Cesare Prandelli looks ahead to the August friendly with Spain and warns “playing regularly at club level is essential to be in the Italy squad.”
The Azzurri are experimenting with a new tactic that mirrors the football used by Barcelona and World Cup winners Spain, so it'll be intriguing to go head-to-head on August 10.
Cesare Prandelli looks ahead to the August friendly with Spain and warns “playing regularly at club level is essential to be in the Italy squad.”
The Azzurri are experimenting with a new tactic that mirrors the football used by Barcelona and World Cup winners Spain, so it'll be intriguing to go head-to-head on August 10.
“It will be a very difficult game against Spain, but it's important to challenge yourself against the top sides and we'll try to prepare for it as best we can,” said Prandelli of that friendly at Bari's Stadio San Nicola.
The Azzurri boss is not averse to dropping big names like Antonio Cassano, as he warned those in smaller sides could be in a stronger position.
“Playing regularly at club level is essential to be in the Italy squad, because the physical aspect is crucial at the top.
“As for more Oriundi, all players who have Italian nationality must aspire to the Azzurri jersey and believe to the end. We won't close our doors on anyone.”
Prandelli has already brought in several players of foreign origin, such as Amauri, Cristian Ledesma and Thiago Motta.
He has been on the Italy bench for a year now and was asked his opinion on the chaos at Inter after Leonardo's decision to become director of sport at Paris Saint-Germain.
“In Italy there are certainly many talented Coaches, but they also exist overseas. If Inter did bring in a foreign tactician, it'd be because they consider him to be a guarantee and able to achieve something important.”