In two short years Cesare Prandelli has created a dynamic, honest, progressive football team. In the depth of our South African nightmare two summers ago, it did not seem possible. It takes a very special coach and personality, with a very strong vision and set of values to bend the national team to his will. Capello couldn't do it. Nor could Blanc. Quite simply, on the international stage, Prandelli is better.
Today comes the biggest game of his career. Rumours suggest he has no intention of reverting back to the 3-5-2 that he opened the tournament with. In every sense that felt like a confidence building exercise we no longer need. Prandelli is the tactical equal of Sausage Del Bosque and he need not tailor ITaly's game to Spain's.
The expected line-up is:
Buffon
Abate-Bonucci-Barzagli-Chiellini
Pirlo
De Rossi-Marchisio
Montolivo
Cassano-Balotelli
The only quibble from me is, for this particular game, I would opt for Balzaretti in place of Abate even out of position as a right-back. Balza Ballerina was phenomenal against Germany and is a much better defender/ tackler than Abate. But Abate's horse-power may prove decisive on the break and by now we should trust Prandelli to make the right call.
We need a big game from everyone. There's no point singling anyone out: the defence must be strong, the midfield clever and our strikers clinical. Nothing short of everyone's a-game will see us defeat Spain.
We should all be proud of what this group have achieved so far. They have played attractive, courageous football with a sense of positive unity that has made them - for the first time in my lifetime - likable to fans who are not Italian!
Mister Prandelli, you have made a difference. You are tactically brilliant, completely sincere and have helped foster Italy's first ever international black icon in Mario Balotelli.Whatever the result tonight, you have made it count.
In every sense, you have pushed us forward. Bravo.
FORZA.
