Italy (2) could win the World Cup

If the World Cup was like Olympic bobsled, and each country could have multiple entries, it would really be interesting. Really what separates the best countries from the rest is the quality of player they leave at home. Italy's second roster would have one of best attacks in the world, and would have to be considered an outside contender if this team was in the tournament. Certainly they would pose a real threat to the current Italian Squad and everyone of these guys would probably start for the US. Here is who I would start in 4-2-3-1 system for team Italy(2).

Borriello/Balotelli
Rossi - Cassano/Totti/Cossu - Miccoli
Nocerino - Aquilani
Antonini/Molinaro-Barzagli-Cannavaro-Cassani
Amelia/Sirigu

I like Balotelli's ability/speed to open up the field, but Borriello can score inside the box. I'd probably start Borriello and leave Balotelli as my ace in the hole for a goal in the 2nd. Just behind them you would have the super dynamic Miccoli, Rossi is great shooter, and of course Cassano can distribute. I'm still not sure about Cassano for 90 mins, but Totti could fill his role or the role of any attacker. I'm a little worried about defense or lack there of from the front four.

Behind the attackers you need some type of muscle, that why I'm going with Nocerino. Aquilani might be a little better served up the field, but I need to get his talent on the field. Candreva would be an option too, Ambrosini and Brighti add defense and veteran leadership.

If you wanted to go defensive you could bring a defensive midfielder like an Ambrosini, Brighi, or Abate for one of the attackers. If you wanted to add even more defense, bring on wingback like Molinaro or De Silvestri to play in a defensive midfield role

As for the defense, let me admit it's probably not the best in the world, but it has some more than capable players. I like what Antonini brought to Milan this season, and add the vertern Grosso to the mix to complete the left. On the right I like Cassani, who had a wonderful season a Palermo. Barzagli has been great in Germany, and I don't many people we argue that best Cannavaro brother currently is the younger.

As for the goalies, none are elite, but all would start for at least half the World Cup teams.

Complete Roster: (age)

F - Alessandro Matri (25), Amauri (29), Marco Borriello (27), Francesco Totti (33) Mario Balotelli (20)

M - Andrea Cossu (30), Alberto Aquilani (25), Antonio Candreva (23), Massimo Ambrosini (33), Ignazio Abate (23) MatteoBrighi (29) Antonio Nocerino (25) Andrea Poli (20)

D - Mattia Cassani (26), Fabio Grosso (32), Andrea Barzagli(29), Luca Antonini (27) Lorenzo De Silvestri (22) Paolo Cannavaro (28) Cristian Molinaro (26)

G - Christian Abbiati(32), Salvatore Sirigu(23) Marco Amelia(28)

The rest of the roster has a couple great target men in Marti and Amauri. Poli has been one of the best young players in Europe this pass season and Cossu can also provide creativity. My only concern is lack of depth at centerback, but I think Cassani could move in if needed.

Remember there are a couple of other guys like Staton and Ranocchia who can't play do to injury. Also if Nesta wanted to return to international football, he would be included if Lippi didn't take him frist.

What do you think of Italy (2)