The Azzurri were surprisingly beaten 3-0 by Russia in a pre-tournament international friendly on Saturday, and the former Inter boss has suggested a change in tactics
Gian Piero Gasperini has recommended Italy to switch to a 3-5-2 formation following their shock 3-0 defeat to Russia on Saturday.Newly-crowned Serie A champions Juventus started the season utilising a 4-2-4 system, but not before long coach Antonio Conte chose to scrap the experiment in favour of a three-man defence.
The likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci combined to form Italy's strongest rearguard, and the ex-Inter boss believes the Azzurri should use this to their advantage.
“I don’t see it being such a difficult transition,” Gasperini told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Cesare Prandelli has, at his disposal, players who are tactically evolved and have experience of playing in all systems.
“I tend to split players up into those who are talented and less talented. The talented ones know how to do everything.
“Besides, many of the Azzurri come from clubs with three-man defences and these are also the teams that brought home the silverware.
"Just look at Juventus and Napoli, but also Udinese and Parma have been really impressive.
“In my view the change would not be as traumatic as some suggest. Italy have barely played together this year, so it’s not as if they are locked into a tactical philosophy.”
Italy kick off their Euro 2012 campaign on June 10 against Group C rivals Spain.
