Gazzetta has the inside track on Prandelli's initial squad for the friendly on August 10th against the Ivory Coast. He has a list of about 20 players that he'll cut down to make up the squad that travels to London. Here are the main talking points of the article:
Goalkeeper - With Buffon out Prandelli has his goalkeeping coach monitoring five keepers: Storari, Viviano, Sirigu, Mirante and Marchetti. Surprisingly, according to Gazzetta, Storari and Viviano are the favourites to make the squad with Marchetti set to be dropped due to lack of form.
Defenders - The Azzurri are likely to line up with four at the back again. With this in mind the centre back partnership of Bonucci-Chiellini looks the likely first choice. On the right, the names being looked at are Cassani, Zaccardo and Maggio. On the left Criscito and Santon are carrying injuries so Prandelli is likely to look to Zambrotta and Antonini. Gamebrini, Bocchetti, Ranocchia, Motta and De Silvestri are also mentioned as possibles.
Midfielders - We don't know how Italy will line up in midfield so there are no clues as to who the manager may need in the squad to fill particular technical roles. The names being touted are the usuals with Candreva, Galloppa and Poli the possible new entries. D'Agostino and Lanzafame are also mentioned. Interestingly Prandelli is seriously considering Oriundi; Thiago Motta and Cristian Ledesma.
Forwards - I think this is the area every Italian is looking to with great interest. Cassano and Balotelli are apparently on Prandelli's initial list of players. It is thought they will definitely feature against the Ivory Coast on August 10th. Four from Borrielo, Pazzini, Marchionni, Rossi, Qaugliarella and Palladino should make up the other places out of the six forwards being considered.
New Italy is taking shape and to me it looks pretty fresh and I welcome the new names. It will take time for this new squad to gel but I have every confidence that there are the players available for the Azzurri to rise back up the Calcio ladder.
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