Prandelli turns to youth

Cesare Prandelli has revealed that he will be giving several of Italy’s younger players a run out in Wednesday’s friendly match against England.

The likes of Salvatore Sirigu, Angelo Ogbonna, Mattia Destro and Stephan El Shaarawy are all expected to feature for the Azzurri.

The former Fiorentina boss revealed he wants the youngsters to prove their credentials against the Three Lions and added there was a doubt over Federico Balzaretti’s fitness.

“The national team is appealing, but serious,” Prandelli told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“These guys will have to prove that they are ready right now. I want to know if they are ready for the key World Cup qualifiers, which start in September.

“If two or three of them prove themselves to be ready against the English, then it has been a success.

“The only question is Balzaretti, who is not at his best. The alternative is Federico Peluso. Marco Verratti? He will certainly play a role in the contest.”