The thing is Kourbelis and Siovas have experienced together at CB and did well enough. I doubt we see Hatzidiakos start at CB. He didn't start for Alkmaar against United, but he came on late in the game (~87th minute) to play as a third CB. Retsos did play at DM against Germany in friendly for the U21 team. I think Hatzidiakos or Retsos would be a better fit at RB than Bakakis. The problem is Retsos' lack of game time is an issue and the only games he's had so far were at DM. It's safer to play him at DM if at all. And in the case of Hatzidiakos, it's asking a lot of him to play in this one. His inexperience is an issue.
I don't think Donis is fit enough to complete the 90 minutes and I think out wide his lack of fitness will get exposed. Up top he can sit a bit more and regain his wind. He's also our fastest attacker and having him higher up could create a problem for Italy when they leave much of the pitch open.
The problem is with Chiellini out, we could see De Rossi play. He is a superior player on the ball and that would help Italy be more dominant. I don't believe Mancini wants this to be his farewell game. He wants De Rossi to remain an option for him at Euro 2020. If Candreva starts on the right, they'll have a hugely experienced and talented wing-back who will press forward often and create problems. Not to mention that if Sensi starts over Jorginho, then Italy will be more threatening and attack minded. We'll really be on the back foot and we need players who can defend well.
I don't think Donis is fit enough to complete the 90 minutes and I think out wide his lack of fitness will get exposed. Up top he can sit a bit more and regain his wind. He's also our fastest attacker and having him higher up could create a problem for Italy when they leave much of the pitch open.
The problem is with Chiellini out, we could see De Rossi play. He is a superior player on the ball and that would help Italy be more dominant. I don't believe Mancini wants this to be his farewell game. He wants De Rossi to remain an option for him at Euro 2020. If Candreva starts on the right, they'll have a hugely experienced and talented wing-back who will press forward often and create problems. Not to mention that if Sensi starts over Jorginho, then Italy will be more threatening and attack minded. We'll really be on the back foot and we need players who can defend well.
Comment