Preview; Italy Euro 2012

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Italy

Fifa Ranking

12

Manager

Cesare Prandelli – ex solid defender for Cremonese, Atlantaand Juventus. Guided Italy through the qualifying stage undefeated.  Demands hard work from his players and hasinsisted on fielding young players at the same time combining with experienceas he seemingly waves good bye to the old generation and brings up a newgeneration of Italian power. 

Captain

Gigi Buffon – Has played for the national team since 1997. Abig keeper at the back, helped Juventus win the Scudetto unbeaten and is wellknown for his loyalty. 

Star Players

Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo

Fact

Italy are the most successful team behind Brazil in theWorld Cup having won it a four times 1934, 1938, 1982,2006 but have only wonthe Euro’s once which was in 1968 despite having qualified for the show piece 7times. 

Likely Formation;

Taking a look at how the Italians have lined up under Prandelliin recent time, I would out rightly fancy a 4-3-1-2 formation.

In goal, just as in Spain would be the ever present CaptainBuffon who has an able replacement in the name of Morgan De Sanctics the Napolishotstopper. The centre of the defense for has several players who could fit;for me though, the Juventus duo of Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzaghlishould start. The subs in this position could feature Ogbonna, Domenico Criscitoof Zenit FC and Andrea Ranocchia who pliés his trade at Inter.  Left back position then would be Palermo’s Federicowhile at right back Napoli’s Maggio should start but has able replacements inthe names of Abate of Milan and Cassani of Florentina. 

Just right infront of the centre backs is where we have the ‘regista’as it’s known in Italian football. Andrea Pirlo himself flanked by Thiago Motta/DeRossi on the right and Claudio Machisio/Antonio Nocerino. Then there’s the oneman who links the attack and the three men I just mentioned above. Tough tocall but expect Aquilani of AC Milan or Riccardo Montolivo. 

Cassano might not get well in time for the tournament I guess,but even if so, wouldn’t be effective so much and the coach might be afraid touse him. Mario Baloteli and Giovinco for me should start then in the absence ofCassano. 

Balotelli though needs to really take care of himself andnot get unnecessary bookings; this is a tournament for heaven’s sake.

Thoughts

Italians are generally defensive especially after getting agoal. The backline looks pretty solid with that Juve partnership at the backthough Cassano’s absence would weigh heavily on this team. Cassano on the otherhand has a poor record alongside Balotelli on discipline matters but once theyreach the quarters it’s anybody’s game, Italians are good enough to causeupsets. 

I bet they would still finish at top two with Spain butshould really concentrate on that opening game as they face Spain and later onface Ireland who beat them recently at a neutral venue and Croatia who have agood record against them.

Away from the pitch, Mario should light up the Tournament.It’s not always him but do you think a whole 270 minutes would pass withoutMario saying/doing something?