Italy Football Formation

Lineup (3-5-1-1)

In my opinion this is the only way we can win the upcoming Confederation Cup. Buffon in goal is a no-brainier. A Juventus back 3 is the only option. Another amazing season for the Juventus defense, great chemistry and just a general LACK of experience/skill of our other defenders is my reasoning for this. Pirlo leads our midfield playing in his preferred "deep-lying play maker" role. Montolivo and De Rossi to his left and right playing their preferred Center Mid. Excelling for Napoli AGAIN this year Maggio will make his trademark runs down the right wing. Marchisio will be the least happy of the 11 but when it comes to International Duty not all players can be happy. He will move out to the left flank. He deserves to start but not overtake Pirlo, De Rossi or Montolivo in the middle and with his unique versatility he will have no probably out left. Having the ability to use both feet is a testament to my decision to put him on the left. Its pretty clear since Balotelli's arrival at Milan that El Shaarawy has lost the spotlight. Not only the spotlight but also his form. He gets the call up behind Balotelli. He is going to have to accept the Second Striker role because honestly he is never going to be Italy OR Milan's main striker. At least while Balotelli has a role. And the lone striker is Balotelli. This is where he is best, ALONE. He has the ability to hold up the ball as well as Ibrahimovic and get on the end of a Pirlo long ball. This was the 3rd easiest decision of the squad next to Buffon and Pirlo. Substitutions? Sirigu has to be ahead of Marchetti for 2nd string keeper after a stellar season at PSG. Abate should come in as a right back in the back center 3 if needed or even replace Maggio as a Right Winger. Diamanti can replace Montolivo or De Rossi. Pirlo is not coming off the field, that is for sure. De Sciglio will have a weird role for Italy. He can come in on the left for Marchisio or as a LB in a back 3. Prandelli will have a tough time incorporating him this tournament but he should have a role. Aquilani, Candreva will not play. Giaccherini can come in for Maggio on the wing. Cerci, Giovinco and Gilardino are literally ALL toss ups this tournament. If El Shaarawy and Balotelli need to come off then Prandelli will have a tough time deciding who should come in. Thats why he is the Italian coach and not me. I can give you a reason why each player should play but not a reason as to why THAT player should PLAY ahead of the other 2 players. Using this formation and this combination of players is the best thing Prandelli can do.