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

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