In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, new Italy's boss, Cesare Prandelli said: "I'll cap Amauri, I believe in Cassano together with Balotelli. Buffon will be our captain. I thanked Gattuso because he's always been an example to follow.

Then he added: "I want courage, enthusiasm and balance. Montolivo must grow, Gilardino needs to be hungry for scoring goals".