Cesare Prandelli says four of the Under-21 squad would have been in his latest Italy party had they failed to qualify for the European Championship.
Cesare Prandelli says four of the Under-21 squad would have been in his latest Italy party had they failed to qualify for the European Championship.
Israel 2013 kicks off on Wednesday and Azzurrini boss Devis Mangia has selected the likes of Marco Verratti, Alessandro Florenzi, Lorenzo Insigne, Mattia Destro and Fabio Borini.
“We gave up Verratti because the U-21 European Championship is an important tournament,” Prandelli noted on Monday.
“Without the championships in Israel then four of the players in that squad would be with us here right now.”
Prandelli’s Italy side are currently preparing for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic and then the Confederations Cup in Brazil during the second half of this month.
“I’ll reveal the final 23-man squad list after today’s second training session,” the tactician continued given the doubts over Juventus stopper Andrea Barzagli and Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy.
“I have a few worries, but the most important thing is to verify the condition of Barzagli. We need to see whether he will be fit for the Confederations as well as the Czech Republic.”
Italy, who beat San Marino 4-0 in a friendly on Friday, are looking to tighten their grip on World Cup Qualification Group B.
“We’ll continue to work on a four-man midfield,” the CT added when quizzed about formations. “The 4-3-3 is an intriguing system and we must continue working on that too.
“We have to be in a position to change shape during the course of a game, by taking advantage of two or three systems.”
Once the Czech Republic tie is over, Italy will take on hosts Brazil, Mexico and Japan.
“We will leave for Brazil with great expectations. It is a tournament that you have to face with the desire to test yourself against the best in the world.”
Prandelli also answered questions on the transfer market and the possibility of Roma selling Daniele De Rossi.
“I don’t want to give Daniele any advice,” he stated. “He’s always a protagonist with us, often amongst the best, perhaps because we only ask him to do what he can do.
“We don’t ask him to do anything that he isn’t capable of.
“If an Italian joins a foreign club this summer? The important thing for me is that my players play regularly.”