Don adopts new system Tuesday 14 November, 2006
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Roberto Donadoni revealed he will use the 4-1-4-1 system against Turkey, shelving the trident attack of his early Azzurri games.
“I still have a few doubts, but I’ll probably field the 4-1-4-1 tactic that we used against Georgia,” he said ahead of Wednesday’s friendly test.
The Coach had come under fire for attempting a 4-3-3 formation in his first few Italy matches, changing radically from the type of play that had won them the World Cup under Marcello Lippi in the summer.
The switch to a more protected side, with Roma’s Daniele De Rossi sitting in front of the defence, worked well in Tbilisi and gave them a 3-1 victory.
“This game against Fatih Terim’s squad is an excellent test,” he continued. “Turkey are strong both physically and technically, so I hope the pitch holds out well for an entertaining match.”
The tie will take place at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo, Donadoni’s home town. Players like Alessandro Del Piero, Francesco Totti, David Di Michele, Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo have been left at home due to fitness concerns, but he warns that doesn’t mean this friendly can be taken lightly.
“I’ve told the lads that playing for the Nazionale is an honour and these occasions must be used well to prove you deserve to wear this shirt,” added Donadoni.
“It would be a mistake to underestimate tests like this, as the season is at an advanced stage and everyone is more or less at peak fitness. If Turkey perform better on the night, then we take our hats off to them, but we mustn’t make errors in our general approach.”
Many were expecting Eugenio Corini to earn a recall after his splendid campaign with Serie A leaders Palermo.
“He would deserve a cap, but I have to evaluate many factors,” confessed the Coach. “Corini could prove useful when a player with his characteristics is missing, otherwise I have to look ahead and focus on younger elements.”
Italy’s World Cup victory put them in the spotlight and it’s widely expected one of the Azzurri will win the prestigious Ballon d’Or later this month.
While initial reports suggested Gianluigi Buffon had already taken the crown, it’s now claimed in the French media that Fabio Cannavaro is in the lead.
“I hope Cannavaro remains in front until the end,” said Donadoni when told of the rumour. “It would be fantastic if in the year of the World Cup the Golden Ball returned to Italy.”
Source: football italia