Giampiero Ventura confirms 4-2-4 will be Italy’s “future direction” as he looks to freshen up the Azzurri over the course of his reign.
Speaking to La Stampa on Friday, Ventura hinted Milan’s Manuel Locatelli and Sassuolo’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, plus Claudio Marchisio, would form the core of Italy’s next generation and refused to dismiss Simone Zaza and Mario Balotelli, although Alejandro Gomez was not yet eligible for a call-up.
Giampiero Ventura confirms 4-2-4 will be Italy’s “future direction” as he looks to freshen up the Azzurri over the course of his reign.
Speaking to La Stampa on Friday, Ventura hinted Milan’s Manuel Locatelli and Sassuolo’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, plus Claudio Marchisio, would form the core of Italy’s next generation and refused to dismiss Simone Zaza and Mario Balotelli, although Alejandro Gomez was not yet eligible for a call-up.
“What I thought about my first night at Coverciano? That I was faced with challenging and rewarding opportunity, but one that was also difficult because we’re in a difficult, historical moment and we have to rebuild,” the Coach told La Stampa.
“In short, we have to think about making a generational change. It’s fantastic that we still have the old guard, but we can’t think that they’ll go on forever.
“The 2018 World Cup? We’ll try to qualify in a group that isn’t seeded and then have a hugely-important World Cup.
“In the meantime, we’ll try to build something parallel, giving call-ups to those who are 18, 19, 22.
“You can call them internships, but for me they are call-ups. The day when Barzagli tells me ‘don’t call me up anymore’, I must have someone ready.
“Locatelli? He’s 18 years old and expected to become one of the best midfielders around, something that I hope will happen.
“But he can play in the national team right now? What if he messes up in two games, does he risk missing out for the next 10 years?
“Sassuolo’s youngsters? I’ve been to see them: Pellegrini, Mazzitelli, Politano, they made a good impression on me. Can they become internationals? For me yes, but the pitch will do the talking.
“Marchisio? For his characteristics, he’s a player who the national team have missed a lot. He can absolutely play in a 4-2-4.
“The new-look Italy? The ’internships’ are to see if many of the lads are ready, then we’ll see which difficulties Germany will pose us.
“The old 3-5-2? Today, the characteristics of eligible players no longer respond to 3-5-2.
“Therefore, in the near future, I’d like to install the 4-2-4 because in Italy there are many wide players and only few midfielders, although it’s an issue of compatibility and not for their quality. The future direction will be [4-2-4].
“Papu Gomez? There was a banner in Bergamo for Papu, which was extraordinary. But there’s a problem. He’s not yet eligible for a call-up and we’re checking if he will be in the future.
“Zaza and Balotelli? If we’re talking about hopes, I have them too – to win the lottery! Zaza’s in a difficult spell, but if I can, I’ll help him.
“As for Balotelli, he should only be asking questions on why all the questions [directed at him] haven’t been about football.”