The provisional list presented some surprises and some expected names. The Italian coach relied heavily on younger talents for the offensive side of the team.
In fact, despite rumors against their inclusion, Torino’s wonder-duo Immobile and Cerci were included. The two Italian attackers had an incredible season, with the Neapolitan striker being the top scorer in Serie A.
Less surprising was Dani Osvaldo’s exclusion. The Italian-Argentinian striker had a very poor run with both Southampton and Juventus. He was “kicked out” of the English club after assaulting a teammate.
Moreover, while on loan at Juve, the controversial attacker could not find any room and failed to make any impact at all. Osvaldo spent almost the entire season on the bench, confirming his bad form and a tremendously disappointing campaign.
Cerci's and Immobile's chemistry will be crucial for Italy's success
Twitter reacting to Osvaldo's absence: he will be missed more by Southampton fans than Italy's supporters
Osvaldo misses out on World Cup spot - Dani Osvaldo’s miserable season suffered another dismal turn tonight,... http://t.co/HeMEVY40ob
— Southampton News (@saintsnewsonly) May 13, 2014
So apparently Osvaldo hasn't made the Italy team for the World Cup.. does this mean #saintsfc are stuck with him? Oh gosh. .
— Sommer (@SommerGuy38) May 13, 2014
@danistone25 not included in #Italy's #WorldCup squad. I believe this is also known as #Karma. #SaintsFC, do what is best, get rid! #Osvaldo
— Ross Hunt (@HelloImRossHunt) May 13, 2014
A lot will be expected of raw talent SuperMario Balotelli this summer
Chiellini’s name was surprising for a different reason. In fact, while Roma’s Destro was excluded for violating Prandelli’s rigorous ethics code, the same did not happen to the Juventus defender, regardless of the 3-game ban imposed in the Serie A.
For the goalkeepers, Prandelli chose Buffon, Sirigu, and Perin. The Genoa keeper stole Scuffet’s spot. The latter, only 17 years of age, made a huge impact on Serie A saving Udinese on many occasions. Given his very young age, Scuffet will have plenty of other opportunities, especially if he keeps performing the way he has so far.
Genoa's Perin has impressed this season with incredible saves, despite young age
Class of 2006: a class of heroes
Italy's provisional 30-man squad was as follows:
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Salvatore Sirigu, Mattia Perin
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorigo Chiellini, Gabriel Paletta, Andrea Ranocchia, Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio, Christian Maggio, Matteo Darmian, Manuel Pasqual
Midfielders: Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, Thiago Motta, Marco Verratti, Riccardo Montolivo, Daniele De Rossi, Antonio Candreva, Marco Parolo, Alberto Aquilani, Romulo
Forwards: Mario Balotelli, Antonio Cassano, Alessio Cerci, Ciro Immobile, Giuseppe Rossi, Mattia Destro, Lorenzo Insigne
Christian Maggio, Andrea Ranocchia, Manuel Pasqual, Riccardo Montolivo (injured), Romulo, Giuseppe Rossi, and Mattia Destro did not make the list of the 23 leaving for Brazil.
