FWC-Italy-FFT
Food for thought: Italy's approach:-
In defense, coach Prandelli’s biggest concern is picking a solid formation for their defensive set-up; mainly because, after the physical tests which involved 42 players, only one true LB, namely Pasqual, made it to the preliminary 30-man squad list.
Now, Pasqual HAS indeed proven his worth over the course of the last 2 seasons (especially this previous one); but he is over 32 years old and not quite the pacey, quick-on-his-feet kind of SB coach Prandelli would opt to feature given his approach to attacking football.
Alternatively, De Sciglio could be switched from his usual RB position to an LB role, which is not a catastrophe per say; but it will be a liability and a constant worry for Italy as a whole. De Sciglio must, during the pre-WC camps and training sessions, prove to coach Prandelli that he has what it takes to perform at a 100% level at the coveted LB position during the entire WC campaign.
Otherwise, it would be wise enough for Italy to set up a 3-man-defense system with the exact same lay-out and defender selections that Juventus field almost every game (namely the trio of Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli). The only issue for Italy, if they pick such a formation, would be the fact that they need to mold their wide players into proper wing-backs in time for the start of their first matches.
The WB position is one of the most difficult roles to execute; mainly because an extremely high level of commitment and discipline is required from such players and they would have to be on high alert all the time during the match. They need to track back the same distance (if not double) that they go forward and either narrow down or widen up certain areas of the pitch according to the flow of the game.
In midfield, there do not seem to be many problems in regards to tactical strategies or even player selections. All choices are more than capable of filling their roles to a perfect extent and have an adequate amount of experience at major international competitions to deal with the pressures of the WC.
At the forefront of attack is where more issues arise. Balotelli’s implosive nature and lack of patience when not having the ball prove to be his undoing time and time again; therefore, utmost discipline and commitment will be crucial requirements if he is to impose himself in matches and provide Italy with the goals they need.
Whether Prandelli chooses a 3-man attacking line-up supported by 3 (or 4) midfielders or simply goes for a 2-man attacking lay-out playing in front of 5 (or 4) midfield players remains to be seen. The decision will depend mostly on the form and fitness of Giussepe Rossi; for if he proves to be 100% ready and firing then coach Prandelli might be tempted to deploy him as a support-striker playing behind Balotelli.
The safer choice, of course, is to go with the traditional 2-wingers/SMs-supporting-a-striker system. Italy have huge talent either sides of the pitch and it would be a shame for their wide players NOT to feature from the start and dazzle the world with their amazing technique and abilities (especially given their great performances this last season). They all have extreme pace (something for which Italian players are not generally known) and possess dribbling skills that are bound to make opposition defenders’ lives miserable every time Italy go forward!
In defense, coach Prandelli’s biggest concern is picking a solid formation for their defensive set-up; mainly because, after the physical tests which involved 42 players, only one true LB, namely Pasqual, made it to the preliminary 30-man squad list.
Now, Pasqual HAS indeed proven his worth over the course of the last 2 seasons (especially this previous one); but he is over 32 years old and not quite the pacey, quick-on-his-feet kind of SB coach Prandelli would opt to feature given his approach to attacking football.
Alternatively, De Sciglio could be switched from his usual RB position to an LB role, which is not a catastrophe per say; but it will be a liability and a constant worry for Italy as a whole. De Sciglio must, during the pre-WC camps and training sessions, prove to coach Prandelli that he has what it takes to perform at a 100% level at the coveted LB position during the entire WC campaign.
Otherwise, it would be wise enough for Italy to set up a 3-man-defense system with the exact same lay-out and defender selections that Juventus field almost every game (namely the trio of Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli). The only issue for Italy, if they pick such a formation, would be the fact that they need to mold their wide players into proper wing-backs in time for the start of their first matches.
The WB position is one of the most difficult roles to execute; mainly because an extremely high level of commitment and discipline is required from such players and they would have to be on high alert all the time during the match. They need to track back the same distance (if not double) that they go forward and either narrow down or widen up certain areas of the pitch according to the flow of the game.
In midfield, there do not seem to be many problems in regards to tactical strategies or even player selections. All choices are more than capable of filling their roles to a perfect extent and have an adequate amount of experience at major international competitions to deal with the pressures of the WC.
At the forefront of attack is where more issues arise. Balotelli’s implosive nature and lack of patience when not having the ball prove to be his undoing time and time again; therefore, utmost discipline and commitment will be crucial requirements if he is to impose himself in matches and provide Italy with the goals they need.
Whether Prandelli chooses a 3-man attacking line-up supported by 3 (or 4) midfielders or simply goes for a 2-man attacking lay-out playing in front of 5 (or 4) midfield players remains to be seen. The decision will depend mostly on the form and fitness of Giussepe Rossi; for if he proves to be 100% ready and firing then coach Prandelli might be tempted to deploy him as a support-striker playing behind Balotelli.
The safer choice, of course, is to go with the traditional 2-wingers/SMs-supporting-a-striker system. Italy have huge talent either sides of the pitch and it would be a shame for their wide players NOT to feature from the start and dazzle the world with their amazing technique and abilities (especially given their great performances this last season). They all have extreme pace (something for which Italian players are not generally known) and possess dribbling skills that are bound to make opposition defenders’ lives miserable every time Italy go forward!
Ahmad Al-Omar - 30. May, 07:41
