| |
| | Monday 9 June, 2008 | | Blog: Don's defensive dilemma | | Italy could start Euro 2008 with Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli as their centre-back pairing, but Richard Godden thinks a couple of full-backs might be a better option |  |  | | Fabio Cannavaro's Euro 2008 ending injury has given Roberto Donadoni a major headache. The decision of who to hand The Berlin Wall's captaincy to should not be that big an issue - Gigi Buffon is the obvious choice there. But who will line up in the heart of Italy's defence? The tried and tested Cannavaro-Marco Materazzi pairing seemed a certainty, so the logical change following an injury to the Real Madrid man would be just to bring in Andrea Barzagli alongside Matrix.
Is that really what Italy need though? Materazzi has not been himself since suffering a horrendous thigh injury in the pointless friendly against Hungary last August and, quite frankly, looks like an accident waiting to happen. I'm fully aware that was also the case before Germany 2006 - and, of course, I know how that turned out. But let us not forget that all took place when Matrix was alongside a man who most considered to be the best player at the tournament. With no Canna, he would become the go-to-guy at the back, the man with all the responsibility. It's a frightening thought.
Then there's Barzagli, who has bizarrely just decided to turn his back on Champions League football with his hometown team Fiorentina in order to join Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg from Palermo. Aside from the fact that he didn't exactly have the best season with the Rosanero - although, to be fair, hardly any of the boys in pink shone last term - he hasn't always convinced in an Italy jersey. The 3-1 defeat to France in Paris 18 months ago springs to mind.
But there is a Plan B for Don to turn to. It seems strange to say it, but Italy's two best centre-backs at present could actually be a couple of players who you would more commonly associate as full-backs. The duo in question are Giorgio Chiellini and Christian Panucci, who were majestic last season for Juventus and Roma respectively. Granted the latter spent most of the campaign in his more familiar right-back role, but when asked to step into the centre he barely put a foot wrong.
However, it is Chiellini who has the biggest argument for a starting role in the middle of the defence, despite the part he played in Cannavaro's injury. The man mountain ensured that his club side were not left wanting at the back when Jorge Andrade suffered a season-ending injury, with his handling of Inter hot shot Zlatan Ibrahimovic impressing just about everyone except the sulky Swede. What better way for Chiellini to make up for ruining his captain's tournament than by filling his boots?
Considering that Donadoni seems to favour using Panucci at right-back, given that Gianluca Zambrotta plays his best football down the left, it seems unlikely he will get the nod at centre-back. But Chiellini's form warrants a starting shirt. The only question that would then need answering is at the expense of which player? I would leave Barzagli out due to Materazzi's ability on the ball at the back, an underrated quality in defenders. But what will Donadoni do?
| | | |
| Barzagli is a joke, who went to Wolfsburg instead of supporting Italian CL football! What has he proven? Materazzi is NOT stable, while Chiellini has proven everything this year! think of how he controlled Zlatan! And he's plays with Buffon! Go for him instead!!!
Mikkel
Due to experience, versatility and flexibility, I would personally field Chiellini and Materazzi. I feel that Barzagli has not played at the top (bar from ukraine game in the quarter finals) and Chiellini has had a very good season at a more high pressure club. Materazzi is only my choice based on the fact that I expect Holland to be more direct without robben, babel and van persie. Also as clearly seen during the world cup, Materazzi's left foot was a great alternative to getting the ball out of the defence. It would be a more regid partnership, but for me Barzagli is not ready. Chiellini will need to grow into a man at this tournament if we are to do well. Panucci has very litte experience in central defence.....too risky.
Rosario
Panucci is a liability, he shouldn't be considered in any of the defensive
positions - Grosso, Materazzi & Zambrotta all need to start, they've been
part of a World Cup winning team - Donadoni's misplaced loyalty to his old
team mate could end up costing us dearly.
Bruno |
| | | | |
