Two nations looking to return to form will do battle today in an international friendly between Italy and Luxembourg. The Italian World Cup tune-up scheduled for 2:45 p.m. ET will be held at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi in Verona and can be live streamed here free trough the Univision Deportes Mobile app. Additional TV coverage can be found on Univision Deportes.
After pruning down his 30-man roster to 23, Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli is still fielding questions, mainly regarding his striker selections. The exclusion of Giuseppe Rossi and Mattia Destro has led to commentary in the Italian press—commentary Prandelli didn't expect to hear.
"I didn't expect all these controversies. I don't want to make judgements, but I feel the need to clarify what happened with regards to Rossi and Destro. With Rossi I have been very clear. The risk was great," Prandelli said (via Sky Sports). "I met with Rossi in [Italy's headquarters] Coverciano on May 7 with the intention of telling him that he was not going to be in the 30-man preliminary squad, but then I thought he would be a good example for everyone. I thought that his story could be a beautiful one to tell."
"I told Rossi prior to the game against Ireland that I needed to see something more from him on the pitch. I wanted to see a striker, but I didn't see what I wanted. I accepted his strong and beautiful challenge, but I told him twice after the game against Ireland that he was not in the 23-man squad."
"I also told him that my decision had been a difficult one because he is a strong and important player, with whom we have experienced extraordinary times. But the risk was big and I was very clear with him and told him he had not completed the healing process."
Will Prandelli regret leaving Rossi of his roster? Tell us @SportsWN
Tactical Preview
Player to Watch: Anchoring Italy's midfield this afternoon is 35-year-old Andrea Pirlo. The Juventus man made 30 league appearances this past season in Serie A, finishing with six assists and averaging 2.3 key passes per match.
Italy's Projected Lineup (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Abate, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Sciglio; De Rossi, Pirlo, Verratti; Candreva, Marchisio, Balotelli
Luxembourg's Projected Lineup (4-1-4-1): Moris; Janisch, Chanot, Schnell, Jans; Philipps; Bensi, Mutsch, Gerson, Da Mota; Joachim
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