Just kind of want to get a sense of how everyone feels going into the qualifier against Spain. Very important match considering only the first place team in the group will automatically qualify. Never an easy game for Italy. I like the way some of our players are playing right now - others not so much. For example, Bernardeschi does not make my squad for Ventura because of his poor form to start the season, but I do like Balotelli's confidence right now and Sansone's explosion onto the scene at Villareal has been a pleasant surprise. Simone Verdi is also someone I have been extremely impressed with at Bologna. He is a natural trequartista and a component the Italian national side has missed for quite some time. As for Jorginho, his play speaks for itself. Quality for Napoli. Anyway, here is my 25 players for the upcoming match-up with Spain. Thoughts, analysis, let's talk about it. MATCH VS. SPAIN 3-5-2 Buffon Barzagli -- Bonnucci -- Chiellini Verratti -- Jorginho Candreva -- Verdi -- Bonaventura Sansone -- Balotelli GK: Donarumma, Perin DEF: Rugani, Romagnoli, De Sciglio, Antonelli MID: Florenzi, Parolo, Montolivo, De Rossi FOR: Belotti, Eder, Berardi, Immobile Caveat: ** Marchisio for Montolivo, if healthy in 3 weeks **
Too important a match to have so many new pieces with no chemistry playing together. I think it will be something like this: Buffon Barzagli -- Bonnucci -- Chiellini Verratti -- Parolo/Antonelli Candreva -- De Rossi -- Bonaventura Eder/Pelle -- Balotelli If Berardi is healthy, and available, then he could possibly take Balotelli's place in the formation. Once the team has, hopefully, secured the 3 points from this match, Ventura can start adding new players for upcoming matches.
You can't just add guys like Sansone and Verdi into the starting lineup against Spain. Or even someone like Jorginho who has no meaningful caps. Or Balotelli who hasn't featured in four years. No offense, but this team would get demolished and you would be fired as head coach. The time to tinker is after this game. I expect Ventura to stick with a similar squad that played Israel. He can't afford to gamble now...too important. Berardi has been out since the last international break. I doubt he gets selected.
I understand your skepticism about giving starts to Sansone, Verdi, Jorginho, and Balotelli. What I don't understand is how you can disregard their superb performances for their respective squads so far this season in favor of "experienced" players that have continuously underperformed or even been replaced in their starting elevens. That is what you're suggesting, right? Experienced players in favor of in-form players? Please, find me experienced players that have performed at all this season in those positions. As far Insigne goes, he has effectively been ousted by Mertens at Napoli. Pelle continues to draw ducks (0) in CHINA. De Rossi hasn't played in weeks. Parolo, at the international level is nothing better than a role player/ sub/ fill-in. Immobile has never performed for Italy when given a starting shirt. How many chances do you want to give him? He's effective as a late game sub when defenders legs are tired, but he is technically shit in my honest opinion. Anyone else you can think of? Belotti and Berardi will be back this weekend and they have 3 weeks to get into the squad. While I would be in favor of starting Belotti, if Balotelli continues to score 2 goals a game in Ligue 1, I don't understand what makes you think he doesn't deserve a national team shirt. Maybe Eder and Balotelli would be a good tandem up top. Two players that are direct with pace, dribbling ability, and purpose. Aside from that, Jorginho is class for me, so I don't know who would be a better fit in your opinion. Marchisio is injured and Montolivo is average.
You want in form players over experience and then suggest Eder in the starting lineup?? What the hell has he done since joining Inter. And did you watch Bernardeschi this week, he had a great game. I'm all in favor of dropping underperforming experienced players like Pelle and Parolo, but I still want a starting lineup that features guys that have had some time around the national team lately. That would include players like Bernardeschi, Belotti, El Shaaraway, Verratti, Candreva, Bonaventura, De Sciglio etc. I don't care if Verdi, Jorginho, Balotelli, and Sansone possibly make the squad, but starting against Spain is crazy. The team needs some continuity. It would be crazy to just throw guys in there completely untested against one of the best teams in the world...and that would include some of my favorites like Berardi. And one other thing...."if Balotelli continues to score 2 goals a game in Ligue 1"....Belotti did the same thing before his injury, but in the much harder Serie A. Not to mention he is Ventura's guy. Once Pelle is put to pasture, he will be the forward expected to lead the line for the foreseeable future.
I'm all for Belotti in the national side. Eder did not adjust well to Mancini's Inter last season (neither did the rest of team), but he seems to have convinced De Boer and is absolutely serviceable as a seconda punta. He works hard for the team and puts defenders on their heals. On Tuesday, Sousa said that Bernardeschi has lost himself and that he is confused on the field. Technically gifted and I'm all for him in the side, as well, just not sure a goal from a spot kick in 5 games puts him above Verdi this season in my book. El Shaaraway has had many chances to solidify himself with the national team and so far he has played second fiddle to Perotti this season. Scored a goal on Wednesday, but hardly enough to convince me he is a better option than Verdi, right now. Have you watched Verdi? Maybe that is the problem. For the rest of the guys you mentioned, they're all in my squad compa'.
Bernardeschi played an overall great game, not just his penalty. Sousa's words may have woken him up. I do agree that he looked out of form previous to this last game. I do think that Sousa's decision to revert Berna back to wingback might of been responsible for the weak play. Last season, when he was moved further up the pitch as an offensive winger, his game jumped up a notch. I think he's naturally better in a more offensive role. I get the feeling that his versatility has become a double edged sword for him. Possibly unhappy with where Sousa utilizes him, he would rather be an attacking mid or winger. A more hardcore Fiorentina fan like Nicky Viola would be better at elaborating on this though. Again, I'm not against Verdi making the squad. I'm just skeptical about him starting against Spain with his very first cap. That seems like too much to ask a young player for, even guys like Berardi or Donnarumma (with his one cap). Let the overhaul happen after the Spain fixture. We will probably be more in agreement then.
With Chiellini out against Spain, we need to figure out a solution fast. I'm not a huge fan of Ogbonna. He's very inconsistent at times. It may be time for Romagnoli to finally get his chance...what a game to debut though...against Spain. He's been very strong for Milan this year though. Jorginho has been tremendous for Napoli, but I have a bad feeling Ventura is going to call up Montolivo again and we will be stuck with that in the midfield.
Romagnoli is a great defender, time for him to shine. If Paletta can make his debut against Spain in a friendly, Alessio can handle this. Montolivo has been pretty good for Milan lately. He warrants a call up and he just might start
I am kind of for playing 4-4-2 maybe. -Insigne-Belotti- -Bernardeschi-De Rossi-Verratti-Candreva- -De Sciglio-Bonucci-Barzagli-Florenzi- -Buffon- I was wondering if this could work. We are not putting in too many new faces. With Chiellini suspended and Rugani injured, I am keen to drop the 3-5-2. Romagnoli is a good player with potential and all, but I honestly don't want to start him in a back 3 against Spain like this. Rugani has worked with the BBC at Juve so he would be ok, but not Romagnoli against Spain. Balotelli can be used as well, as he appears to have gained back confidence and has a better attitude, but again I am not sure if I should trust him to start against Spain like this. Belotti also looks extremely promising and he knows Ventura from Torino so I'd say start with him. Also we can use Pelle as well for experience. Insigne might be out of form, but he had a few good performances and he can really cut the lines and open defenses as a second striker. I also want to introduce Jorginho and Benassi, but we can't throw in too many new faces against Spain. We maybe should try to use Giacherinni as well.
Glad to see Criscito back on the team. Was gonna suggest him as a possible starter on the left for the Spain match. Only saw him play a handful of times for the NT; he was solid on defense and a willing contributor on offense. As for Chiellini, I'm glad he's getting a, forced time out. His play in the last 3 international matches (club and country) has been abysmal. As much as I love his grit and toughness, he's always had a brain freeze at the most inopportune time. However, lately, at least for the NT, his head doesn't seem to be in the game.
The only good call up is Sansone, and of course Montolivo who has been as amazing as ever and consistent over the last 8 years. But then again my diarrhea has been consistent over the last 8 years.
Yeah, forgot to mention Montolivo. Still don't get why he keeps getting on the team; every time I see him play for the NT, he has that deer caught in headlights look on his face. The only explanation I have, and that makes sense, is that he has compromising pics of the higher ups. People can say he has great domestic seasons all they want , but, unfortunately, not all players are cut for international play.
At least that is probably what we will start with, but he might start Belotti and Immobile like he did at Torino a few seasons ago. Belotti and Immobile play well together I think. Gabbiadini definitely won't start but I am hoping he will get more playing time for his club and we can actually use him in the future. No Giacherinni? Seriously Ventura? So anyway we can probably use 3-5-2 or 4-4-2. I just thought now that we can even move De Rossi down to defense along with Bonucci and Barzagli, against Spain. Then in midfield Montolivo, Verratti, and Parolo, or even try Bernardeschi in CM as Ventura was considering last game.
Say what you want but Conte still has his hands on this Team. I truly believe Ventura is consulting Conte before making these selections. Monto ? Pelle ? Pelle has 0 goals in the Chinese league. How does jorginho not get a call ? Ogbonna again ? Why are these people still giving Eder and immobile call up's ? Can somebody please go look at how many goals immobile has in a Italy jersey.