Donadoni to make big changes to Italy lineup

According to reports in Italy, Roberto Donadoni is to make wholesale changes for the match against Romania, and that means a place for both Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano.

Donadoni has been crucified in the Italian press for his team selection during the diabolical 3-0 defeat to Holland in their Group C opener on Monday.

The Azzurri now know that they simply have to beat Romania this Friday or else they are all but out of Euro 2008. According to reports in Italy, Donadoni will change half of the team that started against the Dutch.

The disastrous 4-3-3 formation will be scrapped in favor of a more familiar 4-3-1-2. Marco Materazzi, Gennaro Gattuso, Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Di Natale will all be banished to the bench, as will probably Andrea Barzagli.

Fabio Grosso and Giorgio Chiellini will certainly start in defense, Daniele De Rossi will be brought into the midfield, while Antonio Cassano will play as the trequartista behind Alessandro Del Piero, who will partner Luca Toni up front.