Qualifying campaign kicks off this evening away to Norway. We had a 2-0 win over the Dutch last week in what was meant to have been a very impressive performance. Missing a few regulars this evening with the likes of Pirlo, Barzagli, Marchisio, Chiellini and Paletta all unavailable. We will go with Conte’s usual 3-5-2, a formation I very much like and team is expected to be along the lines of:
Buffon;
Ranocchia, Bonucci, Astori;
Darmian, Giaccherini, De Rossi, Florenzi, De Sciglio
Immobile, Zaza
Zaza is an interesting one, he had a decent season with Sassuolo last year and I recall him giving Juventus lots of problems in a game near the end of the season. I wouldn’t have thought he would have done enough to merit a call-up to the squad beforehand but that game obviously stuck in Conte’s mind and he was meant to have had a very impressive debut against the Dutch. I’m intrigued to see how he gets on tonight - the midfield looks to have plenty of running power and energy in it and I’m delighted to see two up front as it the best way to go and so many managers persist with a lone striker these days.
Norway were lucky to only lose 0-2, it could easily have been 4 or 5. The 3-5-2 formation worked for Prandelli in the Euros, so here’s hoping it can do likewise for Conte. They look a team reborn in their last two games. Glad that child Balotelli is not involved, better to give prospects like Zaza the chance.
GK: Buffon, Perin, Sirigu
D: Bonucci, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Ranocchia, Rugani
M: Aquilani, Bonaventura, Candreva, Darmian, De Sciglio, Florenzi, Marchisio, Parolo, Pasqual, Poli, Thiago Motta, Verratti
F: Destro, Giovinco, Immobile, Osvaldo, Pellé, Zaza
Rugani only has 2 u-21 caps so it’s a bit of a surprise but he impressed very much when we played Empoli. We’re a bit short on midfield options with De Rossi, Pirlo and Montolivo injured. Pelle is the other uncapped player called up, he’s doing well at Southampton. Giovinco doesn’t really merit a place but I think when the likes of El Sharaawy and Rossi find fitness and form again he won’t get much of a look in, Gabbiadini unfortunate not to get a call up.
The u-21s are involved in a playoff to qualify for the summer’s European Championship and I’d say only for that we would have seen a couple of them involved, particularly in midfield with the injuries we have. Good few players out injured at the moment but it’s still a strong squad. I do think there are better options for the left wing back slot than Pasqual particularly given his age.
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Never scored in Serie A but to be fair to me he seems to have really come on since he last played there.
Bonaventure, Motta and Osvaldo had to withdraw from the squad with injury and Pirlo was brought in. Verratti misses out with an ankle injury.
Italy: Buffon; Ranocchia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Darmian, Florenzi, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Sciglio; Zaza, Immobile
Italy bench: Sirigu, Perin, Ogbonna, Pasqual, Verratti, Candreva, Poli, Aquilani, Parolo, Giovinco, Pellè, Destro
The U21s drew 1-1 in Slovakia tonight in their playoff first leg.
Chiellini has us 1-0 up at home to Azerbaijan. 73 minutes gone.
Chiellini has scored again, that’s two goals and an OG tonight. I’m not a fan of Giovinco but he’s been brilliant tonight since coming on.
Immobile’s all round game really seems to have came on leaps and bounds since joining Dortmund.
Fucking hell, Giovinco has been immense in this little cameo, maybe it’s because Azebaijan are shit or maybe he does have something about him after all.
Just smashed the bar with a cracker.
Not a great performance but a great atmosphere in Palermo and 3 points in the bag.
Giovinco was outstanding in his 15 minutes in the game, absolutely immense and a great creative presence. Immobile was excellent as well, made some great runs and unlucky not to get a couple of goals. Zaza was disappointing, Florenzi didn’t really stake his claim either. Would like to see Giovinco in a no. 10 role the next day and see Destro in for Zaza.
You still pretending to be an Italian then?
Good win, the 2-1 scoreline definitely flattered the Azerbaijanis.
Gigi belting out the anthem! 
The Italian Pelle makes his debut tonight.
Buffon;
Darmian, Bonucci, Chiellini
Candreva, Marchisio, Verratti, Florenzi, Pasqual;
Immobile, Pelle
Would liked to have seen Giovinco start after his performance the last day.
Pelle smashes the bar with a header.
