Prandelli turns to new faces

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli could hand caps to several new faces to in Wednesday’s friendly against Germany in Dortmund.

Prandelli’s squad includes Juventus loan signing Alessandro Matri, Parma midfielder Sebastian Giovinco and former Brazilian under-23 representative Thiago Motta, with all three set to make their international debuts if called upon.

Matri returned to haunt parent club Cagliari in Serie A on Saturday, scoring twice to help Juventus earn a 3-1 win away from home.

The 26-year-old, who has now scored 13 league goals this season, said he was prepared to be flexible in order to make his bow for the national team.

“It is quite strange how much my life has changed in a week. I’ve gone from Cagliari to Torino and now from Torino I’m here. This is aim of all players. I’ve always wished to be in the national team,” he said.

“You only get to play for the national team if you are playing well for your club. Maybe I would have had the same chance if I had kept on doing well in Cagliari.”

“This is for sure a dream that has come true. Now I have the pleasure to train with this team and this is extraordinary for me. I don’t know how the coach will be using me. In any case I’m available and I’m ready to play as first, second or third forward.”

Prandelli backed Antonio Cassano to perform for Italy after his very public issues with Sampdoria. He made his return to the squad following his move to Serie A leaders AC Milan in December.

“He (Cassano) has been capped because as far as I’m concerned he is an important player. I believe it would have been right to cap him not only for his desire but also he has the spirit we are looking for,” Prandelli said.