Italy 0-1 Ukraine (Maniago)
Ukraine reached their first UEFA European Under-17 Championship final tournament in three years in style after a dramatic defeat of Elite round Group 2 hosts Italy.
Leading the Azzurrini on goal difference at kick-off, with both sides having beaten the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Ukraine only needed a draw in today's decider.
It seemed that they would hold on for that point, but two minutes into added time Ukraine were able to achieve a maximum haul thanks to a goal from Dimytro Korkishko, who on Monday struck a hat-trick against the Czech Republic in a 5-2 success.
Ukraine now go into Wednesday's draw in Brussels and will be in the finals in Belgium from 2-13 May.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Group B - Match 5: Italy v Scotland
28 March 2007: Italy 2-0 Scotland (Bari)
World champions Italy moved within two points of the Group B summit as Luca Toni's two goals earned them a deserved 2-0 win over Scotland in Bari.
After taking just one point from their first two Euro 2008 qualifiers, Roberto Donadoni's team have got back on track with three successive victories – this latest one against a Scotland side who started the day top of the section and ended it still level on 12 points with Ukraine and France.
Italy had won all five previous home meetings with Scotland, and it took them only 12 minutes to make the breakthrough as Massimo Oddo sent a free-kick into the box and Toni got in front of Lee McCulloch and headed into the left-hand corner of the net. It was not as though Scotland had not been warned, Toni having sent a header sailing wide in the fifth minute.
Though Scotland began poorly, they recovered well after falling behind albeit without creating any clear-cut chances. Lee McCulloch fired a half-volley straight at Buffon and on the stroke of half-time, lone striker Kenny Miller narrowly failed to make a clean connection with a far-post header from Gary Naysmith's cross.
If Scotland went into the interval with cause for optimism, they were up against it once the action resumed. In the 49th minute Mauro Camoranesi sent Antonio Di Natale clean through down the inside-left channel but Craig Gordon made a fine one-handed save. Two minutes later Di Natale raced through again and the impressive Gordon denied him once more, this time sticking out his left foot to turn the ball away.
A blue wave kept rolling towards the Scotland goal, Toni nodding past the far post then driving a shot straight at Gordon. Finally, on 70 minutes, the Fiorentina forward struck again, getting on the end of Camoranesi's right-wing cross with a header down and into the back of the net for his 12th international goal.
Toni's double means the Azzurri can look ahead to their June visits to the Faroe Islands and Lithuania with renewed optimism, while the Faroes is also the next stop for Scotland, on 6 June.
Italy: Buffon; Oddo, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Gattuso, De Rossi; Camoranesi, Perrotta (Pirlo 77), Di Natale (Del Piero 66); Toni (Quagliarella 87).
Scotland: Gordon, Alexander, McManus, Weir, Naysmith, Teale (Maloney 66), Brown (Beattie 86), Ferguson, Hartley, McCulloch (Boyd 81), Miller.
Referee: De Bleeckere (Bel).
Reaction:
Roberto Donadoni refused to class the win over Scotland as a response to his many critics in the Italian media. "It was a good performance and we got the result we were after. We cannot really ask for more than that," said the coach.
He had been under intense pressure after sliding to fourth place in Group B and it was believed anything less than a win tonight would see him sacked. So Luca Toni’s brace in Bari could be a turning point in Donadoni’s tenure.
"I think back to the games against Georgia and Lithuania. If we had won the latter, as we deserved to, then we would be in a different position," he noted of that 1-1 draw in Naples. "In any case, let us celebrate this victory and not look back to other encounters."
Donadoni used a 4-2-3-1 system and all except Antonio Di Natale were World Cup winners in the starting XI. "We must all remember how wonderful the players were today and the fans helped us. When you are dealing with players like this, the answers come automatically."
Luca Toni assures Italy are not struggling in qualifying for the Euro 2008 Finals. "We had to win at all costs considering the results of the other teams in the group. It was a good performance and we won deservedly," he said.
"We are catching up on that lost ground and have proved we are still an excellent team. We all want to go to the European Championships and will do everything we can to get there," added Toni.
"This is a squad that feels very united and together, so the bond keeps on growing after the World Cup and the coach is part of that. Over the next two games we need to pick up six points. The other teams are in front, so we have to catch up by beating Lithuania and the Faroe Islands in June.”
Azzurri captain Fabio Cannavaro admits there were problems at the start of Donadoni’s reign, but assures they are getting back to their old selves. "After some initial difficulties the coach did well to bring the group back together and give us new motivation. But we are not qualified yet and must maintain this same concentration all the way until the end of the Group," said the defender.
"It is only normal that the coach has a difficult role to fill and a lot of pressure. We all exchange opinions with him, but in the end he makes his decisions and we respect them.
"It is a very tough Group, but we have to focus on ourselves. It’s no good to start watching what the others do and making calculations."
The players bitterly protested against the treatment Donadoni was subjected to by the local media in the run-up to this crunch match and Cannavaro laughed off suggestions it all helped to motivate the squad. "To be honest I could do without the controversy! It is nice to be relaxed and left to work in peace, so I certainly won’t thank the media."
Other Group B Matches:
Ukraine moved top of Group B of the Euro 2008 qualifiers with a 1-0 win over Lithuania in Odessa. Ukraine made sure they were level on points with top two France and Scotland, but because they had already beaten the Scots, they secured top-spot. Ukraine, though, were made to work hard for victory by Lithuania - but they grabbed the winner just after the break. Dynamo Kiev star Oleg Gusev grabbed the goal as he poked the ball home after good work form Maxim Kalinichenko on the left.
Georgia claimed a comfortable 3-1 success over Faroe Islands in Tblisi to move to fifth in the group. The home side took the lead after 25 minutes when David Siradze struck. Just a minute into the second half Georgia doubled their lead when Alexander Iashvili side-footed home after being sent clear by Levan Kobiashvili. The Faroes fought back and retained some hope as Rogvi Jacbobsen scored just before the hour mark - although their chances were dented moments later when Frodi Benjaminsen was dismissed for a second yellow card. Georgia sealed the win on the stroke of full time when Iashvilli scored his second from the penalty sport after Georgi Demetradze was brought down by Suni Olsen.
View Euro 2008 Fixtures & Tables >>>
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Donadoni defies Italy's detractors
After winning the FIFA World Cup in 1982, Italy failed to qualify for the following UEFA European Championship. Having replaced Marcello Lippi following Italy's world title triumph in Germany, Roberto Donadoni is eager to avoid history repeating itself as the Azzurri face Scotland in Bari after a slow start to Group B.
With seven points from four games, Italy are five behind group leaders Scotland and France and two adrift of Ukraine. Suggestions that a poor result against Scotland on Wednesday could see Donadoni dismissed prompted Italian Football Federation commissioner Luca Pancalli to issue a statement: "We have complete faith in Donadoni. Right now the national team needs calm and not pointless panic."
Nonetheless, while some believe his career is in the balance, Donadoni remains sanguine. "I had some tests done and they said I'm not stressed at all," he joked. "I have always felt calm and safe since being appointed, and not only after Pancalli's words of support. I don't mind the rumours about my future. I'm just focused on fielding a very determined team against Scotland."
On Saturday Donadoni was in Glasgow to watch Scotland's 2-1 victory over Georgia. He said: "This result complicates matters a little bit for us, but in Italy it was greeted like a defeat for us. Maybe somebody didn't realise that we weren't playing on Saturday. In Bari we will try to take the initiative and set the tempo. Scotland are a very physical side with quality in midfield."
Captain Fabio Cannavaro has joined the defensive wall in front of his coach, saying: "You need to be a saint to work well with all this criticism, but Donandoni has the right personality to fulfil all expectations." Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also accentuated the positive. "We expected Scotland to win and it would have been a surprise only if they had failed to beat Georgia."
Now Italy must rein the Scots in and striker Luca Toni - who may be partnered by in-form Lazio forward Tommaso Rocchi at the Stadio San Nicola - was sure his side could secure a win. "At this stage, three points against Scotland are a must," he said. "It will be a tough game but we played well in our last two outings and we want to continue along this path."
With seven points from four games, Italy are five behind group leaders Scotland and France and two adrift of Ukraine. Suggestions that a poor result against Scotland on Wednesday could see Donadoni dismissed prompted Italian Football Federation commissioner Luca Pancalli to issue a statement: "We have complete faith in Donadoni. Right now the national team needs calm and not pointless panic."
Nonetheless, while some believe his career is in the balance, Donadoni remains sanguine. "I had some tests done and they said I'm not stressed at all," he joked. "I have always felt calm and safe since being appointed, and not only after Pancalli's words of support. I don't mind the rumours about my future. I'm just focused on fielding a very determined team against Scotland."
On Saturday Donadoni was in Glasgow to watch Scotland's 2-1 victory over Georgia. He said: "This result complicates matters a little bit for us, but in Italy it was greeted like a defeat for us. Maybe somebody didn't realise that we weren't playing on Saturday. In Bari we will try to take the initiative and set the tempo. Scotland are a very physical side with quality in midfield."
Captain Fabio Cannavaro has joined the defensive wall in front of his coach, saying: "You need to be a saint to work well with all this criticism, but Donandoni has the right personality to fulfil all expectations." Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also accentuated the positive. "We expected Scotland to win and it would have been a surprise only if they had failed to beat Georgia."
Now Italy must rein the Scots in and striker Luca Toni - who may be partnered by in-form Lazio forward Tommaso Rocchi at the Stadio San Nicola - was sure his side could secure a win. "At this stage, three points against Scotland are a must," he said. "It will be a tough game but we played well in our last two outings and we want to continue along this path."
Monday, March 26, 2007
U-17: Azzurrini set up group decider
Slovakia 0-2 Italy (Sesto al Reghena)
Italy kept up their perfect record in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 2 and set up a final-day decider with Ukraine.
Group hosts Italy beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Matchday 1, while Slovakia lost 2-0 to Ukraine. Michelangelo Albertazzi scored the first today after 23 minutes heading in a corner-kick by Fernando Forestieri. Salvatore Caturano scored the second 13 minutes from the end with a powerful left foot shot after controlling a pass by Forestieri from the left.
As Ukraine defeated the Czechs 5-2 earlier, Slovakia needed victory today to keep their hopes alive but instead on Thursday will be playing their neighbours only for pride. The Azzurrini, meanwhile, must defeat Ukraine in their decisive match to reach the finals in Belgium as Luca Gotti's team trail on goal difference.
Gotti said: "We played an excellent game and I think the team is improving both physically and technically. We are ready for the decider against Ukraine. We knew from the begininng this would be the deciding game and I'm sure we can play a great match."
Italy kept up their perfect record in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 2 and set up a final-day decider with Ukraine.
Group hosts Italy beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Matchday 1, while Slovakia lost 2-0 to Ukraine. Michelangelo Albertazzi scored the first today after 23 minutes heading in a corner-kick by Fernando Forestieri. Salvatore Caturano scored the second 13 minutes from the end with a powerful left foot shot after controlling a pass by Forestieri from the left.
As Ukraine defeated the Czechs 5-2 earlier, Slovakia needed victory today to keep their hopes alive but instead on Thursday will be playing their neighbours only for pride. The Azzurrini, meanwhile, must defeat Ukraine in their decisive match to reach the finals in Belgium as Luca Gotti's team trail on goal difference.
Gotti said: "We played an excellent game and I think the team is improving both physically and technically. We are ready for the decider against Ukraine. We knew from the begininng this would be the deciding game and I'm sure we can play a great match."
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Group B rivals put pressure on Azzurri
Italy must beat Scotland on Wednesday after the Azzurri slipped to fourth place in Euro 2008 qualifying Group B following victories for their rivals on Saturday.
The Scots made their debut under new coach Alex McLeish and needed a last-minute winner from Craig Beattie to see off Georgia 2-1.
Donadoni was in the stands at Hampden Park to see Kris Boyd open the scoring with a header at the 11th minute, although Shota Arveladze equalised before the break.
France also left it relatively late to maintain the pace set by Scotland, earning a 1-0 victory away to Lithuania with Nicolas Anelka’s solo effort from a tight angle.
The pair continue to lead the qualifying group on 12 points after five matches, but Italy have now been overtaken in third place by the Ukraine.
The side Marcello Lippi’s men thrashed 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals now have nine points after four games – leaving the Azzurri behind on seven in the same period.
Despite not having Andriy Shevchenko due to injury, Ukraine still comfortably beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 with goals from Yerzerskyi and Gusev.
The Scots made their debut under new coach Alex McLeish and needed a last-minute winner from Craig Beattie to see off Georgia 2-1.
Donadoni was in the stands at Hampden Park to see Kris Boyd open the scoring with a header at the 11th minute, although Shota Arveladze equalised before the break.
France also left it relatively late to maintain the pace set by Scotland, earning a 1-0 victory away to Lithuania with Nicolas Anelka’s solo effort from a tight angle.
The pair continue to lead the qualifying group on 12 points after five matches, but Italy have now been overtaken in third place by the Ukraine.
The side Marcello Lippi’s men thrashed 3-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals now have nine points after four games – leaving the Azzurri behind on seven in the same period.
Despite not having Andriy Shevchenko due to injury, Ukraine still comfortably beat the Faroe Islands 2-0 with goals from Yerzerskyi and Gusev.
Casiraghi admires entertaining Italy
Pierluigi Casiraghi was one of almost 56,000 in the new Wembley entertained by the Azzurrini’s exploits today.
"It was a very entertaining game," smiled the Italy boss at the end of a 3-3 draw with their English counterparts. "There were a few mistakes on our side defensively, but matches can be enjoyable even with such errors."
It was an important test for the squad, as Italy will face England in the group phase of the European Under-21 Championships in June.
"We did well upfront, but in general today I saw a team with personality that proved it is in the ascendancy. I am satisfied, especially in the way we constructed play."
The hero was undoubtedly Giampaolo Pazzini, who opened the scoring after just 29 seconds and went on to net the first hat-trick at the rebuilt stadium.
The Fiorentina star couldn't quite believe he scored an historic hat-trick. "I certainly never even dreamed this would happen," he said after the match.
"Just yesterday I didn’t expect to score one goal here, let alone three with the first after less than 30 seconds. I am feeling incredible joy right now."
The striker wrote his name in several different pages of the history books with this match. He became the first player ever to score at the new Wembley in this inaugural competitive match, an Under-21 friendly.
He netted within 29 seconds, the fastest ever international goal here, shattering the record of 38 seconds. Pazzini also joins the short list of foreigners to have netted a hat-trick at Wembley, although he is by no means the first Italian. Gennaro Ruotolo achieved the feat for Genoa in the 5-2 Anglo-Italian Cup Final win over Port Vale.
Roberto Di Matteo also scored three goals under the towers, but in different games. He was on target for Chelsea in the 2-0 Cup win over Middlesbrough on May 17, 1998, again a year later against the same team and in May 2000 to beat Aston Villa.
"It was a very entertaining game," smiled the Italy boss at the end of a 3-3 draw with their English counterparts. "There were a few mistakes on our side defensively, but matches can be enjoyable even with such errors."
It was an important test for the squad, as Italy will face England in the group phase of the European Under-21 Championships in June.
"We did well upfront, but in general today I saw a team with personality that proved it is in the ascendancy. I am satisfied, especially in the way we constructed play."
The hero was undoubtedly Giampaolo Pazzini, who opened the scoring after just 29 seconds and went on to net the first hat-trick at the rebuilt stadium.
The Fiorentina star couldn't quite believe he scored an historic hat-trick. "I certainly never even dreamed this would happen," he said after the match.
"Just yesterday I didn’t expect to score one goal here, let alone three with the first after less than 30 seconds. I am feeling incredible joy right now."
The striker wrote his name in several different pages of the history books with this match. He became the first player ever to score at the new Wembley in this inaugural competitive match, an Under-21 friendly.
He netted within 29 seconds, the fastest ever international goal here, shattering the record of 38 seconds. Pazzini also joins the short list of foreigners to have netted a hat-trick at Wembley, although he is by no means the first Italian. Gennaro Ruotolo achieved the feat for Genoa in the 5-2 Anglo-Italian Cup Final win over Port Vale.
Roberto Di Matteo also scored three goals under the towers, but in different games. He was on target for Chelsea in the 2-0 Cup win over Middlesbrough on May 17, 1998, again a year later against the same team and in May 2000 to beat Aston Villa.
U-17: Italy catch Czechs cold
Italy 2-1 Czech Republic (Montereale Valcellina)
Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri struck first-half goals to give Italy a winning start to their UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 2 fixtures against the Czech Republic.
Runners-up in Luxembourg last year, the Czechs fielded two of their squad from that season, goalkeeper Marek Stech and defender Miroslav Stepanek. But they were beaten seven minutes in by Caturano and highly-rated Genoa player Forestieri made it two from the penalty spot late in the first half.
Jan Lecjaks pulled one back four minutes after the break, but mini-tournament hosts Italy prevailed, having been inspired before the game by the appearances of Vincenzo Iaquinta, who showed off the FIFA World Cup to the 1,000 spectators.
The Azzurrini meet Slovakia on Monday with three points on the board, while the Czechs will look to hit form against Ukraine.
Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri struck first-half goals to give Italy a winning start to their UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round Group 2 fixtures against the Czech Republic.
Runners-up in Luxembourg last year, the Czechs fielded two of their squad from that season, goalkeeper Marek Stech and defender Miroslav Stepanek. But they were beaten seven minutes in by Caturano and highly-rated Genoa player Forestieri made it two from the penalty spot late in the first half.
Jan Lecjaks pulled one back four minutes after the break, but mini-tournament hosts Italy prevailed, having been inspired before the game by the appearances of Vincenzo Iaquinta, who showed off the FIFA World Cup to the 1,000 spectators.
The Azzurrini meet Slovakia on Monday with three points on the board, while the Czechs will look to hit form against Ukraine.
U-21's Friendly: England 3-3 Italy
A hat-trick from Giampaolo Pazzini inaugurated the new Wembley stadium as the Italian Under-21 side held their English counterparts to an entertaining 3-3 draw.
A crowd of nearly 56,000 saw Pazzini score after just 29 seconds with a stunning strike to record the first official goal at the new ground. There seemed to be little danger as Pazzini picked up the ball in the centre circle and ran at Anton Ferdinand, but he slammed a powerful shot past Lee Camp from 25 yards via a slight deflection off Ferdinand.David Bentley was England's star performer and he drew the score level at 1-1 in the 30th minute with a delightful free-kick that dipped over the defensive wall from 20 yards and flew into the left-hand corner of Gianluca Curci's goal.
The pitch started to cut up in places but the state of the surface did not detract from the entertainment as Wayne Routledge beat Curci at his near post with a fine finish after 52 minutes to put the home side ahead.
Their lead lasted just one minute as Pazzini turned home Antonio Nocerino's pass from close range after England had failed to clear a corner. However, England's advantage was restored on 58 minutes when James Milner played Bentley's cross back into the centre and Matt Derbyshire reacted quickly to slot the ball home off the post.
Pazzini grabbed his third in the 68th minute as he darted down the right wing and sent a low shot past Camp, and the Fiorentina youngster later missed a glorious opportunity to score a fourth before being substituted with ten minutes remaining.
The Azzurrini dominated possession in the closing stages but neither side could force a winner in a dress rehearsal for their European Under-21 Championship group game this summer.
Friday, March 23, 2007
Donadoni picks final 21
Roberto Donadoni has excluded four players from the Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland, but kept new boys Max Tonetto and Fabio Quagliarella.
Those of the original 25 left out of the trip to Bari are goalkeeper Marco Amelia, Fiorentina defender Manuel Pasqual, Milan’s Daniele Bonera and Chievo midfielder Franco Semioli.
The other 21 will meet at Coverciano on Sunday afternoon for the second stage of this international get-together ahead of Wednesday’s crunch tie at the Stadio San Nicola.
Amelia was suffering from a right knee problem, but the decisions were by and large tactical ones.
"I saw the new faces looking particularly sharp, especially Quagliarella," revealed Donadoni after the training session. "Will there be a debut at the first call-up? I will not exclude any possibility."
It would be a gamble to count on the Sampdoria hitman, who has no international experience or Champions League pedigree.
Other doubts include Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta, who did not train today due to a right thigh muscle twinge. "I don’t think it is anything serious," added the Coach.
Donadoni tested out a 4-2-3-1 system in training today and seemed confident this would be the right path against Scotland.
"It is one of the ideas I am considering at the moment. I performed some specific tests and am not particularly stressed."
On one side he fielded Abbiati; Zambrotta, Bonera, Barzagli, Tonetto; Gattuso, De Rossi; Quagliarella, Del Piero; Di Natale, Gilardino.
On the other were Buffon; Oddo, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Pasqual; Pirlo, Ambrosini; Camoranesi, Mauri; Rocchi, Toni.
Those of the original 25 left out of the trip to Bari are goalkeeper Marco Amelia, Fiorentina defender Manuel Pasqual, Milan’s Daniele Bonera and Chievo midfielder Franco Semioli.
The other 21 will meet at Coverciano on Sunday afternoon for the second stage of this international get-together ahead of Wednesday’s crunch tie at the Stadio San Nicola.
Amelia was suffering from a right knee problem, but the decisions were by and large tactical ones.
"I saw the new faces looking particularly sharp, especially Quagliarella," revealed Donadoni after the training session. "Will there be a debut at the first call-up? I will not exclude any possibility."
It would be a gamble to count on the Sampdoria hitman, who has no international experience or Champions League pedigree.
Other doubts include Roma midfielder Simone Perrotta, who did not train today due to a right thigh muscle twinge. "I don’t think it is anything serious," added the Coach.
Donadoni tested out a 4-2-3-1 system in training today and seemed confident this would be the right path against Scotland.
"It is one of the ideas I am considering at the moment. I performed some specific tests and am not particularly stressed."
On one side he fielded Abbiati; Zambrotta, Bonera, Barzagli, Tonetto; Gattuso, De Rossi; Quagliarella, Del Piero; Di Natale, Gilardino.
On the other were Buffon; Oddo, Cannavaro, Materazzi, Pasqual; Pirlo, Ambrosini; Camoranesi, Mauri; Rocchi, Toni.
U-17: Genoa sensation boosts Italy
In keeping with the Italian Football Federation's policy of using young national coaches, the Azzurrini's UEFA European Under-17 Championship bid is being led by 39-year-old Luca Gotti as they welcome 2006 runners-up the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine for Elite round Group 2 from Saturday.
Gotti, a former Milan and Reggina youth coach, took over in September. He had a difficult start but the Azzurrini found form in the qualifying round with 4-0 wins against Malta and Andorra and a goalless draw with Serbia. In January they played two games against a strong Republic of Ireland team, losing 1-0 but then winning 2-0 with goals from Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri. Caturano scored again in a 2-1 defeat by Russia in February.
Empoli striker Caturano and Lazio centre-back and captain Alessandro Tuia are important players but attention has been on attacking midfielder Forestieri, who scored on his Serie B debut for Genoa against Pescara three days before turning 17, and then led his side to victory in the prestigious Coppa Carnevale youth event.
Born in Argentina, he opted for Italy this summer and scored three times in the qualifying round. "I want to help this side to win the European Championship," Forestieri said. "My real dream is to play a [FIFA] World Cup final with Italy just as [Argentina-born] Mauro Camoranesi did last summer."
Gotti, a former Milan and Reggina youth coach, took over in September. He had a difficult start but the Azzurrini found form in the qualifying round with 4-0 wins against Malta and Andorra and a goalless draw with Serbia. In January they played two games against a strong Republic of Ireland team, losing 1-0 but then winning 2-0 with goals from Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri. Caturano scored again in a 2-1 defeat by Russia in February.
Empoli striker Caturano and Lazio centre-back and captain Alessandro Tuia are important players but attention has been on attacking midfielder Forestieri, who scored on his Serie B debut for Genoa against Pescara three days before turning 17, and then led his side to victory in the prestigious Coppa Carnevale youth event.
Born in Argentina, he opted for Italy this summer and scored three times in the qualifying round. "I want to help this side to win the European Championship," Forestieri said. "My real dream is to play a [FIFA] World Cup final with Italy just as [Argentina-born] Mauro Camoranesi did last summer."
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Casiraghi praises Azzurrini form
Azzurrini coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is confident ahead of Saturday’s friendly with England. "I am pleased with the work done."
The Under-21 squad left Italy after a three-day training camp at Borghesiana and will play the last match before the European Championship in Holland in the renovated Wembley Stadium.
"We are in a very good state of form and I am satisfied with what we have done in the past three days," said Casiraghi.
"We will play a match that requires no additional motivations, I am sure the lads will be determined to do well," added the former Lazio man.
"England are a strong side, but we are Italy, a team with many talented players. This test will give us the occasion to see them play and better evaluate their improvements, both as individuals and as a group."
The Under-21 squad left Italy after a three-day training camp at Borghesiana and will play the last match before the European Championship in Holland in the renovated Wembley Stadium.
"We are in a very good state of form and I am satisfied with what we have done in the past three days," said Casiraghi.
"We will play a match that requires no additional motivations, I am sure the lads will be determined to do well," added the former Lazio man.
"England are a strong side, but we are Italy, a team with many talented players. This test will give us the occasion to see them play and better evaluate their improvements, both as individuals and as a group."
Azzurrini suffer Palladino blow
Juventus man Raffaele Palladino has been forced to pull out of Saturday’s Under-21 friendly match with England because of a knee injury.
The in-form striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Bianconeri’s match with Triestina on Monday, has been dealing with the problem in the past few weeks.
But the pain in his right knee has become more acute since meeting up with the Azzurrini, causing Pierluigi Casiraghi to replace him with Parma midfielder Daniele Dessena.
The Gialloblu player will join the rest of the team on Thursday afternoon, when the squad will depart for England.
The in-form striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Bianconeri’s match with Triestina on Monday, has been dealing with the problem in the past few weeks.
But the pain in his right knee has become more acute since meeting up with the Azzurrini, causing Pierluigi Casiraghi to replace him with Parma midfielder Daniele Dessena.
The Gialloblu player will join the rest of the team on Thursday afternoon, when the squad will depart for England.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Pancalli: Donadoni "untouchable"
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) commissioner Luca Pancalli has given his unequivocal backing to under-fire coach Roberto Donadoni.
Donadoni has found his position called into question following a series of disappointing results and less than convincing performances since he succeeded Marcello Lippi last summer.
The Azzurri take on Scotland next Wednesday in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari and, with Donadoni's side trailing the Scots and France in their qualification group, more dropped points would only increase the pressure on the former Livorno coach.
Pancalli is adamant that Donadoni is the man to lead his nation, however, and has stressed the benefits of continuity.
"Donadoni is untouchable," declared Pancalli. "I've complete faith in him and at this moment the team needs continuity and not disruption."
Donadoni has found his position called into question following a series of disappointing results and less than convincing performances since he succeeded Marcello Lippi last summer.
The Azzurri take on Scotland next Wednesday in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari and, with Donadoni's side trailing the Scots and France in their qualification group, more dropped points would only increase the pressure on the former Livorno coach.
Pancalli is adamant that Donadoni is the man to lead his nation, however, and has stressed the benefits of continuity.
"Donadoni is untouchable," declared Pancalli. "I've complete faith in him and at this moment the team needs continuity and not disruption."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Tonetto: Azzurri take the years off
Max Tonetto insists he does not feel his age despite being the third oldest player to receive a debut Italian international call.
"To go through this experience at the age of 32 is marvellous, but I still feel like I’m 20," said the Roma left-back. "I hope it can all continue like this."
If he plays against Scotland on March 28, Tonetto will be 32 years, four months and 10 days old. Only Mauro Tassotti and Leandro Remondini were older when they got their first caps.
"It is an immense joy to be here and I hope I will have the opportunity to play. I must thank coach Luciano Spalletti, who put his faith in me from the start.
"I also owe so much to Roma, who allowed me to play in the Champions League and therefore gave me international visibility."
The former Sampdoria defender only joined the Giallorossi in the summer, but has become a firm fixture in the squad that has reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the call was not entirely a surprise, as there had long been reports that Roberto Donadoni would bring in Tonetto. "All week there was talk of my possible Azzurri call. Fortunately it happened, otherwise my friends and teammates would have made fun of me for years!"
"To go through this experience at the age of 32 is marvellous, but I still feel like I’m 20," said the Roma left-back. "I hope it can all continue like this."
If he plays against Scotland on March 28, Tonetto will be 32 years, four months and 10 days old. Only Mauro Tassotti and Leandro Remondini were older when they got their first caps.
"It is an immense joy to be here and I hope I will have the opportunity to play. I must thank coach Luciano Spalletti, who put his faith in me from the start.
"I also owe so much to Roma, who allowed me to play in the Champions League and therefore gave me international visibility."
The former Sampdoria defender only joined the Giallorossi in the summer, but has become a firm fixture in the squad that has reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the call was not entirely a surprise, as there had long been reports that Roberto Donadoni would bring in Tonetto. "All week there was talk of my possible Azzurri call. Fortunately it happened, otherwise my friends and teammates would have made fun of me for years!"
Casiraghi excited ahead of Wembley match
Pierluigi Casiraghi and Gianfranco Zola are excited as the Italian Under-21 squad prepares to open the new Wembley Stadium.
"There will be 60,000 spectators, so it’s going to be the biggest crowd the Under-21 side has ever played for," said coach Casiraghi ahead of Saturday’s friendly against their English counterparts.
"It will be very exciting, especially for the lads, and I’m sure this kind of atmosphere will really motivate them to do well."
Casiraghi is not new to London, as he played for Chelsea and was present when Italy beat England at the old Wembley in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. His assistant, Zola - another former Chelsea player, scored the only goal.
"This match has more to it than merely an exhibition, as it will be an opportunity for me to evaluate individual members of my team," continued the tactician.
"It will also give me the chance to get a close look at England, who will be our opponents in the group phase of the European Championships in June. Our objective is to be protagonists in that tournament."
Zola is confident that one man will stand out for the Azzurrini this weekend, especially after bagging a hat-trick for Juventus in the 5-1 victory over Triestina.
"Technically, Raffaele Palladino is incredibly strong. It’s easy to predict a great future ahead of him. By the way he moves he reminds me of Marco Van Basten, but he is also able to go deep and adapt to different attacking roles."
Palladino is expected to start upfront against England, although Cesena forward Graziano Pelle is also hoping for an appearance.
"I read up all the statistics on the new Wembley and it will be very exciting to play in front of 60,000 people with the Azzurri jersey," said the striker. "When they told me the number of tickets that had been sold for an international Under-21 friendly, I got goosebumps."
"There will be 60,000 spectators, so it’s going to be the biggest crowd the Under-21 side has ever played for," said coach Casiraghi ahead of Saturday’s friendly against their English counterparts.
"It will be very exciting, especially for the lads, and I’m sure this kind of atmosphere will really motivate them to do well."
Casiraghi is not new to London, as he played for Chelsea and was present when Italy beat England at the old Wembley in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. His assistant, Zola - another former Chelsea player, scored the only goal.
"This match has more to it than merely an exhibition, as it will be an opportunity for me to evaluate individual members of my team," continued the tactician.
"It will also give me the chance to get a close look at England, who will be our opponents in the group phase of the European Championships in June. Our objective is to be protagonists in that tournament."
Zola is confident that one man will stand out for the Azzurrini this weekend, especially after bagging a hat-trick for Juventus in the 5-1 victory over Triestina.
"Technically, Raffaele Palladino is incredibly strong. It’s easy to predict a great future ahead of him. By the way he moves he reminds me of Marco Van Basten, but he is also able to go deep and adapt to different attacking roles."
Palladino is expected to start upfront against England, although Cesena forward Graziano Pelle is also hoping for an appearance.
"I read up all the statistics on the new Wembley and it will be very exciting to play in front of 60,000 people with the Azzurri jersey," said the striker. "When they told me the number of tickets that had been sold for an international Under-21 friendly, I got goosebumps."
Donadoni looks ahead to crucial match
Roberto Donadoni has discussed tactics and squad selection ahead of the Azzurri’s clash with Scotland next week.
Donadoni gave a press conference at the Coverciano training camp in Florence today where his squad are preparing for the qualifier at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola on Wednesday March 28.
The definitive list of 20 players making the trip to Bari will be released on Friday, but prior to that the ex-Livorno boss has work to do.
Scotland face Georgia on Saturday in Alex McLeish’s first game at the helm and Donadoni is keen to know how the new man will manage the side.
"I want to go to Glasgow on Saturday morning to watch Scotland as we know nothing about the new coach," he revealed.
As for the formation, Donadoni’s main decision is whether to employ a striking trident or settle for two front men.
"It depends on the players. I’m trying to field a balanced side and I need strikers who can defend as well," he explained. "Three strikers who can cover and mark doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of balance."
One of Donadoni’s major worries will be a lack of cohesion within the side. As the scheduled friendly with Romania was cancelled, the Azzurri haven’t played since November’s 1-1 friendly with Turkey.
"I don’t want to make excuses, but it’s a handicap not having played for so long," admits Donadoni. "Because of what happened [in Catania] I’ve made not one but three steps backwards."
Before leaving for an afternoon training session, Donadoni answered questions on the absence of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, as well as the inclusion of Alessandro Del Piero.
"When Totti makes himself available and resolves all his physical problems, I’ll decide if he should be in the team. For now my attention is elsewhere and I get tired of repeating these answers," he stated wearily.
"Cassano’s taking the chances that [Fabio] Capello gives him but we’ll have to see if he can become more consistent and as for Del Piero, if I thought he was finished he wouldn’t be here.
"He can play a role for the national side and earn his place. He’s playing in Serie B but his past speaks for itself."
Donadoni gave a press conference at the Coverciano training camp in Florence today where his squad are preparing for the qualifier at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola on Wednesday March 28.
The definitive list of 20 players making the trip to Bari will be released on Friday, but prior to that the ex-Livorno boss has work to do.
Scotland face Georgia on Saturday in Alex McLeish’s first game at the helm and Donadoni is keen to know how the new man will manage the side.
"I want to go to Glasgow on Saturday morning to watch Scotland as we know nothing about the new coach," he revealed.
As for the formation, Donadoni’s main decision is whether to employ a striking trident or settle for two front men.
"It depends on the players. I’m trying to field a balanced side and I need strikers who can defend as well," he explained. "Three strikers who can cover and mark doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of balance."
One of Donadoni’s major worries will be a lack of cohesion within the side. As the scheduled friendly with Romania was cancelled, the Azzurri haven’t played since November’s 1-1 friendly with Turkey.
"I don’t want to make excuses, but it’s a handicap not having played for so long," admits Donadoni. "Because of what happened [in Catania] I’ve made not one but three steps backwards."
Before leaving for an afternoon training session, Donadoni answered questions on the absence of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, as well as the inclusion of Alessandro Del Piero.
"When Totti makes himself available and resolves all his physical problems, I’ll decide if he should be in the team. For now my attention is elsewhere and I get tired of repeating these answers," he stated wearily.
"Cassano’s taking the chances that [Fabio] Capello gives him but we’ll have to see if he can become more consistent and as for Del Piero, if I thought he was finished he wouldn’t be here.
"He can play a role for the national side and earn his place. He’s playing in Serie B but his past speaks for itself."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Quagliarella enjoys Azzurri call
Sampdoria hitman Fabio Quagliarella could not hide his satisfaction after his maiden call-up for Roberto Donadoni’s Italy squad.
The Azzurri will host the Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland at Bari on March 28 and the 23-year-old was one of the new faces on the list, along with Roma full-back Max Tonetto.
"I hope this is only the beginning, I don’t want to consider the call-up a finishing point," Quagliarella told Radio Radio.
"I am very relaxed, I am aware of what is happening. I won’t let this go to my head, I still have a long road ahead of me," added the Blucerchiato, who scored his 11th goal this season against Palermo on Saturday.
"This is a dream come true. Six or seven months ago I was cheering for the Nazionale in Germany and now I am here, it’s an enormous satisfaction for me.
"This is one of those things you dream of when you are a kid, to play in Serie A and appear at least once with the Azzurri, I hope this is just the beginning."
Sampdoria are currently in eighth position with 35 points and Quagliarella believes that the Genoa-based club can do well, although he does not want to guarantee that he will remain in Liguria next season.
"We can fight for a UEFA Cup spot, although it is logical that I would like to win something important. I would like to stay here for some time, but I have no news yet," explained the player, who is co-owned by Udinese.
"I asked my agent to not tell me anything. I want to focus on playing, all the rest can be postponed to June. My preferred destination? I have always been a Napoli fan," revealed the Blucerchiato.
The Azzurri will host the Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland at Bari on March 28 and the 23-year-old was one of the new faces on the list, along with Roma full-back Max Tonetto.
"I hope this is only the beginning, I don’t want to consider the call-up a finishing point," Quagliarella told Radio Radio.
"I am very relaxed, I am aware of what is happening. I won’t let this go to my head, I still have a long road ahead of me," added the Blucerchiato, who scored his 11th goal this season against Palermo on Saturday.
"This is a dream come true. Six or seven months ago I was cheering for the Nazionale in Germany and now I am here, it’s an enormous satisfaction for me.
"This is one of those things you dream of when you are a kid, to play in Serie A and appear at least once with the Azzurri, I hope this is just the beginning."
Sampdoria are currently in eighth position with 35 points and Quagliarella believes that the Genoa-based club can do well, although he does not want to guarantee that he will remain in Liguria next season.
"We can fight for a UEFA Cup spot, although it is logical that I would like to win something important. I would like to stay here for some time, but I have no news yet," explained the player, who is co-owned by Udinese.
"I asked my agent to not tell me anything. I want to focus on playing, all the rest can be postponed to June. My preferred destination? I have always been a Napoli fan," revealed the Blucerchiato.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Donadoni names two new faces to play Scots
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has handed first call-ups to Roma defender Max Tonetto and Sampdoria forward Fabio Quagliarella ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland.
With injuries keeping Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Grosso out of contention, Tonetto has been included in Donadoni's 25-man squad for the encounter in Bari's Stadio San Nicola on March 28.
Tonetto is a late-comer to the international scene at the age of 32. He has been a regular for Roma this season in Serie A and the Champions League.
The absence of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta through injury and playmaker Francesco Totti, who is unavailable for national team duty until September, has forced Donadoni to call on the services of 23-year-old Quagliarella.
The Samp hitman has scored 11 league goals this season including one in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Palermo.
Post-World Cup picks Tommaso Rocchi of Lazio, Chievo’s Franco Semioli, on-form Udinese star Antonio Di Natale and Lazio's creative midfielder Stefano Mauri retain their spots. Milan’s Daniele Bonera is also included in the squad.
The good news for Donadoni is that captain Fabio Cannavaro will be available having shaken off a muscular injury.
The Azzurri will begin training at their Coverciano headquarters in Florence on Monday morning for four days of work, will have the weekend free and return together on Monday.
The World Champions are currently two points behind Group B leaders France and Scotland after four games played.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Christian Abbiati (Torino).
Defenders: Max Tonetto (Roma), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Daniele Bonera (Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennnaro Gattuso (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus).
Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese).
Alex McLeish named a 26-man squad for his first games in charge of Scotland in the qualifiers against Georgia and the Azzurri on 24 and 28 March.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Cardiff City), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Iain Turner (Everton).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston North End), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Jackie McNamara (Wolverhampton), Graeme Murty (Reading), Gary Naysmith (Everton), Steven Pressley (Celtic), David Weir (Rangers).
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Hibernian), Chris Burke (Rangers), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Wigan), Nigel Quashie (West Ham), Scott Severin (Aberdeen), Gary Teale (Derby County).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (Celtic), Kris Boyd (Rangers), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Celtic).
With injuries keeping Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Grosso out of contention, Tonetto has been included in Donadoni's 25-man squad for the encounter in Bari's Stadio San Nicola on March 28.
Tonetto is a late-comer to the international scene at the age of 32. He has been a regular for Roma this season in Serie A and the Champions League.
The absence of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta through injury and playmaker Francesco Totti, who is unavailable for national team duty until September, has forced Donadoni to call on the services of 23-year-old Quagliarella.
The Samp hitman has scored 11 league goals this season including one in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Palermo.
Post-World Cup picks Tommaso Rocchi of Lazio, Chievo’s Franco Semioli, on-form Udinese star Antonio Di Natale and Lazio's creative midfielder Stefano Mauri retain their spots. Milan’s Daniele Bonera is also included in the squad.
The good news for Donadoni is that captain Fabio Cannavaro will be available having shaken off a muscular injury.
The Azzurri will begin training at their Coverciano headquarters in Florence on Monday morning for four days of work, will have the weekend free and return together on Monday.
The World Champions are currently two points behind Group B leaders France and Scotland after four games played.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Christian Abbiati (Torino).
Defenders: Max Tonetto (Roma), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Daniele Bonera (Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennnaro Gattuso (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus).
Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese).
Alex McLeish named a 26-man squad for his first games in charge of Scotland in the qualifiers against Georgia and the Azzurri on 24 and 28 March.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Cardiff City), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Iain Turner (Everton).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston North End), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Jackie McNamara (Wolverhampton), Graeme Murty (Reading), Gary Naysmith (Everton), Steven Pressley (Celtic), David Weir (Rangers).
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Hibernian), Chris Burke (Rangers), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Wigan), Nigel Quashie (West Ham), Scott Severin (Aberdeen), Gary Teale (Derby County).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (Celtic), Kris Boyd (Rangers), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Celtic).
Friday, March 16, 2007
Casiraghi names U-21 squad
Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has named a strong 21-man squad for next Saturday’s friendly against England as the Azzurrini continue to build towards this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Empoli defender Andrea Raggi is the only new face in the squad for the first fixture at the new Wembley Stadium in London on March 24.
The 22-year-old will look to impress Casiraghi having already made 25 Serie A appearances for surprise package Empoli this season. "It will be a great game both because of the importance of Wembley and because we will face England again in the finals," said Casiraghi. "It will be a very good experience for us."
The squad is scheduled to meet up on Tuesday evening at La Borghesiana in Rome and will leave for England on March 22.
All 60,000 tickets available for the friendly were sold out almost immediately.
Italy will play in this summer's European Championships in the Netherlands between June 10 to 23. The five-time European champions will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Inter), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Alessandro Potenza (Fiorentina), Andrea Raggi (Empoli).
Midfielders: Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pelle (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma).
England manager Stuart Pearce will only lead the team at the Finals in the summer as he has club duty with Manchester City. His assistant Nigel Pearson named the squad for the friendly and will be caretaker manager against the Azzurrini.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Queen's Park Rangers), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Liam Rosenior (Fulham), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle).
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), James Milner (Newcastle), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Fulham).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston North End), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
Empoli defender Andrea Raggi is the only new face in the squad for the first fixture at the new Wembley Stadium in London on March 24.
The 22-year-old will look to impress Casiraghi having already made 25 Serie A appearances for surprise package Empoli this season. "It will be a great game both because of the importance of Wembley and because we will face England again in the finals," said Casiraghi. "It will be a very good experience for us."
The squad is scheduled to meet up on Tuesday evening at La Borghesiana in Rome and will leave for England on March 22.
All 60,000 tickets available for the friendly were sold out almost immediately.
Italy will play in this summer's European Championships in the Netherlands between June 10 to 23. The five-time European champions will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Inter), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Alessandro Potenza (Fiorentina), Andrea Raggi (Empoli).
Midfielders: Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pelle (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma).
England manager Stuart Pearce will only lead the team at the Finals in the summer as he has club duty with Manchester City. His assistant Nigel Pearson named the squad for the friendly and will be caretaker manager against the Azzurrini.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Queen's Park Rangers), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Liam Rosenior (Fulham), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle).
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), James Milner (Newcastle), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Fulham).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston North End), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Italy ousted by Argentina
Italy’s leadership of the FIFA World Rankings has lasted just a month as Argentina have now taken top spot.
The Azzurri had brought Brazil’s 55-month run as leaders to an end in February, to head the list for the first time since November 1993.
However, Argentina have now ousted the Azzurri, thanks to the 1-0 victory over France in February, and lead the rankings for the very first time since its introduction.
The World Champions remain above Brazil who are now third ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Bari on March 28.
Apart from that, and Brazil’s consequent drop to third, there were no other changes in the top 10. The next FIFA World Rankings will be published on April 18, 2007.
Top 10:
1 (3) Argentina – 1,616 points
2 (1) Italy – 1,592
3 (2) Brazil – 1,557
4 (4) France – 1,515
5 (5) Germany – 1,390
6 (6) England – 1,339
7 (7) Netherlands – 1,313
8 (9) Portugal – 1,288
9 (10) Czech Republic – 1,195
10 (12) Spain – 1,161
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings >>>
The Azzurri had brought Brazil’s 55-month run as leaders to an end in February, to head the list for the first time since November 1993.
However, Argentina have now ousted the Azzurri, thanks to the 1-0 victory over France in February, and lead the rankings for the very first time since its introduction.
The World Champions remain above Brazil who are now third ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Bari on March 28.
Apart from that, and Brazil’s consequent drop to third, there were no other changes in the top 10. The next FIFA World Rankings will be published on April 18, 2007.
Top 10:
1 (3) Argentina – 1,616 points
2 (1) Italy – 1,592
3 (2) Brazil – 1,557
4 (4) France – 1,515
5 (5) Germany – 1,390
6 (6) England – 1,339
7 (7) Netherlands – 1,313
8 (9) Portugal – 1,288
9 (10) Czech Republic – 1,195
10 (12) Spain – 1,161
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings >>>
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Azzurrini to play England U21 friendly at new Wembley
Italy Under-21's coach Pierluigi Casiraghi will have one final friendly test against England at the new Wembley Stadium before the UEFA Under-21's European Championships begin in the Netherlands in June.
The English Football Association confirmed that the construction firm rebuilding the £757m stadium had finally handed over the keys to them, and the match between the two nations will be one of the 'test events' at the stadium before it can stage the FA Cup Final in May. The completion of the venue is more than a year late, having been scheduled for January 2006, and the cost of the project has increased dramatically.
Casiraghi and Stuart Pearce's sides, who have been grouped together for the Finals this summer, will meet on Saturday 24 March with the kick-off at 12.30pm (UK Time). Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale at midday on Monday 12 March and the capacity will be limited to a maximum of 60,000, rather than the full 90,000.
The Azzurrini have not played a game since winning 2-0 against Luxembourg last December in Vibo Valentia. Their last friendly was set to be a test against their Belgian counterparts in Chieti on February 6, but that was postponed following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti in the Sicilian Derby violence.
Casiraghi will name his squad for the England friendly on Friday 16 March, and the squad will meet up in Rome on Tuesday 20 March before they fly to London on Thursday 22 March.
The Finals will take place between June 10 to 23 and the five-time champions will also face Serbia and the Czech Republic in their Group.
The English Football Association confirmed that the construction firm rebuilding the £757m stadium had finally handed over the keys to them, and the match between the two nations will be one of the 'test events' at the stadium before it can stage the FA Cup Final in May. The completion of the venue is more than a year late, having been scheduled for January 2006, and the cost of the project has increased dramatically.Casiraghi and Stuart Pearce's sides, who have been grouped together for the Finals this summer, will meet on Saturday 24 March with the kick-off at 12.30pm (UK Time). Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale at midday on Monday 12 March and the capacity will be limited to a maximum of 60,000, rather than the full 90,000.
The Azzurrini have not played a game since winning 2-0 against Luxembourg last December in Vibo Valentia. Their last friendly was set to be a test against their Belgian counterparts in Chieti on February 6, but that was postponed following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti in the Sicilian Derby violence.
Casiraghi will name his squad for the England friendly on Friday 16 March, and the squad will meet up in Rome on Tuesday 20 March before they fly to London on Thursday 22 March.
The Finals will take place between June 10 to 23 and the five-time champions will also face Serbia and the Czech Republic in their Group.
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