ZIDANE CONSIDERING ISCO AS FALSE NINE

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is said to be considering the idea of playing Spanish international IscoAlarcon when they play hosts Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie on Wednesday night. Italian football club Atalantawould be hoping to capitalise on the numerous injury problems at Real Madrid when the two teams meet for the first time in the competition. Real Madrid are without several first team players for the game including Frenchman Karim Benzema, who would have led the line if he was available. In his absence, Zidane could start Isco as a false nine according to journalist JosepPedrerol, who works for El Chiringuito TV in Spain. It was revealed that striker Mariano could come in as a substitute later in the game if he is snubbed in favour of Isco, who would be able to control the ball better while leading the line.

Isco as a false nine could be a good idea for Zinedine Zidane against an offensive team like Italian football outfit Atalanta.Isco is not new to the false nine role having played there regularly during the two-year tenure of Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. Zinedine Zidane was the assistant to Carlo Ancelotti at that time. Isco Alarcon has not had much playing time under Zidane at Real Madrid this season and was linked with a move away from the club last month. The Spaniard will stay at Real Madrid until the summer but what happens to him afterwards is anyone’s guess.

Italian football teams have been disappointing in the Champions League knockout stage this season and Atalanta have the chance to redeem the image of Italian football when they take on the Spanish champions. Lazio were on the end of a 4-1 drubbing at home to Bayern Munich yesterday, while Juventus lost 2-1 at FC Porto last week.