Marco Borriello will lead the Italy attack against Northern Ireland in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Windsor Park.
Roma striker given nod to start upfront for Azzurri
Marco Borriello will lead the Italy attack against Northern Ireland in Friday's Euro 2012 qualifier at Windsor Park.
Italy head coach Cesare Prandelli confirmed the news that the Roma striker has been given the nod ahead of Sampdoria's Giampaolo Pazzini and Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi.
The 28-year-old, who has been on target twice for Roma in Serie A this season is expected to partner Antonio Cassano and Simone Pepe in Prandelli's attacking formation.
"He (Borriello) is the right striker for the game," said Prandelli.
"He also gives us depth in manoeuvres."
The Azzurri are currently leading Group C following two wins from their opening two games against Estonia and the Faroe Islands last month.
Prandelli, whose team will face Serbia on Tuesday in Genoa knows every point is vital but will not be taking the upcoming games as guaranteed three pointers.
"The games against Northern Ireland and Serbia are crucial to qualify for Euro 2012," he said.
"I expect a constant improvement from my team and something extra than with respect to our previous games.
"I demand more because the physical condition of the team is good and it's growing.
"I want the three points against Northern Ireland but I want that result to be accompanied by good play, as always."
Battle
The former Fiorentina coach believes his team will have a battle on their hands against Nigel Worthington's side at Windsor Park.
"They have taken important results at home," said Prandelli.
"But we believe we can play better football than them even if it's in a difficult stadium."
Lazio midfielder Stefano Mauri, who last played for the Azzurri back in 2007 is set to return to the starting XI to play alongside Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi.
Meanwhile, Bologna's Emiliano Viviano is expected to get the nod ahead of Palermo's Salvatore Sirigu to start in goal.
