Re: Italian National Team Thread

[dostoevsky]

I never got around to writing my reflections on our match against France, which I still plan to do, however firstly I'd like to ask people's opinions on what sort of squad they want to see go to the Confederations Cup? There is still a very long time to go in terms of selecting individuals on the fringes, with youngsters such as Insigne and De Sciglio seemingly set to oscillate between the senior and junior set-ups, remembering also that the U21 European Championships are on during the summer as well.

The exclusions would seem to be the key issue in my mind, with the previous journey to the Confederations Cup seeing Lippi fail to blood youngsters and prepare the team for life without Pirlo, costing the team dearly in South Africa. Is is it justified to leave senior members behind entirely, even the captain Buffon? Or must they be called but spend significant time on the bench? I'm curious to see the range of responses.

Also on the note of the Confederations Cup and the U21 European Championships, we now have the following information:

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy will face Brazil in the Confederations Cup next summer due to a technicality, confirmed FIFA ahead of Saturday’s draw.

The tournament will be played from June 15-30 in Brazil as a warm-up for the 2014 World Cup involving Brazil, Spain, Japan, Mexico, Uruguay, Tahiti, Italy and the winner of the 2013 African Cup of Nations.

The Azzurri are taking part representing UEFA, as they were runners-up at Euro 2012 to 2010 World Cup winners Spain.

Although the draw for the two groups is not made until Saturday, FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke confirmed Italy will be paired with Brazil.

“As Brazil and Spain are the seeds, this means Italy will be in Group A with Brazil and Uruguay in Group B, seeing as the South Americans cannot be in the same group as Brazil.”
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Italy will face England, Israel and Norway in the European Under-21 Championship in Israel in June 2013.

The Azzurrini qualified for the tournament by topping their group and winning the play-offs, but were not seeded in this evening’s draw.

Ciro Ferrara was the Coach during the group phase, leaving in the summer to take over Sampdoria and handing the reins to Devis Mangia.

This draw is considered to be pretty good for the Azzurrini, as Group B includes Spain, Holland, Russia and Germany.

The competition will run in Israel from June 5-18 2013.

Group A

Israel

England

Norway

Italy

Group B

Spain

Holland

Russia

Germany
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even with the prospect of playing such important teams as Brazil in their own home, I personally believe that this tournament should be used primarily to focus upon the likes of Verratti, Ogbonna, Sirigu and others. It is vitally important in my eyes that players such as Pirlo be given a rest during the summer, otherwise they will be rocking up to Brazil 2014 without having a summer break since 2011, with all of the associated increased risks of injury and fatigue during the preceding domestic seasons.

Whilst I will offer a more complete squad closer to the date when we can see the consistency and progression of the youngsters currently breaking out, I believe that our key members in Pirlo, Buffon, Chiellini and arguably De Rossi should we be able to find a replacement for him be given rest and not even taken along to Brazil. They're not going to like it, however upsetting them is better in my eyes than a repeat of Lippi's Confederations Cup where Santon sat on the bench for the entire tournament and all alternatives to our finest players missed out on the major tournament experience that they'd need just a year later.

[Ganso]

I cant wait for Italy x Brazil, its been too long.

Anyways,Im confident we will win

[dostoevsky]

We'll give you 2013, all it does is ensure that 2014 is ours

[Kaladin]

Insigne, SES, Immobile, Ogbonna, Astori, Santon, Verratti, Poli, Destro, De Sciglio, the amount of youngsters Italy possess compared 2010 is amazing. Hopefully all of them can fulfill their potential.

[juventus101]

I would really like to see a squad like this, giving some young players a chance.

GK: Buffon, Sirigu, De Sanctis.
DEF: Chiellini, Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna, De Sceglio, Maggio, Astori.
MID: Marchisio, Pirlo, De Rossi, Aquilani, Verratti, Montolivo, Nocerino.
ATT: El Shaarawy, Giovinco, Balotelli, Immobile, Insigne, Cassano.

[Guest]

So the other day I was watching Torino against Pescara and decided to take a close look at Ogbonna's performance, who in the past I've hyped for the sake of hyping.

I don't think I've ever seen a player least confident about his ability with the ball. Every time he got the ball he passed it to Glik. And when he didn't, he tried passing it to Masiello or Brighi - and usually failed, leading to some half-chances by Pescara. Against a better side it might have actually led to worse things. He was very solid about his game without the ball, but his complete lack of ability and confidence with it was quite shocking.

Agreed entirely with this. I watched Torino's game against Fiorentina, Ogbonna would either pass it to his center back partner or to the goalkeeper even when under no pressure, or hoof it. This actually led to Torino not utilizing the space left behind by Cuadrado as most of their balls out of defense came from Darmian on the right hand side. Though defense isn't all about on the ball ability, I feel that this inability of his might hinder his opportunities at La Nazionale, or some potential move to bigger clubs.

[Milantildeath]

If I had to choose the Italy 23 right now, I'd go with this 11 and this bench. **Cassano does not deserve the national team anymore, he can't even get himself 90minute fit.

---------------------------------Buffon
De Sciglio------------Bonucci------------Ranocchia-------------Chiellini

----------------------------------Pirlo
-------------------De Rossi-------------Montolivo
------Insigne--------------------------------------------El Shaarawy
--------------------------------Balotelli

Bench:
Marchetti
Sirigu
Maggio
Criscito
Barzagli
Ogbonna
Marchisio
Verratti
Poli
Diamanti
Giovinco
Osvaldo

[Lupi]

If I had to choose the Italy 23 right now, I'd go with this 11 and this bench. **Cassano does not deserve the national team anymore, he can't even get himself 90minute fit.

---------------------------------Buffon
De Sciglio------------Bonucci------------Ranocchia-------------Chiellini

----------------------------------Pirlo
-------------------De Rossi-------------Marchisio
-------------------------------Montolivo
------Insigne--------------------------------------------El Shaarawy
--------------------------------Balotelli

Bench:
Marchetti
Sirigu
Maggio
Criscito
Barzagli
Ogbonna
Lodi
Verratti
Poli
Diamanti
Giovinco
Osvaldo

4 4 3? 1 too many

[Milantildeath]

If I had to choose the Italy 23 right now, I'd go with this 11 and this bench. **Cassano does not deserve the national team anymore, he can't even get himself 90minute fit.

---------------------------------Buffon
De Sciglio------------Bonucci------------Ranocchia-------------Chiellini

----------------------------------Pirlo
-------------------De Rossi-------------Marchisio
-------------------------------Montolivo
------Insigne--------------------------------------------El Shaarawy
--------------------------------Balotelli

Bench:
Marchetti
Sirigu
Maggio
Criscito
Barzagli
Ogbonna
Lodi
Verratti
Poli
Diamanti
Giovinco
Osvaldo

4 4 3? 1 too many

Dammit mate I didn't realize that i forgot to take out Marchisio and put him on the bench for Lodi

[Lupi]

well since chiellini is injured

-----------Buffon
---DDR- Ranoochia-Barzagli
maggio-----pirlo------balza
-----marchisio-nocerino
--------balotelli-osvaldo

[Milantildeath]

Nocerino is not in form at all, I'd take Lodi over him to even be called up. Balaretti has been on a decline since the Euros as well as Maggio. De Rossi can only play as a sweeper in a three back, not a marking back. Montolivo > Marchisio (although it's close). Not having SES in the Italian starting 11 is an insult to calcio.

[Luca]

How can you really compare what Marchisio does and what Montolivo does for the midfield?

Not to mention I absolutely disagree that Montolivo is better, it's not even an appropriate comparison

Anyways,

SES-Balotelli
x
Marchisio-Pirlo-De Rossi
Criscito-Chiellini-Barzagli-De Sciglio
Buffon

Italy really needs a proper trequartista in my opinion, the way Prandelli lines up (either 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2) it's required for the latter, in the former maybe not but there is then also a lack of quality in proper wingbacks which have great attacking responsibility

4-3-3 is a possibility, with Osvaldo in a wide position, possibly Insigne if he continues to improve

[Lupi]

Nocerino is not in form at all, I'd take Lodi over him to even be called up. Balaretti has been on a decline since the Euros as well as Maggio. De Rossi can only play as a sweeper in a three back, not a marking back. Montolivo > Marchisio (although it's close). Not having SES in the Italian starting 11 is an insult to calcio.

i wouldn't even consider Lodi , and pirlo needs some one to do the defensive part , bonucci is available with ranoochia and bonucci the defense wont that good , about ses he is simply not fitting Italian system , either 3-5-2 or 4-3-1-2 unless they go lippi's style 4-4-2 that i don't really think that happens

[Milantildeath]

If I had to choose between Montolivo and Marchisio for one center mid position on my team I'd choose Montolivo. Montolivo has a better long shot, long pass, touch on the ball, and vision. Why do you think Montolivo can literally play anywhere on the field? It was no coincidence that once Italy played Montolivo in the Euro they started to look really good. The only things I'd give Marchisio over Montolivo is finishing ability and fitness. As for El Shaarawy not fitting into the Italian system. You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding. Any player with that much skill and an eye for goal can fit into any system. with the emergence of De Sciglio and Chiellini's ability to play as a left back, I think a 4 back suits us very well.

[zarola]

wtf do I actually see Montolivo love here? Montolivo over Marchisio eeeeeew my eyes

[juventus101]

Marchisio and Montolivo are very different players. But its no contest for me. Marxhisio is far better. Monty is a great player, but actually has to compete with Pirlo for a starting spot, and that is even more one sided. And LOL at Montolivo having a better shot or dribbling.

[keye.su]

If I had to choose the Italy 23 right now, I'd go with this 11 and this bench. **Cassano does not deserve the national team anymore, he can't even get himself 90minute fit.

---------------------------------Buffon
De Sciglio------------Bonucci------------Ranocchia-------------Chiellini

----------------------------------Pirlo
-------------------De Rossi-------------Montolivo
------Insigne--------------------------------------------El Shaarawy
--------------------------------Balotelli

Bench:
Marchetti
Sirigu
Maggio
Criscito
Barzagli
Ogbonna
Marchisio
Verratti
Poli
Diamanti
Giovinco
Osvaldo

If I have this lineup, I would definitely choose Marchisio rather than Montolivo as Monto is a bit redundant when Pirlo is on the pitch, while Marchisio is more like a B2B midfielder. And if Pirlo gets too old, Verratti is a possible replacement.

[Xifio]

is there an Italy NT thread? or is this it?

either way: it's unfair for Verratti to be played with the useless back-ups; I want to see him fill Pirlo's role with the first team ... good that he got a face-saving goal, which will publicize both his presence in the team, and the need for Prandelli to give him a proper chance ...

also, his Mohamed Kallon comment was awesome ...

[RealGunner]

Call-Ups (GK): Buffon (Juventus), De Sanctis (Napoli), Marchetti (Lazio), Sirigu (PSG)

DEF: Bonucci, Chiellini, Barzagli (JUV), Abate, De Sciglio (Milan), Astori (Cagliari), Ranocchia (Inter), Maggio (Napoli), Antonelli (Genoa)

MID: Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini (JUV), Montolivo (MIL), De Rossi (ROM), Candreva (LAZ), Diamanti (BOL), Poli (SAM), Cerci (TOR)

ST: Balotelli, El Shaarawy (MIL), Osvaldo (ROM), Gilardino (BOL), Giovinco (JUV)

[Kaladin]

MID: Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini (JUV), Montolivo (MIL), De Rossi (ROM), Candreva (LAZ), Diamanti (BOL), Poli (SAM), Cerci (TOR)

I wonder what formation Cesare has in mind, if its a 4-3-3 then i hope Candreva isnt on the wing. It'd be interesting to see ES in the hole playing behind Balo and Osvaldo

[Ganso]

it doesnt matter who will play upfront, dante-ts will be our cb duo


Marchisio and Kaka will score,calling it here.

probable formations

-------------Buffon-----------
-Abate-Barzagli-Bonuci-Chiellini
----Marchisio-Pirlo-De rossi----
----------Montolivo------------
------Balo---------SES--------

vs

-----------Cesar----------------
Alves----Thiago---Dante-Filipe Luis/Marcelo
-----Luis Gustavo---Ramires-------
--Oscar-------Kaka--------Neymar
---------------Fred----------------

[Kaladin]

What i want
-----------------Buffon-----------
-Abate----Bonucci---Astori----MDS
--Marchisio---Montolivo---DDR----
--Cerci---------Balo-----------ES

What Prandelli wants

-------------Morgan-----------
-Maggio--Rano---Astori----Antonelli
----Marchisio----Pirlo-----Giach----
---------------Diamanti
----------Balo--------Gilardino

[Tomwin Lannister]

--------------------Buffon-----------------------
-----Barzagli-------Chiellini-------Bonucci-----
Abate-----DDR-----Pirlo------Marchisio----Criscito
---------------Balo----------In-form striker-----

Pls

[Zlatan]

If I had to choose between Montolivo and Marchisio for one center mid position on my team I'd choose Montolivo. Montolivo has a better long shot, long pass, touch on the ball, and vision. Why do you think Montolivo can literally play anywhere on the field? It was no coincidence that once Italy played Montolivo in the Euro they started to look really good. The only things I'd give Marchisio over Montolivo is finishing ability and fitness. As for El Shaarawy not fitting into the Italian system. You're kidding right? Please tell me you're kidding. Any player with that much skill and an eye for goal can fit into any system. with the emergence of De Sciglio and Chiellini's ability to play as a left back, I think a 4 back suits us very well.

You are actually right in saying that Montolivo can fit in any midfield, but unfortunately, in the only position he can play in, there is a demi-god, who's been the protagonist of that particular role in modern football. As for the comparison between Marchisio and Monty, Both are in good form now, but in a 3-men mid with Pirlo, Marchisio is the more balanced option, Montolivo has showed that he can be mobile as well, but he is no match for Marchisio when it comes to mobility, ability to cover both the boxes etc.


Good to see Cerci getting a call-up. He's been in good form. Hopefully, he can solve the lack-of-any-good-winger issue in the future. Calling Astori is a bigger farce than Giacch. At least, the latter can cover many positions. It was already clear before that Candreva isn't Azzurri material.

-----------Buffon
Abate Barzagli Chiellini DeSciglio
------DDR --Pirlo-- March
----------Montolivo
------Balotelli -----ElSha

433 at some point in the 2nd half with Cerci on the right wing.

[juventus101]

I like this:

--Buffon--
--Barzagli-- --Bonucci-- --De Sciglio--
--Abate-- --De Rossi-- --Montolivo-- --Marchisio-- --Criscito--
--Balotelli-- --El Shaarawy--

With Milan out of the CL, let some of their players take over for games like these so we can rest guys like Pirlo, and I also would've said to rest Barzagli too but Chiellini just picked up a slight knock which I hope is not serious.

[Ganso]

Prandelli said he will not experiment vs us.

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