Yesterday, Prandelli’s club career was the spotlight of the post. We looked at his history in calcio and his qualifications for this job. Today, the focus is on just what the man wants to do as coach of gli azzurri. The easiest way to do that might be to break it down, quote by quote.

July 1st: Right after we were knocked out of the World Cup, Prandelli was interviewed. We learned quite a bit about what he thought about our World Cup and what he hopes to turn our team into. Most encouragingly, he realized we had a big problem and we do need to address it.

Cesare did not want to spend much time dwelling on the past, but did realize that he had to acknowledge it. He talked about the World Cup rather vaguely (The less said, the better), but did say that “I want to transform the negativity into something positive.” Although this is a pretty standard line, he admits that he is at the fulcrum of our future; “I want to transform”; it’s well and truly in his hands alone now to change our fortune.

That being said, he knows there’s no point dwindling on the past. “What has happened has happened. I hope to organise a team based on real human values. There are difficulties, but I want to start off right, with determination and the will to do well.”  He knows it won’t be easy, but he wants to start with the fundamentals and re-instate that drive to win that many players seemed to lack this summer. A team- not a collection of individuals- seems to be his ultimate goal here. And he believes that patience and openness are key in this aspect:  ”I don’t have any recipes at the moment, just the will to start well.” The focus is on trying things out and figuring out what works, instead of making a plan and forcing players into it (ie Lippi’s formations). It shows a willingness that Lippi lacked, which is all good news.

As for the players themselves, ”I am thinking about the first call-ups for the game. It would be nice to see good games, as well as the possibility to improve as we go on.” This is important to keep in mind- we won’t see a hugely polished Azzurri come August 10th. It’ll be his first game in charge and the players will be motivated but still probably unsure of exactly what he wants. He’s trying to keep expectations in check. At the same time, ”I wanted to avoid naming names because it’s not fair. Those who will get called are those who deserve to be here.” Simple: the call ups are based on who deserves it. Revolutionary, ironically. Interestingly enough, though, he named Buffon as his ideal captain so he seems a shoe in once he returns from injury.

And going with that, he also revealed that Oriundi will be considered for gli azzuri: “If they have Italian citizenship and they play really well I don’t see why one should not call them up.” Hopefully this won’t re-open the Amauri debate, but it does leave the door open for other foreign players who earn it- although you need more than just talent. ”It will also be based on respect and roles. I hope to take quality players with me.” Now this is interesting because it points out a loophole in the meritocracy: the players will only be called up if they earn it AND respect him. So if you’re in form but call Prandelli uno figlio di puttana, you won’t be going. Which is the way it should be, but as we’ve seen with Terry and other prima-donnas, you have to remind these guys who’s in charge.

Based on what he’s said so far, Cesare is ticking all the right boxes. He wants players with desire. Players who deserve to be there. Players who respect him and the shirt. He wants everyone to look to the future but keep in mind that the team will get better over time. None of this is really new, but I did want to cover it in depth so that everyone knows what to expect from Cesare.

Tomorrow, we’ll have videos of Prandelli’s finest moment as a coach so far. He truly exudes passion and love.

Tags: Italy, Meritocracy, Prandelli Week, World Cup