The Italian legend insists that the Azzurri’s dismal form has a lot to do with the match-fixing probe; believes that the Nazionale can still leave their mark on the European tournament.
Sandro Mazzola has empathised with the distressed Italy team, and believes that the Nazionale can still make it to the semi-finals of the upcoming Euros.
The Azzurri were defeated 3-0 in their only warm-up game against Russia, and their troubles in the field combined with off-the-field problems, have started to take its toll on the optimism surrounding their Euro 2012 campaign.
Mazzola stated that the result of the game against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Russia-c2991 has a lot to do with the scandal that is rocking their world.
The Italian legend stated that the Azzurri did not look to be in a good physical shape, but maintained that the backdrop of the warm-up match played in Zurich cannot be ignored.
The former http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926’s performance against Russia was poor, and pointed out that the Nazionale created only two opportunities in the whole match, while displaying poor discipline in the defence.
While talking to the Domenica Sportiva, the 69-year-old said:
“You have to consider the climate in which the Zurich game was played. The national side were probably influenced by everything which has affected them in the build up, although they didn’t look right physically. They only created two scoring opportunities
in the whole game and the defence was un-watchable…”
Cesare Prandelli opted for 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3 formations in the game against Russia, but there are suggestions that the chief could now turn to Juventus’ 3-5-2 system.
Mazzola expressed his belief that Andre Pirlo will be able to perform better in a five-man midfield, and insisted that despite their disappointing display in Zurich, the Azzurri can still make it to the semi-finals.
“I think Andrea Pirlo would probably be able to do more in a five-man midfield. Despite what we saw against Russia, Italy can get into the last four.”
The Italian legend stated that it is a good thing that Italy will lock horns with the European and World Champions http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011 in their first match of the Euros, as the Azzurri will have nothing to lose in the game.
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