Cesare Prandelli has emphasised the value of Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and says Domenico Berardi perhaps needs to mature.
Cesare Prandelli has emphasised the value of Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon and says Domenico Berardi perhaps needs to mature.
Speculation continues over who the CT will name in his squad for physical tests to be held at Coverciano on Monday and Tuesday, as it will go a long way to determining who makes the World Cup.
Particular attention is on the front-line, but it appears Sassuolo’s 12-goal man is not in contention.
“There have been so many strikers, but I can only bring five,” explained Prandelli La Repubblica at an event this week.
“Berardi? He has been well-managed and praised by Di Francesco, however, that he specifies a certain intolerance to stress suggests that we have to wait for him to mature.
“Balotelli? With the national team he has always behaved well, whilst he can still improve with his football.”
Mattia Destro may miss out due to Prandelli’s code of ethics.
“It is normally the directors who are annoyed, which signifies that the code of ethics works.”
The 56-year-old is set to stay on as Coach for another two years.
“I have decided to stay because the Federation, because when I thought I was going to leave, they gave an extraordinary message of confidence before Brazil. Now I have to do well.”
In conversation, Prandelli was asked about Marcello Lippi’s squad choices at the last World Cup, which saw him leave out Mario Balotelli and Antonio Cassano, and then go without Gianluigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo for part of the group stage.
“I am like Marcello – if we are without Pirlo and Buffon then we will be in bad shape.
“How do I feel for the World Cup? I feel good. I know I have a serious group of guys, with a great love for the shirt.
“Players like Pirlo, Buffon and De Rossi have always responded in an extraordinary way and have shown the right spirit.
“The World Cup will be very challenging even from the physical point of view. [The tests next week] will help me in my choices.”
Prandelli also confirmed that players will allowed to bring their families along during the World Cup.
“At the Confederations Cup, we experienced an ideal climate because the players were calm and had the right motivation.
“I am convinced that the presence of children dissolves any tension. Of course the costs are borne of the players.
“Had it been with Italy as it was with other national teams, I would not still be CT.”