The Italy squad underwent a new fitness assessment that included the use of cameras, while they also had a surprise UEFA doping test.
Cesare Prandelli’s Azzurri continue their preparations for Euro 2012 and Tuesday’s friendly match against Luxembourg.
The Italy squad underwent a new fitness assessment that included the use of cameras, while they also had a surprise UEFA doping test.
Cesare Prandelli’s Azzurri continue their preparations for Euro 2012 and Tuesday’s friendly match against Luxembourg.
UEFA inspectors paid a surprise visit to the Coverciano training ground today and tested 10 players for doping, including second choice goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
It was a day of tests, as the Italy chief fitness trainer Giambattista Venturati presented the complex new system to the media.
These include a biomechanical test, which sees the players run in a zigzag motion and sprint at high speed.
The movement of the players is captured by cameras and sensors, then analysed using computer programmes to see how their running can be “made more efficient.”
This joins tests on cardiovascular and lactic acid readings to see how the Italy stars are holding up in training.
“If we start from the idea that in a test we try to understand the statistics of each player, then every training session is to be treated as a test.”
The Azzurri also had a visit from singer Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo at the Coverciano training ground today.
“I have always been passionate about football and transmitted that to my children. I hope we can bring good luck to the Nazionale.”