Euro2012 Qualifying- Italy vs Faroe Islands Preview

After an unconvincing 2-1 win over Estonia, Italy take on Faroe Islands in Florence on Tuesday.  Coach Cesare Prandelli lamented recently that Italy lacked confidence at half-time of their first encounter, signaling in the process that Italian shortcomings may be more psychological than anything else.  Admittedly, the Azzurri have looked timid, even when compared to the 2008 version under Roberto Donadoni, a team that, if nothing else, could play out a pragmatic 0-0 draw (Euro2008) with Spain.  The current Italian side needs to find a combination of that self-belief and a distinct identity that will let them impose their authority on a game.

Prandelli has somewhat of a selection headache ahead of tomorrow’s game.  What is becoming increasingly clear is that a reformed Antonio Cassano, the erstwhile petulant talent of Italian football, is the man around whom the new Italy will be built.  He looks to keep his place in attack as Prandelli experiments with a 4-3-2-1.  Fiorentina’s Alberto Gilardino is set to spearhead the attack in front of Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi.  It is a variation of a 4-3-3 that worked moderately well against Estonia.  However, Rossi and Cassano bring different qualities in attack.  Rossi is an enterprising, speedy forward, while Cassano likes to carve out chances in close spaces as a more traditional playmaker. 

Player Focus: Antonio Cassano

Cassano has been confessing how he has repudiated his unflattering past--that includes high-profile spats with coaches, media outbursts, and poor discipline on the field--after coming perilously close to leaving football altogether.  He even took responsibility for former coach Marcello Lippi leaving him out of the squad by saying that "it is [his] fault" that he was excluded.  For all of his magnanimity, Cassano is still the player with the most swagger on the field, a quality that is at a premium in the current Italian side. Indeed, Mario Balotelli certainly operates with a degree of arrogance, but Cassano is finally channeling his unflinching self-regard into more productive outlets.  No longer the prodigal talent with a finger on the self-destruct button, the 28-year-old Cassano could be the player to lead Italy for the next four years.

The formation

With a 4-3-2-1 Italy certainly lose width in attack.  Simone Pepe, for one, does not figure into a narrower formation.  However, with Rossi and Cassano Italy have a more dynamic feel.  The key will be to keep possession and slowly build up the tempo.  When Italy are chasing a game, as they have done so often this year, they play in panic.  If Italy get the go-ahead goal tomorrow, then Prandelli may relinquish a wider 4-3-3 altogether.

Prediction

At home Italy should easily dispose of the Faroe Islands. 2-0 Italy.