By Anna Italia


   Although Italy is famous for the 4-4-2 formation, Italian Head coach Roberto Donadoni might try the 4-3-3 formation for the upcoming match of the EURO 2008  Qualifications Italy - Georgia on Saturday, October 13 in Genoa.

According to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, during today last training session, Donadoni tried the 4-3-3 formation with the following players:

Goalkeeper: Gigi Buffon
Defenders: Massimo Oddo, Daniele Bonera, Andrea Barzagli, and Giorgio Chiellini
Midfielders: Gennaro Gattuso, Daniele De Rossi, and Massimo Ambrosini
Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella, Luca Toni and Antonio Di Natale

I might agree with the selection of the defenders and midfielders, where I am not that convinced is with forwards. 

Luca Toni, yes, he should play. Just like he asked... "Trust me." hey, Luca Toni I trust you.

However, I am not that sure about the mental condition of Udinese striker Antonio Di Natale after the death of his mother last week.  His emotions can either motivate him to give his maximum, or make him feel nervous --not concentrated--.

If Di Natale is mentally and physically fit, then, I will go ahead with the current 4-3-3 formation.

The problem is that Donadoni does not have much options with forwards.  For instance, Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta is barely recovering. Still, is not sure whether he will play or not based on the exams.

Yesterday, Iaquinta worked separately, although in the afternoon he trained with the rest of the group. Fact is that Donadoni has only 2 days to observe all players and see whether his 4-3-3 formation will be better than the traditional 4-4-2.  In the latest case, who will he use?

The good thing was seeing Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini among the formation. It means that his left thigh is doing much better.


WHAT:    EURO 2008 QUALIFYING MATCH ITALY-GEORGIA

WHEN:    Saturday, OCtober 13, 2007

WHERE:  Genoa, Italy

TIME:      20:50 p.m. (Italy time)
               11:50 a.m. (USA Pacific time)