Azzurri Thread (28 Viewers)

[JuveJay]

The slower pace of the league has always been held to blame.

Fitness levels are going to be a real problem in a Brazil World Cup, so they need to do something about it, fast. Unfortunately Prandelli gets so little time.

I think the Juve players will be ok, usually our guys start to kick on after this month, and end the season well.

In 2012 the boys really burned themselves out going the distance with England and then finding something to beat Germany. We all saw what condition the team was in for the final, and if that is going to happen again in Brazil then the team isn't going to do itself justice.

We shouldn't forget that there are big players to return (Balotelli, De Rossi, Chiellini, Rossi).

I liked how well Paletta slotted in. He has given himself a chance to make the plane, and probably jumped ahead of Ogbonna, Astori and Ranocchia already. It's important to have another capable central defender to play in a back four.

 

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[Cheesio]

I think Italy's best lineup should be a variations of the 4-3-3, and i also think Cassano should be given a chanc.

Buffon

-Defence-

De Rossi-¨Pirlo---Marchisio

Rossi---Balo----Cassano ( Free role )

If not Cassano play Florenzi in the same way Perrotta used to play for the NT.

 

[Hist]

3-5-2. Strong Juve Defense, DDR marchisio and Pirlo in the middle. Balo and Rossi upfront

 

[JuveJay]

Cassano would be a big risk with his fitness levels, Prandelli basically said that Italy will need 23 athletes.

I would like to see a similar 4-3-3 but like this:

Balotelli and Cerci both coming inside and unleashing cannons. Width provided by the fullbacks. Abate basically just runs and crosses - Balotelli's height coming in on the back post being an option, but general wide play via those two or the cut back ball/run off the shoulder to Rossi. Osvaldo could also play Rossi's role if he isn't fit.

 

[Vlad]

I actually agree with you there. Rather similar to what I would pick.

 

[Mr Chocolate]

They have always preformed better in a 3-5-2, but if I had to make a line-up in that formation it would be like that to

---------Balotelli---Rossi----------
--------------Cassano-------------
----------Marchisio-DDR----------
----------------Pirlo----------------
-Balzaretti-Chiellini-Barza-DeSciglio-
--------------Gigi--------------------


that would be my line up

 

[GarfielD]

Cassano.

 

[Mr Chocolate]

I would have him in the team, I understand why some wouldn't though, but I like him as a player and he can make a difference.

 

[GarfielD]

He can make a difference but he is too risky. He isnt at the same fitness level as before.

 

[Hist]

Totti is more of a gurantee than cassano at this point

 

[Ocelot]

Cassano would be a big risk with his fitness levels, Prandelli basically said that Italy will need 23 athletes.

I would like to see a similar 4-3-3 but like this:

Balotelli and Cerci both coming inside and unleashing cannons. Width provided by the fullbacks. Abate basically just runs and crosses - Balotelli's height coming in on the back post being an option, but general wide play via those two or the cut back ball/run off the shoulder to Rossi. Osvaldo could also play Rossi's role if he isn't fit.

I'm not a big fan of Montolivo and Pirlo playing together in a 3 man midfield, I would slot Marchisio in instead of him.

 

[zizinho]

rotating 3-5-2 and 4-3-3 depending on the opponent is the answer. italy would be more unpredictable, and have more options that way.

for the 3-5-2 i would use BBC - Pirlo Marchisio DDR - Abate De Sciglio - Balotelli Rossi/Osvaldo

4-3-3 - Chiellini Barzagli - Abate De Sciglio - Pirlo Marchisio DDR - Balotelli Rossi/Candreva El Shaarawy/Cerci

backups: Ogbonna, Maggio, LB??? Verratti, Montolivo, T. Motta, Candreva Cerci...
something like this???

 

[AOD4]

I see Cerci name being pop up, but isn't Candreva is Prandelli's fave choice in attack. And no Marchisio in the midfield please, he gets away with his invisible performance in Juve because the team is clearly a step above everyone else, but its going to be hard for the midfield to carry him in the NT.

 

[JuveJay]

Candreva is liked by Prandelli, probably because of his great energy and ability to turn a defensive position into an attacking one. I'm pretty sure we'll see quite a bit of him in Brazil, he's one of the better athletes.

 

[Dostoevsky]

He does add something unique in the squad. He's a good player and too bad we didn't buy him, but the asking price was quite heavy.

 

[Hængebøffer]

Prandelli won't bench Marchisio.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

No good coach would.

 

[Dostoevsky]

Prandelli won't bench Marchisio.

No doubt about that, I was just saying Candreva is a pretty great backup, in this case.

- - - Updated - - -

No good coach would.

Conte is not a good coach?

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

Guess by your and NinjaPoggy's definition of bencher mean all our midfielders are benchers.

 

[Dostoevsky]

Guess by your and NinjaPoggy's definition of bencher mean all our midfielders are benchers.

Pogba has like the most minutes played out of whole squad, I don't know how is that a bencher, same goes for Vidal.

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