Cesare Prandelli praised Lorenzo Insigne and noted “September isn’t our best month” after a 2-0 win over Malta.
Cesare Prandelli praised Lorenzo Insigne and noted “September isn’t our best month” after a 2-0 win over Malta.
The Azzurri started their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-2 draw in Bulgaria and scraped tonight’s victory with Mattia Destro and a last-gasp Federico Peluso header.
“We were a bit more organised in the second half, showing greater verve and creating more space,” said the Coach.
“We know September isn’t our best month and we’re not very sharp, but we have to rediscover our enthusiasm, pace and style of play.”
Italy returned to a 4-2-3-1 system with Alessandro Diamanti behind the strikers, but went to 4-3-3 after the break.
“Some situations will be examined and we’ll learn from them. A trequartista will struggle without space, so for the last two years we’ve been discussing the fact I only want a trequartista who can attack the space.
“Insigne did well when he came on and we spread the play with his introduction, getting more down the flanks.”
Prandelli was asked about Domenico Criscito, who was dropped from Euro 2012 after an investigation into match-fixing that was today shelved.
“I am happy for Mimmo. There’s no point going back over the choices we made.”