Following a run to the Euro 2012 Final; we now begin our decent to the World Cup in 2014. With all the hoopla over Brazilan Neymar at the Olympics; Coach Prandelli decided to go young... And boy does this Azzurri selection look young.
Italy squad: Andrea Consigli (Atalanta), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris St Germain); Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Francesco Acerbi (AC Milan), Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Roma), Mattia De Sciglio (AC Milan), Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Angelo Obinze Ogbonna (Torino), Federico Peluso (Atalanta); Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria), Ezequiel Schelotto (Atalanta), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint Germain); Mario Balotelli (Man City), Mattia Destro (Roma), Stephan El Shaarawy (AC Milan), Manolo Gabbiadini (Atalanta).
Right off the bat there are no Juventus or Napoli players included on this squad; they have more important matters taking place this weekend at the SupperCoppa final. An interesting exclusion comes in the form of Antonio Cassano; who partnered with Balotelli in a meticulous attack at euro 2012; he's been left off. One has to assume this is due to his age and Prandelli wanting to include some younger talent; however, I believe it has something to do with the Milan player's midweek performance in a 5-1 drubbing by Madrid; although if that was the case no Milan player should be included..
What are your thoughts on this line-up; what combinations would Hu like to see on the pitch!.
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