Lippi's Provisional 30-Man Squad: An Analysis
During the week Lippi announced his 30-man provisional side to take to the World Cup in South Africa this June. Surprises are few and far between as Lippi chose the exact same team he called in the week before, with the exception of Nicola Legrotaglie who will find himself enjoying the beaches of Sardinia rather than playing football June.
Much controversy has surrounded Lippi's selection as some favour the tacticians decision while others seem to feel that he has plans to build this year's team around the side of 2006 which of course won the World Cup. 10 players for the squad that triumphed in Germany in 2006 have been selected again which ultimately does raise concerns about whether Lippi has studied his predecessors.
Following Italy's 1982 triumph in Spain, Bearzot selected ten players that won that World Cup to play in the '86 World Cup. Needless to say they were far from successful seeing themselves knocked out in the last 16 by Michel Platini's France, and winning only one group stage game.
Though times have changed and Lippi ultimately has chosen the best squad (give or take a few players) he had available to him. Over the next few days an analysis on every area of the squad; man for man, will take place.
Some say the best defence if the best offence but we all know that without Gigi Buffon in the last World Cup Italy might not have made it to the final, so the analysis will start with the men who play in between the sticks.
THE GOALKEEPERS:
Much controversy has surrounded Lippi's selection as some favour the tacticians decision while others seem to feel that he has plans to build this year's team around the side of 2006 which of course won the World Cup. 10 players for the squad that triumphed in Germany in 2006 have been selected again which ultimately does raise concerns about whether Lippi has studied his predecessors.
Following Italy's 1982 triumph in Spain, Bearzot selected ten players that won that World Cup to play in the '86 World Cup. Needless to say they were far from successful seeing themselves knocked out in the last 16 by Michel Platini's France, and winning only one group stage game.
Though times have changed and Lippi ultimately has chosen the best squad (give or take a few players) he had available to him. Over the next few days an analysis on every area of the squad; man for man, will take place.
Some say the best defence if the best offence but we all know that without Gigi Buffon in the last World Cup Italy might not have made it to the final, so the analysis will start with the men who play in between the sticks.
THE GOALKEEPERS:
Gianluigi Buffon
Morgan De Scantis
Salvatore Sirigu
Big, strong, reliable and calm under pressure Gigi has been influential for the Azzurri since he took over the reigns from Toldo in 2001.
However; since the World Cup the Tuscan hasn't had the best spells, seeing him play in Serie B for a year (due to the calciopoli scandal), followed by a reign of injuries that has seen him out of action for a good part of this year. His form along with other Juventus players has been put into question a lot lately however; if anyone can lift his game when needed it is Buffon and he will surely rise to the occassion now. Afterall, there really isn't anyone in Italy that posses the skills and experience in between the posts quite like Gigi does.
Frederico Marchetti However; since the World Cup the Tuscan hasn't had the best spells, seeing him play in Serie B for a year (due to the calciopoli scandal), followed by a reign of injuries that has seen him out of action for a good part of this year. His form along with other Juventus players has been put into question a lot lately however; if anyone can lift his game when needed it is Buffon and he will surely rise to the occassion now. Afterall, there really isn't anyone in Italy that posses the skills and experience in between the posts quite like Gigi does.This boy is definitely a star for the future and will undoubtedly play a part in the next major 
tournament for the Azzurri. However; with Buffon at the reigns and fully fit it is unlikely that the Cagliari player will feature in the World Cup at all. He definitely provides the Azzurri with a decent and reliable substitute to Buffon. He hasn't gone unnoticed as he has been rumoured to join big clubs like Milan, given the opportunity to move experience will certainly follow and it will only be a matter of time until he takes over as first choice.
tournament for the Azzurri. However; with Buffon at the reigns and fully fit it is unlikely that the Cagliari player will feature in the World Cup at all. He definitely provides the Azzurri with a decent and reliable substitute to Buffon. He hasn't gone unnoticed as he has been rumoured to join big clubs like Milan, given the opportunity to move experience will certainly follow and it will only be a matter of time until he takes over as first choice.Morgan De Scantis It looks like it will be a battle between De scantis and the young Sirigu for the final goalkeeping spot at the World Cup. Considered reliable for his team, De Scantis has has a solid season with Napoli and he certainly deserves to be considered as part of the final 23-man squad. At 33 he isn't the youngest tool in the shed, but Dino Zoff proved that age is just a number, and so can De Scantis. He will would be a trustworthy substitute should the need arise for him to step in.
Salvatore Sirigu
Relatively unknown to the world outside of Serie A followers this 23-year old has worked his way into the Palermo first team pushing aside the unimpressive Rubinho who has failed to adapt to Sicilian life. With barely one season of first hand experience under his belt he poses a huge risk should Lippi select him, but sometimes a risk is needed to shake things up. Rated as one of the best up-and-coming goalkeepers in Italy, Sirigu is a name to look out for in a few years time as big names will be knocking at his door for a big money move.
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