Italy’s Euro 2008 qualifying victory over Ukraine has seen the Azzurri regain their place on top of the latest FIFA World Rankings.
Roberto Donadoni’s side had slipped to third place after the Copa America tournament in South America, but are back at the top despite only managing a draw against France.
Brazil have now dropped to third spot, while Argentina stay rooted in second. The French have slipped to number six and Croatia have fallen four places to 10th as England move up to ninth with wins over Israel and Russia.
Italy’s October opponents Georgia are sitting in 104th, but Scotland are up to 14th after a heroic win over France.
The next rankings will be published on 24 October 2007.
Top 10 (August 2007):
[1] Italy, 1488 points
[2] Argentina, 1451
[3] Brazil, 1444
[4] Germany, 1330
[5] Netherlands, 1246
[6] France, 1220
[7] Spain, 1178
[8] Portugal, 1169
[9] England, 1165
[10] Croatia, 1151
[Full Rankings]
Source: C4 Football Italia / FIFA
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Siena to host Azzurri friendly
Italy’s friendly against 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa on October 17 will be played at Siena’s Stadio Artemio Franchi.
The Azzurri will host the Bafana Bafana days after Roberto Donadoni's side's vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa on October 13.
The decision is largely due to the fact that the Tuscan city missed out on hosting Italy’s test against Romania last February when the Catania riots caused the game to be cancelled.
With a capacity of just over 15,000, the Stadio Artemio Franchi - which is now officially sponsored by the Banca Monte Paschi - is set to take its place amongst the smallest grounds ever to host an Azzurri match.
Source: C4 Football Italia
The Azzurri will host the Bafana Bafana days after Roberto Donadoni's side's vital Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa on October 13.
The decision is largely due to the fact that the Tuscan city missed out on hosting Italy’s test against Romania last February when the Catania riots caused the game to be cancelled.
With a capacity of just over 15,000, the Stadio Artemio Franchi - which is now officially sponsored by the Banca Monte Paschi - is set to take its place amongst the smallest grounds ever to host an Azzurri match.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
[Reaction] Donadoni silences critics
Roberto Donadoni has criticised the media for piling unnecessary pressure on his squad after the 2-1 win against Ukraine.
"We knew it was going to be tough and that no results can be taken for granted. I expect the next game will also be classed as the last chance saloon, but we know what the media are like by now. It’s all hot air.
"Thanks to the entire squad as they are the ones who achieved this result and no-one else," said the coach when asked about Antonio Di Natale’s double.
The Azzurri were under pressure in Kiev, but fought back after Andriy Shevchenko’s equaliser to secure the three points.
"We showed great character and temperament. We know that we are still a step behind the other teams at this stage of the season in terms of fitness, but nobody beats us in character."
The victory puts Italy on 20 points in Group B and all but rules Ukraine out of the running for Euro 2008, but France and Scotland are still in the thick of it.
"There are still some games to go and this result definitely improves our position, but it’s going to be a close group all the way," concluded Donadoni.
Defender Gianluca Zambrotta conceded that perhaps Italy would have preferred Scotland not to beat France in the other game, as it further complicates Group B.
The surprise 1-0 victory secured by James McFadden in Paris puts the Scots top of the Euro 2008 qualifying group with 21 points, while the Azzurri leapfrog France to go second on 20 and Les Bleus remain on 19 points.
"The fact we still have to go and play in Scotland means this may or may not be a positive result. We are now second, but there are three games to go and the journey to qualification is still long," said Zambrotta.
"We are in a complex group with three teams who are among the top in Europe and France and Italy are the best in the world, having faced off for the World Cup Final a year ago.
"They will be three Finals. We passed the test tonight and were perhaps not as sharp as we would have liked, but the important thing was to win."
[Match Report] - [Group B Round-up]
Source: C4 Football Italia
"We knew it was going to be tough and that no results can be taken for granted. I expect the next game will also be classed as the last chance saloon, but we know what the media are like by now. It’s all hot air."Thanks to the entire squad as they are the ones who achieved this result and no-one else," said the coach when asked about Antonio Di Natale’s double.
The Azzurri were under pressure in Kiev, but fought back after Andriy Shevchenko’s equaliser to secure the three points.
"We showed great character and temperament. We know that we are still a step behind the other teams at this stage of the season in terms of fitness, but nobody beats us in character."
The victory puts Italy on 20 points in Group B and all but rules Ukraine out of the running for Euro 2008, but France and Scotland are still in the thick of it.
"There are still some games to go and this result definitely improves our position, but it’s going to be a close group all the way," concluded Donadoni.
Defender Gianluca Zambrotta conceded that perhaps Italy would have preferred Scotland not to beat France in the other game, as it further complicates Group B.
The surprise 1-0 victory secured by James McFadden in Paris puts the Scots top of the Euro 2008 qualifying group with 21 points, while the Azzurri leapfrog France to go second on 20 and Les Bleus remain on 19 points.
"The fact we still have to go and play in Scotland means this may or may not be a positive result. We are now second, but there are three games to go and the journey to qualification is still long," said Zambrotta.
"We are in a complex group with three teams who are among the top in Europe and France and Italy are the best in the world, having faced off for the World Cup Final a year ago.
"They will be three Finals. We passed the test tonight and were perhaps not as sharp as we would have liked, but the important thing was to win."
[Match Report] - [Group B Round-up]
Source: C4 Football Italia
Euro 2008 Qual: Group B Round-up
Scotland’s victory in France has revolutionised Group B, making the November 17 clash between Italy and the Scots in Glasgow the decider.
Few expected Alex McLeish’s men to repeat their incredible success, but a James McFadden goal on 64 minutes stunned the Paris crowd to secure a 1-0 victory. Now France have lost both their meetings with the Scots 1-0 and slide down to third place on 19 points.
It’s still extremely tight at the top for those two qualifying places, as Italy go on to 20 after their 2-1 win in Ukraine, while Scotland lead on 21 points.
Ukraine are all but out of the running now, as they trail on 13 points, albeit with a game in hand.
The fixture list provides the opportunity for a dramatic finale to this Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Italy take on Georgia at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 13, but will be without suspended captain Fabio Cannavaro.
That same day Scotland welcome Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine and France travel to the Faroe Islands.
The Scots are away to Georgia on October 17 and France face Lithuania, while the Azzurri have a rest period.
This means that the showdown at Hampden Park will arrive on November 17 and, perhaps crucially in terms of motivation, it will be Scotland’s last match in qualifying.
Italy have one more result to go after that – at home against the Faroe Islands on November 21. France’s final tie is a tough one, travelling to Ukraine, although if the Eastern nation are already out of the running, there may not be too much of a fight.
REMAINING GROUP B FIXTURES:
Oct 13: Scotland-Ukraine, Italy-Georgia, Faroe Islands-France.
Oct 17: Georgia-Scotland, France-Lithuania, Ukraine-Faroe Islands.
Nov 17: Lithuania-Ukraine, Scotland-Italy.
Nov 21: Italy-Faroe Islands, Georgia-Lithuania, Ukraine-France.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Few expected Alex McLeish’s men to repeat their incredible success, but a James McFadden goal on 64 minutes stunned the Paris crowd to secure a 1-0 victory. Now France have lost both their meetings with the Scots 1-0 and slide down to third place on 19 points.It’s still extremely tight at the top for those two qualifying places, as Italy go on to 20 after their 2-1 win in Ukraine, while Scotland lead on 21 points.
Ukraine are all but out of the running now, as they trail on 13 points, albeit with a game in hand.
The fixture list provides the opportunity for a dramatic finale to this Euro 2008 qualifying campaign. Italy take on Georgia at Genoa’s Stadio Luigi Ferraris on October 13, but will be without suspended captain Fabio Cannavaro.
That same day Scotland welcome Andriy Shevchenko’s Ukraine and France travel to the Faroe Islands.
The Scots are away to Georgia on October 17 and France face Lithuania, while the Azzurri have a rest period.
This means that the showdown at Hampden Park will arrive on November 17 and, perhaps crucially in terms of motivation, it will be Scotland’s last match in qualifying.
Italy have one more result to go after that – at home against the Faroe Islands on November 21. France’s final tie is a tough one, travelling to Ukraine, although if the Eastern nation are already out of the running, there may not be too much of a fight.
REMAINING GROUP B FIXTURES:
Oct 13: Scotland-Ukraine, Italy-Georgia, Faroe Islands-France.
Oct 17: Georgia-Scotland, France-Lithuania, Ukraine-Faroe Islands.
Nov 17: Lithuania-Ukraine, Scotland-Italy.
Nov 21: Italy-Faroe Islands, Georgia-Lithuania, Ukraine-France.
Source: C4 Football Italia
Group B - Match 9: Ukraine v Italy
Group B: Ukraine 1-2 Italy (Kiev)
Antonio Di Natale was the two-goal hero for Italy as the Azzurri claimed three vital points from their Group B qualifier in Ukraine.
Roberto Donadoni's side were on the back foot for much of the encounter but Di Natale's double moved Italy above France and into second place in the table. Andriy Shevchenko was arguably the game's outstanding player, leading the home team forward and scoring an equaliser midway through the second half, but that was not enough to earn the Ukraine the points they felt they merited.
Shevchenko set the tone early on, firing a 25-metre free-kick against the crossbar with Gianluigi Buffon beaten. The striker continued to pose a threat, forcing Buffon into action from even further out as Ukraine went close to an opening goal, yet in typical fashion Italy took the lead with their first chance four minutes before the break. Andrea Pirlo lifted the ball to Di Natale who nodded in from close range.
The forward had the next chance for Italy too, after Vincenzo Iaquinta led a three-on-one attack, but his header was too weak and Olexandr Shovkovskiy made an easy save. Shevchenko had not wasted all his energy in the first period and he continued to inspire the hosts' bid for an equaliser. He charged down Andrea Barzagli's clearance but could not guide the ball past Buffon with just the goalkeeper to beat.
It was only a matter of time before he did eventually break through and after 71 minutes he swivelled to sweep a loose ball past Buffon as the Italy defence failed to clear a corner. But with a rare counterattack, Di Natale struck the decisive blow with 13 minutes remaining. Massimo Ambrosini chipped the ball over the Ukraine rearguard to send Di Natale free and he maintained his composure to place the ball calmly into the net and secure the points.
GROUP B RESULTS:
France 0-1 Scotland
Lithuania 2-1 Faroe Islands
[Group B Round-up]
GROUP B TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
MATCH REACTION:
[Azzurri]
Source: UEFA / C4 Football Italia
Antonio Di Natale was the two-goal hero for Italy as the Azzurri claimed three vital points from their Group B qualifier in Ukraine.
Roberto Donadoni's side were on the back foot for much of the encounter but Di Natale's double moved Italy above France and into second place in the table. Andriy Shevchenko was arguably the game's outstanding player, leading the home team forward and scoring an equaliser midway through the second half, but that was not enough to earn the Ukraine the points they felt they merited.Shevchenko set the tone early on, firing a 25-metre free-kick against the crossbar with Gianluigi Buffon beaten. The striker continued to pose a threat, forcing Buffon into action from even further out as Ukraine went close to an opening goal, yet in typical fashion Italy took the lead with their first chance four minutes before the break. Andrea Pirlo lifted the ball to Di Natale who nodded in from close range.
The forward had the next chance for Italy too, after Vincenzo Iaquinta led a three-on-one attack, but his header was too weak and Olexandr Shovkovskiy made an easy save. Shevchenko had not wasted all his energy in the first period and he continued to inspire the hosts' bid for an equaliser. He charged down Andrea Barzagli's clearance but could not guide the ball past Buffon with just the goalkeeper to beat.
It was only a matter of time before he did eventually break through and after 71 minutes he swivelled to sweep a loose ball past Buffon as the Italy defence failed to clear a corner. But with a rare counterattack, Di Natale struck the decisive blow with 13 minutes remaining. Massimo Ambrosini chipped the ball over the Ukraine rearguard to send Di Natale free and he maintained his composure to place the ball calmly into the net and secure the points.
GROUP B RESULTS:
France 0-1 Scotland
Lithuania 2-1 Faroe Islands
[Group B Round-up]
GROUP B TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
MATCH REACTION:
[Azzurri]
Source: UEFA / C4 Football Italia
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Depleted Azzurri face tough task
Italy arrived in Kiev on Tuesday with a squad of wounded players, limiting coach Roberto Donadoni's options for Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Ukraine.After drawing 0-0 with France in Milan on Saturday, the world champions have relinquished second place in qualifying Group B to Scotland.
A similar result in Kiev would seriously compromise the Azzurri's chances of qualifying for Austria and Switzerland, and the atmosphere on Tuesday was not one of confidence as the pressure grows on Donadoni.
Furthermore, Donadoni is burdened with a trio of injury doubts. Midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are rated doubtful with ankle and foot injuries respectively, while Gianluca Zambrotta was unable to train on Tuesday morning because of cramp. Key midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is also suspended.
Striker Luca Toni has already been ruled out of the fixture while Alessandro Del Piero may be dropped after a lacklustre performance against the French.
His Juventus team-mate Vincenzo Iaquinta has been called up and could go straight into the team on Wednesday, with Donadoni expected to ring the changes for a game his side must win.
That would mean a more attacking approach after using just the one man, Filippo Inzaghi, in attack on Saturday. Udinese's Fabio Quagliarella and Cristiano Lucarelli of Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk are in line to start in a three-man attack alongside the Milan striker.
"There is no particular pressure, as every match needs to be won," Donadoni told Italian television upon the team’s arrival in Kiev. "Every time we end up repeating the same obvious platitudes. Each game is important and crucial to ensure our journey continues to be a positive one.
"It will be a difficult match against an opponent that wants to win. We are here to get a result and will battle it out with everything we’ve got," he concluded.
It is not just Italy for whom this is a must-win game - Ukraine know three points would thrust them back into contention alongside France, Scotland and Italy.
Defeat, on the other hand, would effectively end all hopes of Oleg Blokhin's side finishing in the top two. "I am an optimist and I am therefore convinced that we still have chances to qualify," said Blokhin. "This is our last chance to still have any hope."
Ukraine trail the Azzurri by four points, but still have a game in hand on their opponents, and face both France and Scotland in their remaining four matches.
They are certain to play a decisive role in the destiny of Group B, starting on Wednesday night at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev.
Source: Sporting Life
U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Albania v Italy
Group 1: Albania U21 0-1 Italy U21 (Durres)
Robert Acquafresca celebrated his 20th birthday by scoring the only goal as Italy defeated Albania 1-0 in Durres to strengthen their grip at the top of Group 1 in qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Neither side created any serious opportunities in the first hour though Albania were arguably the better side, with Jahmir Hyka a constant threat to the Azzurrini defence. In the 70th-minute, however, Italy surprisingly took the lead when Cagliari striker Aquafresca latched on to Sebastian Giovinco's pass to beat the home side's offside trap before shooting in low at the far post.
Italy had other chances on the counter but Giuseppe Rossi and Giovinco both missed the target from good positions while Albania were unable to find a way through despite some late pressure.
"Albania played very well but we knew they were a good side," Azzurrini coach Pierluigi Casiraghi said. "We did not play a good game but earned three important points."
Italy, who also defeated the Faroe Islands on Friday, top the section on goal difference from Croatia with nine points from three games.
GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Croatia U21 3-2 Azerbaijan U21
Faroe Islands U21 0-2 Greece U21 (12/09/2007)
GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
Source: UEFA
Robert Acquafresca celebrated his 20th birthday by scoring the only goal as Italy defeated Albania 1-0 in Durres to strengthen their grip at the top of Group 1 in qualifying for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Neither side created any serious opportunities in the first hour though Albania were arguably the better side, with Jahmir Hyka a constant threat to the Azzurrini defence. In the 70th-minute, however, Italy surprisingly took the lead when Cagliari striker Aquafresca latched on to Sebastian Giovinco's pass to beat the home side's offside trap before shooting in low at the far post.
Italy had other chances on the counter but Giuseppe Rossi and Giovinco both missed the target from good positions while Albania were unable to find a way through despite some late pressure.
"Albania played very well but we knew they were a good side," Azzurrini coach Pierluigi Casiraghi said. "We did not play a good game but earned three important points."
Italy, who also defeated the Faroe Islands on Friday, top the section on goal difference from Croatia with nine points from three games.
GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Croatia U21 3-2 Azerbaijan U21
Faroe Islands U21 0-2 Greece U21 (12/09/2007)
GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
Source: UEFA
Euro 2008 Qual: Shevchenko issues warning
Ukraine captain Andriy Shevchenko has warned Italy they will have to fight for three points in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Kiev.
The former AC Milan striker is a first-choice starter for his national team even though he is not a regular in the Chelsea line-up, and is ready to put one over the nation where he enjoyed the most success in his career.
"I can guarantee that I will be ready, both in my head and with my legs," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
On Saturday, both nations drew their latest qualifiers, compromising their chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 and making Wednesday's match all the more important.
If Ukraine lose, they are practically eliminated while a similar result for the Azzurri would damage their hopes of qualifying and allow Ukraine to join a four-nation challenge for two qualifying berths, along with France and Scotland, who meet each other in Paris.
"Winning is the only thing that can save us," admitted Shevchenko, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday. "We have got to play this game at 200%. We are battlers and this is our quality.
"To beat them, we are going to have to fight."
Source: Sporting Life
The former AC Milan striker is a first-choice starter for his national team even though he is not a regular in the Chelsea line-up, and is ready to put one over the nation where he enjoyed the most success in his career."I can guarantee that I will be ready, both in my head and with my legs," he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
On Saturday, both nations drew their latest qualifiers, compromising their chances of qualifying for Euro 2008 and making Wednesday's match all the more important.
If Ukraine lose, they are practically eliminated while a similar result for the Azzurri would damage their hopes of qualifying and allow Ukraine to join a four-nation challenge for two qualifying berths, along with France and Scotland, who meet each other in Paris.
"Winning is the only thing that can save us," admitted Shevchenko, whose side were held to a 1-1 draw in Georgia on Saturday. "We have got to play this game at 200%. We are battlers and this is our quality.
"To beat them, we are going to have to fight."
Source: Sporting Life
U21 Qual: Casiraghi warns of Albania threat
Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is wary of the threat Albania can pose as the Azzurrini hope to continue the form that has seen them win their opening two 2009 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers.Speaking ahead of the trip to Durres, Casiraghi remained cautious despite already having seen his side beat the Albanians once in Group 1. He said: "It is certain to be a tough match and a very different one from the game we won 4-0 three months ago. If we want to win we will have to fight for every ball. Albania can play very good football and they are very determined and well-motivated. They have some good players who are full of enthusiasm and they will be more confident after beating Croatia."
Albania were 1-0 winners on Saturday, a result that came 24 hours after the Azzurrini picked up their second three points against the Faroe Islands. "We must remain modest and focus our attention on the match. Most of all we must keep our concentration and be patient," continued the former Juventus, Lazio and Chelsea striker.
"Our physical condition is not as good as it might be at the moment, but my players are strong and I know they will do all they can. Our group is really well-balanced, as you can see by looking at the standings," added Casiraghi, whose team are tied with Greece, Croatia and Albania on six points but lead the standings on goal difference and have a game in hand on their rivals.
GROUP 1 FIXTURES:
Croatia v Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands v Greece (12/09/2007)
Source: UEFA
Monday, September 10, 2007
Abete dismayed by fans reaction
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giancarlo Abete has apologised after Azzurri fans booed La Marseillaise anthem before Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Group B rivals France.
Abete has published an open letter to French Football Federation (FFF) President Jean-Pierre Escalettes in which he criticises those Italian supporters.
"Italian football has nothing to do with the booing heard during the French national anthem before the game at Milan's San Siro," Abete said.
The encounter finished goalless, leaving the French as Group B leaders and Italy two points behind, but in third behind Scotland.
Source: Sporting Life
Abete has published an open letter to French Football Federation (FFF) President Jean-Pierre Escalettes in which he criticises those Italian supporters.
"Italian football has nothing to do with the booing heard during the French national anthem before the game at Milan's San Siro," Abete said.
The encounter finished goalless, leaving the French as Group B leaders and Italy two points behind, but in third behind Scotland.
Source: Sporting Life
Saturday, September 08, 2007
Reaction: Roberto Donadoni
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni claimed it was one point won rather than two lost after tonight's goalless draw with France in Milan.
The result sees the world champions drop to third in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group B, but Donadoni feels it was the best his side could have done.
"Given the condition we are in, I am satisfied with this result," he said. "We did the maximum considering our condition. To get a point against a team whose championship is already in the seventh round of matches is good.
"Their physical condition is certainly better than ours. Maybe in two months time I would think differently, but right now this is the best we could have done."
Without the likes of Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi, Donadoni knew it would not be easy. "I am really sorry about not having Toni, because he was a man I could have done with tonight," he added.
"That is not to the detriment of Filippo Inzaghi, because if I was not happy to have any player here, I would not have selected them."
The lack of Toni was not the only disappointment for Donadoni, though. The whistles that accompanied the French national anthem, coming as they did after a moving tribute to the late opera star Luciano Pavarotti on the day of his funeral, soured the occasion.
"It is not a good thing and I am not happy," said the coach. "I don't think they were aimed at France or (France coach Raymond) Domenech, but more in reaction to what has been said these days, but it is not the right attitude."
[Match Report]
Source: Sporting Life
The result sees the world champions drop to third in Euro 2008 Qualifying Group B, but Donadoni feels it was the best his side could have done."Given the condition we are in, I am satisfied with this result," he said. "We did the maximum considering our condition. To get a point against a team whose championship is already in the seventh round of matches is good.
"Their physical condition is certainly better than ours. Maybe in two months time I would think differently, but right now this is the best we could have done."
Without the likes of Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi, Donadoni knew it would not be easy. "I am really sorry about not having Toni, because he was a man I could have done with tonight," he added.
"That is not to the detriment of Filippo Inzaghi, because if I was not happy to have any player here, I would not have selected them."
The lack of Toni was not the only disappointment for Donadoni, though. The whistles that accompanied the French national anthem, coming as they did after a moving tribute to the late opera star Luciano Pavarotti on the day of his funeral, soured the occasion.
"It is not a good thing and I am not happy," said the coach. "I don't think they were aimed at France or (France coach Raymond) Domenech, but more in reaction to what has been said these days, but it is not the right attitude."
[Match Report]
Source: Sporting Life
Group B - Match 8: Italy v France
8 September 2007: Italy 0-0 France (Milan)
France maintain the edge in the Euro 2008 qualifying Group B after coming away from Italy with a goalless draw.
Les Bleus had gained revenge for their 2006 World Cup final defeat with a 3-1 home win against the Azzurri last September, but in a tight game in Milan neither side emerged triumphant tonight. France are now one point clear of their visitors on Wednesday, Scotland, who have moved ahead of Italy by the same margin following their victory against Lithuania. Ukraine, where Italy play in midweek, are four further points behind.
These two evenly matched rivals gave no quarter anywhere on the pitch, especially in midfield where Patrick Vieira and Gennaro Gattuso played with full commitment. It was not until the half-hour that there was a real chance at either end, as Alessandro Del Piero was denied by a Vieira sliding tackle and then shot at Mickael Landreau after a one-two with Mauro Camoranesi.
Del Piero soon turned provider for Filippo Inzaghi whose attempt from the byline brushed the top of the crossbar, while the flair of Franck Ribery gave France an opening late in the first half as he jinked past Gianluca Zambrotta but was unable to produce a finish. Florent Malouda then tested Gianluigi Buffon with a powerful drive from 20 metres, yet the Italy goalkeeper made an equally fine stop.
The second period began brightly with Camoranesi driving at Landreau from distance and Nicolas Anelka prompting an excellent reflex save from Buffon. Neither keeper looked like being beaten, though, and even when Buffon did fail to reach a long ball forward which Anelka headed goalwards, Fabio Cannavaro was in behind him providing cover.
GROUP B RESULTS:
Georgia 1-1 Ukraine
Scotland 3-1 Lithuania
[Azzurri Reaction]
[Group B Fixtures & Tables]
Friday, September 07, 2007
U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Italy v Faroe Islands
Group 1: Italy U21 2-1 Faroe Islands U21 (Trento)
Italy needed a late goal from midfielder Luca Cigarini to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the Faroe Islands in Trento.
Pierluigi Casiraghi's team looked on course for a comfortable Group 1 victory when Andrea Russotto struck on 26 minutes, firing in after a superb defence-splitting pass from Sebastian Giovinco.
The visitors soon restored parity, however, when Einar Hansen caught Azzurrini goalkeeper Andrea Consigli out of position from 40 metres and it set up a frenetic second half.
Giovinco almost made it 2-1 but his effort hit the post and instead it was Cigarini that took the honour with a powerful effort from outside the area after the Faroese defence had failed to clear a Giovinco corner.
GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Albania U21 1-0 Croatia U21
Azerbaijan U21 0-2 Greece U21
GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
Source: UEFA
Italy needed a late goal from midfielder Luca Cigarini to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the Faroe Islands in Trento.
Pierluigi Casiraghi's team looked on course for a comfortable Group 1 victory when Andrea Russotto struck on 26 minutes, firing in after a superb defence-splitting pass from Sebastian Giovinco.The visitors soon restored parity, however, when Einar Hansen caught Azzurrini goalkeeper Andrea Consigli out of position from 40 metres and it set up a frenetic second half.
Giovinco almost made it 2-1 but his effort hit the post and instead it was Cigarini that took the honour with a powerful effort from outside the area after the Faroese defence had failed to clear a Giovinco corner.
GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Albania U21 1-0 Croatia U21
Azerbaijan U21 0-2 Greece U21
GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]
Source: UEFA
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Panucci back in Italy reckoning
Roma defender Christian Panucci has been recalled to the Italy squad for the Euro 2008 Group B qualifiers against France and Ukraine while coach Roberto Donadoni has given Pasquale Foggia his first call-up.
Panucci, who last appeared for the Azzurri in the 2004 finals, has been brought into Donadoni's 25-man selection because of a thigh injury to Marco Materazzi and Alessandro Nesta’s retirement after impressing in an unfamiliar centre-back role this season. The 34-year-old's experience may now get him the nod to start against France next weekend over Andrea Barzagli and recalled Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini.
Meanwhile, Foggia receives an opportunity after scoring twice for Cagliari in their 3-2 Serie A defeat against Juventus. Giorgio Chiellini, who scored the winning goal in that game for the Turin giants, is also back in the squad after a year-long absence while Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta are in contention after being left out of the Italian side that was defeated by Hungary in last month's friendly.
Italy can leapfrog France into top spot in Group B if they win in Milan next Saturday, currently trailing their opponents by two points. They then meet Ukraine in Kiev four days later.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati (Atletico Madrid), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Christian Panucci (Roma), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).
Forwards: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Filippo Inzaghi (Milan), Cristiano Lucarelli (Shakhtar Donetsk), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).
Source: C4 Football / UEFA
Panucci, who last appeared for the Azzurri in the 2004 finals, has been brought into Donadoni's 25-man selection because of a thigh injury to Marco Materazzi and Alessandro Nesta’s retirement after impressing in an unfamiliar centre-back role this season. The 34-year-old's experience may now get him the nod to start against France next weekend over Andrea Barzagli and recalled Fiorentina defender Alessandro Gamberini.
Meanwhile, Foggia receives an opportunity after scoring twice for Cagliari in their 3-2 Serie A defeat against Juventus. Giorgio Chiellini, who scored the winning goal in that game for the Turin giants, is also back in the squad after a year-long absence while Daniele De Rossi and Simone Perrotta are in contention after being left out of the Italian side that was defeated by Hungary in last month's friendly.
Italy can leapfrog France into top spot in Group B if they win in Milan next Saturday, currently trailing their opponents by two points. They then meet Ukraine in Kiev four days later.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Christian Abbiati (Atletico Madrid), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Christian Panucci (Roma), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).
Forwards: Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Filippo Inzaghi (Milan), Cristiano Lucarelli (Shakhtar Donetsk), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).
Source: C4 Football / UEFA
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