The Azzurri received a surprise visit at the Milanello training ground today: former Italy international Alessandro Nesta dropped by to say hello. Well, maybe it wasn’t such a surprise since Milanello is first and foremost the training ground of AC Milan, and the Rossoneri are just back to training after a 3-day break (all the players not involved with international duty that is).

Anyways, Nesta dropped by in time for the Azzurri’s lunch, and sat down next to Inzaghi. Pippo didn’t think about it twice: he got up, and placed the Italy jersey on the shoulders of the Milan defender. Yup, Sandro is sure missed in the Azzurri squad (although Barzagli has been an excellent replacement Saturday), but the Rossonero is alas now focusing on his Milan career.

Other special encounters of the day: Donadoni-Ancelotti. The two ex-Rossoneri players have many years of Milan history in common, along with a profound respect for each other. Who knows, maybe fate holds a common future in the Azzurri for the two coaches. Meanwhile, it was a sad day for Alberto Gilardino. Ignored by the Azzurri international duty call-ups, the Milan striker entered the training ground apart from the group, and didn’t stick around too long for the Azzurri-Rossoneri pleasantries.

Meanwhile, the Azzurri doc bears good news for Donadoni. Professor Andrea Ferretti has guaranteed that all 4 players that didn’t partake in the morning practice (Pirlo, Zambrotta, Panucci, and De Rossi) will be available for Wednesday’s match against Ukraine. “Pirlo and Zambrotta have followed individual trainings due to their particular problems (a calf bruise for the Milan midfielder and cramps for the Barça defender) which are promising. De Rossi has a few blister problems which will be taken care of, and Panucci has a minor lower back pain”.

Finally, a few words on tactical line-ups: Donadoni tried a revamped 4-2-3-1 formation this morning (already tested against Scotland and Lithuania), a full 90 minutes in which Aquilani/Ambrosini were tested for the defensive back position, and Camoranesi/Foggia, Perrotta/Del Piero, Di Natale/Quagliarella for respectively the right, center, and left offensive mid positions. Donadoni will probably opt once again for the lone striker solution (Inzaghi in favor over Iaquinta and Lucarelli).

Here’s my guess for Wednesday’s formation:

Posted in Azzurri, Euro 2008 |

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