Fabio is gone

Today Fabio Cannavaro collided with Giorgi Chiellini in practice and the effects of the collision are collosal for Italy.The collision forced Cannavaro to land awkwardly and tear his ankle ligaments.The snapping sound in Cannavaro ankle is being heard and felt around the world for anyone that loves the Azzurri.If you hate us i can imagine a Snidely Whiplash twist of your sinister mustaches right now. The 34 year old is not only our best Center back but much more.Today Italy lost its talisman and leader.

The immediate response was to call up Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini. If Donadoni can he needs to get on a jet plane and coax Alessandro Nesta back. If he can the Nesta, Matterazzi duo may just be enough. If not the back four will have to rely on Gian Luca Zambrotta for some leadership. If not Zambrotta then Buffon will have to take on the critical role of leader and back four organizer with his regular duties of great shot stopper.

This is frustrating because Buffon was insulated by Cannavaro's guidance and leadership. Less Cannavaro now means more work for everyone else, which makes things harder but not impossible.

What also makes Cannavaro so important is he had the gravitas as an on field general to keep Cassano in check.If it's possible to keep a tiger on a leash.

The intangibles Cannavaro offered are numerous. I am trying to react to this news with calm and perspective so a further post will be necessary to gauge the loss of Fabio Cannavaro.

The positives and how Donadoni deals with this will reveal allot about his abilities as a manager.One thing is certain this group now has 11 remaining world cup champions, this camp and the adversity it has offered is nothing in comparison to 2006, maybe just maybe the reaction will be ho hum. More drama for a nation that loves the Opera and the dramatic.