Cesare Prandelli has reiterated that no-one is guaranteed a spot in his Italy squad, as he confirms he will select seven strikers next week for five places.
The Azzurri’s 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup must be handed to FIFA by next Tuesday and most attention is focused on who the CT will list in the attacking positions.
Cesare Prandelli has reiterated that no-one is guaranteed a spot in his Italy squad, as he confirms he will select seven strikers next week for five places.
The Azzurri’s 30-man provisional squad for the World Cup must be handed to FIFA by next Tuesday and most attention is focused on who the CT will list in the attacking positions.
“I will call seven strikers for five places,” Prandelli has reiterated in conversation with the Corriere dello Sport.
“And above all, there is no-one that has a secure position, not even Balotelli. I have never said that if I pick Immobile that it excludes Destro, and vice versa.
“The difference between the two is more in character than technique. Immobile is more free mentally. Destro is a guy with a great ability, but potential is not enough.
“I have seen Immobile and noted his generosity. Destro is a little more inscrutable, he has great talent but must do something more.
“Insigne? He would be in contention even without the brace in the Coppa Italia Final.
“Totti? When in last autumn I said that I would call up Francesco, I meant it, because I could not see the young prospects on the horizon.
“Now I need to select 23 players who are in great condition, I can possibly think of 22 plus one.
“Cassano? This season he has been one of the most consistent in his performances. And he can always decide a game.
“Beppe Rossi deserves all our love, I am happy for his goal [in midweek] and I will wait until the last moment.
“However, I have said that I wanted to see him in four or five games…”
Prandelli also considered a number of those seen as with an outside chance of making his 30-man and 23-man cuts.
“De Sciglio has had physical problems but he is now playing, he is an important player for us. Diamanti has been important for us in the dressing room. Now there is a bit of difficulty.
“Giaccherini is a valuable player who can play three roles in midfield without the Coach needing to restructure his game, but this year in England he has faced some difficulty.
“Romulo is a player who has those characteristics, he can play three roles. He is a joker.
“Scuffet? The kids need to be rewarded but also protected – for our part there is great consideration but they must go through the various stages.
“Verratti must think not only of playing like Pirlo, he can play as an interno [attacking midfielder], or even as one to break up play and restart it.”
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