When Cesare Prandelli took over the helm of La Nazionale, the Azzurri were in complete disarray. Having been led astray by former World Cup winning coach, Marcelo Lippi, with one of their worst performances at a World Cup; the squad was in desperate need for an overhaul.
World class talents, Cannavaro, Gattuso and Zambrotta had come to the end of their international careers costing the Azzurri over 300 caps of experience. Di Natale had once again failed to take his impressive club form into a major tournament for La Nazionale and Italia were in desperate need of surgery.
Cesare Prandelli had a mammoth task. De Rossi and Pirlo eased the midfield concerns for the immediate future however at the back, only Chiellini looked to have the credentials to take Italy forward whilst upfront Italy looked short of any real quality or ideas.
As Serie A is continues to rebuild after the Calciopoli Scandal of 2006, the options of quality for Prandelli appear thin which adds further difficulties to an already challenging job.
Prandelli was though and has proved to be, the right man for the job. Impressive spells working miracles on a shoe string budget at both Parma and Fiorentina saw the maestro invest in youth. Gilardino and Montolivo in particular flourished under his tutelage.
A revitalized Antonio Cassano had been over looked by Lippi and Prandelli immediately inserted the attacker to fill the void of technique the Azzurri faced. Cassano despite fitness issues has continually delivered. He has scored four times during the Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, including his recent winner away at the Faroe Islands.
In defence, Italy have only conceded one goal in their qualifying campaign. Ranocchia, now more accomplished as each game passes, looks set to be Prandelli’s favourite to pair up with Chiellini. At left back, Domenico Criscito put in a man of the match performance against World Champions Spain to reaffirm his promising displays whilst Christian Maggio gives good balance on the right.
GG Buffon offers the defence security as the world’s greatest goal keeper. Now captain of the Azzurri, there is no greater presence within the squad.
In midfield, Tiago Motta has added strength and experience whilst Riccardo Montolivo opened his account for the Azzurri with a wonderful finish against Spain. The friendly match against Spain was as insightful as the qualifiers. A wonderful performance against the World’s top team allowed the Azzurri to dream of what could be next summer with high level performances.
All this promise and still to mention the form Italian footballer, Giuseppe Rossi. After his break-through season last year Rossi looks set to remain at Villareal in Spain. A good thing for coach Prandelli, as Rossi has space to play there and can continue to improve. With Balotelli and Cassano failing to get regular football at their respective club sides, Rossi is the one forward guaranteed a place in next year’s Championship.
Before Prandelli arrives at next year’s Championship, he will no doubt have many hurdles and decisions to make; players facing a dearth of playing time, injuries and form. There can be no doubt though Prandelli has been outstanding thus far and La Nazionale is in very good hands.
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