A successful qualifying campaign saw the Azurri scoring 20 and conceding just 2 in 10 matches qualifying for Euro 2012 with flying colors. Injuries, match fixing scandals and betting allegations have all hit the hopeful nation since leaving a tedious task for head Coach Cesare Prandelli ahead of the Championships.

Formation & Tactics

Going by what Prandelli says would be like betting on Balotelli behaving in this year’s Championships in Poland & Ukraine. From a 4-3-3 to a 4-3-1-2 to a 3-5-2, from a defensive tactic to an attacking one, Prandelli has done it all. Match fixing scandals have further hit the Coach’s already confused mindset. With Criscito gone, a 4-3-1-2 or a 3-5-2 formation are still possible. A calf injury to Barzagli has worsened Italy’s state less than a week before their opening game against Spain.

Though Italy would have gone most likely with the formation shown above, the injury to Barzagli means Chiellini would take his position with Balzaretti on the left. The back-3 of Juventus would have been first choice but this one will do no harm. Chiellini and Bonucci and Buffon are coming off an incredible season with Juventus. If the betting allegations do not bother the legendary Buffon, the defence is likely to remain watertight throughout the tournament. The midfield four are not bad either with De Rossi doing the dirty work, Pirlo – the elegant magician, Marchisio joining in with the attack and Montolivo – the trequartista though not a great one at it. Leading the line for Italy would be Super Mario and the similarly hot-headed Antonio Cassano. Losing Rossi to injury has been a big bow to Prandelli’s plans and it’s time for Super Mario to step up and show that he is only slightly behind Messi in the queue of geniuses in the football world.

Cesare Prandelli has promised attacking football ahead of the Euro’s and Italy’s percentage of possession in the qualifying campaign has only been second best to defending champions Spain. In Pirlo they have a pass-master who will be distributing majority of the balls. Moreover the Azzuri just conceded 2 goals in the qualifying campaign. The presence of Buffon and Chiellini in Italy’s defense would only strengthen this cause. The back line will be fairly rigid and static as is expected from the Catenaccio experts with the exception of Maggio who prefers a Wing-Back role and will be joining up with Italy’s attack more often than not. De Rossi will be the powerhouse or as we call it the box-box midfielder. After an indifferent season with Roma where he often ended up playing CB De Rossi will be out to prove he is one of best at what he does in the centre of midfield. Marchisio and Montolivo will be making attacking runs and trying to arrive at the right place at the right time. The former coming off age last season with Juventus would be looking to continue his good vain of form into the European Championships. Montolivo on the other hand has to prove a lot. His position as well his strengths are not known to most and this would be a good platform to put an end to that. Balotelli and Cassano have not had great seasons due to different reasons altogether and will be looking to get to playing ways sooner rather than later. The attacking two are the major concerns for Italy with a goal drought largely possible. If Italy find goals in them, they will be difficult to beat. Another alternative could be to put 3 up front with Giovinco, Antonio Di natale and Balotelli changing the dimension of the game. Which formation is likely to be more fruitful remains to be seen.

Star Player – Andrea Pirlo

After a fantastic season with Juventus, Pirlo will be hoping for something similar with the Azurri. Now one of the senior most players in the squad and without a doubt one of the best midfielders of our generation, Pirlo has the ability to break any defense with his close range or long range passing. Though Fatigue will be a major concern, he will be the focal point of everything Italy can conjure, from free-kicks to moving the ball from defense. Italy needs Pirlo at his best if they are to reach the latter stages of the tournament.

Prediction

Though Injury worries and scandals have hit the Italian camp, an exit from the group stages would be considered a major shock. Considering them to qualify from the group stages with England or France the most likely opponents, a semi-final berth seems a possibility for the Italians.

Star Rating –4/5

Aamer Aslam