Prandelli defends attacking set-up

15 November 2012 02:24

Italy manager Cesare Prandelli defended his move to make significant tactical changes to his side, after their 2-1 friendly loss to France.

The former Fiorentina and Roma coach experimented with a three-man attacking line-up consisting of Stephan El Shaarawy, - who scored - Mario Balotelli and Antonio Candreva.

Despite the changes hardly proving positive in the loss to Les Bleus in Parma, Prandelli defended his decision to tinker with his tactics in search for the most suitable formation.

"We didn't deserve to lose this, but it was right to experiment and we will experiment again," Prandelli told reporters.

"We need to be ready for the (World Cup) and that means using these games to test things out. It was the first time we were trying the 4-3-3, so some movements were not going to be solid.

"The strikers did well and have different characteristics. I saw a good Italy side."

France coach Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, was thrilled with

the win, which he declared a 'big deal' for his side.

"We just got a 1-1 draw in Spain and now we have won in

Italy, the team who were runners-up at the last European Championships. It is a

big deal," Deschamps said.

"We lacked aggression and Italy were more mobile and

looked more threatening.

"It took conceding the opening goal for us to really

get into the match and play how we expected to play from the start.

"Then we played a more attacking game, and with the

changes in the second half, there was more space for us on both sides.

"I am very happy with the players, the attitude they

had, both from those who began and those who came on as substitutes, that made

the difference, as it did in Spain."

France defender Patrice Evra was delighted with the triumph, and gave a vote of confidence to coach Deschamps.

"We hope to continue like this and I believe the French fans will be truly proud of this victory," the Manchester United full-back said.

"France had problems in 2010, while Italy are a step ahead of us right now. We are trying to bring light back to this shirt and we have a great coach in Didier Deschamps."