A real change from the buttoned down Marcello Lippi
Cesare Prandelli, long time Viola coach will take on the onerous task of rehabilitating the Azzurris from the shambolic ruin of their World Cup. He brings a definitive change both philosophically and sartorially, to the job. A more blue collar approach helped propel Fiorentina to the upper echelons of the Serie while Prandelli was in charge.
An era ends with Fabio Cannavaro announcing his farewell today. The FIFA 2006 player of the year had a forgettable World Cup as he was caught short at crucial moments.
Gianluigi Buffon is rumoured to be keen on continuing till Euro 2012 which would give Federico Marchetti time to hone his skills before taking on as new custodian with Salvatore Sirigu as understudy.
The sweeping out may continue with Gianluca Zambrotta giving way to Mattia Cassani and Christian Maggio at right back. Davide Santon waits in the wings. Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci could be the new central pair. Dominico Criscito the new face at left back.
In midfield Riccardo Montolivo could be the new Andrea Pirlo. With Claudio Marchisio and Daniel De Rossi flanking him. Other players like Marco Marchionni, Antonio Candreva, and Alberto Aquilani could also step in.
The most interesting developments could occur on attack.
Long time shut outs like Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli, who were anathema to Lippi’s “gruppo” philosophy might flourish under Prandelli. Case in point: Taking a risk on bad boy Adrian Mutu when he came to Fiorentina under the cloud of drug charges. The gamble paid off as Mutu went onto a flourishing partnership with Luca Toni.
In the last 15 minutes of the Slovakia match, Fabio Quagliarella showed what he was capable of and he along with Giampaulo Pazzini might be the new look attack. Others who could break in are Giuseppe Rossi and Fabricio Miccoli.
The stranglehold of the Juventus – AC Milan nexus may finally be broken as Prandelli turns to other non traditional clubs to replenish and rejuvenate Italian football. The results are not long in the making. Euro 2012 qualifiers will begin this year with Italy going up against Serbia and Slovenia. Not easy pickings.
One comment on “Cesare Prandelli: Azzurri coach hopes to find a purple patch”
the more i watch pirlo, the more i am impressed. he is a huge difference maker in the way zidane was. pirlo not only gave them a psychological boost, he is a level above with his ball control, vision and timing. plus quagriella (sp?), too was big. his goal was classy. but too little too late for the azzurri.