Antonio Conte has reflected on Alberto Aquilani’s potential turning point, picking his regista this month and potentially recalling Andrea Pirlo.
The Italy squad are working for a second spell under their new CT this month for Euro 2016 qualifying with Azerbaijan and Malta.
Antonio Conte has reflected on Alberto Aquilani’s potential turning point, picking his regista this month and potentially recalling Andrea Pirlo.
The Italy squad are working for a second spell under their new CT this month for Euro 2016 qualifying with Azerbaijan and Malta.
With Marco Verratti reporting in with an injured ankle, the Coach was asked of his plans for midfield.
“I always choose the players according to their psycho-physical condition,” Conte began to reporters.
“I repeat that I have in mind a football with certain characteristics and roles. I’ve always said this. We need players who can complement each other.
“I still support [Verratti], but I will play one in that position. It may be that in a game we need more possession, but not at the beginning.
“The two inside midfielders must be dynamic and run, and differ from Verratti, De Rossi and Pirlo.
“Aquilani? I was undecided with Alberto whether to call him up for the first squad. He has everything to do well – quality, quantity and strength.
“I have called him up to see how he can fit into our game. We are having difficulties in finding suitable players for inside midfielders – he is the right age to find a turning point in his career.
“Marchisio as a regista? I have an abundance of registi, but De Rossi is injured. Verratti has an ankle problem, Pirlo returned only yesterday to play and then there is Thiago Motta. If Verratti does not look alright, I may call up Andrea.”
Any call-up would mark Pirlo’s ‘return’ to the Azzurri following his on-off and ultimately delayed international retirement this summer.
“After his words of farewell to the national team he gave me ample availability from all points of view. Also for the growth of the youngsters like Verratti who are the present and future of the national team.
“To call him up is a natural thing, but what I liked about him is his willingness for the national team. He wants to bring his experience as a man and as a footballer.”
Conte was asked if his wing-backs will be more attacking in these two upcoming games.
“What is important is the position on the wing. Two full-backs or midfielders can play in the same way. We need players who know how to play in both phases and Candreva has understood what I have asked.
“During the next two games we will make our evaluations, with a rotation in the role.
“My mission is to try to qualify for the European Championships proposing a purposeful football, beautiful and attacking.
“A football from a team that always wants to play their game regardless of the opponent. My mission is to bring to the national team a winning mentality.
“In September I was favourably impressed by the whole group. I hope to find it also in this period, I am sure it will be so.”