Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini have been instructed to perform better as individuals as Italy prepare to take on a strong Slovenian side today.
Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has requested Cassano and Pazzini to improve their individual performances for Italy and play at their level best in the Euro 2012 qualifying match against Slovenia today. Even though Prandelli stressed on the importance of teamwork, he also stated that the duo should not try to 'overdo' things for the team.
“I expect Cassano and Pazzini to play how everyone knows they are capable of playing,” said Prandelli in the pre-match press conference on Thursday evening.
However, Prandelli also said that Cassano will not be carrying the team on his shoulder.
“He’s not irritable; he’s just feeling the importance of the game like all of us. He needs to give more to this side, but he doesn’t need to overdo it.
“I told him that he is not responsible for anything apart from his game. He just needs to take advantage of his ability in one-on-one situations.”
Italy have improved as a team since the former Fiorentina manager was appointed last year but he believes that there is still plenty of room for improvement as Italy seek to rebuild the team with youngsters.
“If some people consider our level to be like Serie B then it means that they will soon have to take note of our promotion to Serie A,” said the 53-year-old.
“I’m proud of this national side. If someone like Gigi Buffon, who in the past chose an experience in Serie B, believes in this team then it means that he knows how much it can grow.
“We are aware of our difficulties right now and we are looking to renew the team. The only road that is open to us is that of the youngsters.
“That is how we are moving, but taking this path means that results won’t be immediate. We are, however, Italy and our results have to be of a high standard.”
“We’re playing a Slovenia side who are very motivated, have great enthusiasm, are compact and have great technique – especially in attack.
“This is an important game in our qualifying march, but we know that we can play a great tie, as we did against Germany.”
“I expect Cassano and Pazzini to play how everyone knows they are capable of playing,” said Prandelli in the pre-match press conference on Thursday evening.
However, Prandelli also said that Cassano will not be carrying the team on his shoulder.
“He’s not irritable; he’s just feeling the importance of the game like all of us. He needs to give more to this side, but he doesn’t need to overdo it.
“I told him that he is not responsible for anything apart from his game. He just needs to take advantage of his ability in one-on-one situations.”
Italy have improved as a team since the former Fiorentina manager was appointed last year but he believes that there is still plenty of room for improvement as Italy seek to rebuild the team with youngsters.
“If some people consider our level to be like Serie B then it means that they will soon have to take note of our promotion to Serie A,” said the 53-year-old.
“I’m proud of this national side. If someone like Gigi Buffon, who in the past chose an experience in Serie B, believes in this team then it means that he knows how much it can grow.
“We are aware of our difficulties right now and we are looking to renew the team. The only road that is open to us is that of the youngsters.
“That is how we are moving, but taking this path means that results won’t be immediate. We are, however, Italy and our results have to be of a high standard.”
“We’re playing a Slovenia side who are very motivated, have great enthusiasm, are compact and have great technique – especially in attack.
“This is an important game in our qualifying march, but we know that we can play a great tie, as we did against Germany.”
