Dani Osvaldo bagged a brace and Alessandro Diamanti also scored in Italy’s 3-0 friendly test ahead of the Czech Republic.
Dani Osvaldo bagged a brace and Alessandro Diamanti also scored in Italy’s 3-0 friendly test ahead of the Czech Republic.
The squad had a run-out at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin after last night’s 1-0 World Cup qualifier against Bulgaria.
Coach Cesare Prandelli stuck with the 4-3-1-2 system for the first half against Serie D side Ponte San Pietro Isola.
Diamanti started in the trequartista role supporting Stephan El Shaarawy and Manolo Gabbiadini in the hour-long game.
Sampdoria” data-scaytid=”17″>Sampdoria right-back Lorenzo De Silvestri was thrown straight in just hours after arriving to replace injured Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonelli.
Diamanti made the score 1-0 at half-time with one of his trademark curling free kicks after Alessandro Florenzi and El Shaarawy had gone close.
For the second 30-minute half, Prandelli switched to a 3-5-2 system with Mario Balotelli and Osvaldo in attack. Both players – and Riccardo Montolivo – missed the Bulgaria match due to suspension.
Manuel Pasqual also played after he was called up last night from Fiorentina” data-scaytid=”36″>Fiorentina.
Southampton striker Osvaldo was the star of the show with two penalties, awarded for a handling offence and a push on Balotelli.
Torino winger Alessio Cerci replaced Maggio late on, as he is recovering from a knock.
Italy play the Czech Republic at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Tuesday evening. A win would mathematically secure their spot at the 2014 World Cup.
Italy First Half: Sirigu; De Silvestri, Ranocchia, Astori, Ogbonna; Florenzi, Verratti, Aquilani; Diamanti; El Shaarawy, Gabbiadini
Italy Second Half: Marchetti; Ranocchia, Ogbonna, Astori; Maggio, Aquilani, Verratti, Montolivo, Pasqual; Balotelli, Osvaldo