Game Time
Fresh off the World Cup, UEFA wastes no time getting into Euro 2012 qualifiers. The first for La Nazionale is this Friday at 2:30PM.
Italy @ Estonia FRI 2:30PM EST Live on ESPN3.com
(Most Recent Match)
The new-look Italy squad will have it good starting off against Estonia and then the Faroe Islands. However after these two matches, there are no rollovers. The rest of the group consists of Serbia, Northern Ireland, and Slovena (2 of those 3 were at the World Cup). Starting off with 6 points will be crucial.
Keep an eye out for Italy's defense, as that is where Prandelli is really reshaping the team. Hopefully Chiellini will find a consistent partner in the center while wing left and right backs try to state their claim. I'm also a little disappointed Luca Antonini didn't get another call up. I know he didn't see playing time in the last friendly, but he gets better every game with Milan so I'd like to see him get a chance at the national level.
The attack should be exciting to watch because of how much their capable of achieving. Pirlo, Cassano, and Pazzini will surely start and I hope they'll be accompanied by Giuseppe Rossi and either Quagliarella or Gilardino.
Anything short of a win would be a disappointment. Let's hope their only previous friend has been enough for them to compete when it matters.
(My Prediction: 4-1 Italy)
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