Italy to open World Cup campaign against Cyprus

Italy will begin their 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign away to minnows Cyprus in Nicosia on 6 September.

A delegation led by the FIGC President Giancarlo Abete and coach Roberto Donadoni met with the representatives of the Azzurri's Group 8 opponents in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia today to thrash out a favourable schedule.

The World champions then host Georgia on 10 September before travelling to Sofia to face undoubtedly their toughest opponents Bulgaria on 11 October. The year ends with a home match against Montenegro four days later.

Donadoni's side conclude their qualifying campaign at home to the Cypriots on 14 October 2009, four days after playing the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

The new year, which will see Italy participate in the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, will open with a potentially tough double header with an away trip to Montenegro and a home tie against Ireland in March and April 2009.

September 2009 sees the Azzurri travel to Georgia before hosting Bulagaria.

Full Azzurri Calendar
06-09-2008: Cyprus v Italy
10-09-2008: Italy v Georgia

11-10-2008: Bulgaria v Italy
15-10-2008: Italy v Montenegro

28-03-2009: Montenegro v Italy
01-04-2009: Italy v Republic of Ireland

05-09-2009: Georgia v Italy
09-09-2009: Italy v Bulgaria

10-10-2009: Republic of Ireland v Italy
14-10-2009: Italy v Cyprus