Pre-match: WC Qualifying: Bulgaria vs. Italia (September 7th, 2012)

So what's the story between Prandelli and Cassano...

Cassano maybe not a 90" player, but has played well for Inter and had a assist and goal for Inter in 2 games.

His International game experience and creativity can still be valuable ...

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Time to look to youth at the forward position. This is a work in progress for 2 years time. Not just now !!!.

 

Insigne

 

My guess is he's looking for options, or maybe was worried that his problems with Milan affected his training. He lasted half a game today and was Inter's best player, but I agree he should be the qualifiers. It's too bad because bot he and Pazzini had good games and reuniting them seemed logical for these two qualifiers. One thing I admire about Prandelli is that he is keen on integrating youth whenever possible.

 

In a game where they were mauled 3-1 at the San Siro. Honestly, from what I saw, Totti has more business on the Azzurri then Cassano.

 

There are some good picks in Prandelli's squad selection for the two upcoming qualifiers. I've been watching Verratti and think he's superb. If Prandelli can find a way to play him with De Rossi, Pirlo, and Marchisio, Italy will have a midfield to rival anybody's.

In some of the other areas I had questions. Why no Abate or De Sciglio for the terzini? Why Nocerino and Borini (both are in bad form), and why no Cassano, who's in good form? Why no Consigli among the 'keepers? And where's Chiellini?

Here's the XI I would select based on who's available:


Giovinco -- Pazzini

De Rossi -- Pirlo -- Verratti -- Marchisio

Balzaretti -- Ogbonna -- Bonucci -- Maggio

Buffon

 

Remember when everyone said Pazzini was nothing without Cassano? How strange they get traded for one another and one gets picked over the other.

 

ya im surprised no abate and bunch of shorties for forward position....also giacherrini hasnt even played for juve lol

 

It's probably b/c the season just started and Cassano already can't run 90 minutes. That, plus Chiellini played in his first game this week after being scorched by Spain. It sounds like Prandelli is actually listening to his own droning and finally picking players on merit instead of hype.

Did anyone actually watch that game, b/c Roma totally schooled Inter at the San Siro and that assist Totti dropped on Osvaldo was pure class? He also made another for Alessandro Florenzi, who should also be in the reckoning now after a great display. Here is an article that commends Totti's genius.

http://www.goal.com/en-india/news/2...ties-to-show-why-juventus?source=breakingnews

Here is what it said about Cassano. "Antonio Cassano’s goal came with a touch of fortune... Arguably, Cassano shouldn’t have started. He still looks a long way off match fitness, and was replaced after only five minutes of the second period having spent the majority of his time on the field looking rather irritated by the hotch-potch approach of his new side."

Cassano? No ********en thank you.

 

News now that Balzaretti has left, replaced by Peluso (!). Italy's full-back situation is dismal, though both Santon and DeSciglio had excellent games at the weekend. Prandelli should pay attention to those two.

 

he is injured.

 

What's the situation with Criscito? Has he been absolved of any wrong doing in the betting scandal? If so, he should be on the radar as well.

 

Really good question. I think Prandelli needs to look carefully at our full-backs over qualifying and the Confed Cup. They weren't great at Euro '12 and ever since Zambrotta and Grosso faded, we've been sort of weak on the flanks. He might need to look at Chiellini at left-back and Santon on the right (if Santon continues to show good form at Newcastle).

 

ya i never got the santon thing, he gets no love but he plays in EPL consistently

 

Saw something that Insigne might start hope he scores that way Mazzarri will trust him more

 

I love that bein, the new football channel, has all the psg matches. So far, verratti has been their best midfielder, we have to see how he will do in Europe, but so far domestically he looks like he belongs.

http://loveandpsg.com/2012/09/03/five-thoughts-on-psg-v-lille/ good article about psg project so far

 

For some reason, I thought Pirlo retired from the national team. Seriously though, how can anyone replace man of 3 Euro matches? Glad he is back even at 33.....

 

Pirlo will be around at least another 3-4 years

 

Buffon probably another 3-4 years, wc 2014 at 35 will probably be pirlo's last hurrah. Granted, you never know with him of course

 

He will be 35 come next WC and 37 come next Euro Cup. I seriously doubt we will see a 37 year old midfielder in the national team mix.

 

rumors are Insigne and Osvaldo up front in a 3-5-2 formation

 

maybe not 37 but WC for sure, if he's not injured. U never know how players age, look at zanetti. And pirlo's game is like smooth and calculated, he doesnt run crazy and never really had speed to say he'll lose it. As long as he can make the passes he can play....that is all mental which u dont really lose that...only thing he is less capable now is being muslced off players, so he shouldnt hold on to the ball so much