What was Donandoni thinking? You never play Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo in the same midfield. Talk about a lack of attacking quality. Pirlo is the only one who can pass the ball and he does his damage from his own half sitting back and picking guys out. Italy's striker had no help up front because of this idiotic team selection.
Outside of the central midfield I also thought Grosso needs to play. Also, I'm not convinced by Camronesi or Di Natale, never have been. Del Piero supplied a threat when he came on, I'd like to see him play. Not a lot of other attacking talents in the side. I think Cassano is best served as a change of pace substitution when it comes to international football.
His overall team selection is problematic. Way too many central midfielders, midfielders that are defensive or central. No attacking midifielders like a Totti and a lack of wingers.
As for Italy's performance. Their attacking play was atrocious but it is atrocious more often than not so that doesn't concern me at this stage. Now their defense, that's another issue, that worries me. No hope of getting out of this group without a better performance at the back. Their manager worries me also.
I think Italy has serious problems, and they already began in the qualifying.
I agree about your take on Ambrosini, Gattuso and Pirlo. Pirlo, who is a great strategic player, imo, and Gattuso is enough. Maybe Donadoni felt the pressure in his country to strengthen the defense? The italians are very critical, knowledgeable fans when it comes to tactics, and the defense has always been their biggest strength. Maybe they demanded more defense after their performances in the qualifying? I disagree about Cassano. Maybe I haven`t seen him enough, but I´m not blown away by his talent or performances since he was 21. Good, but not great. Toni is absolutely their best striker, and if he performs like he did today, they struggle as a team. Anyway, the game showed that Del Piero should start in this tourney, period.
But there`s so much more. Donadoni is no Lippi, and almost every player seem to have lost a step since the world cup, while the younger players didn´t develop as expected. I think that team needs to rebuild.