balotelli is a idiot, but does anyone else have that kind of feeling that somehow this guy will win games off his own boot in euro 2012
Balotelli will seemingly have the opportunity. The way I see it, it appears Prandelli's starting attack will be him and Giovinco-the old u-21 pairing. They are certainly capable of producing magic.
What do you guys think of this starting line-up and roster for EURO 2012? GK: Buffon LB: Criscito LCB: Chiellini RCB: Barzagli/ Bonucci RB: Maggio RCM: De Rossi CDM: Pirlo LCM: Marchisio/ Thiago Motta CAM: Giovinco STRIKER #1: Balotelli 2nd STRIKER: Cassano BENCH: De Sanctis, Viviano, Ogbonna, Abate, Nocerino, Pepe, Borini, Osvaldo, Di Natale, Matri ** I left Balzaretti off the list because he is not the same player he's been in past years and Palermo haven't shown much either this campaign. Chiellini is versatile enough to cover for Criscito (hands down best LB Italy have right now) should an injury occur with Bonucci and Barzagli forging the Center Back positions. Both have been awesome for Juventus since the Winter Break and are almost water tight with Buffon behind them. Ogbonna is a future star in Serie A and should be included. Also, Osvaldo is in for me because to put it simply, he gets the job done and is always on the score sheet for Roma. The same goes for Borini (both have earned it and are hard workers on the field). I wish there was room for Quagliarella, but Pepe's versatility edges him in over Quags for me, while Di Natale's proven scoring capabilities cannot be overlooked.
I don't think you'll see essentially three forwards in Balo, Cassano and Gio playing at the same time, unless we're losing. Otherwise, you pretty much hit Prandelli's likely squad. Even as a Juve supporter, Bonucci should make the bench, at best. Ranocchia will likely find a spot on this side.
I'm very skeptical about Cassano's likely fitness levels. I think we're taking a huge risk by asking him to take on a starting role...
He's getting more and more minutes as the season draws to a close. By the time the Euros come, he should hopefully be match fit. Remember, it could even work to our advantage since he is fresh, having missed most of the season. Remember Ronaldo at WC2002.
If we have 3 holding midfielders playing in De Rossi, Pirlo and Thiago Motta I don't see why Cassano, Balotelli and Giovinco can't take on the attacking role of the team.
Pirlo, even though he plays deep, is not a holding midfielder. I think the team you posted above is close to spot on, but i do think he will play Montolivo or Aquilani in the attacking midfield role, while Balotelli's starting position is not certain. Here's what i think our squad will be: GK: Buffon, De Sanctis, Viviano DF: Chiellini, Ranocchia, Barzagli, Bonucci, Maggio, Criscito, Abate/Cassani MF: Pirlo, Aquilani, Montolivo, De Rossi, Marchisio, Nocerino, Motta, Pepe AT: Cassano, Giovinco, Balotelli and 2 from Pazzini/Osvaldo/Di Natale/Gilardino/Matri/Quagliarella
I'd like for the two to be Osvaldo and Di Natale. Of the names you've mentioned I find those two have been in the best form this season and provide the most versatility. For some reason I've just never been sold on Matri...
Idiot or not, the kid is easily the best talent we've seen in attack in ages. He's just on a whole other level from the other striker options that we have. All we need is for him to keep his attitude in check for a few matches.
There is no way Cassano does not start and I think he has already proven he is fit to go 90 minutes. The only question is can he do it every game? Best strike pairing at the tournament with Cassano and Balotelli and best for Italy since Baggio and Vieri. There is no reason not to think we cant win this and I for one am totally optimistic after seeing Di Matteo Mancini and Conte doing what they are. Time to get on board the bandwagon.
Cassano will start with Balotelli up front and I imagine Pazzini is on the plane before Osvaldo, regardless of recent form. Cassano and Pazzini have a long term chemistry together. The forwards- Cassano, Balotelli, Giovinco, Di Natale and Pazzini. Nocerino needs to be included in the starting XI.
Giovinco might be our Euro 2004 Cassano. Right now he should start up front with Balo IMO. Cassano has looked ok since coming back, but Giovinco has nearly carried Parma to Europe in the last month.
No doubt Italy will send a good team to this tournament. It really comes down to how hungry these guys are after a long Seria A season. Euro's have never been a high priority for our guys. That's why I feel a younger team is important as they want to fight for WC jobs in 2 years.
Prandelli will start 4 midfielders behind 2 strikers, unless he plays a 4-3-3 and in this case Pepe will start. Regardless of the poor form of Montolivo this season he will start behind the 2 strikers in a 4-3-1-2 I think Cassano and Balo start but would not be suprised to see a Cassano and Di Natale pairing to try and emulate the success of Cassano and Rossi had in qualifying as Di Natale is similar and just as good if not better then Rossi. Giovinco will come off the bench to start the tournament.
Did Prandelli indicate he is bringing Di Natale? Also, it would be interesting to see how Italy fare with Juve's 3-5-2 model. For instance, a lineup that featured: Buffon; Barzagli, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Nocerino, Pirlo, Marchisio, Balzaretti/Criscito; and two of Balotelli/Di Natale/Cassano/Giovinco could work well. They could maintain possession, and play solid defensively.
I've read that Prandelli will bring Di Natale, Balotelli and Cassano for sure and will rely heavily on Juve players as they are the only top club with many Italian players. basically don't expect too many surprises with his picks on Sunday.
My 23 would be: GK: Buffon Sirigu Viviano CB: Chiellini Barzagli Bonucci Astori FB: Criscito Abate Maggio Santon* CM: Pirlo De Rossi Nocerino Montolivo Motta Marchisio SS/CF: Balotelli Cassano Giovinco Osvaldo Di Natale Borini --------------------------------------->