Great chart from Eurosport showing % chance each potential player has of going to the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/VT0qDj0ceg— Azzurri (@ItalianNT) April 15, 2014
There is no way that Marchisio is not a lock. What about the story that Cassano is injured and didn't take part in fitness tests. Supposedly sources say that his inclusion in Brazil took a massive hit with that turn of events. And wtf is Romulo doing as a lock. Diamanti has no one but himself to blame. You don't go to effing China a few months before the World Cup and expect to make Brazil. It just shows a lack of hunger or flippant disregard for making the team. I'm starting to think the opposite. Prandelli's latest comments seem to indicate that he's extremely unsure of Rossi making the team. In fact, word was that Cassano would only make the team if Rossi couldn't…like it or not Immobile, Destro, and Insigne are all fighting for that last forward spot because Rossi probably won't be fit (how Gila is favored above anyone exasperates me). I think the easy choice is Immobile. Leading goalscorer, comfortable with Cerci, more versatile than Destro, and more likely to come off the bench and score than Insigne. In a perfect world both Immobile and Destro would go…but Gila somehow gets a spot… In fact I would actually start Immobile with Balotelli or with Cerci, since he's been the best forward in Italy by a comfortable margin this year. Recent quotes seem to suggest no.
Beardi still has to grow. He should be good for the Olympics and Under 21 teams but even though I'd love to see a player from Cosenza make it, I honestly think he needs more time to develop.
I would say that this chart is right on the money with all its odds. I guess Romulo snuck up on me. I had no idea he was so strongly considered. It shows the desperation for quality defensive backs facing Italy right now. Many decent players but no stars (other than De Sciglio's potential).
That chart means very little...Prandelli plays everything close to the chest, he's not giving away any clues that we ourselves don't already know... Anyways, another Cesare quote that I like: “The younger players have in recent weeks emerged from their shells, convinced many doubters and proved they can handle the pressure." I think Immobile is in. Cerci too probably. Prandelli seems pessimistic about Rossi's condition, but wants him in the starting XI. Lets hope he can get to full form by then.
The Coach was also asked about his tactical choices for the tournament in Brazil. “We have some ideas, but they need to be accompanied by something concrete. We want to get the best out of our characteristics. The quality of our midfield can be an extra weapon. “Obviously the League gives you teams who have played in the same way from the start of the season. As for the Nazionale, we must try to make the most of those characteristics, remembering our tactic will above all focus on the quality of the midfield. “That means finding balance, but above all character and a strong personality in a World Cup.” -football italia
Veratti is overrated by most fans and media at the moment. He has the potential to become something but he isn't what the NT needs at the moment.
Couldn't disagree more. Its total short sightedness to not bring him. He should be brought along to gain experience as he will eventually lead midfield plus he is ready to play some part. He has been involved in some massive games over the last 2 years.
I agree. Rossi playing the World Cup is cutting it close. If he's not 100%, what is the point. With Cassano not the fittest guy in the world, we can't take both IMO. Rossi got hurt and didn't make it back soon enough…take Cassano and lets move on. I'm fine with De Rossi, Pirlo, Marchisio, Motta, Candreva, Parolo, and Montolivo (not really, but he's going) as our core 7. I know Parolo is borderline, but I would take him. Verratti should be number 8 if Prandelli decides on that number of midfielders instead of defenders. No his career is more important.
I'm sure Rossi would be flattered by reading how concerned you guys are about his career, but I'm pretty sure he wants to play in the World Cup and he'll do everything to get there
Biggest thing to note from that list is that Mattia Destro is not going to the World Cup. Prandelli may choose only 5 forwards and there are 6 players ahead of Destro. Berardi has a better chance than Osvaldo? Nonsense. Darmian has just as much chance as Maggio and Abate? Also nonsense. Romulo has had a great season but I must admit I never considered him for the NT for obvious reasons. He could be Italy's answer to their wing back issues - at least on one side. Scuffet vs Perin - your thoughts. Really hope Giaccherini doesn't go. He doesn't deserve it much like Osvaldo - they have both contributed to the NT but as of now they do not merit a spot. Any chance that they overestimated Gilardino? I know Cesare loves him but don't forget that he didn't go to Euro 2012. Was he injured? Man that final squad will be interesting. Good players are going to miss out. Insigne, Diamanti, Florenzi, Verratti, Parolo hmmmm. My team from those players listed: Buffon Sirigu Scuffet Barzagli Bonucci Chiellini Paletta DeSciglio Romulo Pasqual Pirlo Candreva DeRossi Marchisio Verratti Florenzi Parolo Balotelli Cerci Immobile Destro Cassano Rossi Is it evident that I dont like Motta and Montolivo? I am not convinced by Criscito. Heh maybe Pasqual can be Italy's Grosso this year. I would take Rossi even if he is not fit for the England game. He is important. If he cannot make the tournament Insigne. Lot of quality in that chart. I think Italy can win this thing.
Not that I necessarily agree or disagree with the selections but I'm not so sure Candreva is 100%; Abate is 25%; and Gila is 100%. I understand Gila is a favorite, but he is not so indispensable that we could not fathom him not selected.
I agree with this 100%. I'm somewhat surprised so many people on this board are lukewarm over Candreva. He's a fantastic player who has kept Lazio high up on the Serie A table. I guess all the Roma fans are angling for Florenzi instead... and harbor that intense club loyalty. Unless Prandelli actually told these people who he's taking, any selection can be debated in terms of percentage. Prandelli did say that 18 people are already on the team, with 5 spots up for grabs. I think its clear that at this point Candreva is almost certainly going. He started against Spain, was selected in the Confederations Cup, plays on the wing, and has had a great season at Lazio…the evidence seems overwhelmingly in his favor. We know the third goalkeeper spot is still up for grabs, one or two forward spots, at least one full back position, and one last midfielder. Candreva has cleared all hurdles from the looks of it.
I agree that Candreva will most probably be included in the final XIII. He had a breakout tournament for the Azzurri in Euro'12 and ever since then he has been a part of the set-up solidly participating in WC qualifiers and the Confeds. His club form also has been good enough to warrant his continued selection. The only doubt I have is that I wonder if perhaps including Cerci and Candreva is perhaps a bit redundant. At club level Cerci tends to play as a RFW whereas Candreva plays generally as a RWM who can also play as a RFW. However when Candreva goes out for Prandelli its generally always as a RFW. I don't think the defensive side of Candreva's game is strong enough for him to play wide mid (neither is his offensive game strong enough that his defense doesn't matter) at the top class international level. That is why for instance I don't think you would ever see Candreva (RWM) and Cerci (RFW) both on the right at the same time and also why Candreva never gets the wide mid job in the 3-5-2.
Video-Super Giaccherini in Manchester City-Sunderland: l’ex Juve autore di 2 assist vincenti http://www.soccermagazine.it/curios...-lex-juve-autore-di-2-assist-vincenti-187890/
Prandelli could decide to start them on the wings. They can both play on the left if need be, though the right is where they both prefer to lineup. He did it with Spain and the results were mixed, but not terrible. I guess Prandelli can also play Cerci as support forward and then have Candreva RWM. There are a bunch of possibilities including having them both come off the bench depending on tactics when needed. I would say the likelihood is that Cerci will probably come off the bench anyway to start the tournament (especially if Rossi is fit, and even if Cassano is selected). The same can be said for Candreva also….I think you take both of them, as they can be slotted in multiple roles and are both entering their "Italian" prime of 26 and 27 respectively. Not to mention they have played exceptionally well for their respective clubs.