I remember the last time I posted this before a major tournament, it was a pretty hot topic. Now that Italy has qualified for Brazil, it will be interesting to see who in fact will end up getting picked and going to Brazil. Here are the 28 players who showed up at Coverciano on November 11th, 2013. Convocati Nazionale: per Italia-Germania e Italia-Nigeria, Prandelli chiama Parolo e Criscito - FOTO Portieri: Buffon (Juventus), Marchetti (Lazio), Sirigu (Paris Saint Germain) Difensori: Abate (Milan), Barzagli (Juventus), Bonucci (Juventus), Criscito (Zenit San Pietroburgo), Maggio (Napoli), Ogbonna (Juventus), Pasqual (Fiorentina), Ranocchia (Inter) Centrocampisti: Candreva (Lazio), De Rossi (Roma), Diamanti (Bologna), Florenzi (Roma), Giaccherini (Sunderland), Marchisio (Juventus), Montolivo (Milan), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint Germain), Parolo (Parma), Pirlo (Juventus), Poli (Milan) Attaccanti: Balotelli (Milan), Cerci (Torino), Gilardino (Genoa), Insigne (Napoli), Osvaldo (Southampton), Rossi (Fiorentina).
All the talk about picking the old guys, it doesn't look like he will. I'm sure many things can change from now until May but again, all evidence points to Prandelli picking a mostly Under 30 (along with Pirlo) side.
Of course, Lorenzo! And not just because we are Napoli fans. The kids deserves it and the team needs young blood. Of the older guys I think we need some experience and leadership. Buffon, Chiellini, De Rossi and Pirlo. I also like Marchisio and Montelivo in midfield. And, of course, Rossi and Balo up top if Mario can keep his head on straight. All the others can fight it out for spots.
I didnt get why prandelli took rossi out of the game so early. It woulda been good if he kept him there longer so him and balotelli can get used to each other. Now there arent any more international dates til march i believe. as long as the likes of aquilani, gilardino, osvaldo, maggio, Astori, Rannochia stay off this team, i'd be happy with the selections. lol
They got league games this week. I don't blame him as they could risk injury like Khedira had and Rossi as we all know is injury prone...
I have never seen Cassano so in sync - great shape, mindset, and his immense technical ability has been on full display. I'd be very disappointed if he's not in Brasil come june. My 23 as of today: Gk: Buffon Sirigu Marchetti Defenders: Chiellini Bonucci Barzagli Ogbonna Di Sciglio Abate Criscito Midfielders: Pirlo De rossi Marchisio Verratti Montolivo Florenzi Cerci Candreva Forwards: Balotelli Rossi Totti Cassano Insigne
Cassano was the answer in 2004 and then 2008 and once again in 2012. I'm sure the 4th time is the charm. The bigger issue is that Prandelli used Cassano for every game at the Euros, despite the fact that he was not at all fit. This means Prandelli must have considered him an important player. Why then did he stop calling him for friendlies and qualifiers? Probably the same reason he was not called in 2006.. the other players don't want him around.
When he was younger, he was a nightmare to deal with. I think he has matured and calmed down but if he is in fine form, I don't see the national team passing him up.
cassano is a must for the WC. He would be a good sub for Rossi...and he does well with Balotelli too. they have a great relationship. But theres also Insigne and Florenzi. What azzuri lacks is tall strikers now days, balotelli is the only one.
True, however, that does not explain why Prandelli stopped picking him. I mean, if Cassano is so important that after an entire season of not playing he starts every game at the tournament which is second in importance only to the WC, why then was he not selected afterwards when he would only be getting more fit? If he is so mature now, there would be no reason to exclude him. You don't see the national team passing him up? I think that is exactly what the other players have done. What bothers me more than talking about recalling him is the fans and how a lot of them are crying over Cassano, when absolutely nothing was heard when Saint Miccoli was unjustly never called back on orders of a massively corrupt federation. Did Prandelli really think that a Cassano that had not played all season would give us a better chance at winning the Euros rather than trying Saint Miccoli? Even after God punished us for that arrogance by having Spain totally crush us in record style, people are still asking for more? All it takes is one goal where the defenders just drop back and never bother to mark him, for him to be proclaimed a hero? I don't understand. The level of superstar fanboyism amongst Azzurri fans has really made me dislike them recently.
If they didnt like Cassano they must hate Balo because him and Balo were acting like best friends when they were playing during the euros.
Having a bum heart and having almost died, I'm sure would scare a lot of coaches from picking him. I know if I were Prandelli that would scare me from picking him.
Very good, but that still does not explain why Prandelli stopped calling him. SH**, the man was so important that we risked the Euros by starting him in every, gambling that he would be okay and then never calls him afterwards.. not for friendlies, not for qualifiers.. not even for the Confederations Cup. Also, for those of you clamoring for Totti to return. you must also realize that will never happen if Cassano is on the team. Not b/c they are older, but b/c they cannot stand one another. It is the main reason why Cassano was not at 2006. Therefore, you can have one or the other.. but you can forget about including both unless you want a disaster that makes Lippi's 2010 look like paradise.