Euro 2008 Possible Squad

[llewelyn]

Now that qualification is secure, I thought it'd be interesting to discuss the possible 23 man roster Donadoni might select for the tournament next summer. I know it's early and a lot can happen between now and then, including loss of form and injuries, but why else have a forum? So here's my take.

GK: Buffon and Amelia seem to be set. The third keeper is seemingly between Curci and Abbiati as I can't see anyone else coming into the picture.

DF: Cannavaro, Barzagli, and Materazzi are all sure of making the squad. Add to this Zambrotta, Oddo, and Panucci (yes Panucci). Chiellini to me is an almost certainty because of his versatility in being able to play in the center or on the left. Grosso will probably also be there. On the outside looking in are Dainelli and Gamberini in the center and the likes of Cassetti, Tonetto, Pasqual, Zaccardo, and possibly Dossena on the flanks.

MF: Pirlo, Gattuso, Ambrosini, and De Rossi will probably all be there. Perrotta and Aquilani will probably also join them. Mauri, Montolivo, and Diana may also get in.

FW: This is where it gets tough. Toni and Di Natale are in for sure. I'm adding Camoranesi to the list of forwards, but he might take up one of the midfield spots. Donadoni seems to like what Iaquinta brings off the bench, so he's a definite possibility. After that you have two spots left. For the center forward, Gilardino seems like the likeliest of candidates. Quagliarella may or may not be there. As is the case with forwards, a lot can change in a short period of time (just look at Quagliarella) so there's no telling who will or won't be there. Other names to consider who all have a shot are Lucarelli, Inzaghi, Rosina, Miccoli, Palladino, Del Piero, Pazzini, and Vieri.

I'm sure I've left plenty of names out. What do you guys think?

[D-Kin]

My squad would be:

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Amelia, Abbiati

Defenders: Cannavaro, Materazzi, Barzagli, Gamberini, Oddo, Zambrotta, Chiellini

Midfielders: Pirlo, Gattuso, Perrotta, Ambrosini, De Rossi, Camoranesi, Aquilani, Montolivo

Forwards: Toni, Rosina, Iaquinta, Pazzini, Gilardino

The situation with the forwards is the most complicated, really it all depends on which players are in form in the second half of this season. Therefore if the likes of Del Piero, Inzaghi and Miccoli are doing well then they should go.

Aquilani, Montolivo, Rosina and Pazzini should all go for the experience if nothing else.

[azzurri]

Goalkeepers: Buffon, Amelia, Abbiati

Defence: Nesta, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Materazzi, Oddo, Zambrotta, Grosso, Chiellini

Mid: Pirlo, Gattuso, De Rossi, Aquilani, Perrotta, Camo, Montolivo

Forwards: Toni, Iaquinta, Rosina, Inzaghi, Gilardino

I hope Nesta comes back from retirement. Although Im against letting players back, he is the best Italian CB atm, and a big upgrade on Barzagli, although he plays well with Canna. Chiellini's versatility is a bonus, and u cant argue with the way he has been playing so far this season.

Aquilani, if he returns to his pre-injury form, otherwise Zanetti should be called back to the NT. He has been Juve's most consistent player.

Upfront, no Del Piero, because I have yet to see anything this season which shows me is worthy of a spot over other players. I included Rosina as a forward, even though he would be an AM behind the striker's, so I could add another midfielder.


-------------------------------Buffon
Oddo----------Cannavaro----------Barzagli (unless Nesta returns)--Zambrotta

------Gattuso----------------Pirlo----------------------De Rossi

-------------------------------Rosina

--------------------Toni------------------Iaquinta

Camo and Perrotta being used as subs for Gattuso and De Rossi respectively, in case we need to push for a goal. Montolivo as a replacement for Rosina, and Aquilani coming in for any1 in the midfield, in case of suspension/ injury.

In attack, Toni and Iaquinta is our best bet atm. Iaquinta is a tireless worker upfront, and his pace only further aggravates defenders. Plus his height and strength are good assets, considering Italy are very good off set pieces and crosses.

[LaVecchiaSignora]

What about Rossi, and quagliarella? Are these guys going to be on the bench somewhere possibly? Im pretty sure quag broke into the first squad for a game or 2 this year, im not sure that rossi has gotten his shot yet, but i think they would both be talented enough to move up, they would never start but on the bench maybe...

[D-Kin]

There's a lot of competition up front so I'm guessing they wouldn't make the final cut.

You never know though, a lot will depend on the form of certain players come the end of the season.

[dukeofdavinci]

well one things is for sure that it will certainly be a blend of young, old, and some new faces or can be termed as surprised inclusions