Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has made it clear how important the upcoming international friendlies are for his squad.
Often times performances in non crucial matches for the Azzurri are lacklustre but this time around it seems that will not be the case as the Italians must prepare for Confederations Cup.
Italy has already lost five friendly matches under Prandelli, to the USA, Russia, France, England, and Uruguay.
The two matches coming up against Holland and Brazil should prove an even tougher test for Prandelli’s men.
“Up until now, the friendlies have been of great use to us despite the fact that results haven’t been positive,” he told the press.
“They’ve allowed us to test a few things which may have been risky, but allowed us to experiment ahead of the Confederations Cup.
“We’re working with that competition in mind. The plan will pretty much be along the same lines as the one which we worked on ahead of the European Championship.
“At the end of the season, after a few days’ break, we will be back at Coverciano. These games need to give me the responses I am looking for so that we are fully prepared for when we arrive in Brazil.”
The Italians plan to come out in a 4-3-3. Most of the line up is set for the Holland match but there are a still a couple players on the bubble.
“I have just one doubt and that is whether to play Candreva or Diamanti on the right. It will depend on whether Candreva has fully recovered from his illness and on how Holland will line-up.”
No matter who the boss chooses Italy will need a quality performance to gain back some of their confidence and to be properly prepared for Confederations Cup.
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