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Oct 11 2012
World Cup qualifying preview: Armenia v Italy
12 October 2012
Italy head to Armenia for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on
Friday looking to take command of Group B.
Cesare Prandelli has recalled Manchester City firebrand Mario
Balotelli, while defender Domenico Criscito is included for the first
time since he was omitted from the Euro 2012 squad following his
investigation for over alleged match-fixing.
Balotelli was absent from Italy's 2-2 draw in Bulgaria and 2-0 defeat
of Moldova after undergoing eye surgery in September and his mentality
has previously been questioned by Prandelli.
"It upset me that he had the operation while there were international
games, but I still decided to call him up as he has talent," Prandelli
told Football Italia.
"He must awaken the pride in himself and demonstrate attachment to the
jersey for his sake and that of the national side."
Prandelli insisted the international futures of veteran attackers
Antonio Di Natale and Antonio Cassano were not over despite again
opting for youth.
The coach showed his willingness to promote his youngsters, with
Under-21 stars Stephan El Shaarawy of AC Milan and Paris
Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti selected.
Worryingly, the Italians were thoroughly outplayed by Bulgaria in
their first fixture but were rescued by Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who
scored twice with his side's only two shots on target.
Osvaldo, along with team-mate Daniele De Rossi, were dropped by Roma
coach Zdenek Zeman on Sunday but could both still start for Italy.
Prandelli has shown his willingness to tweak the system and given his
commitment to a pro-youth policy will be pleased if they can register
two wins and a draw from their first three fixtures, two of which will
have been on the road.
Armenia are third with three points, having defeated Malta, but an
away win for Italy would put them firmly in charge.
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/October/12/world-cup-qualifying-preview-armenia-v-italy/
Oct 11 2012
World Cup qualifying preview: Armenia v Italy
12 October 2012
Italy head to Armenia for their 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on
Friday looking to take command of Group B.
Cesare Prandelli has recalled Manchester City firebrand Mario
Balotelli, while defender Domenico Criscito is included for the first
time since he was omitted from the Euro 2012 squad following his
investigation for over alleged match-fixing.
Balotelli was absent from Italy's 2-2 draw in Bulgaria and 2-0 defeat
of Moldova after undergoing eye surgery in September and his mentality
has previously been questioned by Prandelli.
"It upset me that he had the operation while there were international
games, but I still decided to call him up as he has talent," Prandelli
told Football Italia.
"He must awaken the pride in himself and demonstrate attachment to the
jersey for his sake and that of the national side."
Prandelli insisted the international futures of veteran attackers
Antonio Di Natale and Antonio Cassano were not over despite again
opting for youth.
The coach showed his willingness to promote his youngsters, with
Under-21 stars Stephan El Shaarawy of AC Milan and Paris
Saint-Germain's Marco Verratti selected.
Worryingly, the Italians were thoroughly outplayed by Bulgaria in
their first fixture but were rescued by Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who
scored twice with his side's only two shots on target.
Osvaldo, along with team-mate Daniele De Rossi, were dropped by Roma
coach Zdenek Zeman on Sunday but could both still start for Italy.
Prandelli has shown his willingness to tweak the system and given his
commitment to a pro-youth policy will be pleased if they can register
two wins and a draw from their first three fixtures, two of which will
have been on the road.
Armenia are third with three points, having defeated Malta, but an
away win for Italy would put them firmly in charge.
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2012/October/12/world-cup-qualifying-preview-armenia-v-italy/