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Prandelli out in the open |
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The national manager revealed the line-up that will face the Faroe Islands tomorrow evening at the Franchi stadium in the Euro 2012 qualifying match. In the attack, Gilardino will join Rossi and Cassano; Viviano is in goal, with De Silvestri in the defence. "I want an open, courageous team, one that tries everything. A protest in Florence, where I used to coach? No, I have faith in the intelligence of the Viola fans"
Prandelli was as good as his word. When he came back from Tallinn, the national manager said: "I'll talk with the players soon, then I'll give you the line-up, without any pre-match tactics." And that's what he did. In Florence, in his Florence, the Italy coach revealed the eleven players who will take on the Faroe Islands tomorrow evening at the Franchi stadium at 8:50 pm, in the Azzurri's second qualifying match for Euro 2012, to be co-hosted by Ukraine and Poland.
PRANDELLI'S FLORENCE — "I had more than just a professional relationship with Florence. I quickly became attached to the city. I would have liked to work here for many years, but I could not say no to the national team, so I became the Azzurri coach. But I think of Florence as my city. I'll be excited."
LINE-UP — He revealed the line-up without even being prompted: "Viviano; De Silvestri, Bonucci, Chiellini, Antonelli; Montolivo, Pirlo, De Rossi; Rossi, Gilardino, Cassano. If Rossi is up to it, I would like to try a left-footer on the right. I want to see players who are the right age and have the qualities required to have a future in the national team. Viviano? He and Sirigu are on a par, his selection was already planned."
CENTRE-FORWARDS — Three in three matches: Amauri, Pazzini and Gilardino. "Sometimes the selections will be dictated by the physical condition of the players, and other times by the way we want to play. Right from tomorrow we want to try playing with three out-and-out strikers."
FIORENTINA'S AZZURRI — "Are Montolivo, Gilardino and De Silvestri playing as a tribute to Florence? Absolutely not. The first two are not newcomers, and De Silvestri has the potential to be in this squad for a long time. Lots of changes? They are mainly on the flanks - I don't think we'll have any problems in terms of upsetting the team. Am I worried about the fans protesting? Not at all, I have faith in the intelligence of the Viola fans."
ATTITUDE — "I want a team that plays football. A drop in intensity is humanly possible, but we know we need to avoid making that mistake. I would like to see an open, courageous team, one that tries everything."
FAROE ISLANDS — "This team was ahead after 90 minutes in Tallinn. But if we do things well, we will win the match."
CASSANO — "I like it when he says he has talent, but also the awareness that he can help his team mates."
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