I personally think Criscito will be a future Azzurri mainstay but considering the current formation and tactics, I feel there’s a need for a change on the flanks. I admit I am surprised by Zambrotta- I thought he was long finished, but he’s been very consistent in the WC so far and he has performed admirably! I’d shift him to left side and bring Maggio in for one reason: Maggio can be an attacking threat with his crossing and wing play. Azzurri need goals so I thought Maggio can provide width.

Starting Maggio and then having Pepe on the right could allow the two to link up and when one attacks the other drops back to cover the defensive end.

I thought Pazzini proved to be a big game scorer with his goals for Samp against Milan and Roma. The problem again is the Azzurri formation and tactics do not help him to shine. Even Iaquinta didn’t see much of the ball but the difference is Iaquinta puts the effort and runs around (unlike Gilardino and Pazzini).

I feel Pirlo’s return will be a plus but it will not be the difference maker. Di Natale must be allowed to start to compensate for the absence of a Totti (or Cassano or Del Piero or Miccoli). Di Natale had the only shot on target by a striker which the NZ goalkeeper saved while Iaquinta’s was a penalty and Gilardino had none!

I’d probably agree with all your players dropped except for Criscito, I feel that he’s a very stable option, and maybe against Slovakia Lippi will tell him to be more attack minded.

But what did you think about Pazzini, a terrible performance from a player I really wanted to see.

I must say if I had to make a choice I’d bench for the next game: Gilardino, Marchisio, Cannavaro and Criscito.

Cannavaro was at fault for the goal regardless if it’s offside or not. It bounced off him or landed on him to reach the NZ player. In the game against Paraguay the opposing player jumped higher than him and De Rossi to score. Cannavaro has become a weak link. There’s a chance to bench the aging man and bring in a younger player against Slovakia.

I’ve said it before but there’s no place for Gilardino in this system and lineup. Marchisio is also being wasted behind the strikers and then on the left-wing in those 2 matches. Bench both and start Di Natale and Pazzini.

I thought Crisito was a bit short on quality so I’d switch Zambrotta to the left and give Maggio the start. Italy need the goals and Maggio is more of an offensive player than Criscito.

The Azzurri have been poor in this World Cup but it must be said both Paraguay and NZ did not threat the Italy goal except from set-pieces. The problem is Italy cannot score without a set-piece either (corner and penalty).

I am not too optimistic for the Slovakia match but if the right formation and players startthen Italy can win.