Donadoni unveils Euro 2008 roster with 1 surprise.
By: Francesco | May 20th, 2008
For weeks we have wondered. Del Piero Yes? Del Piero No? Cassano Yes? Cassano No? Who will be the third keeper? Will Borriello Go? Will SuperPippo Inzaghi’s great form gain him a place? Is Oddo fit enough to go? Will Donadoni sign a contract extension? Is Lippi coming back? Well, if you still have those questions, you’re in luck, because today they have been answered. Today at a press conference in Rome Donadoni unveiled a roster of 24 players (meaning 1 will be cut on May 28) that will start training for Euro 2008 on Sunday. Donadoni also signed a contract extension. More after the jump.
So here we are, the 24 player list:
Goalkeepers: Gigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla)
Defenders: Christian Panucci (Roma), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Lyon)
Midfielders: Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina)
Strikers: Luca Toni (Bayern Munich), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Quagliarella (Udinese), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Cassano (Sampdoria)
Yes, Donadoni has brought Del Piero. But the big news is that he has decided to take the gamble on Antonio Cassano. Oddo’s injury plus lack of form since coming back combined with Panucci’s ability to play on the right meant that the Milan fullback and team barber in 2006 will be watching Euro 2008 at home. That allowed Donadoni to bring an extra striker, which he used to call up Cassano. I think by now we all know how I feel about Cassano (most talented player in Italy), and I know we will still see some anti-Cassano feelings in the comments (I HATE THAT BABY! WHAT A NUTCASE! WHY DONADONI WHY!!!!, etc.) but everyone has to agree that Cassano, when in form, has been simply awesome this season and he’s one of the few players Italy has that can change the game at any instant with just one quick play.
The third keeper role has been given to Sevilla keeper Morgan De Sanctis, after rumors that Francesco Toldo, Gianluca Curci, Matteo Sereni, Christian Abbiati, Dino Zoff, Walter Zenga, Gianluca Pagliuca, and Angelo Peruzzi were all in contention.
Which brings us to the final cut. The final roster of 23 must be in on May 28, so 1 player has to leave training camp (sounds like a reality show). Most probably this player will be one of Alberto Aquilani or Riccardo Montolivo. With the form Montolivo has been in lately, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Aquilani go home, but with the history Aquilani has with the squad I equally wouldn’t be surprised to see Montolivo go home. However, another theory can be made. If both Aquilani and Montolivo really impress Donadoni, he may choose to cut a striker, which could be Quagliarella or Borriello or even Cassano. But I doubt that happens, I don’t think Donadoni will bring both midfielders, one of them will go.
So, the Azzurri will convene Sunday at Coverciano and have a week long training camp which ends with the friendly vs. Belgium on May 30th in Florence to get one final look at the squad before Euro 2008. Then on June 2nd the squad flies to Baden, Austria, which will be the Azzurri base throughout the tournament, and prepares for the first game vs. Holland on June 9th.
Also at the press conference, it was announced Donadoni signed a 2 year contract extension, but not details have been released about clauses or anything. So as of right now Donadoni will be leading Italy to World Cup 2010.
Also, if anyone wants to watch the press conference, it is available for viewing on on www.rai.tv (Link) [EDIT- It was availabe for viewing, now it seems they took it down. You didn't miss much anyway]
So, what are everyone’s thoughts? Good choices? Bad choices? Do you still hate Cassano? Post your thoughts in the comments.
Category: 
Tags: Aquilani, Azzurri, Calcio, Cassano, del Piero, Donadoni, Euro 2008, football, Futbol, Italy, Montolivo, Rumors & News, SoccerSubscribe
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Wasn’t Amauri of Palermo available, since he has become an Italian citizen? What a tandem Toni and Amauri would make…unstopable!!
Posted from
Canada
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Forget Amauri. He is not Italian, only on paper. Balotelli on the other hand has as much right to say he’s italian as anybody else…
Posted from
United States -
Yes, Donadoni has brought Del Piero. But the big news is that he has decided to take the gamble on Antonio Cassano. Oddo’s injury plus lack of form since coming back combined with Panucci’s ability to play on the right meant that the Milan fullback and team barber in 2006 will be watching Euro 2008 at home. That allowed Donadoni to bring an extra striker, which he used to call up Cassano.
I don’t think that’s accurate Francesco, there were always going to be 6 strikers I think. You’re forgetting the absence of Vincenzo Iaquinta due to injury, which I think ultimately determined the free spot for Cassano. Just details though.
I’m with you on Aquilani/Montolivo, one of them will go and I think it’ll be the Fiorentina player (less tenure with the Azzurri).
Posted from
United States -
Don’t get me started…
Posted from
United States -
Inzaghi should get the nod over Borriello in terms of current form, experience, and reliability in big games. The decision to include the later in the expense of the former shows that Donadoni already thinks one step ahead : World Cup 2010. If Toni stays healthy throughout then nobody will ever questions the decision. Else, it may prove to be costly.
Posted from
Singapore -
I would’ve rather had Amauri over Boriello or Inzaghi. Nonetheless, some don’t think he’s “Italian” enough. He’s only lived in Italy for 7+ years, married an Italian, considers it his home, etc.
But let’s not get into this debate again. We’ll know how well this side can play once we get to see the upcoming friendly in a little over a week from now.
Posted from
United States -
Lorenzo, as a Palermo fan, you’d obviously want to see Amauri get the call-up.. Just like myself, an AC fan, wanting Inzaghi to get the call-up.. But honestly, if you think about it, the Italian team doesn’t need them..
Toni/Di Natale starters and then DelPi/Cassano come as subs.. and then there’s Quagliarella AND Borriello..
At first I was upset that Pippo didn’t make it, but think about it.. he’ll barely get playing time (even tho it’s likely that he’ll score).. so it’s a smart move to give the younger players a chance to get some experience(Cassano, Quags)..
Who’s gonna lead the Italian offence in 2010?
Montolivo and Aquiliani! :D.. I really hope they get playing time.. especially Montolivo..
Posted from
United States -
bringing materazzi is a mistake. he is crap. during the matches Inter played Juve for instance, Ale Del Piero just exposed all of his weaknesses and made him look like a complete asshole. I am very interested to see how Cassano does.
Forza ADP!!!!!!
Posted from
Canada -
i hear you moka…but if i can remove my biases for a second (i know, it’s difficult, right? hehe), i honestly think Amauri is a more adequate replacement for Toni rather than Boriello. The reason why I say this is because Boriello really tailed off towards the end of the season.
But like I said before, let’s just hope Toni stays healthy throughout, and we won’t need any Boriello subs in tight games!
Posted from
United States -
To Lorenzo : Amauri is indeed a lethal striker with characteristics of Toni. However, he has never played for the Azzurri. It is not likely to well integrate him into the team in such a short period of time.
To Moka : True, Inzaghi (or any other Italian target men) will not play as long as Donadoni sticks with 4-3-3 and Toni is available. The question is who will replace Toni in emergency situation (Toni gets booked, injured, etc.) ?
Inzaghi may be the only missing clog in this otherwise near perfect team.
Posted from
Singapore -
I love our squad heading into this tournament. Just look at all that technical ability. Who else has that many dangerous options at striker? What team can control the midfield with ball winning defensive players and playmakers to hold on to the ball? I think oddly enough our defense is the weak point (although stronger then most other sides). However, I don’t think there’s any doubt they will come together for a strong tournament. I’d prefer to see Canna, and Barzagli in the middle with Grosso and Gianluca on their side. We’ll see what happens, but either way it’ll be a hell of a team to watch if they stay healthy.
Also one other point, our most talented player is likely to be a sub for the tournament. In this case it’s not necessarily a bad situation because I like Cassano coming in off the bench to provide some fire power and creativity for the team (they needed this during qualifying).
Posted from
United States -
Calcio - the same case can be made for Boriello…he’s got a whopping 2 caps with the Azzurri. I don’t see that as a reason not to include Amauri. Just sayin…
Posted from
United States -
Inzaghi should go instead of Borriello. Borriello has never played any uefa tournament, nor had any real international experience. Inzaghi, on the other hand, has a wealth of both. Honestly, who would you expect to score?
I was a bit surprised to see him pick Cassano, but a good decision. In top form…he’s stunning, and Sampdoria-Juve confirmed this. Him, Camoranesi, and Del Piero are some of the rare men in the squad that can beat their man one-on-one.
My last note is, how cruel is 24? Why didn’t Donadoni just announce 23, he should have picked like 27 cause now that one guy is going to be unbelievably disappointed.
Posted from
United States -
Forza Italia
Posted from
United States -
If Casano can keep his childish outbreaks under wraps and put his squad and country first I’m happy to see him on the team. By far he’s the most gifted striker in terms of skill and finesse, and can be quite dangerous. Why Pippo didn’t make the cut baffles me. Del Piero had a good year w/Juve but I would have gave Inzaghi the knod before DP, despite there role differences. What about Gilardino???
Posted from
United States -
Gilardino….you’re kidding, right?
Posted from
United States -
Gilardino? Who is that? hahahaha
Posted from
United States -
Oh…with the exception of Pirlo, I think this squad’s weakest link is our mid field. With our world class strikers and legendary defense we should go far in the tournament (that’s if the officiating doesn’t spoil it)
Posted from
United States -
Do y’all know something I don’t? Why no Gilardino? Please enlighten me!
Posted from
United States -
I was hoping someone could answer this, but why would Andrea Dossena not be included in Donadoni’s Squad?
He seems to be the next big thing (except he’s 26 so technically, he’s in his prime)
Thanks
Posted from
Canada -
“What about Gilardino???”
Do you guys hear that? Listen closer…that’s the collective laughter of every Milan fan on the planet. Including me.
Posted from
United States -
yea gilardino is missing? he was a killer in world cup 06 and is nasty on ac when he comes off bench…also totti and nesta sorry their choice would be nice to have em tho. i would like pipo…inzaghi and gilardino on the squad!
Posted from
United States -
Italy best 11
Buffon - Grosso Chiellini( prove himself in juve this year)Cannavaro Zambrotta - Camoranesi Pirlo De Rossi ( best serieA midfielder this season)- Cassano( as playmaker he did remarkable in samp) Del Piero( in his original hole, he was one of the best in europe this year) Toni.
Che spettacoloPosted from
Brazil -
Inzaghi? Could be an option but we are talking far down the sub list…I think he had to chose Delpiero and cassano…quaglia and dinatale play a similar style.. But they are deadly together…and how do you keep borrelio out? He’s been great… Maybe domeniche can pass on. Trezeguet but donadoni couldnt pass on borrelio and delpiero.. So unfortunately, inzaghi did not make it. Plus, dp, cassano, dinatale and quaglia can play tre quartista if needed.
Posted from
United States -
Italy are again in the group of death. Why does this happen to us always!!!
Posted from
United Arab Emirates
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