Overall I am really happy with the starting squad as it appears to be. Its such a shame Bernardeschi had to pull out with an injury, as I was really looking forward to seeing him with us. Oh Well, Next time. Glad to see Insigne, Belotti, Verratti, and Zappacosta all starting and becoming key players for us. They are part of our future.
You said it. And they are suited for that role so you should be more optimistic. On defense, Candreva is no slouch. Insigne, perhaps. But they will help bolster the midfield. If you are right about that, I'll be the first to give you props. I don't think that will be the case though.
I'm virtually certain that possession with a line-up like this will be an issue for instance against a top 25 ranked team. ie Holland. Possession is only so important though b/c its really about which side is most dangerous. Conte was very direct as a coach and he outperformed expectations. Also though it depends on how Albania approach the match. They may choose to sit back and absorb pressure and maybe try a snatch a late goal. In other words it will be much easier to accumulate possession for us if they park the bus.
Immobile won't score, won't last 90m Parolo will come on off the bench Albania to get >50% possession Italy to win a close one
I am going to say 3-0 with first half goals from Insigne and De Rossi. A third will be scored late by Belotti
I say 3-1. Belotti to score 2 goals. One around the 33rd minute, and another one around the 52nd minute. Then Albania will score sometime around the 69th minute. Insigne to score a free kick in the 76th minute.
2-0 (Belotti x2) is my bet. He should get a lot of chances with Candreva and Insigne crossing from the wide areas.
Argentina called up a complete nobody over Icardi. He should have choosen Italy, Icardi and Belotti upfront would be world cup winning material.
I'm watching it on Sportsnet Ontario. Italy look more lively in the second half. Albania is playing tight defense