De Rossi defender in Italy 3-5-2

By Football Italia staff

Daniele De Rossi was used in defence as Italy tested out a 3-5-2 system to face the Czech Republic on Tuesday.

The Azzurri play at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday, kicking off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT). A victory would mathematically book their spot at the 2014 World Cup.

Mario Balotelli, Dani Osvaldo and Riccardo Montolivo are available after missing the 1-0 win over Bulgaria due to suspension.

Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonelli have been sent home with injuries, replaced by Manuel Pasqual and Lorenzo De Silvestri.

Today in Turin Coach Cesare Prandelli experimented a Juventus-style 3-5-2 system with Roma midfielder De Rossi pulled into the centre-back role.

De Rossi has played in defence for Italy before, in the 2-1 friendly defeat to Argentina last month, but that was with four at the back.

Christian Maggio and Emanuele Giaccherini are expected to start on the flanks with Balotelli and Osvaldo in attack.

This would be a change from the side that took on Bulgaria, who were set out in a 4-3-2-1 system.

Italy (probable): Buffon; Bonucci, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Candreva, Pirlo, Montolivo, Giaccherini; Osvaldo, Balotelli

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