Italy tested out their probable starting XI against England today, including Marco Verratti, Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli.
Italy tested out their probable starting XI against England today, including Marco Verratti, Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli.
The Azzurri begin their World Cup campaign on Saturday night in Manaus and have used several different systems in their pre-tournament friendlies.
In today’s training session, the Nazionale tested out a 4-1-3-1-1 tactic with Daniele De Rossi as the buffer between defence and midfield.
Paris Saint-Germain starlet Verratti has recovered from a bout of flu, so took part in the session alongside Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.
England have been very clear that they wish to man-mark Pirlo, so Cesare Prandelli is throwing Verratti in there too in order to give different options.
Lazio attacking midfielder Antonio Candreva took the role supporting lone centre-forward Balotelli.
There had been suggestions Ciro Immobile could push his way into the starting XI after bagging a hat-trick in the 5-3 win over Fluminense on Sunday evening, but Coach Cesare Prandelli stated he’d only pair him with Balo if “forced” to do so.
Antonio Cassano is another figure who is more likely to come on as a substitute in the final 30 minutes than start in the sweltering heat and humidity of Manaus.
At the back, Torino right-back Matteo Darmian appears to have done enough in friendlies to prove he is ready for his first competitive Italy start.
Milan’s Mattia De Sciglio moves to the left with Juventus pair Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli in the centre.
If Barzagli’s Achilles tendon and muscular problems flare up again, then his Juve teammate Leonardo Bonucci would step in.
Probable Italy line-up: Buffon; Darmian, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi; Verratti, Pirlo, Marchisio; Candreva; Balotelli