Basing their team around Bianconero has served the nation well in the past, so there is now a temptation to do likewise ahead of Sunday's Euro 2012 Group C opener against Spain

Juventus are an incredibly divisive presence within Italian football. They are as loved as they are loathed, generating adulation and animosity in equal measure. The mere mention of their name never fails to provoke a passionate response. Therefore, the term 'ItalJuve' has a tendency to grate with some Azzurri supporters.

However, there can be no denying that basing the national team around Bianconero has always served the country well. As a result, there is now a very real temptation for current coach Cesare Prandelli to do likewise at Euro 2012.

When the former Fiorentina coach took charge of Italy in 2010, his plan was for his new side to play 4-3-3, but the system was ditched in favour of 4-3-1-2 early on in the qualification campaign. The switch was an unmitigated success but now Prandelli is considering another change in formation ahead of Sunday's tournament opener against Spain in Gdansk.

After seeing his side torn apart with disturbing ease by fellow finalists Russia in last Friday's friendly in Zurich, the Italy boss began experimenting with 3-5-2 in training last weekend. The conclusion was obvious. As Gazzetta dello Sport announced on Sunday morning: "Juve-style Italy".

The system change would undoubtedly represent a gamble given its proximity to a meeting with the reigning European and world champions, but as Prandelli admitted in the aftermath of the Russia debacle: "I am forced to try something, even if I haven’t got much time, to give some security at the back."

Besides, the thinking behind the switch is, at least, sound: firstly, because it is a formation familiar to several members of the squad; secondly, because it would enable Italy to get the most out of their sizeable Juventus contingent.

From a defensive perspective, Italy boast several players capable of playing in a three-man backline. Andrea Barzagli’s injury has complicated matters no end, as it has removed the possibility of Prandelli fielding the Juventus centre-half alongside his club-mates Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, who has declared himself fit to face Spain.

« Previous123Next »