++ [ originally posted by Andrea Becchi ] ++
Sorry Lacki and Domi, I am not too sure that a straight 4-4-2 will work wonders for us in European competitions. The reason for this is because the lack of depth created by these straight lines of players. IMO the straight 4-4-2 is easily broken down by good teams. For instance, in the Monaco-Chelsea game, Chelsea was easily broken down by a ten man Monaco side, who used their pace and skill to find the holes in midfield to work the ball around and eventually score. The 4-4-2 is a common feature to most English teams as well, and we have seen what they accomplished in European competitions (Only one EPL team, Man U., has played in the C.L. Final for the past 15 seasons). That might not be that much of a relative statment, but in the end football logic wins out. So I hope Prandelli does not use that system.
I think the best system in football now is the 4-2-3-1, which is used by teams like Deportivo, Real Madrid, and sometimes Monaco and Porto. I think it is a well balanced formation, which can both attack and defend with effectiveness. There is depth here that cannot be found in the 4-4-2. And also, it makes us more suited for creating more triangles in the field of play. So if I was Juves coach, here is what I would do:
Buffon
Thuram Mexes Ferrari Zambrotta
Lampard (Enzo) Tacchinardi
Fiore (Camo or Kapo) Nedved Del Piero
Gilardino
Of course there will have to be different players in some positions, cuz I am not sure if Lampard or Fiore will be wearing bianconeri in the summer.