Italy are staring into the abyss, the players have been arguing the weekend, the Italian press have being going ballistic and the manager Roberto Donadoni is under massive pressure. Under enormous pressure, the coach is expected to ring the changes for tonight’s game against Romania. He’s already confirmed that Del Piero will return to the side as captain and Giorgio Chiellini will also come into the team with Grosso and De Rossi pushing to come into the team too.This is going to be a massive test for them but Romania really disappointed me in the opening game against France. A side with the quality of the players they had looked bereft of ideas in a stale performance and manager Piturca will be hoping they can perform much better. Italy will have to attack them, a draw suits no-one and we could be in for a really good open game. Can Italy cope with the pressure? I’m not too sure, they looked dreadful against Holland, unable to cope with the pace of the Dutch team and Romania will look to expose them again. My tip is a 2-1 win for Romania.
The later game also sees France needing something in this game to have any hope of qualifying. They were so lacking in ideas and flair in their opening match that surely the coach has to change the team around. Henry and Vieira will definitely come into the team, which will certainly give them more experience and drive. I am worried though to hear that Domenech doesn’t feel he has to change the cautious approach against Holland.Speaking earlier today, he said “The idea is not to be seductive but to play better, to evolve, The objective is not to play a brilliant opening game and then have to pick yourselves off the floor in the next one.” Now that attitude worries me. I appreciate that sometimes you have to be stubborn when in charge of a national team but France haven’t been playing well for a while now and need to shake the systems up.The Dutch meanwhile have Robben back in contention and will look to build on that fantastic win over Italy, their performance blew me away and I think the confidence in the Dutch camp will be sky high. I can’t see France getting anything out of this game at all and I’m going for Holland to win 2-0.