Three up-front for Italy – Prandelli

(GSM) – Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has confirmed that he will field his team in a 4-3-3 formation in tomorrow’s clash against Northern Ireland.

The 53-year-old Italy tactician has experimented his 4-3-3 in training this week and wants an improved showing in comparison to their last outings.

“The matches against Northern Ireland and then that in Genoa on Tuesday against Serbia will be decisive from a qualifying point of view for Euro 2012,” Prandelli said.

“I expect a constant improvement, and something more with respect to our last outings, a continuity of performance for longer with respect to the other matches, also because the athletic condition of the group is good and improving.

“We want the three points, but we would like them to be accompanied by good football as always. Sure, this result will be more important than the others.”

When asked about his first 100 days in charge of the Azzurri, Prandelli said he feels more ‘involved’ in the project that ever: “I feel ever more involved in the project. I feel well.

“Northern Ireland have got important results at home, but we are thinking about being able to play better than them even at a difficult ground.”

Prandelli then revealed his starting XI where Marco Borriello gets a surprising nod ahead of Giampaolo Pazzini.

“Borriello is the right striker for tomorrow evening, also because he gives depth to our play.

“With Pepe and Mauri on the pitch we could vary the initial 4-3-3 in case they push a lot down the flanks, moving Cassano into a more central position.”

Prandelli also explained his decision to pick Bologna goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano as his goalkeeper for the match.

“From a personality point of view he has something more than the others. If he keeps his promise he could have continuity,” Prandelli concluded.

Italy’s starting XI: Viviano; Cassani, Bonucci, Chiellini, Criscito; De Rossi, Pirlo, Mauri; Pepe, Borriello, Cassano