Il Capitano Alessandro Del Piero (116 Viewers)

Azzurri7

Pinturicchio
Moderator
Dec 16, 2003
72,692
Donadoni talks Italy tactics
Tuesday 20 March, 2007
Roberto Donadoni has discussed tactics and squad selection ahead of the Azzurri’s clash with Scotland next week.

Donadoni gave a Press Conference at the Coverciano training camp today where his squad are preparing for the qualifier at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola on Wednesday March 28.

The definitive list of 20 players making the trip to Bari will be released on Friday, but prior to that the ex-Livorno boss has work to do.

Scotland face Georgia on Saturday in Alex McLeish’s first game at the helm and Donadoni is keen to know how the new man will manage the side.

“I want to go to Glasgow on Saturday morning to watch Scotland as we know nothing about the new Coach,” he revealed.

As for the formation, Donadoni’s main decision is whether to employ a striking trident or settle for two front men.

“It depends on the players. I’m trying to field a balanced side and I need strikers who can defend as well,” he explained.

“Three strikers who can cover and mark doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of balance.”

One of Donadoni’s major worries will be a lack of cohesion within the side. As the scheduled friendly with Romania was cancelled, the Azzurri haven’t played since November’s 1-1 friendly with Turkey.

“I don’t want to make excuses, but it’s a handicap not having played for so long,” admits Donadoni. “Because of what happened [in Catania] I’ve made not one but three steps backwards.”

The Bergamo-born tactician also responded to claims that this season’s Serie A has been devalued by the Calciopoli verdicts.

“It’s not a lower quality championship but it’s strange in certain ways,” he stated.

“The wrongdoings didn’t take place on the football pitch so to not have a flagship side like Juventus is taking something away.

“If Inter are dominating and have at most two Italian players on the pitch it makes my job harder and I have to look elsewhere.”

Before leaving for an afternoon training session, Donadoni answered questions on the absence of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, as well as the inclusion of Alessandro Del Piero.

“When Totti makes himself available and resolves all his physical problems, I’ll decide if he should be in the team.

“For now my attention is elsewhere and I get tired of repeating these answers,” he stated wearily.

“Cassano’s taking the chances that [Fabio] Capello gives him but we’ll have to see if he can become more consistent and as for Del Piero, if I thought he was finished he wouldn’t be here.

“He can play a role for the national side and earn his place. He’s playing in Serie B but his past speaks for itself.”
 

Christina

vanilla pudding
Aug 21, 2006
19,775
He better....from the list [attacking players], Del Piero is the only name that comes to mind that can lift Italy in this game.
:agree: Toni and Gilardino aren't so great right now, Rocchi and Quagliarella are in-experienced, and Di Natale isn't consistent. Del Piero would seem to be the best out of them, seeing as he is top scorer in Serie B, and even when he doesn't score, he still has great touches. :tup: Although, if I had to pick a pair of strikers to start it would be Del Piero-Toni.
 

K0STA

Senior Member
Jul 12, 2006
1,037
I'm sure that Georgia has some power to upset Scotland and thus do favour to ITALY :)

Donadoni actually sucks! Alex deserves #10 jersey (At least before Totti comes back) ;

I think Alex is in better form than Totti with screws in his knees. How can take #10 shirt from him;
 

K0STA

Senior Member
Jul 12, 2006
1,037
I see Juve as SPARTANS!!! And our capitain as King Eliados !!!

When alex goes out on pitch, at the place where referee flips coin he Shouts in his Heart (Also other players do) - "THIS IS JUVEEE!!!"
 

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