Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is expecting to see a new Marco Verratti ahead of tonight’s friendly against Luxembourg.
The Italians are set to play their final friendly in Europe before kicking off in Group D alongside England, Uruguay and Coasta Rica at World Cup with their first match scheduled on 14 June against the Three Lions in Manaus.
The former Fiorentina coach spoke to Rai Sport as he addressed the friendly game against Luxembourg, stating that he is interested to see how Andrea Pirlo and Marco Verratti will play together.
“I have tried to employ both Pirlo and Verratti together in the past,” said Prandelli.
“Initially Verratti was reluctant to play in tandem with Pirlo but tonight I am convinced we will see a new Verratti.
“Pirlo and Verratti should alternate their positions. Verratti will have to do a bit of what Riccardo Montolivo used to do for us.
“Leonardo Bonucci will play tonight instead of Andrea Barzagli, who misses out because of a fever.”
Prandelli also spoke about excluding Giusseppe Rossi out of his 23 man squad for the World Cup.
“We leave any controversy that exists behind us even though I am sorry that many fans have questioned my selection.
“We experienced two turbulent days but yesterday we received great enthusiasm in Perugia. I am sure that tonight the 26,000 people seated to witness the match will motivate us to go far in the competition. ”
The four time World Cup winners will look to bounce back from their 0-0 draw against Republic of Ireland over the weekend.
