When he was with us he didn't get (enough) playing time and from the moment when he sent him to Palermo he has been VERY public about his criticisms of Prandelli.
Molinaro is still only 27, which is actually pretty young for a defender, especially on the Azzurri. It's not his age that bothers be, but simply the fact that he just isn't that good! He's a less talented version of Grosso, meaning that he's just not that good at defending. At least Grosso was able to compensate for it with some ridiculous runs and passes on attack. I'm just hoping that Santon can really find a way to make an impression this season, but of course that's gonna depend heavily on benitez at Inter.
Oh lol, Molinaro is 27??? I thought that he is above 30, but it doesn't change the point though. Btw I still think that Criscito can come good for Nazionale given more opportunities and trust. He is a different player for Genoa, making good runs, running at defenders, and just overall more daring and confident there. Santon and especially Motta are awful positionally when defending, nonetheless they can still improve a lot by playing consistently for their respective teams. Hoping that older guys like Cassani and Antonini can adequately fill the full back positions until the younger guys can start delivering on club levels. Antonini/Criscito/Santon <> Cassani/De Silvestri/Motta
So Balotelli is definitely out for these games right? Now Cassano is down and out as well! Where is the creativity up front going to come from? NOTE : We've given up the 1st goal in every game this calander year and have won none. Lets hope this trend changes!
Well, I haven't heard that Cassano is out for the matches. Is that confirmed? I figured he might miss a couple training sessions. And, despite what all of you Kool-Aid drinking Azzurri fans have been telling yourselves, Balotelli was never gonna start anyway. One of these two matches is in Firenze...
Well, of course you gotta humor the ticket buyers a little bit Don't get too comfortable with the idea of Gila holding his starting spot the whole way through though As for Cassano, it hasn't been confirmed that he'll miss any of these games due to his "injury". I think if there was any major reason for concern then Prandelli likely wouldn't have wasted any time to send him home and call up someone else to replace him. Personally, I think he'll be good to go, but will likely sit out the first match in favour of Rossi.
I'd be delighted if he never played another game for the Azzurri. He's just way too valuable for us to get some season-ending injury against the Faroe Islands. It's not about me, though. It's about Prandelli. And Gilardino has to be Prandelli's first choice.
Viviano has already been called (He could start vs Estontia) Midfield - Forward line ups Prandelli worked on this afternoon. Monto-Palombo-Pirlo-De Rossi Pazzini-Gila and Palombo-De Rossi Rossi-Pirlo-Quags/Pepe Gila/Pazzini .
I think Italy would be well served by playing either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. You don't have the wingers for a 4-2-3-1, imo.
True, but we don't really have the outside midfielders for a 4-4-2. All of our best midfielders are very central (Pirlo, Montolivo, Aquilani, Marchisio, DDR, Palombo, Candreva, etc.). No pure outside mids.
I read today that they are trying a 4-3-3 at Coverciano. That's Prandelli's favorite formation. Fiorentina only went to a 4-2-3-1 because we have Vargas.
Im glad Cassano looks like he will be a go! Cassano will Pazzini together will be a dose of fresh air to our attack, they really play well together! FORZA AZZURRI!!! LETS WIN!
Yes, you are correct, looks like 4-3-3 vs. Estonia (from today's training) Sirigu Cassani, Bonucci, Chiellini, Molinaro Monto, De Rossi, Pirlo Rossi, Pazzini, Quags/Pepe *Cassano to replace Quags/Pepe if he recovers. ** So far all hints are Pazzini will start over Gila .
I think that would work out to more of a 4-3-2-1 with Cassano in for Quags/Pepe. If true, and Cassano recovers I think Pazzini is going to have a feild day in both these games.
He usually does his 4-3-3 midfield like that. 1 DM and two creators. Note that Prandelli expects and demands that all of his players track back and work on the defensive end so it's not that bad. Anyway, not surprised by the midfield setup... We'd always be... Brocchi, Fiore, Montolivo Donadel, Liverani, Montolivo Melo, Kuzmanovic, Montolivo