Italy is experiencing a true psychosis with the possible exclusion from the World Cup in Russia (follow the match live on As.com). The only one in which the azzurra did not participate was in 1958 and no one in the Bel Paese wants to relive that huge disappointment. The tough defeat at the Bernabeu against Spain seems to have dealt a blow to the self-esteem of the Nazionale group, which the day before yesterday wanted to meet without coach Ventura for a face-to-face meeting between the players. The message that Buffon and the veterans sent to the rest of the dressing room is to play "without fear" again, although Italy's blockage would not only be psychological.
Ventura's tactics seem to undermine the team's security, according to Italian media, who would like to propose a return to the 3-5-2 that Conte used at least until qualification was achieved. However, the coach is reportedly considering the 4-2-4 formation against Albania, with Candreva as a starter and Eder alongside Immobile.
The match against Panucci's selection, which showed itself ready for battle ("it doesn't matter if he's Italian, when I'm on the field I don't even recognize my father: I want to win," he told Corriere dello Sport), is worth much more than a dose of confidence. Italy is already qualified for the playoffs, but without winning tonight, they would not be a seeded team in the draw for the November play-offs, complicating once again their path to qualification.
It will be a small final, then, a preview of what they will have to experience in the next break. Buffon, for his part, defended the coach in an interview with Tuttosport: "Attacking Ventura is a fashion, but it's unfair, he did very well for a year." The captain also made a promise: "I have to take Italy to the World Cup, I will give everything." We have to start tonight. Winning against Albania to become a seeded team in the playoffs will be essential.
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