Donadoni: Montolivo Has Bright FutureDonadoni today announced the 23 men that he would be taking with him to Austria and Switzerland, and the unlucky player to be axed from the provisional squad was Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo.
"It was a decision that I made at the last minute,” said Donadoni in today’s press conference.
“I only chose last night who would be returning home. Montolivo took the news well and if he wants to, he can continue to be part of our group.”
Donadoni then complimented the 23-year-old, and he believes that he has a bright future in the game.
"[Coach Cesare] Prandelli at Fiorentina is exploiting him to the maximum,” The Don enthused.
“Even I wasn’t expecting an improvement from him so sudden.
“Montolivo should not worry because in the future he will be the deputy to Pirlo, even though he could still find space alongside him in a midfield three, a role that he covers now at Fiorentina."
Italy trained today ahead of this Friday’s friendly with Belgium, and Antonio Cassano was in particularly impressive form, bagging four goals in a practice match within ranks.