Del Piero or Cassano for Euro 2008/Possible Formations

[sinoy1]

Extremely unlucky.He'll be in beijing though.But gutted to see him go out.

[Forza_Roma]

So any ideas of the starting lineup???? Cassano/Di Natale, Quagliarella/Del Piero???

[D-Kin]

I think of the forwards only Toni and Di Natele are guaranteed to start.

Cassano has a very good chance. Del Piero is probably his biggest competition, Quagliarella wouldn't start ahead of him.

[Jager]

Saying who is going to start or not, is sort of redundant at this point.

Del Piero is brought in for late game substitutions, especially if we have the lead. Why? He can hold on to the ball, and wins a lot of FKs.

Inititially, we need the speed, and the fastest players need to play or players who can cross.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by Jager

Del Piero is brought in for late game substitutions, especially if we have the lead. Why? He can hold on to the ball, and wins a lot of FKs.

Yeah, exactly.

Originally Posted by Jager

Inititially, we need the speed, and the fastest players need to play or players who can cross.

So that would most likely be Di Natale and Cassano.

Camoranesi is probably our best crosser of the 'wide' players.

[Forza_Roma]

Originally Posted by Jager

Saying who is going to start or not, is sort of redundant at this point.

Not really...we can all assume probable formations. The back line is set and so is Toni. So, it's just a matter of what formation Don uses. The only real possible changes would be Cassano. I have no clue if he would start.

I'm thinking...

Buffon
Panucci, Canna, Matrix, Zambrotta
Gutusso, Pirlo
Di Natale, Camo, Cassano
Toni

[D-Kin]

^Maybe a little too attacking, there'd be a lot of pressure of Gattuso to clean up.

But yeah, I can see us playing something similar to that.

It's gonna be something along the lines of a 4-3-3/4-3-2-1.

[dukeofdavinci]

who ever starts, we are in the thick of it even in md1.since we are up against hollad dropping points could be the end of us.

so its either we go head on wth attacking options or a more cautius defending option wth the ability to catch them in the counter.

dont how both teams will react since it the 1st match it could swing either way.

[Jager]

Cassano hasn't played with the group for a very long time. I can't see him starting.

[dukeofdavinci]

Cassano hasn't played with the group for a very long time. I can't see him starting.

the press will have field day if he starts the 1st match.and it will be even uglier if we happen to drop points on that one.

well he is at best is on the bench, wch every one is.i reckon its same as the wc right, the whole 11 players on the list for the subs or is it just 5/7?

[jec1]

It would be a surprise move if he starts, but you never know.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by Jager

Cassano hasn't played with the group for a very long time. I can't see him starting.

I think it's less of a problem for attackers (as opposed to defenders), just let him go out there and do his thing. I mean it's not like he's never played with them before and they'll have been training together for weeks before the tournament starts.

[D-Kin]

An interesting article on Del Piero, he makes some decent points....

Achilles Del Piero ready for battle Saturday 7 June, 2008

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Alessandro ‘Achilles’ Del Piero believes the last two years have made him stronger, so he won’t make demands on Roberto Donadoni.

“So many things have happened over the past couple of years, such as two extraordinary seasons with Juventus and Italy with a new Coach and style of play,” explained Alex, glossing over the Calciopoli scandal.

“These 24 months have strengthened me and now here I am, happier than ever. I still have the wrath of Achilles, he will always be a part of me, but times have changed.”

This was a reference to the 2006 World Cup benchwarming role, when he said he’d “withdraw to the mount and think, like Achilles waiting to enter battle.”

This stance risked ruling him out of Euro 2008 altogether, as he was dropped by Donadoni after refusing to play out of position.

“My role could well be that of Toto Di Natale, but I would not be upset at playing behind Luca Toni or as a second striker.

“Donadoni is prepared and knows what he has to do. The choice is his. All I can do is say I am at his service. We all know I feel that I am a second striker, that is beyond doubt, but it is not a diktat. I just know I am 110 per cent ready, then the Coach will make his decisions.”

Only a late surge of public opinion – and his Capocannoniere title – won Del Piero the opportunity to compete in this tournament.

“I never lost belief in my own abilities. I admit I always believed in this European Championship, so now I am here and want to experience it. I think my career speaks for itself. Besides, it’s the only trophy I haven’t won!”

His Azzurri career has been blighted by constant comparisons with other figures, whether they be Roberto Baggio, Francesco Totti or now Antonio Cassano and Di Natale.

“Maybe it’s because I’m always here. If I weren’t, then there would be no comparison to make,” he grinned.

Di Natale is the favourite to start in Monday’s Group C clash with Holland and Alex is pragmatic as ever.

“We are the world champions and it is normal we are expected to win, but it might not happen, as everything has to go our way and be perfect. That’s what we had two years ago, but there are some truly strong sides in the competition.

“We started out with Fabio Cannavaro’s injury and Christian Panucci’s scare, but these setbacks must act as motivation to do even better.”

Panucci has reassured he will be fit to face the Dutch team next week despite a niggling knee problem. Cannavaro’s devastating ankle injury passes the captain’s armband to Gianluigi Buffon, although Del Piero is another candidate.

“I would be ready to take on the responsibility, but along with Buffon there are other players who can adopt this role,” said the man who has worn the armband five times in his 86 caps.

channel4.com - Football Italia

[Forza_Roma]

I'm glad he got over that "not playing as a fwd" business. Coming from someone with ADP history and the respect that he's earned throughout the years...i wasn't to fond of those comments. But, having ADP in the squad will give Italy that extra bit of experience and someone who can make a difference at any time.

[D-Kin]

I think he realises now that he either plays where the coach wants him or he doesn't play at all.

He's not as indispensable as he used to be but if we're to go all the way this summer he'll have his part to play.