I’m not too optimistic about our chances but it’s a young squad so they might surprise.
Big stage for the likes of El Shaarawy, Insigine and Bernadeschi to shine on.
He’s also picked an extremely versatile squad, guys like Giaccherini, Florenzi, Bernadeschi, De Rossi, Darmian and De Sciglio are capable of covering a variety of different positions.
Midfield is my big worry, no Pirlo, no Verratti, no Monty, no Marchisio. Motta and De Rossi are the only established central midfielders who can control a game in there and both seem to be carrying injuries and are aging. The likes of Florenzi, Parolo and Sturaro are energetic players but can’t control a game. Disappointed Jorginho was left out as he has that bit of class there to control proceedings. De Rossi rarely disappoints for the Azzurri and he’ll need a big tournament if we are to have any chance.
Had Verratti been fit I would have been extremely optimistic but alas…
I’m still intrigued at how we will line up, very few things are certain. If fit Buffon, Chiellini, Bonucci, De Rossi and Pelle are likely starters - after that it is anyone’s guess. He can go with 3 at the back or 4 there and he will change it up during the tournament. The side was very unsettled during the qualifiers and there were big personell changes throughout qualifying - particularly in attack.
DDR looks set to miss out tonight, the big problem is his like for like replacement (Motta) is already suspended.
Candreva also unlikely to make it.
Sturaro looks like he will be given the nod but he is more of a box to box midfielder and doesn’t have the same culture on the ball or the positional sense of De Rossi or Motta.
DDR went off with an injury in the Spain game - given we are without Verratti, Marchisio, Monty and Pirlo this tournament and also missing Motta as he is suspended, he is a huge loss. We don’t have any other holding midfielders which could be a problem tonight.
