Azzurri Thread (58 Viewers)

ZoSo

ZoSo

Senior Member
#2,549
Jul 11, 2011
41,656
#2,549
Prandelli should go for nostalgia :D

Gigi
Zambrotta-Barzagli-P.Cannavaro-Grosso
Gattuso-Pirlo-Perrotta
Totti-Toni-Ale


Just kidding though.

But seriously Prandelli should consider Paolo. He's been a rock for Napoli and is only 30. He should be 3rd choice CB in my opinion, behind Barzagli & Chiellini.
 
Bianconero_Aus

Bianconero_Aus

Beppe Marotta Is My God
#2,550
May 26, 2009
81,079
#2,550
Paolo is good, but maybe Prandelli doesnt pick him because he plays in a 3 man defence with Napoli.

Unfortunately for Italy there is a real dearth of quality Italian CBs at the moment. I think the best prospect for the future is Michele Camporese of Fiorentina.
 
JuveJay

JuveJay

Senior Signor
Moderator
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Mar 6, 2007
74,949
#2,553
Luca Caldirola (Inter owned) and Luca Antei (Roma owned) started the more recent ones. I rate Caldirola, I know Mark does too, he looks a decent bet. The other spot is often rotated with Antei, Daniele Mori (Empoli) and Marco Capuano (Pescara). As you know, Ferrara will usually pick those playing regularly above others, even if they are in Serie B.
 
Bianconero_Aus

Bianconero_Aus

Beppe Marotta Is My God
#2,554
May 26, 2009
81,079
#2,554
Right cheers, yeah I have seen Caldirola a few times actually, seems a pretty good prospect. If he wants any chance for his career to progress, he must leave Inter immediately.

Another player Im expecting big things of (as a fullback) is Alessandro Crescenzi. Looks quite handy.
 
YasoR17

YasoR17

Mirkofan #1
#2,556
Jul 4, 2008
7,751
#2,556
Official lineup against Poland: Buffon; Abate, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Criscito; Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio; Montolivo; Balotelli, Pazzini

Italy will face Poland on Friday with Mario Balotelli and Giampaolo Pazzini in attack, while Ignazio Abate will make his debut at right-back.

Boss Cesare Prandelli announced his starting XI on Thursday, but did add that there would be changes made to the team after the break.

Balotelli and Pazzini come into the side given that Antonio Cassano is recovering from heart surgery, while Giuseppe Rossi will be out for six months after damaging knee ligaments.

“Balotelli needs to go on to the pitch with no pressure on him,” Prandelli noted.

“The fact that he hasn’t scored for Italy yet shouldn’t be an obsession for him. He just needs to stay serene and the goal will come naturally.

“The Rossi-Cassano-Balotelli trident? We had it up to a few weeks ago, but it hasn’t gone. We just need to be patient.”

Milan man Abate will be thrown into the team for the first time, while Andrea Ranocchia has recovered from injury and will partner Giorgio Chiellini in defence.

Riccardo Montolivo will be used in an advanced midfield role behind the two strikers as Prandelli will keep faith with the 4-3-1-2 system.

However, the side are expected to switch to a 4-3-3 at some stage during the tie once Juventus’ Simone Pepe comes off the bench.

“Simone has been doing really well in training,” added the tactician. “He’s convinced me to use him in the next two games against Poland and Uruguay.

“We’ll change the system against Poland after the interval to try a few experiments. The first half, though, will be one for continuity.”

It’s being claimed that Torino stopper Angelo Ogbonna could make his debut as a substitute in the game, while Juve’s Alessandro Matri is being tipped to be used too.

Thiago Motta, Alberto Aquilani and Antonio Nocerino should feature at some stage as well.

The Azzurri will play Uruguay on Tuesday where Prandelli could try a front two of Balotelli and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

Italy starting XI: Buffon; Abate, Ranocchia, Chiellini, Criscito; Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio; Montolivo; Balotelli, Pazzini
Click to expand...
 
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