Azzurri Thread (96 Viewers)
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Some really biased posts in this thread (only JuveJay seems to get it seems)...let the big man explain his choices to you, will bold it for you:
Prandelli explains his Azzurri squad
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It is a slight risky tactically to not have some bigger oaf on the bench to have as extra body in the box, but then again the "physical" strikers he has available to him are pretty damn uninspiring hacks, he needs to get Balotelli focused and that will be enough (can do the box striker role MUCH better then the other alternatives), because IMO he is right in going for mobile and inventive forwards who SCORE over clumsy limited oafs who stumble around in the box without really being truly proflic in any shape or form.
Its easy choice really. A tiny Di Natale and Giovinco who been scoring and assisting for fun, being set up by a magical Cassano (only one missing fitting this type in form and style is Miccoli), over Pazzini, Matri, Osvaldo, Gila and such who can do **** all really. When these type of players are naturally limited, they should excell atleast what they are meant to do, score, but when they can barely hit double figures, then why bother? Over players who exploit space more, can do more on their own individually, create for others AND score. But mainly as Prandelli said, tries more mobile "modern" approach in who move into channels and play off eachother, that can be served with good balls by the midfield behind them.
You are deluding yourselves if you thought Pepe would be called up with how Prandelli sets up his team, or deserves to be anyways (Schelotto is only "winger" called up, and he will be dropped). There is a reason he called up Giaccherini and not Pepe, in his own words "Giaccherini can play 3 positions", CM, winger and forward. Pepe is just straight up rush and hustle limited winger, in a coach that doesnt use any. To state the obvious, despite the efforts for Juve, is far from the kind of quality player that you adjust anything for in his behalf.
---------- Post added 14.05.2012 at 14:50 ----------
I want to repeat this question, with some of the replies here, hehe, its quite valid.
Prandelli explains his Azzurri squad
-------------
It is a slight risky tactically to not have some bigger oaf on the bench to have as extra body in the box, but then again the "physical" strikers he has available to him are pretty damn uninspiring hacks, he needs to get Balotelli focused and that will be enough (can do the box striker role MUCH better then the other alternatives), because IMO he is right in going for mobile and inventive forwards who SCORE over clumsy limited oafs who stumble around in the box without really being truly proflic in any shape or form.
Its easy choice really. A tiny Di Natale and Giovinco who been scoring and assisting for fun, being set up by a magical Cassano (only one missing fitting this type in form and style is Miccoli), over Pazzini, Matri, Osvaldo, Gila and such who can do **** all really. When these type of players are naturally limited, they should excell atleast what they are meant to do, score, but when they can barely hit double figures, then why bother? Over players who exploit space more, can do more on their own individually, create for others AND score. But mainly as Prandelli said, tries more mobile "modern" approach in who move into channels and play off eachother, that can be served with good balls by the midfield behind them.
You are deluding yourselves if you thought Pepe would be called up with how Prandelli sets up his team, or deserves to be anyways (Schelotto is only "winger" called up, and he will be dropped). There is a reason he called up Giaccherini and not Pepe, in his own words "Giaccherini can play 3 positions", CM, winger and forward. Pepe is just straight up rush and hustle limited winger, in a coach that doesnt use any. To state the obvious, despite the efforts for Juve, is far from the kind of quality player that you adjust anything for in his behalf.
---------- Post added 14.05.2012 at 14:50 ----------
I want to repeat this question, with some of the replies here, hehe, its quite valid.
I actually agree with Prandelli's choice not to bring a big striker, if it meant that big striker was Matri, Pazzini and co. I am not a believer in the idea that you have to have a pure center forward in your team. As long as you have enough attackers who contribute to scoring goals, then you don't need a pure center forward imo.
Prandelli explains his Azzurri squad
http://www.football-italia.net/18803/prandelli-explains-his-azzurri-squad
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has defended his selections after naming his preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.
The Azzurri Coach announced his initial party last night, a group of players which surprisingly included Pescara’s Marco Verratti, Siena’s Mattia Destro, Atalanta’s Ezequiel Schelotto and Luca Cigarini, as well as Juve’s Emanuele Giaccherini.
“When you are not called up you feel like you have suffered an injustice, but I made my decisions on merit,” the tactician stated on Monday.
“I’d like to see who could have been called up instead of Antonio Di Natale and Sebastian Giovinco…”
Prandelli’s attacking selections have been questioned given that there doesn’t seem to be a real centre-forward amongst the six forwards called.
“Six attackers are what I need for the way we will play,” he explained.
“We evaluated which players could give us 100 per cent in terms of the team overall. Those left out were so for tactical reasons.
“Today there is no longer a static player in attack. Mario Balotelli can be used in that role, but also on the flanks.
“It’s the same for Di Natale and Giovinco who have scored a lot without being a reference point for defenders.”
As expected, Prandelli has called up Antonio Cassano after he recovered from heart surgery and enigmatic Balotelli.
“Cassano did all that he could to be here and he’s made it,” the former Fiorentina man added. “He’s shown that he loves this shirt. I prefer to have enthusiastic players in the squad.
“Balotelli hasn’t played that much recently, but he’s won a title and is one of the emerging talents that we have to help explode.”
Among the shock call-ups were Verratti, 19, Giaccherini and Destro.
“There are a lot of reasons why we thought about Verratti,” explained the former Juventus midfielder.
“The first are his qualities, which have also been seen in the Under-21s. I want to continue that work, also as a back-up to Andrea Pirlo.
“We also wanted to make it clear that we are following players in Serie B. I also wanted to call him up to demonstrate that there is a clear technical project in place here.
“Giaccherini is a player who can be used in three positions and I hope he can be useful.
“Destro is not a classical central striker, he’s a modern attacker. I want to see him play for a place. I want him to work hard on a daily basis to prove that he deserves to be here.”
Prandelli, who expects to have Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini fit in time after injury, was then asked about tactics.
“We don’t have a lot of time. We’ll try a few things out, but the base will be the formation that we used in qualifying [4-3-1-2]. There is a nucleus in midfield that is there to create.
“I want to pick a team that plays fluid football. The important thing now is to find some balance within the side. The pitch will give us an answer.
“It’s hard to put responsibility on one player. We want to create a side with many elements, but it is clear that having Pirlo is an advantage. Everyone would want a player like him.
“I don’t have a minimum objective. Every Coach thinks about getting right to the end. From next Monday we’ll start work on the pitch with the intention of winning.”
Prandelli was also asked about the prospect of fielding a side based on Juventus’ championship team.
“When I first arrived I was criticised for picking so many Juventus players, but their Scudetto win proved me right, Juventus are the only Italian club who focus strongly on young Italians.”
Prandelli also reiterated his desire to remain on the bench until his contract expires in two years’ time.
“I’ve always said that I want to respect my contract until after the 2014 World Cup, however it will depend on what happens at the European Championship.”
http://www.football-italia.net/18803/prandelli-explains-his-azzurri-squad
Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has defended his selections after naming his preliminary 32-man squad for Euro 2012.
The Azzurri Coach announced his initial party last night, a group of players which surprisingly included Pescara’s Marco Verratti, Siena’s Mattia Destro, Atalanta’s Ezequiel Schelotto and Luca Cigarini, as well as Juve’s Emanuele Giaccherini.
“When you are not called up you feel like you have suffered an injustice, but I made my decisions on merit,” the tactician stated on Monday.
“I’d like to see who could have been called up instead of Antonio Di Natale and Sebastian Giovinco…”
Prandelli’s attacking selections have been questioned given that there doesn’t seem to be a real centre-forward amongst the six forwards called.
“Six attackers are what I need for the way we will play,” he explained.
“We evaluated which players could give us 100 per cent in terms of the team overall. Those left out were so for tactical reasons.
“Today there is no longer a static player in attack. Mario Balotelli can be used in that role, but also on the flanks.
“It’s the same for Di Natale and Giovinco who have scored a lot without being a reference point for defenders.”
As expected, Prandelli has called up Antonio Cassano after he recovered from heart surgery and enigmatic Balotelli.
“Cassano did all that he could to be here and he’s made it,” the former Fiorentina man added. “He’s shown that he loves this shirt. I prefer to have enthusiastic players in the squad.
“Balotelli hasn’t played that much recently, but he’s won a title and is one of the emerging talents that we have to help explode.”
Among the shock call-ups were Verratti, 19, Giaccherini and Destro.
“There are a lot of reasons why we thought about Verratti,” explained the former Juventus midfielder.
“The first are his qualities, which have also been seen in the Under-21s. I want to continue that work, also as a back-up to Andrea Pirlo.
“We also wanted to make it clear that we are following players in Serie B. I also wanted to call him up to demonstrate that there is a clear technical project in place here.
“Giaccherini is a player who can be used in three positions and I hope he can be useful.
“Destro is not a classical central striker, he’s a modern attacker. I want to see him play for a place. I want him to work hard on a daily basis to prove that he deserves to be here.”
Prandelli, who expects to have Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini fit in time after injury, was then asked about tactics.
“We don’t have a lot of time. We’ll try a few things out, but the base will be the formation that we used in qualifying [4-3-1-2]. There is a nucleus in midfield that is there to create.
“I want to pick a team that plays fluid football. The important thing now is to find some balance within the side. The pitch will give us an answer.
“It’s hard to put responsibility on one player. We want to create a side with many elements, but it is clear that having Pirlo is an advantage. Everyone would want a player like him.
“I don’t have a minimum objective. Every Coach thinks about getting right to the end. From next Monday we’ll start work on the pitch with the intention of winning.”
Prandelli was also asked about the prospect of fielding a side based on Juventus’ championship team.
“When I first arrived I was criticised for picking so many Juventus players, but their Scudetto win proved me right, Juventus are the only Italian club who focus strongly on young Italians.”
Prandelli also reiterated his desire to remain on the bench until his contract expires in two years’ time.
“I’ve always said that I want to respect my contract until after the 2014 World Cup, however it will depend on what happens at the European Championship.”
I can't remember the last time a 20/21 year old Italian striker scored as many as Destro. All the names like Gilardino exploded when they were around 22 or 23. I know Borini has also had good form but I wouldn't mind seeing him dropped for Destro.
Prandelli's approach is good for Italy, I can't see myself complaining about his decisions this summer.
Prandelli's approach is good for Italy, I can't see myself complaining about his decisions this summer.
If anything, there are more questionable selections/calls in midfield and defense than in attack 
He plays 4-3-1-2, tell me for a second Pepe fits in there more then Giaccherini, who he will use in friendlies as versatile option of the bench when he wants to switch things up. De Ceglie has been nice for us, but he has been starting and playing decently for us for around half a season, by this time it was too late for him to truly make an impression to oust players who have had their spot for some years and who are going on as usual, in Criscito and Balzaretti. Picking him would been nice, but not doing so is perfectly understandable too.
Matri hasnt played for pretty most of second half of the season for us or generally been THAT productive to force his way in, already played in Azzurri without convincing Prandelli (was good enough for him to even get call ups IMO), and lastly he does not have the qualities Prandelli looks in a player. Its exactly in the same ways Matri has frustrated us Juve fans, in how he fails to link up and play off his teammates, seems to miss a step or beat too often. But been decent in the box, but not good enough to be a certified call up for the NT. Destro is been given a shot because he has scored more, is younger, and has some of the qualities Prandelli looks for in a player. IMO most predictable of all is Matri not being called up, that should have been obvious by a longshot for all of you.
Lastly, Prandelli has called up enough fucking Juve players as it is
(which will be even more glaring when we buy Verratti and take back Giovinco).
But yeah have a feeling they will do quite decently too, if some players get into form in the opportune times, they have a good shot.
---------- Post added 14.05.2012 at 15:30 ----------
Rannocchia I give you has been quite poor for Inter, but been a player Prandelli has been using alot for last 2 years, and who might be dropped, but atleast should remain on this list. Bocchetti, Cigarini and Schelotto are quite assuredly being dropped off the 23 man list IMO, especially the first two, Schelotto has a slight chance to make it, just slight. Montolivo obviously should be on this squad, despite how he is, who else should be there? Mauri? As I said, its one thing to question the quality of a player, but to question a call up in overall is not taking into account that the other alternatives are flat out worse.
Matri hasnt played for pretty most of second half of the season for us or generally been THAT productive to force his way in, already played in Azzurri without convincing Prandelli (was good enough for him to even get call ups IMO), and lastly he does not have the qualities Prandelli looks in a player. Its exactly in the same ways Matri has frustrated us Juve fans, in how he fails to link up and play off his teammates, seems to miss a step or beat too often. But been decent in the box, but not good enough to be a certified call up for the NT. Destro is been given a shot because he has scored more, is younger, and has some of the qualities Prandelli looks for in a player. IMO most predictable of all is Matri not being called up, that should have been obvious by a longshot for all of you.
Lastly, Prandelli has called up enough fucking Juve players as it is
(which will be even more glaring when we buy Verratti and take back Giovinco).But yeah have a feeling they will do quite decently too, if some players get into form in the opportune times, they have a good shot.
---------- Post added 14.05.2012 at 15:30 ----------
Rannocchia I give you has been quite poor for Inter, but been a player Prandelli has been using alot for last 2 years, and who might be dropped, but atleast should remain on this list. Bocchetti, Cigarini and Schelotto are quite assuredly being dropped off the 23 man list IMO, especially the first two, Schelotto has a slight chance to make it, just slight. Montolivo obviously should be on this squad, despite how he is, who else should be there? Mauri? As I said, its one thing to question the quality of a player, but to question a call up in overall is not taking into account that the other alternatives are flat out worse.
Tell me where Giac fits, that Pepe doesn't fit. Attack, Midfield, Out wide?
Not to mention they might have to resort to different formations throughout the tournament.
It's probably just a mute point anyway, since I don't think Giac will be part of the 23 man squad.
I don't really disagree about Matri & DC, only said that you could argue about them. Balzaretti vs DC for example. I don't really see any objective reason to pick Balza over DC, but same thing goes the other way around.
Not to mention they might have to resort to different formations throughout the tournament.
It's probably just a mute point anyway, since I don't think Giac will be part of the 23 man squad.
I don't really disagree about Matri & DC, only said that you could argue about them. Balzaretti vs DC for example. I don't really see any objective reason to pick Balza over DC, but same thing goes the other way around.
Pretty much any centralized approach to midfield or attack Giacch is more suited to then Pepe, dont think he will make the cut either, but Prandelli prolly picked him for the reason he was popular with Conte for a while, who has played in 3 different roles. Moves into channels and exploits space fairly decent as a box to box CM/AM. Prandelli says fluid and flexibility often in his press conferences, two things thats fit more with Giacch then Pepe. Who truly would NEVER been called by Prandelli (or he was called awhile back by him, only to illustrate how he doesnt fit with his tactics/style even more). He doesnt play with wingers, its that easy, atleast the type of Pepe (wingers who dont know how to cut in).
And yeah Balza and DC is pretty moot, he prolly would have had a good shot to be called up if he stood out more or was played more in the first half of the season, Balza retains his spot mainly because he has been a familiar part of the set up, not because he has been as good as he was in past two seasons.
And yeah Balza and DC is pretty moot, he prolly would have had a good shot to be called up if he stood out more or was played more in the first half of the season, Balza retains his spot mainly because he has been a familiar part of the set up, not because he has been as good as he was in past two seasons.
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