2010 Year in Review Part 2: The Rise of Cesare Prandelli’s Italy

January 2nd, 2011 | by: Julian | Comments Off

Italy pranced about 2010 like an adolescent; arrogant until humiliation, then accepting that hard work was needed to mature. Under Lippi and before the World Cup, the team seemed to stumble about it’s business, never really trying. It had an arrogant air about it, as if it were the best in the world and didn’t need to step up it’s game. By the time reality finally set in- that moment in every teenager’s life when one realizes that the world actually doesn’t revolve around “ME”- it was too late. We played perhaps 15 good minutes of football at a tournament that lasted little over 270. We went crashing out, humiliatingly; Lippi was axed, taking his share of the blame; and a new unproven coach, Cesare Prandelli, was brought in. Prandelli promised a move away from the Lippi-era decision of having players that seemed undroppable, and instead desired a meritocracy- playing players who were in good form for their clubs. It’s been a year of transition, a year of change and growth, and we still have yet to see all the fruits that are to bear. We merely know that we are on a road to somewhere, and have to trust in the process.

Prandelli’s Year in Review

After the World Cup fiasco, Prandelli began his reign with the detractors already weighing in. His major accomplishment had been bringing Fiorentina to the Champions’ League. He had never won a major trophy, neither the Scudetto or the Champions’ League. At 53 he appeared to be too young and inexperienced for the task. Optimistic as fans were to see a change, some saw this as similar to the Donadoni appointment more than anything else. Others, however, saw it differently. Had he won any major trophies? No, of course not, but only because he was so intensely loyal to Fiorentina, a team with a limited budget. Such loyalty could serve very well in forming a national team that plays very infrequently but needs to always be in sync. For Fiorentina, in fact, reaching the CL was a dream itself- and making it to the knockout rounds, only to be cruelly denied by awful calls against Bayern, seemed further proof that Cesare was a good coach. He liked attacking football and he seemed to be a decent and growing tactician, and thus his supporters believed that he truly had earned and deserved his chance.

His reign began with a 1-0 defeat against the Ivory Coast. The loss was disappointing- reality set back in that the very damaged team would take time to be rebuilt- but revealed much about how the new Azzurri were going to play. Cassano, Balotelli, and Bonucci all played that day, three of whom now form the very core of the team that Prandelli has built. Amauri had as well, earning his spot after a good run of form in Juventus’ CL qualifiers, but has not featured since (perhaps the very first beneficiary and example of the Meritocracy system). The loss was rough, but begot a run of five games without losing, where Italy ended the year.

That run seemed no more unlikely than on September 3rd. Italy were playing Estonia and trailed 1-0 at halftime. As the game went on, the team became increasingly desperate, until Antonio Cassano decided the he had enough. Two moments of magic produced two goals, one being a brilliant backheel from a corner that allowed Bonucci to score, and Italy racked up three points. Although not yet convincing, the team had finally won a game in 2010 after nine long months and Cassano stepped into his role as the team talisman.

Four days later against the Faroe Islands, Italy put on its best performance of the season, thrashing the minnows 5-0. The scoring began early in the 11th minute and ended in the 90th, a promising sign that Prandelli has the team focused for the whole game. Gila, De Rossi, Cassano, Quagliarella, and Pirlo all notched in goals that game, illustrating that a true team was being built. Minnows as though they may be, you can only beat the team that’s placed in front of you, and the Azzurri did that in style.

In October a draw against North Ireland ruined the run of wins but kept the unbeaten run intact. Then came the infamous Serbia game, where fan riots caused the game to be shut down mere minutes into the match. In the aftermath, UEFA awarded Italy a 3-0 win, which allowed gli azzurri to end the year top of their Euro 2012 Qualifying Group. A 1-1 tie with Romania in a friendly came about next, which was the first goal conceded in 3 games for the team but also the continuation of the 5 game unbeaten run.

Features of a Prandelli Side

Cesare Prandelli favors a 4-2-3-1 formation, in which Cassano, Balotelli, and a third player (a first choice seems yet to be established, though this is often Pepe or Rossi) play behind a central striker, whether that be Gila, Pazzini, or someone else entirely.

Pirlo, De Rossi, and Pepe all seem to be regulars in the squad, and Chiellini is as untouchable as anyone else. Ranocchia will likely fight to claim a spot from him and Bonucci, which can only be good news for gli azzurri- 3 great centerbacks all needing to be at the top of their game to prevent being dropped.

The goalkeeper position seemed a bit of a question at first, with Sirigu and Viviano switching off every other game, but recently it’s been Emiliano in net. Once Buffon returns it’s hard to say who will start- be it Gigi because of pedigree, or Viviano for continuity’s sake, or if Prandelli will just pick whoever’s in best form for their club.

Cassano and Balotelli are the talismen of the side, no two ways about it. In the short term, the side will be based around the new AC Milan player. Once the Euros are over, it seems that Mario will inherit the role of talisman. Love him or hate him, his demeanor on gli azzurri has been far more respectful than that on any of his clubs, be it Inter or Man City. He plays like he actually wants to be there, and never stops trying.

The fullbacks are the biggest question mark. Cassani has been perhaps the best of all when he’s played, although I’ve been very impressed by Santon as well. Motta and Molinaro have both played too but never really instilled confidence. The one game Balzaretti had was quite poor, but surely deserves another chance. This is the one area of the team that needs to be nailed out soon so that we have a back four who can play together regularly and gel.

Finally, I did a post earlier in the year debunking a few myth about Prandelli’s team. The link is here and I still stand by what I said. In it you can find the number of times certain players played (up until that post was published of course) as well as talk about formations and team selections.

Things to Come in 2011

This Azzurri side is far from finished, and here are a few things to keep an eye on as the year progresses:

• Who is our starting goalie? Does Buffon get an automatic re-entry into the team or does he fight it out like everyone else does for a spot?
• The fullback problem as noted above.
• We still need a prima punta starting reguarly- does it land with Pazzini or someone else? Should it be Borriello?
• Does DDR get dropped or finally start playing to his former glory?
• How tactically flexible is Prandelli? Once the winning streak is in danger, does he shift formations to try and win or stick with the current one and trust in it?
• What new players emerge on the team? Where does the newly reborn Aquilani fit into the team? Which ones stopped being called up entirely?

The team is in growth and transition, but Prandelli’s plan is starting to become clear. He wants a young, attacking side based around two of the most talented players in the world, formed on defensive solidarity. Our  national team history has never been boring, and this new chapter seems like it could be one of the most exciting yet.