Italy, searching for a king… call on the Pharoah instead

Date: 15th October 2012 at 5:16am
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The Azzurri had an abysmal time in their last round of qualifying fixtures, yet remain top of their group going into the match against Denmark, after defeating Armenia 3-1.

Earlier in the group, a 2-2 draw away to a Berbatov-less Bulgaria was followed by a less than convincing 2-0 win at home to Malta, when they had to wait until the 90th minute to seal victory, through Federico Peluso.

Despite being a work in progress, La Nazionale has only lost one competitive match under the guidance of Cesare Prandelli: a comprehensive dissection by Spain in Euro 2012 final. The former Viola coach will expect a better showing from his men in the forthcoming fixture at the San Siro and will be happy to welcome back key players.

Defensive reshuffle

Criscito: Back in the Fold

Giorgio Chiellini is the best Italy has in defence with 55 caps to his name. The three-time Serie A Defender of the Year is once again available for
selection following injury.

The continually impressive Federico Balzaretti is also back in contention for one of the full-back slots after a thigh strain, should Prandelli opt to play four at the back, as will AC Milan right-back Ignazio Abate.

One player desperate to reclaim a permanent place in Prandelli’s plans is Domenico Criscito, who has once again been called back in to the Azzurri fold after he was cleared from the betting scandal. The Russian Premier League champion was Italy’s first choice left back before his exile.

Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are likely to feature, whilst Mattia Cassani and Peluso have been left out. Andrea Ranocchia has also earned a call-up following a promising start to the season with the Nerazzurri.

Settled Midfield

Il metronome: Italy’s heartbeat

Daniele De Rossi’s place maybe in question in Rome but there is no doubt that he will return to his normal midfield position for Italy.

Alongside the Roman, the maestro Andrea Pirlo and his protégé Claudio Marchisio will look to continue their outstanding partnership, which saw both Juventini on target as they conquered Siena in their final Serie A match before the break.

With Riccardo Montolivo returning at the head of the diamond, La Nazionale look settled in a midfield which beat Germany 2-1 and also lost 4-0 to Spain.

Sub-par performances for Italy have not affected Christian Maggio’s nor Alessandro Diamanti’s squad place, whilst Lazio’s strong start to the season has benefitted Antonio Candreva who has earned a recall.

Disappointingly the lively debutant Lorenzo Insigne drops down to the U21s. Napoli’s young midfielder showed his quality in his 45 minute cameo against Malta and demonstrated how to play the role Diamanti continues to struggle with. Nineteen-year-old Marco Verratti, who is widely tipped to be the next Pirlo, has once again received a full call-up and will hope for a chance to shine.

Searching for Champions

Prandelli threw the gauntlet down to the returning Mario Balotelli, questioning if his number nine was ready to be a champion. Super Mario, who largely carried the attacking responsibilities in Euro 2012, had upset the pragmatic coach when he chose to have his eye operation during the last set of international matches.

Balotelli should welcome the challenge given his lack of playing time at club side Manchester City and will likely lead the line for the Azzurri. Pablo Osvaldo and Alberto Gilardino’s recall ensures that the coach has alternatives to Balotelli, something that was sorely missed in his Euro 2012 squad.

The Little Pharoah: deserving his call up

Sebastian Giovinco has been hit and miss for Juventus this term and will lbe looking for another start up front, but poor form in the last match may cost him. The Atomic Ant will be hoping to open his account for Italy after failing to find the net in his previous 13 appearances. Meanwhile, Mattia Destro will be hoping to get another chance after scoring the opener against Malta, however the Roma forward is under pressure after failing to score in five appearances for his new club.

Two forwards who were scoring freely prior to the Milan derby, Antonio Cassano and Stephan El Shaarawy, both have four goals in six league games.

Fantantonio still looked someway short of his best as Inter took the spoils and remains uncalled. Prandelli is looking in a new direction and that could be El Shaarawy if he continues the season as he has started.

The Pharoah has been the one positive factor in a Rossoneri side reeling since their summer exodus. The young striker has grabbed his opportunity with both hands and has courted interest from the English Premiership giants Manchester United.

Still growing from game to game the Pharoah has a lot to learn, however if he can make his mark for Italy, considerations for the 2014 World Cup could be on the cards. Either way, the scrap for places in Brazil begins here.

 

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