Umberto Bossi offered too little!

Umberto Bossi promised that Italy would qualify for the next round in the World Cup. They would just offer the Slovakians a big chunk of money so that they could let the Italians win. But apparently he offered too little! Instead of the 500,000 euro the Slovakians wanted, Bossi only wanted to pay 500,000 LIRE ! That is roughly calculated about 133 euro...about 499,867 euro short...

Slovakia - Italy

Match 41 - Group F - 24 June

This is the last chance for Slovakia. They need to win to be sure of progressing to the next round. Italy however probably have enough with a draw.

Our prediction is that it will be close, but in the end the intrinsic value of the Italian players will see them through

Our prediction : Slovakia 1 - Italy 2

Italy - New Zealand

Match 28 - Group F - 20 June

Italy have not shown us a lot so far, but New Zealand have. Scoring in the 93rd minute was a great accomplishment. Unfortunately, it will probably be their last. Because tonight Lippi's men know that they have to win if they want to stay on course for the next round.

I think tonight they will deliver

Our prediction : Italy 3 - New Zealand 0

Disappointing draw between Italy and Paraguay

We thought Italy would win, but a dissapointing draw and a rough and unfair game was all we got. Is this the team that became World Champion 4 years ago? And is this the team that played so well during the South American campaign?

Both teams will probably go through (Slovakia and New Zealand are the other teams in this group) but we can only hope that the next games will be better.

Oh, if only our daughter had put all the money on a draw, we would now be millionaires :)

Italy - Paraguay

Match 11 - Group F - 14 June

Many people believe that this year's Italy team is not as strong as 4 years ago when they won the World Cup. But never doubt the strength of Marcello Lipi's team.

Our prediction : Italy 3 - Paraguay 2

Recipe from Italy: Parmesan Chicken

Here is a healthy quick dinner. Low calorie and short cooking time. Great meal to make when you get home during the week.

Dijon mustard, apple juice, Parmesan cheese and garlic form a crispy and delicious coating on chicken breasts in this easy recipe. Make sure you use soft fresh bread crumbs, not the dry crumbs out of the can. If you use the dry crumbs you will have way too much for the recipe.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups fresh soft bread crumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp. butter, melted
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 tsp. dried parsley flakes
8 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves

Preparation:

Line a 13x9" pan with foil and preheat oven to 375 degrees.
In shallow pan, mix mustard, apple juice, and garlic. In other pan, mix the crumbs, cheese, parsley, melted butter, salt, pepper, and parsley flakes.

Coat chicken in the mustard mixture, then roll it in the crumb mixture until thoroughly coated. Place the chicken in prepared pan and bake for 20-30 minutes, until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Serves 8

Note: You have to use soft fresh bread crumbs for this recipe; bread crumbs you make yourself by crumbling or processing fresh bread. Do NOT use the dried bread crumbs you buy in the supermarket; you'll have way too much left over.