Reaction: Faroe Islands 1-2 Italy

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has blamed poor finishing for only beating the Faroe Islands 2-1 in Torshavn tonight, a result that moves the Azzurri into second place in Group B.

"We knew that this team could cause us problems if we failed to capitalise on our scoring opportunities and that is what proved to be true," said Donadoni. "Had we converted only a small percentage of the chances we had, we would have comfortably won this match by four or more.

"We didn’t run any risks apart from that one incident. The Faroe Islands gained in confidence the longer the game went on without too many goals against them and scored with their only opportunity."

Filippo Inzaghi bagged a goal in each half, but Rogvi Jacobsen’s header made it a nervous finale for the world champions. "If you don’t make the most of your dominance, then you can run into problems eventually. We had a bright start in the opening 20 minutes and then the tempo dropped, perhaps because we thought it was all a bit too easy," continued Donadoni.

"Without pace you can’t really break through, but even then we had plenty of chances with Alessandro Del Piero and Cristiano Lucarelli. We won the match and could really have scored more."

Double goal scorer Filippo Inzaghi has thanked his teammates for helping him to continue his remarkable period of form. "We knew it wasn’t going to be as easy as some people suggested. We had a good start despite the cold, rain and very strong wind, but we got the points and that is the important thing," said the striker.

"In the first goal I thought the ball was beyond me, but thankfully I managed to get a touch. This is a great time for me and I must thank my teammates for doing everything they could to help me. Andrea Pirlo’s pass was studied at Milan."

Gianluigi Buffon had to pick the ball out of the net and make a crucial late save in the Faroe Islands, so he complimented the amateur squad. "My compliments to the carpenter. Aside from our mistakes, I think they scored an excellent goal with great technique. Of course for others to impress you tend to have to give them a helping hand," said the ‘keeper.

"It wasn’t so much a lack of concentration as the motivation and tension that was missing leading up to the game. We didn’t have that spark in the air. We played well in the opening 20 minutes and then rather sat back after the goal."

Captain Fabio Cannavaro is upset at conceding in the Faroe Islands, but says it was his own men’s fault for losing focus. "These things happen. Obviously it never makes you happy to concede a goal, but we created plenty of chances and everyone was pushing forward to find the third, but that was a mistake as we lost concentration at the back," noted the defender.

"Pippo is a guarantee! He is in good shape physically, psychologically and has rediscovered his eye for goal. I am happy for him. We got three important points tonight, are second in Group B and must look at the positive aspects."



[Match Report]