I mean hit and miss, yes he's going experimental with some fresh faces and trying to create a new identity for this team.
However, some questionable callups in Berardi, but I think this has more to do with giving the lad a chance and some confidence, despite an underwhelming two seasons for the "up and coming next big thing" Berardi.
I wasn't too impressed either with both showings vs. Saudi and France, but let's not kid ourselves, Italy NT seldom impresses in such friendlies. I hope to see a bit more solid display in the upcoming friendly.
Harsh from Toni imo. This team is very inexperienced as they play together first time. France has a lot of talent and hitting peak prime. Thought Italy did pretty well actually certain parts. And its a friendly Toni.
And even if we see weaknesses this is exactly the time to see. For weeks and months some players were asked to be given opportunity but overlooked by Ventura. At least Mancini is giving almost everyone a chance.
I do agree that Bonucci could be a weakness and maybe because of him Italy should switch to back 3. Also in all fairness Perin should be ahead of Sirigu now. But thats what i meant with Mancini giving everyone chance.
To me the fact Mancini is giving different faces a chance (Mandragora is only 20 and played for a team who got relegated) is encouraging. Many people here said nothing will change but Mancini is actually giving young players a chance. Only 2 players 30+ (Bon & Sirigu).
I expect a 3rd lineup with potentially the likes of Rugani & Perin starting now against Netherlands.
Mancini will have learned a lot after these friendlies imo preciselly for using these different combinations. He needs to know his main XI by september when euro q starts. But his best XI we shall see during the course of next 1.5.
Im encouraged that he is giving youngsters a chance.
Would also have liked to see a fit Bernardeschi with Chiesa behind either Balotelli or Belotti, if he's sticking with a a 4-3-3 but, I wouldn't mind seeing a 3-4-3 similar to how De Francesco used against Barcelona in their second leg that could still feature the same front three and back three with Romagnoli and Caldara next to Bonucci. That would solve this poor full back thing that's going on and allow Florenzi to provide some width. Has Emerson ever played wide for Chelsea or Roma in his limited time for either?
Florenzi can play on the wing in a 3-4-3, and that was why I was asking if Emerson has ever played on the wing. He's good going forward as a left back. Marchisio next to Cristante could be enough muscle and creativity with Chiesa and Bernardeschi next to either center forward. It's an experiment worth trying at least once. With Florenzi and Emerson playing the midfield, it can make an easy transition from 3-4-3 to 5-3-2 if Chiesa drops back in defensive duties when called for. He has the work rate.
The following 11 will be under the shower from the beginning: Perin - Zappacosta, Rugani, Romagnoli, Criscito - Cristante, Jorginho, Bonaventura - Verdi, Belotti, Insigne.
Florenzi can play on the wing in a 3-4-3, and that was why I was asking if Emerson has ever played on the wing. He's good going forward as a left back. Marchisio next to Cristante could be enough muscle and creativity with Chiesa and Bernardeschi next to either center forward. It's an experiment worth trying at least once. With Florenzi and Emerson playing the midfield, it can make an easy transition from 3-4-3 to 5-3-2 if Chiesa drops back in defensive duties when called for. He has the work rate.
The Napoli duo really need to do a lot better. They should be 2 of our most experienced players but they've both looked poor in the friendlies played so far.
The Napoli duo really need to do a lot better. They should be 2 of our most experienced players but they've both looked poor in the friendlies played so far.
Insigne is always so poor with the Italian NT that I believe he has to thank Napoli, Sarri and probably his serie A opponents for making him look NT material.
De Sciglio for an also very poor Zappacosta now. And De Sciglio makes the first present to the Netherlands.