Alessandro Del Piero and Andrea Pirlo have both been dropped from the Italy team to play France tomorrow night, according to sources in Italy.
The Azzurri’s Euro 2008 destiny is out of their own hands, and they simply must go for the win in their match against France to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the quarter finals.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made five changes for the 1-1 draw against Romania, and it now seems that he is set to make some more tweaks for the match against France.
One thing is certain and that is that Del Piero, who was a major disappointment against Romania, will be on the bench, with Antonio Cassano taking his starting place.
Simone Perrotta will also definitely drop out, while there are strong reports that Andrea Pirlo will also be axed. Donadoni wants a stronger base in midfield, and will bring back Milan duo Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrsoini, despite their under-par displays in the 3-0 thumping by Holland.
The only other question mark is over the place of Mauro Camoranesi. The Juve man was outstanding in the first half against Romania, but tired as the game wore on. Donadoni is considering freshening things up and unleashing Antonio Di Natale on France’s ageing backline.
Gianluigi Buffon will be handed the captaincy again now that Del Piero is on the bench.
Anthony Sormani
The Azzurri’s Euro 2008 destiny is out of their own hands, and they simply must go for the win in their match against France to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the quarter finals.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni made five changes for the 1-1 draw against Romania, and it now seems that he is set to make some more tweaks for the match against France.
One thing is certain and that is that Del Piero, who was a major disappointment against Romania, will be on the bench, with Antonio Cassano taking his starting place.
Simone Perrotta will also definitely drop out, while there are strong reports that Andrea Pirlo will also be axed. Donadoni wants a stronger base in midfield, and will bring back Milan duo Gennaro Gattuso and Massimo Ambrsoini, despite their under-par displays in the 3-0 thumping by Holland.
The only other question mark is over the place of Mauro Camoranesi. The Juve man was outstanding in the first half against Romania, but tired as the game wore on. Donadoni is considering freshening things up and unleashing Antonio Di Natale on France’s ageing backline.
Gianluigi Buffon will be handed the captaincy again now that Del Piero is on the bench.
Anthony Sormani
