Preview: Wlochy vs Polska.

November 9th, 2011 | by: gadsby | Comments Off

The best looking footballer of all time, and he was Polish.

So, Here we go again, it’s that time when our boys in blue embark on a journey to a far foreign land to play their reserves against a mid-level country, and ultimately lose. This time, we’ve got Poland, land of kielbasa, pickles, and Jerry Seinfeld’s great aunt’s pony (it was the pride of Krakow!). While this game seems, in theory, like skipping through a field of daisies with a delightful Polish lass and a great big jug of  whatever they drink in Poland (bear with me, I’m English), it will not be, as Poland are actually quite a formidable force, having drawn earlier this against a full strength Germany side, which is quite an achievement, even if Germany is a tournament team.

Though this game seems unimportant for the Azzurri, don’t let that fool you; it really is unimportant. I think Prandelli fully grasps the reality of this, and it would not surprise me if He fielded a team of fringe players. As for Poland, I expect they will play a first team, as this game is entirely winnable for them, what with home advantage in a particularly northern city.

So what of Prandelli’s masterplan? The exact details are unknown, but it is infinitely likely he will retain his trusted 4-3-1-2. I would hope to see Abate start on the right, with a central defensive pairing of Barzagli and Ogbonna, and Domenico Criscito on the far left, though it is more probable that we will see Chiellini play the left. The midfield will be occupied (insert your Wall Street puns here.) by a more unpredictable three, and though a model three of Michela Aquilani, Riccardo Montolivo, and Thiago Motta is possible, it will probably end up as Daniele De Rossi, Andrea Pirlo, and Antonio Nocerino/Claudio Marchisio.

As for the trequartista role, there are not much options following the exit of Sebastian Giovinco, and the most plausible options in the squad appear to be Pablo Osvaldo and Claudio Marchisio, who I think could play in that role to great effect, regardless of his World Cup displays last year, during which, if we must be fair to him, which I’m usually not, he suffered from the near crippling disadvantage of being utter rubbish and unplayable, and he was certainly not alone in that department. Even if this fails to work, at least we can blame it on the cold Polish weather, or Mario Balotelli even if he never comes on, or the lack of this stunnah.

Mentioning Balotelli there, it is my opinion that he should be a full starter for La Nazionale after his scintillating run of form, while Matri should also start for similar reasons. While those who know me on twitter would attest to my great appreciation of Simone Pepe, who, though on a bit of a decline is still hot, it just comes in coruscations, I see no room for him in this squad, as he is predominantly a winger, there are no other wingers in this squad. His inclusion was thus baffling on all counts.

As for our chums ’round Poland way, though in my opinion, they will be going into this match with pessimism, not least because their nation has faired very poorly in the last few years, but also because their new kits were released a few days ago, and they are quite simply mind-numbingly atrocious. Poland, in my opinion, have a good team, very nippy, led by Dortmund’s Jakub Blazczykowski and Robert Lewandowski, who have been hitting form at a perfect time. I gazed into my crystal ball, and the answer was definite: it will be a 1-1 draw, Nocerino/Criscito/Marchisio will score the first goal, and Lewandowski will quickly respond. It will be total Poland domination after that. Anyway, I look forward to it. It will be fun.

Gadsby is on twitter, where he spends every waking moment expounding the many joys of Poland to the 99% (I’m sorry, I just wanted to get that in somewhere.) Follow him @FJGadsby