Italy squad will be renovated for World Cup 2014, warns head coach Prandelli
The Azzurri - despite reaching the Euro 2012 final - must try and evolve their team as well as achieve results and play good football, according to the national side boss
Sep 30, 2012 4:05:00 PM
By Miles Chambers
Cesare Prandelli has revealed his intention to “renovate” his Italy squad ahead of the World Cup 2014.
The Azzurri impressively reached the final of Euro 2012 before losing emphatically to Spain 4-0.
Prandelli’s side, having drawn in Bulgaria and won against Malta, will play further World Cup qualifiers against Armenia and Denmark in October as they continue to work towards Brazil in 2014.
“We have to work out how to combine good football with results, therefore achieving qualification without going back on our need to renovate the squad,” the coach admitted to press in Florence.
“After all, that is what Spain did after winning the World Cup. They changed 50 per cent of the side to target Euro 2012.
“It is only natural to run into some initial difficulties, but our objective has to be taking thisNazionale past that hurdle and into World Cup 2014.
“It is not easy, but we must do it, because the Italy squad has to be at least partially renovated.
“There will not be any new faces in the next call-ups because recently we have already brought in quite a few.”
Prandelli, who watched Juventus hammer Roma 4-1 in Turin on Saturday night, also gave his thoughts on the Bianconeri and former club Fiorentina’s start to the Serie A campaign.
The Italian added: “Juventus are putting the same values as last season on to the field with consistency, so we shouldn't be surprised.
“Fiorentina? I won’t say anything out of superstition, seeing as things are going so well for my old club, so I’ll just wish [head coach] Vincenzo Montella good luck!”
