Italy may not be renowned for their adaptability, with slight variations of the 4-4-2 proving a winning formula for a number of years, yet Roberto Donadoni believes a new-found flexibility may give the current incumbents a crucial edge at UEFA EURO 2008™.
Good condition
Donadoni favoured a three-pronged attack for much of the qualifying campaign, the tried and tested system convincing him to name Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano in his final 23-man squad when many predicted they may not make it. The pair are in line to start tonight when the Azzurri face Belgium in Florence – the world champions' last friendly before travelling to Austria for the finals – and they are keen to impress. "Those two are in good condition and this makes me happy," Donadoni explained. "We will try to let everyone play a little though."
Choices
With Luca Toni a shoo-in for the role at the point of the attacking arrow, that should mean a chance for Donadoni's other wide options, Antonio Di Natale and Mauro Camoranesi. "I have not decided anything yet but with a three-man offence I definitely see Del Piero on the left and Cassano on the right, even if Cassano can play on the opposite side too," said the coach, who added that the occasionally temperamental UC Sampdoria man has been a model of focus as the finals loom ever larger.
Flexibility
It is a compliment Donadoni believes can be extended to all the Italy squad, making them more pliant to change – a valuable commodity as they seek to add the European crown to the world one they claimed two years ago. "We will start with the attacking trident even if we only decide upon the actual lineup in training on Friday morning," the 44-year-old said. "What I like most, though, is the way the players are open to change, their versatility. I think that our ability to use several formations could be one of our strengths. We are testing different possibilities. A three-man defence, for example."
Mental test
A three-man defence would have been considered sacrilege in the days of Catenaccio, but Donadoni has his own way of doing things. Indeed, those hoping the starting XI against Belgium this evening will provide the usual insight as to who turns out in their UEFA EURO 2008™ opener against the Netherlands are set for disappointment. "It is too early to make any evaluations," he said, adding: "The test against Belgium will be important from a mental point of view and not a physical one, since after only five days of work we cannot ask too much." Come 9 June it will be a different story.
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