saw when he did it during the U.S. game but I didn't know he had done it before! COOL!!! :DDD Now I wanna go practice even more! lol ;) I don't wanna sound like a stalker, but what city does he live in? I think it's so awesome that you live in Venice! That's like one of my fave cities! I just LOVE the masks Venice is known for! The closest I have come to Venice is the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas (I got a mini mask from there the last time I went)....I'm gonna go in 2 weeks!! Whoo hoo!! But I'm sure it doesn't come close to the beauty of the real city. :P
Gilardino played in Parma Football Club and when he marked goals he rejoiced miming a violin player! :)
Look at this link and open some videos:
http://www.gilardino11.com/video/video.html
PS: he did it also when he marked goal to U.S.A. at this World Championship!
;) have fun...
[/QUOTE]
OMG thanks!!! That was cool!! I saw when he did it during the U.S. game but I didn't know he had done it before! COOL!!! :DDD Now I wanna go practice even more! lol ;) I don't wanna sound like a stalker, but what city does he live in? I think it's so awesome that you live in Venice! That's like one of my fave cities! I just LOVE the masks Venice is known for! The closest I have come to Venice is the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas (I got a mini mask from there the last time I went)....I'm gonna go in 2 weeks!! Whoo hoo!! But I'm sure it doesn't come close to the beauty of the real city. :P