Marco Borriello will start for Italy
Roma forward Marco Borriello will lead the Italian attack against Northern Ireland in their European qualifier at Windsor Park tomorrow, according to Italian coach Cesare Prandelli.
Prandelli believes that the 28-year-old will cope well with Northern Ireland's defence and said that the player "is the right striker for tomorrow’s game. He also gives us depth in manoeuvres.”
Guiseppe Rossi and Giampaolo Pazzini miss out due to Borriello's selection
The striker has scored two goals for his club this season and will be selected despite Roma’s poor form in Serie A.
The Italian manager Prandelli has stated that his side understand the importance of winning and said, “The games against Northern Ireland and Serbia are crucial to qualify for Euro 2012. I expect a constant improvement from my team.”
“I demand more because the physical condition of the team is good and it’s growing. I want the three points against Northern Ireland but I want that result to be accompanied by good play,” he added.
Northern Ireland will relish the opportunity of playing Italy in Windsor Park. They famously beat England at the venue in a qualifying game and have picked up a number of impressive results.
Northern Ireland have had a great start to the campaign and have picked up a surprise away win against Slovenia, but Italy top the group on six points.
Prandelli urged his team not to underestimate Northern Ireland who will be confident after their win in the first game of the group.
The Italian manager said, “They have taken important results at home. We believe we can play better football than them even if it’s in a difficult stadium.”
Borriello will start up front as a lone striker and will look to Antonio Cassano for support.
Borriello will hope that he can repay the manager’s trust in him by scoring goals at Windsor Park.
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