Cesare Prandelli: Troubled Times Ahead?

Major football countries like Germany have had at least one wake-up call during their illustrious histories. In case of Germany, it came right after the Euro 2000, when they were knocked out of the competition at the group stages. Since then, the National Football Association has done extensive work in improving the national team—the effects of which are visible now. As per the Euro 2012 odds, Germany are the favourites alongside Spain to win the tournament.

Italy, though, never really seem to be have learnt from their last two disappointments.

If you think that the national team would have witnessed a lot of changes following the poor showings at the Euro 2008 and 2010 FIFA World Cup, you would be massively wrong. The Italian national team once again seems to be going back to the days of Francesco Totti and Alessandro del Piero.

"Totti and Del Piero wearing the Azzurri colours? I do not say yes (or) no, I say wait," said Prandelli a few weeks ago.

True, they are great strikers and will add a lot to the team in terms of experience. However, where is the future? Germany might fail at the Euro 2012, but the current squad has many years ahead of them such that they could look forward to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil with confidence.

Italian coach Cesare Prandelli said that he will not rule out Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli just weeks after saying that he could leave out the star striker back at home if he does not improve his behaviour.

However, the second injury of the season for Villarreal striker Rossi means that he does not have an option but to include Balotelli in the squad or resort to the old veterans. It will be interesting to watch Balotelli's game in the Italy vs Ireland match in which he will be up against the tough tackling Richard Dunne.

One cannot possibly imagine the headlines coming out of the Italian camp at the Euro 2012.

Antonio Cassano, another striker who was expected to be a major player for Italy at Euro 2012, has just returned from his heart surgery. It is highly unlikely that he will be getting game time for AC Milan at this stage of the season – especially when they are challenging for the title. Further, there are only a few games left in the Italian Serie A anyway.

For Italy and Prandelli, both future and present look bleak indeed.