Latest Azzurri call-ups and analysis
With the Azzurri set to face Northern Ireland and Serbia on 8th and 12th of October respectively, Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has called up his 23 players for the two fixtures. The trip to Ireland is likely to be the toughest fixture
in the qualifiers for Italy. Serbia on the other hand are no pushovers either. With the likes of Krasic, Vidic, and Ivanovic playing for the Beli Orlovi, Azzurri will be severely tested. The results of the two fixtures are very much likely to decide whether
the Azzurri finish top of their group or not.
The list of the 23 players called up is below:
Goalkeepers: Antonio Mirante, Salvatore Sirigu, Emiliano Viviano
Defenders: Mattia Cassani, Gianluca Zambrotta, Leonardo Bonucci, Cesare Bovo, Giorgio Chiellini, Daniele Gastaldello, Luca Antonelli, Domenico Criscito
Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Lazzari, Claudio Marchisio, Stefano Mauri, Angelo Palombo, Andrea Pirlo, Simone Pepe
Forwards: Antonio Cassano, Alberto Gilardino, Giampaolo Pazzini, Marco Borriello, Giuseppe Rossi
Analysis:
Starting off with the keepers, the three gloves men have been in impressive form and Prandelli will find it hard choosing between the three. However, Salvatore Sirigu should get the nod ahead of the rest as the goalkeeper is the youngest of the three. Sirigu
has a bright future and is the natural heir to the great Gianluigi Buffon. The Palermo gloves man should be given international exposure from now or the youngster will buckle under heavy pressure once the great Bianconeri goalkeeper retires.
Cesare Prandelli’s inclusion of Gianluca Zambrotta in the team is likely to raise many questions. Zambrotta was the undoubted best wing back in the world in 2006 but his form has been less than impressive ever since. With the player on the twilight of his
career, his physical abilities are on a decline and the Rossoneri player just can’t bombard the flank like he used to. Zambrotta would have been a decent option if Azzurri were out of options. However, Davide Santon has come back from his injury and played
in the second half of Juventus-Inter derby on the weekend. Milos Krasic was playing Christian Chivu like a school kid until Santon took up the left back position. Bianconeri winger had a quiet second half thanks to the wonderkid’s stunning abilities. Lippi
made the mistake of not including youngsters in his squad and Prandelli must learn from his mistakes.
In the midfield, Simone Pepe’s inclusion was expected but the winger clearly lacks the quality to compete at the international level. Cagliari’s Andrea Cossu would have been a better option. Cossu isn’t getting any younger but the winger provides more penetration
than a predictable Pepe. Ricardo Montolivo has been dropped following his dismal start to the season. The decision may look rational on the surface but Prandelli has shown he has no favourites for the Azzurri with this bold step. Montolivo was a favourite
at Viola under Prandelli and many expected the playmaker to be an automatic pick with the Azzurri.
Prandelli will have headaches deciding which forwards to start. A lot will also depend on the formation that he plays. Giampaolo Pazzini and Antonio Cassano must start. Giuseppe Rossi has been in good form with Villarreal and merits a first team spot.
In light of recent performances and the players available at his disposal, Prandelli should look to playing a 4-3-1-2 formation with the following players:
Salvatore Sirigu
Cassani-Giorgio Chiellini-Leonardo Bonucci-Domenico Criscito
Daniele De Rossi-Andrea Pirlo-Claudio Marchisio
Antonio Cassano
Giuseppe Rossi-Giampaolo Pazzini
Italy simply doesn’t have the players to play a 4-3-3 formation that Lippi played during his second stint with the Azzurri. In a 4-3-1-2, Italy will be playing to their strengths. Cassano will be unstoppable in the trequartista role - a position he was born
to play. Marchisio and De Rossi will provide Pirlo with all the cover and the Rossoneri player will easily use his passing range. Prandelli is an intelligent man and one shouldn’t be surprised if the tactician ends up using a similar formation.
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