The Azzurri enjoyed a commanding victory over Belgium yesterday thanks in large part to a brace from Antonio Di Natale. The Udinese forward’s two first-half goals were too much for the Red Devils to overcome. Midfielder Mauro Camoranesi of Juventus scored Italy’s final goal of the match. Juve stars Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon, and Giorgio Chiellini also factored in the match. Del Piero, the top scorer in Serie A last season, set up Camoranesi’s goal. Buffon took over the captain’s armband in the second half. Chiellini entered in the second half for Fabio Cannavaro.
This was Italy’s final warm-up match prior to Euro 2008. While Italy has enjoyed great success over the years using the classic 4-4-2, head coach Roberto Donadoni may unleash a three-pronged attack against Group of Death foes – France, Netherlands, and Romania. This is the main reason why he kept both Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano on his 23-man squad. Prior to the match with Belgium, the coach stated, “I have not decided anything yet but with a three-man offence I definitely see Del Piero on the left and Cassano on the right, even if Cassano can play on the opposite side too.”
Italy opens the tournament on June 9th against the Netherlands. The Group C opener is vital for both teams in the tournament’s deepest group.
