Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has confirmed Roma striker Marco Borriello will lead the Azzurri attack in tomorrow’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Northern Ireland in Belfast.
The 28-year-old, who has scored twice for Roma in Serie A this season, has been chosen ahead of Sampdoria’s Giampaolo Pazzini and Villarreal’s Giuseppe Rossi.
Borriello will partner Antonio Cassano and Simone Pepe in Italy’s 4-3-3 formation.
“He (Borriello) is the right striker for tomorrow’s game,” said Prandelli. “He also gives us depth in manoeuvres.”
The Italians head into the encounter at Windsor Park leading Group C following victories in their two qualifiers against Estonia and the Faroe Islands.
Prandelli, whose team will face Serbia on Tuesday in Genoa, knows every point is vital in qualifying.
“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.”
Prandelli believes his team will have a battle on their hands with Northern Ireland having pulled off a few surprises at home in recent years, with wins over Spain and England.
“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 will return to the starting XI for the first time in three years and will play alongside Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi in Italy’s midfield.
Mauri, described by Prandelli as the most in-form midfielder in Serie A this season, last played for the Azzurri in 2007.
Bologna’s Emiliano Viviano has won his battle with Palermo’s Salvatore Sirigu to start in goal.