Fabio Grosso has backed Cesare Prandelli’s words that every Italy player will have a role to play at this World Cup.
Grosso himself went to the 2006 edition of the tournament as a back-up, but emerged to play a pivotal role on the road to the Azzurri’s success.
Fabio Grosso has backed Cesare Prandelli’s words that every Italy player will have a role to play at this World Cup.
Grosso himself went to the 2006 edition of the tournament as a back-up, but emerged to play a pivotal role on the road to the Azzurri’s success.
With the current crop of players set to debut this Saturday against England, the Juventus Primavera boss has reiterated CT Prandelli’s assertion that everyone in the squad must prepare as if they will start every game.
“Prandelli has told the truth,” Grosso has commented to the Gazzetta dello Sport today.
“In my career I have had to climb a lot, but I have never, and I mean never, felt I was only a reserve.
“Do you know what I say to the Juventus kids? That the desire to dream is the one thing that no-one can take away from you, not even the Coach.
“To me, the real surprise will be La Nazionale. Italy are not among the favourites, right? Ok, but they have strength in their history and the experience of several players – that is a driving force that can take them close to the favourites.
“My example shows that a debut can equate to a particular energy, not a handicap. The important thing is that at the end of the World Cup, one can say, looking back: ‘I have no regrets’.”
Grosso was asked about Matteo Darmian’s relative inexperience at full-back.
“His season and his prospects are at the highest level – for what he has done in the League, he should be in Brazil.
“And now that he is there, he must gamble. Italy is not a factory rolling out more good defenders, but we are pessimists and this is a growing fashion.
“Maybe on paper some have more quality or experience in that role, but then on the field that paper is shredded.
“There will be more than one Grosso – it is the only guarantee of success. I was involved in key events in the final few games, but I was a protagonist only because everyone was a protagonists. And there is no simple alternative.”