Following the important 3 points obtained against Georgia on Saturday, Donadoni’s team is getting ready for midweek action against South Africa, the Italy friendly match in program at Siena. With the Don’s decision to rely essentially on newcomers for this, it will be time for experimenting, both to test out new players and new formations.

Early tests of the Monday training sessions seem to point towards a 4-3-2-1 “Xmas tree” formation, utilized a few times before during the Euro 2008 Qualifier campaign. Based on the evidence of the practice match, the starting line-ups for Wednesday should be Amelia – Zaccardo, Gamberini, Bonera, Chiellini – De Rossi, Montolivo – Foggia, Rosina, Mauri – Lucarelli.

For today’s practice, Donadoni made his players go through some drills, testing the tactical set-up, and pitting up offensive players against defenders. To finish off, a 10 vs. 10 practice match in which vice-coach Mario Bortolazzi also took part. During the test-match, a slight scare for Pasquale Foggia, who had to be stretchered off due to an eye contusion, after a challenge with Andrea Dossena.

Italy’s doc, Andrea Ferretti, declared at the end of the session: “Foggia experienced an ocular trauma to the right eye, and we will have to call upon a specialist’s opinion. He will determine if the player will be able to be utilized for the match on Wednesday”.

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