I have very mixed emotions about this game. It was basically a friendly but we almost lost to Cyprus at home.

First point is Pepe. What this guy has done to deserve an international call up is beyond me. He is not good enough to play for Italy in the world cup. Simple as that. I have no clue why Lippi loves him so much.
Second is Gattuso. He is just not what he used to be. If anything he is more of a liability then anything else. There is no justifiable reason why he should continue to be called into National duty when we have players like De Rossi, D'Agostino Marchisio and a few others.
Third. Gusippi Rossi is one of our biggest stars. He is young and he has everything there is to become our star player. Why does Lippi keep playing him totally out of position. He is not a midfielder and he is being completely waited. I doubt that Cassano will be called up and if Totti does not come back we can play Rossi just behind the strikers in a 4-3-1-2 formation.
Santon is our new Right Back. This kid is going to be amazing. But I still get the feeling when the time comes Zambrotta will be the one to start in this position.

Yeah Zambrotta will start, unfortunately. I thought Gattuso was one of the few who battled all game today but he is just past his physical prime now and he is stupid in his play and has no technique. Rossi needs to play centrally, he will score goals. Notice how big a difference De Rossi made when he came on as well. I think Gilardino is in with a great shout for one of the centre forward spots, probably will be him and Iaquinta, but Pazzini is another who will stake a claim with Cassano assisting him. Players like Di Natale and Quagliarella are a bit hit and miss, good at club level but have never really stood out at international football. They don't really score many goals, so surely if that is the requirement Cassano can go instead of one of them instead.

Lippi's Italy squad as it probably stands now:

GK) Buffon
GK) Marchetti
GK) De Sanctis

DR) Zambrotta
DR) Santon
DL) Grosso
DL) Criscito
DC) Cannavaro
DC) Chiellini
DC) Legrottaglie
DC) Bocchetti

MC) De Rossi
MC) Pirlo
MC) Marchisio
MC) D'Agostino
MC) ?
AM) Camoranesi
AM) ?

SS) ?
SS) Rossi
SS) Di Natale
CF) Iaquinta
CF) Gilardino


It's possible he may take Gamberini instead of Criscito (would be a crime imo) and use Bocchetti as the second left back.

The central midfield position would be between Palombo, Gattuso, Montolivo, Aquilani

The attacking midfielder/second striker positions between Quagliarella, Cassano, Pepe, Totti