Italy Coach Prandelli To Unleash Balotelli - Rossi Partnership

Published: November 18, 2013

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli has strongly hinted that attackers Giuseppe Rossi (Fiorentina) and Mario Balotelli will start tonight’s friendly against Nigeria in London.

Giuseppe Rossi missed Italy’s 1 - 1 draw with Germany on Friday night due to an inflammation of the tonsils.

Had the former Villarreal attacker being fit enough for the clash at the San Siro, Prandelli would have started him in attack alongside Balotelli.

“Rossi is ready and the idea is to see him in the field from the beginning.

“He is capable of playing both as first and as a second striker, he knows how to adapt and dictate the timing.

“Certainly to think of playing with him as a lone striker would mean having to locate two or three players in midfield who are able to attack the defense,” manager Prandelli told reporters at a press conference.

The exhibition match between Italy and Nigeria is scheduled to kick - off at 19:45 hours at Craven Cottage, home ground of Fulham.

Photo Credit : fm-base.co.uk