Predictions for the line-ups for both games. Ventura will most likely try some things out against France and save the senators/leaders (Chiellini, De Rossi, and Barzagli) for the business match against Israel. FRANCE MATCH -------------------Belotti------Gabbiadini----------------- De Sciglio--Bonaventura--Verratti--Parolo--Florenzi --------------Ogbonna---Bonucci---Rugani-------------- --------------------------Buffon---------------------------- ISRAEL MATCH ------------------Eder-----Gabbiadini--------------- De Sciglio--Parolo--De Rossi--Verratti--Florenzi -------------Chiellini--Bonucci--Barzagli----------- -------------------------Buffon------------------------
The Berardi controversy is much ado about nothing. Should he have been called given his current form? Yes. But, he is an incredibly unique player used to a different system. I don't mind him being integrated after the key Israeli qualifier. He has two years to be part of this team. Besides...he's injured for 3 weeks. He won't even play for the U-21. My guess is that Ventura will put out a very similar team to the Euros to keep the status quo ahead of Israel. Buffon Barzagli, Astori, Chiellini, Candreva, Parolo, De Rossi, Bonaventura, De Sciglio, Pelle, Eder It's not sexy, but he's looking for continuity right now in order to get max points next week. I'd love to see Belotti and Gabbiadini brought in. Those two could be quite a pairing because Gabbs can play seconda punta quite well. Bonaventura is 10 times the player Giaccherini is....I think he can really excel in that role in a 5 man midfield.
Well Berardi is injured anyway. Berardi actually got an injury before Ventura announced his squad, but it wasn't reported until after. Bonaventura cannot play CM, which is what Giacherinni played during the whole W.C. Bonaventura is more of a wide winger, or attacking midfielder.
Italy and Israel haven't played in over 46 years. The game will be on ESPN Deportes in the USA. Here are the probabilities based on the Bet365 odds: Israel win: 17.1 percent Draw: 26.1 percent Italy win: 56.9 percent It adds up to 100.1 percent due to rounding.
Good pressure from Gli Azzurri to end the half. Overall, I think they deserve a draw. Bit unlucky to be down but the defense has been poor. De Rossi has been very shaky and is killing tempo in the midfield. Bonaventura has been really bad. Expected better. Candreva has been immense as usual. I also thought Di Sciglio has been very strong. Father time is going to catch up with BBC at some point...has that point arrived? I realize we are missing Bonucci but still... Barzagli looks like he is quicksand.
The first French goal was Chiellini's fault. He totally shanked a through ball and it sent the French striker on a breakaway.
The whole back line, Gigi B included, is giving a typical half arsed Italian friendly effort. The veterans get excused.
Typical italy performance for a friendly. I guess it doesnt matter who is coach. Everything goes wide to the wingers... then back to the D. Occasionally it goes to a cross in the box. As always been the case, lacking ideas out there. I'm surprised Ventura didnt change up the attack combo to give it a different look. He's tinkered with the M and D lines
Lots of possession but no real direction. No running off the ball and no movement. Pretty listless here in the second half. It's one thing to play your squad of hard workers...but when they aren't working too hard...you have problems. This may be Chiellini's worst game in Azzurro I've ever seen.
I know its a friendly but imagine paying to watch these guy hoof balls aimlessly all day. What a load of garbage. The ref also sucked dick today with the way he called the game.