R. Mancini

Well i have dedicated this blog to my Italy's team at Euro 2008 that starts in a couple of weeks.

The Team (Official 24 man Roster, It has to be cut to 23 but that cut is probably Perrotta since he was injured yesterday)

GK
Buffon
Marco Amelia
De Sanctis

D
Cannavaro
Chiellini
Barzagli
Grosso
Materazzi
Panucci
Zambrotta

M
Aquilani
Ambrosini
Camoronesi
Gattuso
De Rossi
Montolivo
Pirlo
Perrotta

F
Toni
Cassano
Borriello
Del piero
Di Natale
Quagliarella

My starting 11

Buffon- The best goalie in the world even at his age. We cant go wrong with Buffon

Grosso- Great player defensively and offensively. He makes brilliant runs and has the speed to get back. He is also a great crosser of the ball.
Cannavaro- One of the best defenders in the world. Has loads of experience and is a natural leader
Barzagli- I have him over Materazzi as Materazzi has been in terrible form and i have never liked him. Barzagli is young and has shown that he is an elite D.
Zambrotta- His age is getting up there but he still has the pace to contribute offensively and is still great defensively.

De Rossi- Probably the future of Italy. He is great defensively in Gattuso's role and has blistering long shots. He will be one of their best players easily.
Pirlo- The wizard of italy's game. Has all the vision in the world and you cant go wrong with him.
Camoronesi- Is creative and can jump into the attack real well.

Cassano- Easily the most talented layer in Italy and maybe the world. If his temper stays in check he will be italy's best player.
Di Natale- I dont know if he should start but Donadoni loves him. He is fast and is in great form.
Toni- IMO the best In the box striker in the world at the moment. I see him as winning the goal scoring campionship in the euro with roughly a goal a game.


Buffon
Grosso-------Cannavaro-----------Barzagli--------------Zambrotta
De Rossi--------Pirlo---------Camoronesi
Cassano---------------------------------Di Natale
Toni

This will be Donadoni's Starting 11 im not so sure if this would be my ideal 11 because it looks to offensive. Im all for goal scoring but this will leave us vulnerable because De Rossi is the only Great Defender in all the Midfield or attackers. My 11 would go like this.

Buffon
Grosso-------Cannavaro---------Barzagli------------Zambrotta
Perrotta or Aquilani--De Rossi---Pirlo------------Camoronesi
Cassano
Toni
This would be great defensively and still provide a spark with Cassano and Toni and if we need a goal we could easily transform into the other formation with Perrotta becoming a forward or subbing in Del Piero or Di Natale