The president of the FIGC (Italian Football Federation), Tavecchio was categorical: “I would consider the possibility of not qualifying for the World Cup an apocalypse, but we will go there. If the opposite were to happen, we will take all the necessary measures to protect federal interests”, i.e. the dismissal of the national team coach, Ventura. The number one of the Football Federation could not be clearer than that but, in view of tonight's match in Reggio Emilia against Israel for the Russia 2018 qualifiers, coach Ventura seems willing to confirm the reckless 4-2-4 that is been at the root of the beating suffered in Spain.
It is true that Israel is not even remotely comparable to Spain but it remains questionable to stick to a highly offensive formation at the beginning of the season, when the players' physical strength and athletic form cannot be at their best and an excessive offensive imbalance can put crisis a midfield, reduced to just two units (De Rossi and Verratti) as fatally happened in Madrid.
Tonight Ventura will have to give up Bonucci (suspended) and Spinazzola (injured) and therefore, in front of Buffon, he will field Conti, Barzagli, Astori and Darmian; De Rossi and Verratti in midfield; Candreva, Belotti, Immobile and Insigne.
A reaction of pride is expected from the Azzurri but the Spanish defeat has left its mark and removed certainties and tonight's opponent more than Israel will be represented by insecurity and the fear of making mistakes again.
