Italy wont change to suit Balotelli Pazzini

Last updated : 10 November 2011 By AFP

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has ruled out making tactical changes to their game despite having to deploy a "physically stronger" attacking duo in the absence of Antonio Cassano and Giuseppe Rossi.

Both players have been ruled out of action for at least six months, meaning Manchester City's Mario Balotelli and Inter Milan's Giampaolo Pazzini will start Friday's friendly against Poland.

Despite the changes, Prandelli says the team's tactical philosophy must not change.

"In the absence of Cassano and Rossi, I want to see continuity as regards our tactical outlook but with two physically stronger strikers," Prandelli said before the team's departure for Wroclaw.

"Let's see whether we can resist the temptation to send the high balls in for Balotelli and Pazzini: we have to keep the ball on the ground."

Cassano and Rossi were regulars for Prandelli during Italy's successful Euro 2012 qualifying campaign however both strikers look likely to miss next summer's showpiece, being hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

Cassano underwent surgery in early November after being diagnosed with a hole in his heart in the wake of suffering an ischaemic stroke while Rossi is recovering after suffering ruptured knee ligaments.

Source: AFP

Source: AFP