Azzurri 2006-2008 (Closed)

Azzurri: Italy struck by Villa thunderbolt

2008-03-26T23:11:00.000Z

Spain 1-0 Italy (Elche, Spain)
A wonderful left-footed volley from substitute David Villa 12 minutes from time gave Spain a 1-0 victory against world champions Italy in a friendly international in Elche.

Italy made a positive start and after 13 minutes Luca Toni headed an Andrea Pirlo free-kick from the left into the Spanish net but the goal was controversially ruled out for an alleged foul by Fabio Cannavaro at the far post.

The home side quickly got the ball back in play with Fernando Torres making an impressive run down the left. The striker crossed well for David Silva, whose right-footed volley flashed just wide of Gianluigi Buffon's right-hand post.

Spain started to dominate possession in midfield and Buffon was forced to make two saves in quick succession to deny Torres and Cesc Fabregas. Shortly before half time the Azzurri 'keeper made an agile dive to his right to palm another dangerous low shot from Fabregas wide.

Italy threatened from the start of the second half, when Mauro Camoranesi latched on to a low cross by Fabio Grosso and shot left-footed against the bar with Iker Casillas beaten.

Christian Panucci then headed a Daniele De Rossi free-kick over from close range while Spain had a good opportunity to take the lead when Fabregas shot from close range but Buffon made another good save, blocking the midfielder's effort with his body.

Casillas responded with a fine save of his own to deny Camoranesi after the Argentina-born midfielder found himself with only the Real Madrid goalkeeper to beat after a superb one-two with De Rossi.

However, Roberto Donadoni's side were undone as Cannavaro headed a long ball from Xabi Alonso towards Villa, who found the top corner of Buffon's goal with a tremendous volley.

Italy will have one final warm-up game ahead of the European Championship finals against Belgium in Florence on May 30.

[Azzurri Reaction] - [Euro 2008 Rivals]

Source: UEFA

U21 Qual: Rossi keeps Azzurrini rolling

2008-03-25T20:47:00.001Z

Group 1: Azerbaijan U21 0-2 Italy U21 (Baku)
Giuseppe Rossi scored twice as Italy made it seven wins out of eight in the Under-21's Euro 2009 qualifying Group 1 with this victory over Azerbaijan.

The Villarreal forward struck 18 minutes into each half as the group leaders dominated the bottom team in Baku.

Sebastian Giovinco created both goals, with the Empoli playmaker conjuring the breakthrough by playing a one-two with Robert Acquafresca before providing an easy finish for Rossi.

But the Azzurrini didn't have things all their own way. With German coach Bernhard Lippert making his debut at the Azerbaijan helm, the hosts responded well to the setback of falling behind, with winger Asif Mammadov and striker Vagif Dzavadov catching the eye.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's men continued to hold sway in midfield, however, and Giovinco drew the second-half foul from goalkeeper Osman Umarov which signalled the end of the contest as Rossi confidently converted a 63rd-minute penalty.

Giovinco might have scored himself later, while Vugar Nadyrov came closest for the hosts when he narrowly failed to convert a dangerous cross.

The victory keeps Italy on top of Group 1 with 22 points after eight games, and a win in their penultimate game against Greece or in their final game against Croatia in September will secure a spot in the play-offs.

Each group winner, as well as the four highest ranked second place teams in the ten groups, will advance to the play-offs. The play-offs will determine which seven nations join hosts Sweden in the final tournament in June 2009.

But before the concluding double header, Casiraghi can fully concentrate on the "Under-23" squad that will represent Italy at the Beijing Olympic Games in August.

GROUP 1 TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 08 - PTS: 22
---------------------------
[2] CRO - PLD: 08 - PTS: 18
[3] GRE - PLD: 07 - PTS: 13
[4] ALB - PLD: 07 - PTS: 10
[5] FAR - PLD: 08 - PTS: 03
[6] AZE - PLD: 08 - PTS: 01

GROUP 1 REMAINING FIXTURES:
Albania P-P Greece (26/03/08) *

Italy v Greece (05/09/08)
Croatia v Albania (06/09/08)
Azerbaijan v Faroe Islands (06/09/08)

Croatia v Italy (09/09/08)
Albania v Azerbaijan (10/09/08)
Greece v Faroe Islands (10/09/08)

* Albania have been suspended from all international football competition by FIFA and UEFA due to political interference in the running of the Albanian Football Association. As a result their qualifier against Greece set for Wednesday has been postponed until further notice.

Source: UEFA

Azzurri: Donadoni sticks with trusted lineup

2008-03-22T18:49:00.000Z

There are no surprises in Roberto Donadoni's 21-man squad for Italy's friendly game against fellow UEFA Euro 2008 contenders Spain in Elche on Wednesday.

Juventus pair Gianluigi Buffon and Mauro Camoranesi have returned to the squad after missing February's 3-1 win against Portugal in Zurich due to injuries.

However, Bianconeri captain Alessando Del Piero, Sampdoria's Antonio Cassano and AC Milan's Alberto Gilardino were again excluded from an attack which includes Marco Borriello and Luca Toni, the leading scorers in Serie A and the Bundesliga respectively.

The squad will gather in Milan on Monday where they will train before flying out to Alicante on Tuesday for the match, which kicks off at the Luis Valero stadium in Elche at 2100 (UK time).

After visiting Spain, the Italian Football Federation have confirmed that the Azzurri will face Belgium in Florence on 30 May in the last warm-up game ahead of the finals.

The FIGC also announced that there will be no further discussion about Roberto Donadoni's contract, which expires in July, until after the end of the tournament in Switzerland and Austria.

The Spaniards, who are on an impressive run of 16 unbeaten matches, named a 22-man squad earlier today with coach Luis Aragones again not picking Real Madrid legend Raul Gonzalez.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Christian Panucci (Roma), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).
Forwards: Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).

Spain squad
Goalkeepers: Iker Casillas (Real Madrid), Pepe Reina (Liverpool).
Defenders: Juanito Gutierrez (Real Betis), Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid), Carlos Marchena (Valencia), Joan Capdevila (Villarreal), Raul Albiol (Valencia), Alvaro Arbeloa (Liverpool), Fernando Navarro (Mallorca), Carles Puyol (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Cesc Fabregas (Arsenal), Andres Iniesta (Barcelona), David Silva (Valencia), Xavi Hernandez (Barcelona), Albert Riera (Espanyol), Xabi Alonso (Liverpool), Ruben De La Red (Getafe), Marcos Senna (Villarreal).
Forwards: David Villa (Valencia), Daniel Guiza (Mallorca), Luis Garcia (Espanyol), Fernando Torres (Liverpool).

Donadoni's future to be set after Euro's

2008-03-20T18:08:00.000Z

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni will have to wait until July to pen a new deal with the Italian Football Federation.

The former Livorno boss had been expected to receive an extension to his current contract, which expires two weeks after UEFA Euro 2008, prior to this summer’s finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Earlier this month, the FIGC had said an agreement with Donadoni would be reached before next Wednesday's friendly with Spain. But despite the assurances of FIGC President Giancarlo Abete that Donadoni is the man to lead the Azzurri in the future, no formal agreement has materialised and it won’t for another four months.

"The base of the relationship between the Federation and Donadoni is the united aim to honour the prestigious tradition of the national side at Euro 2008," a statement read.

"President Abete and Roberto Donadoni want to reiterate that they have a relationship of reciprocal faith and esteem on the professional and personal level that goes beyond contractual issues.

"We will discuss a new deal when the current one expires in July."

There have been suggestions that the FIGC won’t stick with Donadoni if he fails to lead the Azzurri to at least the semi-finals of the European Championships.

Rumours circulated that there would be a rescission clause activated after Euro 2008 should the world champions fail to reach the final four, but it now appears that the FIGC have taken a more transparent approach.

Source: C4 Football Italia

U21: Lanzafame given Azzurrini chance

2008-03-20T15:38:00.000Z

Bari forward Davide Lanzafame is the only new face in Pierluigi Casiraghi's 21-man squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier away to Azerbaijan in Baku on Tuesday.

Lanzafame, who has scored eight goals in 28 Serie B games this term, replaces Empoli striker Nicola Pozzi, who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Lanzafame will share the attacking duties with the in-form Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, Giuseppe Rossi and Robert Acquafresca.

The latter, who has scored four goals in his last four Serie A appearance with Cagliari, has this week turned down the opportunity of playing for Poland, where his mother comes from, at senior level.

"I thank Poland for their interest but I decided to continue playing for Italy," the 20-year-old said.

The Azzurrini have won six of their seven games in qualifying Group 1 and have a one-point lead over second-placed Croatia, who have played a game more.

The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Enrico Alfonso (Venezia), Andrea Consigli (Rimini), Salvatore Sirigu (Cremonese).
Defenders: Antonio Bocchetti (Frosinone), Paolo De Ceglie (Siena), Lorenzo De Silvestri (Lazio), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Torino), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari), Marco Rossi (Parma).
Midfielders: Francesco Bolzoni (Inter), Luca Cigarini (Parma), Daniele Dessena (Parma), Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli), Claudio Marchisio (Empoli), Piermario Morosini (Vicenza), Andrea Russotto (Treviso).
Attackers: Robert Acquafresca (Cagliari), Davide Lanzafame (Bari), Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (Fiorentina), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).

Source: UEFA

Azzurri: Inspired Italy brush aside Portugal

2008-02-06T21:49:00.001Z

Italy 3-1 Portugal (Zurich, Switzerland)
Italy were in authoritative mood in Zurich where goals from Luca Toni, Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Quagliarella saw the World champions ease to victory against Portugal.

Having won nine of their last ten Euro 2008 qualifiers, the Azzurri looked determined to continue that run at the Letzigrund Stadium and although Andrea Pirlo had an early effort controversially ruled out for handball, they were in control once Toni capitalised to score after Ricardo had misjudged a cross.

The goalkeeper could do nothing about the second goal soon after half-time when Cannavaro deflected in Pirlo's shot, and while Ricardo Quaresma revived Portuguese hopes 13 minutes from time, Quagliarella soon restored the two-goal cushion.

An Italy victory had appeared on the cards right from kick off when Pirlo saw his long-range effort scrubbed out, yet Bruno Alves should have given Portugal the lead midway through the first half but contrived to head over from close range.

It was a warning for Italy, and one that was noted as Roberto Donadoni's team upped the ante. Ricardo made a fine save to deny Antonio Di Natale following good work from Raffaele Palladino, but was culpable on the cusp of half-time when he failed to hold a Fabio Grosso cross and Toni pounced.

Ricardo made amends five minutes after the interval when he kept out Toni, yet any relief was fleeting and 60 seconds later it was 2-0 as Pirlo's right-footed shot deflected off Cannavaro and past the keeper.

It was all Italy and Ricardo was at full length to tip Palladino's volley on to the crossbar, although Portugal found a way back into the game when Quaresma fired in. A minute later, order was restored as Quagliarella, who had just replaced Palladino, volleyed in from close range.

Italy will face another Iberian test next month when they travel to Elche to play Spain on March 26.

[Match Report] - [Azzurri Reaction] - [Euro 2008 Rivals]

Source: UEFA

U21: Rossi the difference for Azzurrini

2008-02-05T22:06:00.000Z

Friendly: Italy U21 2-1 Netherlands U21 (Ferrara)
Goals from Daniel Pablo Osvaldo and Giuseppe Rossi gave Italy victory against European Under-21 champions the Netherlands at the Stadio Paolo Mazza in Ferrara.

Both teams qualified for the Olympic football tournament last summer and used this friendly as preparation for next August's Games in Beijing.

The visitors enjoyed more of the possession but it was the Azzurrini that showed the greater cutting edge.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's side went into half-time in front after Rossi fed Osvaldo on the break and the Fiorentina striker fired past the on-rushing Piet Velthuizen in the Dutch goal.

Rossi added the second after the restart when his shot was deflected by Henrico Drost beyond Velthuizen.

Royston Drenthe pulled one back 15 minutes from time, but Ryan Donk's dismissal soon after effectively ended Dutch hopes.

The Under-23 tournament at the Olympics begin on August 6. The draw will be made on April 20 in Beijing.

Source: UEFA

Azzurri: Donadoni names squad for Portugal

2008-02-03T18:58:00.000Z

Genoa striker Marco Borriello is the new face in Italy's 20-man squad for the friendly game against Portugal in Zurich on Wednesday, while goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was not included after missing the last three games with Juventus due to a back injury.

The 25-year-old Borriello, whose playing license is partially owned by AC Milan, has scored 12 goals in 18 Serie A games this season for Genoa.

Luca Toni, Antonio Di Natale, Fabio Quagliarella and Raffaele Palladino complete the attacking options while there is no space for Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano.

Inter defender Marco Materazzi and Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani return in the squad after recovering from their respective injuries, while Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso misses out after suffering a thigh injury earlier this week.

Meanwhile coach Roberto Donadoni has called Livorno's Marco Amelia and Sevilla's Morgan De Sanctis to cover Buffon's absence.

The Azzurri will come together in Milan for training on Monday afternoon and fly to the Swiss capital for Wednesday’s match at the Letzigrund Stadium, which kicks-off at 1945 UK time (+1hr for Italy/Switzerland).

The World champions will face France, the Netherlands and Romania in Group C at this summer's UEFA Euro 2008 finals in Switzerland and Austria.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Livorno) & Morgan De Sanctis (Sevilla).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Marco Cassetti (Roma), Fabio Grosso (Lyon), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Massimo Oddo (Milan) & Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Alberto Aquilani (Roma), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (Milan) & Franco Semioli (Fiorentina).
Forwards: Marco Borriello (Genoa), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese) & Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).

Portugal squad
Goalkeepers: Quim (Benfica), Ricardo (Real Betis) & Rui Patricio (Sporting Lisbon).
Defenders: Bruno Alves (Porto), Fernando Meira (Stuttgart), Jorge Ribeiro (Boavista), Bosingwa (Porto), Marco Caneira (Valencia), Paulo Ferreira (Chelsea) & Ricardo Carvalho (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Deco (Barcelona), Petit (Benfica), Maniche (Inter), Raul Meireles (Porto) & Nani (Manchester United).
Forwards: Ariza Makukula (Marítimo), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United), Nuno Gomes (Benfica) & Ricardo Quaresma (Porto).

Source: UEFA

U21: Casiraghi names Azzurrini squad

2008-02-01T14:47:00.000Z

Siena pair Luca Rossettini and Daniele Galloppa have earned call-ups to Pierluigi Casiraghi’s Azzurrini squad to face the Netherlands in a friendly next week.

Italy’s Under-21 side are moving comfortably towards qualification for the 2009 UEFA European Championships in Sweden - sitting top of qualifying Group 1.

Casiraghi will test his side out against the current European champions in Ferrara on Tuesday night, ahead of next month’s crucial trip to Azerbaijan.

Following that qualifier, the Azzurrini will be preparing for the Under-23 football tournament at the Beijing Olympic Games - which takes place in August, before concluding their qualifying campaign against Greece and Croatia in September.

Only four of the members of the side that took part in last year's European Championship finals are named in the latest squad – Brescia goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano, Udinese defender Andrea Coda and midfielders Riccardo Montolivo of Fiorentina and Antonio Nocerino from Juventus.

Siena midfielder Galloppa has earned a return to the international fold with his recent impressive performances in Serie A and will be joined by teammate Rossettini, who makes his debut.

The squad will gather on Sunday evening after their weekend games and will have their first training session in Spal on Monday.

The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Rimini), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia).
Defenders: Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Paolo De Ceglie (Siena), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Torino), Luca Rossettini (Siena), Marco Rossi (Parma).
Midfielders: Luca Cigarini (Parma), Daniele Galloppa (Siena), Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Piermario Morosini (Vicenza), Antonio Nocerino (Juventus), Andrea Russotto (Treviso).
Attackers: Alessio Cerci (Pisa), Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (Fiorentina), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).

Source: C4 Football Italia

Italy to open World Cup campaign against Cyprus

2008-01-15T13:19:00.001Z

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

[Beijing 2008] Casiraghi eyes Olympic dream team

2008-01-10T11:47:00.000Z

Italy Under-21 boss Pierluigi Casiraghi has surprisingly revealed that he wants some veteran stars to join his squad for the Olympic Games.

Casiraghi will be called upon to name 18 players for a Under-23 squad to travel to Beijing and only 15 of these must have been born after January 1, 1985.

This requirement allows the Monza-born coach to call three overage players and he has set his sights high.

"It depends on Roberto Donadoni’s selections for Euro 2008 and obviously the priority goes to the younger players such as Alberto Aquilani and Giorgio Chiellini.

"But that doesn’t mean that I’m excluding some heroes like Pippo Inzaghi and Alessandro Del Piero. I’d also like Gigi Buffon and Luca Toni."

The football tournament will take place in China between August 6 and 23 and many of Casiraghi’s decisions could be dictated by the decisions of players and clubs.

Italy qualified by winning the Olympic play-off match against Portugal in last year's UEFA Under-21's European Championships in the Netherlands and will find out their group opponents when the draw is made on 20 April.

The Azzurrini took the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens after a 1-0 win over Iraq in the third-placed final.

Source: C4 Football Italia

[World Rankings] Azzurri finish 2007 in third

2007-12-17T12:33:00.000Z

Italy will finish 2007 in third place in FIFA’s World Rankings as Argentina end the year in pole position.

The Azzurri’s successful Euro 2008 qualification campaign hasn’t been enough to lift Roberto Donadoni’s men back to the top.

Copa America runners-up Argentina stole first place from the World champions in October and remain there despite their 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the Final.

Although December's ranking is relatively unchanged, the leadership of the rankings changed six times with the Albiceleste now ending the year as 'Team of the Year'.

Italy’s Euro 2008 Group C opponents France and the Netherlands are in seventh and eighth respectively and Romania are thirteenth.

The next ranking will be published on 16 January 2008.

World Top 10 (December 2007):
[1] Argentina, 1523 points
[2] Brazil, 1502
[3] Italy, 1498
[4] Spain, 1349
[5] Germany, 1298
[6] Czech Republic, 1290
[7] France, 1243
[8] Portugal, 1241
[9] Netherlands, 1170
[10] Croatia, 1129

[Full Rankings]

Source: FIFA

Euro 2008: Italy get Group of Death

2007-12-02T11:57:00.002Z

Italy have been handed a tough group for the UEFA Euro 2008 finals in Austria & Switzerland after being drawn with the Netherlands, Romania and France in Group C.

The draw for next years tournament was made in the Culture and Convention Centre on the shores of Lake Lucerne, Switzerland today.

The full draw
[Group A] Switzerland, Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey.
[Group B] Austria, Croatia, Germany and Poland.
[Group C] Netherlands, Italy, Romania and France.
[Group D] Greece, Sweden, Spain and Russia.

The World champions, as second seeds, always knew they were in danger of being drawn in a 'group of death', as all the top nations were spread across four seeding pots for the draw.

The Netherlands, who finished behind Romania in qualification Group G, were amongst the top seeds.

The Azzurri reached the finals by topping qualification Group B ahead of rivals France, and the all-too familiar rivals have been drawn together again.

The World champions open their tournament against the Dutch - winners in 1988 - on June 9 in Berne. Adrian Mutu's Romania take on Roberto Donadoni's men on June 13 in Zurich and the final group match will be a repeat of the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Zurich on June 21 against France, who have won the European crown twice in 1984 and in 2000 - against the Azzurri in the final.

Switzerland were already placed in Group A and they have been joined by the Czech Republic, Portugal and Turkey. Co-hosts Austria are drawn with Croatia, Germany and Poland in Group B.

Reigning European champions Greece will play Sweden, Spain and Russia in Group D.

Switzerland will face the Czech Republic in the opening match of the 13th European Championship on 7 June in Basle. The tournament will reach a climax in the Austrian capital of Vienna on 30 June.

The rest of the matches will be held in Swiss cities Berne, Zurich and Geneva and the Austrian host cities of Innsbruck, Klagenfurt and Salzburg.

EURO 2008 DRAW: [Draw in full] - [Match Schedule] - [Reaction] - [Record] - [Azzurri base]

'Group of death' possible at Euro draw

2007-12-01T20:27:00.000Z

The seedings for the Euro 2008 finals draw has thrown up the possibility of the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and France all being drawn in a single group.

The teams are spread across four pots for Sunday's draw, which takes place at 1100 (UK Time) in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Hosts Switzerland and Austria, Greece and the Netherlands are the top seeds, while Italy are placed in the second pot of seeds.

France coach Raymond Domenech has spoken out against the seeding system, ridiculing the fact that World Champions Italy are seeded in the second pot, and the runners-up are in the last pot.

"It's laughable if the world champions don't get the final top seeding," he said. "Who does deserve to be on top if not Italy? I do not understand this."

However, Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni was more philosophical, explaining: "There is no point making a fuss about it, we will wait for the draw and assess it."

Benvenuto signor Donadoni, Dobro dosli gospodine Bilic, Bienvenido senor Aragones read some of the welcome messages outside the Culture and Convention Centre where the draw takes place on the shores of Lake Lucerne.

For the first time the coaches of the 16 competing nations are gathered together on Swiss soil. The next time they meet, Euro 2008 will be under way and Greece will have begun the defence of their title.

Kick off may still be 189 days away but it will feel a lot closer for the 16 competing nations come Sunday when they discover who they will meet in the group stage and where they will be playing.

Basel, Berne, Zurich and Geneva will be staging games in Switzerland, with co-hosts Austria holding matches in Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Salzburg and Vienna between 7 and 29 June.

Seven hundred and fifty journalists will be descending on Lucerne as well as a host of footballing luminaries and dignatories, not least tenor Jose Carreras, who along with the Vienna Boys' Choir will be performing prior to the draw.

Switzerland and Austria are already allocated into positions A1 and B1 respectively. The draw will begin with the placement of the other top two seeds in positions C1 and D1. The draw will then continue with Pot 4, Pot 3 and ends with Pot 2.

The seeding in full (Coefficient):
[Pot 1] Switzerland (1.800), Austria (1.500), Greece (2.167), Netherlands (2.417).
[Pot 2] Croatia (2.409), Italy (2.364), Czech Republic (2.333), Sweden (2.273).
[Pot 3] Romania (2.250), Germany (2.250), Portugal (2.192), Spain (2.182).
[Pot 4] Poland (2.167), France (2.091), Turkey (1.958), Russia (1.958).

Source: UEFA

UEFA draws for Azzurrini sides

2007-11-29T20:18:00.000Z

The draws for the Elite round of the UEFA Under 19's and Under 17's European Championships were made in Cannes this week.

Both Azzurrini age groups are looking to qualify for next years tournaments but they have been handed tough groups.

Italy's Under 19 side, coached by Francesco Rocca, topped Group 13 of the qualification section with wins over Montenegro (3-1), Malta (2-0) and Croatia (3-1) earlier this month.

The 2003 winners have now been drawn with 2005 champions France in the Elite round, along with Sweden and Switzerland in Group 6.

Spain are the current champions at this level - and have won it in the last two editions.

The winners of each of the seven Elite round sections, which will be completed by 30 May 2008, will join hosts the Czech Republic in the final tournament, which will be held from 14 to 26 July 2008.

The Azzurrini's Under 17 group, who have won the tournament only one in 1982, also qualified with ease with wins over Armenia (2-1), Cyprus (7-1) and Czech Republic (2-1) in qualification Group 13 in October.

Luca Gotti's young side now face holders Spain in Group 6 of the Elite round, along with Austria and Romania.

The Under 17's Elite round will be completed by the end of March 2008, with the seven winning teams from each section progressing to the final draw. The final tournament will be held in Turkey, between 4 and 16 May 2008.

[UEFA Under 19] - [UEFA Under 17]

Azzurri avoid big guns in World Cup 2010 draw

2007-11-25T16:27:00.000Z

World champions Italy have been drawn with Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia and Montenegro in the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Azzurri were one of the nine seeds in the European draw for the qualifying round that was performed this afternoon in Durban, South Africa.

They were assigned to Group 8 and avoided some of the potential big guns, such as England and Scotland, who were not seeded.

Instead their toughest opponents would appear to be Bulgaria and Ireland, neither of them qualified for Euro 2008.

Georgia were also in their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and were beaten home and away, while Montenegro and Cyprus are not expected to cause too many problems.

There are nine European groups in total with the group winners all qualifying automatically. The best eight runners-up enter the two-legged play-offs for the final four spots.

Although they won the trophy in Germany last year, the Azzurri must still go through the qualifying process.

Only hosts South Africa are guaranteed a place in the finals, leaving all the other countries around the world fighting for the remaining 31 spots.

Qualifying in Europe starts after the UEFA Euro 2008 finals in September 2008.

Full European draw
[Group 1] Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Hungary, Albania, Malta.
[Group 2] Greece, Israel, Switzerland, Moldova, Latvia, Luxembourg.
[Group 3] Czech Republic, Poland, Northern Ireland, Slovakia, Slovenia, San Marino.
[Group 4] Germany, Russia, Finland, Wales, Azerbaijan, Liechtenstein.
[Group 5] Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Armenia, Estonia.
[Group 6] Croatia, England, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Andorra.
[Group 7] France, Romania, Serbia, Lithuania, Austria, Faroe Islands.
[Group 8] Italy, Bulgaria, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Georgia, Montenegro.
[Group 9] Netherlands, Scotland, Norway, Macedonia, Iceland.

[Azzurri reaction]

Source: C4 Football Italia / FIFA

[Euro Futsal] Azzurri book final place

2007-11-24T20:08:00.000Z

Italy's 5-a-side team have reached the final of the 2007 UEFA European Futsal Championship at the expense of Russia after a superb display in the semi-final.

Alessandro Nuccorini's side will now face holders Spain in Sunday's final, after the three-time winners beat Iberian rivals and hosts Portugal in a penalty shoot-out in the other semi.

Fernando Grana opened the scoring for Italy with a third-minute free-kick in Porto. The Azzurri allowed their opponents little space through the rest of the half, though early in the second period Cirilo hit the underside of the crossbar and Pele Junior struck the post for the Russians.

But Fabiano Assad made it 2-0 with nine minutes remaining and Russia's bid for a second title was over, while celebrations started for the Azzurri as they secure a spot in the final.

"We were very strong in defence and we did our best not to repeat the mistakes of two years ago. We concentrated hard and we were also lucky when we were 1-0 up," he said.

"I would like to congratulate my players for the effort they made both physically and mentally. They did not commit any mistakes in defence. This is the best match played by Italy in our whole history," he added.

Italy began the tournament with a goalless draw with Portugal in Group A on the opening night and that was followed with a 7-1 thrashing of Romania, which included a Carlos Morgado hat-trick, and qualification to the semi-finals was secured with a 4-0 stroll past the Czech Republic.

Nuccorini's side now have the chance to win a second Futsal Championship in their history - the first came after a Vinicius Bacaro-inspired Azzurri lifted the trophy back in 2003. But they know it will be difficult against Spain who are reigning FIFA World Futsal champions after their 2-1 win over Italy in 2004.

Semi-Final Results:
Italy 2-0 Russia
Spain 2-2 Portugal (Spain win 4-3 on penalties)

[Squad] - [Matchday 1] - [Matchday 2] - [Matchday 3] - [Semi-Fianls]

Italy seeded for World Cup draw

2007-11-23T09:51:00.000Z

Holders Italy are confirmed as one of the nine European seeds in the 2010 World Cup draw to be held on Sunday.

The wins against Scotland and the Faroe Islands has seen them remain in 3rd place in the latest FIFA World Rankings - only behind the South American duo of Argentina and Brazil.

This means the Azzurri are amongst the top nine European countries in the draw with Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia and Greece.

But the World champions could face Scotland again, or England, as they are both placed in Pot 2 for the draw.

[Latest FIFA World Rankings]

The ceremony in South Africa will commence with the Asian zone, followed by CONCACAF, Europe and finally Africa. Exempt from the draw are South America, whose qualifiers are already underway in a home-and-away league format, and Oceania, whose preliminary competition began with the South Pacific Games in August.

The 53 European nations will be divided into eight groups of six teams each and one group of five. The nine group winners will directly enter the 2010 World Cup finals, while the eight second-placed sides do battle in play-offs to whittle down the total 13 European entries.

SEEDS FOR EUROPEAN DRAW:
[Pot 1] Italy, Spain, Germany, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Netherlands, Croatia, Greece.
[Pot 2] England, Romania, Scotland, Turkey, Bulgaria, Russia, Poland, Sweden, Israel.
[Pot 3] Norway, Ukraine, Serbia, Denmark, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Finland, Switzerland, Belgium.
[Pot 4] Slovakia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Hungary, Moldova, Wales, Macedonia, Belarus, Lithuania, Cyprus.
[Pot 5] Georgia, Albania, Slovenia, Latvia, Iceland, Armenia, Austria, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan.
[Pot 6] Liechtenstein, Estonia, Malta, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Andorra, Faroe Islands, San Marino.

Draw takes place on Sunday 25 November at 1500 (UK Time) in Durban, South Africa.

Source: FIFA

[World Rankings] Azzurri remain third

2007-11-23T09:38:00.000Z

World champions Italy remain third in November's FIFA World Rankings, but they have closed the gap on leaders Argentina and second-placed Brazil.

Argentina's first defeat in their South American World Cup qualifying has allowed Brazil and Italy to close the gap at the top of the latest rankings, although the Albiceleste will take their slender advantage with them into the new year.

The Azzurri, who beat Scotland and the Faroe Islands this week to qualify for the UEFA Euro 2008 finals, are still top of the table of European nations meaning they will be amongst the top nine seeds for the qualifying section for the 2010 World Cup.

[World Cup 2010 Draw: European Seeds]

The latest table shows significant changes among the pursuing pack: Spain (4th, up 2) have opened a sizeable gap on the rest of the top ten, the Czech Republic (6th, up 3) have powered ahead after winning their Euro 2008 qualifying group, and resurgent European champions Greece (11th, up 3) are once again knocking at the top ten door.

The next ranking will be published on 17 December 2007.

World Top 10 (November 2007):
[1] Argentina, 1523 points
[2] Brazil, 1502
[3] Italy, 1498
[4] Spain, 1349
[5] Germany, 1296
[6] Czech Republic, 1290
[7] France, 1243
[8] Portugal, 1241
[9] Netherlands, 1170
[10] Croatia, 1129

[Full Rankings]

Source: FIFA

Italy await Euro draw

2007-11-22T09:43:00.000Z

The line-up for the UEFA Euro 2008 finals was completed last night and Italy now await the draw in Lucerne on 2 December.

The World champions will be drawn from Pot 2 as the Netherlands join hosts Austria and Switzerland and holders Greece in the top pot of seeds.

Croatia’s win over England sees them join the Azzurri in Pot 2 along with Sweden and the Czech Republic.

The pots have been filled by nations in order of their coefficient points - based on the results of the qualifying competition for Euro 2008 and the 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Germany, Spain and Portugal are in Pot 3 alog with Romania, and France are somewhat surprisingly in Pot 4 with Poland, Turkey and Russia.

This leaves a possible worst-case draw for Roberto Donadoni's side, which could see the Azzurri face the Netherlands, Germany/Spain/Portugal and France.

Host nations Switzerland and Austria are already allocated into positions A1 and B1 respectively. The draw will begin with the placement of the other top two seeds in positions C1 and D1. The draw will then continue with Pot 4, Pot 3 and ends with Pot 2.

The seeding in full (Coefficient):
[Pot 1] Switzerland (1.800), Austria (1.500), Greece (2.167), Netherlands (2.417).
[Pot 2] Croatia (2.409), Italy (2.364), Czech Republic (2.333), Sweden (2.273).
[Pot 3] Romania (2.250), Germany (2.250), Portugal (2.192), Spain (2.182).
[Pot 4] Poland (2.167), France (2.091), Turkey (1.958), Russia (1.958).

Draw takes place on Sunday 2 December at 1100 (UK Time) in Lucerne, Switzerland.

Source: C4 Football Italia / UEFA

[Italy 3-1 Faroe Islands] Azzurri reaction

2007-11-21T23:51:00.000Z

Roberto Donadoni's Italy may have secured top spot in Group B, but the coach has criticised the Italian media for focusing on the negatives too much.

"I saw a great choreography and participation from the fans today," he said after the 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands at the Stadio Braglia. "Modena is a wonderful city and we’re glad we could share this fine end to our qualifying campaign with them tonight."

The Azzurri were under a lot of pressure going into the last two games, but picked up victories over Scotland and the Faroes to secure qualification and top spot respectively.

However, even France boss Raymond Domenech said it was "abhorrent" that Italy were not in the seeds for the Euro 2008 finals draw.

"The controversy is entirely sterile and pointless. We will see how the draw goes and then evaluate the situation, but this is the state of affairs so discussing it will make no difference," insisted Donadoni.

The headlines have also been dominated by questions over whether he will pen a new contract before the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"The contract is again a futile debate. I was asked a question about this and I answered in a civil fashion, but this is not an issue I want to think about right now.

"It’s not important to me and therefore shouldn’t be important to the journalists either."

Captain Fabio Cannavaro marked his 113th cap tonight, overtaking Dino Zoff to move second, only behind Paolo Maldini.

"Overtaking a legend like Zoff is very special, as we all grew up with the image of Super Dino. It’s also very satisfying for me to have worn the Azzurri jersey 113 times," he said.

Maldini is on 126 caps, but Cannavaro now has time to catch him up after Italy's qualification to the Euro 2008 finals.

"The fans of the Nazionale are always wonderful. When you have won the World Cup and less than two years later qualified for Euro 2008, the people appreciate that and realise the achievements we have made."

Defender Giorgio Chiellini scored a stunning third for the Azzurri and he was overjoyed at his debut goal. "I am very happy as I don’t often get to hit the back of the net. My first goal for the Nazionale is such a special moment that will remain with me forever.

He now wants to cement a starting place at Juventus and get called up for the finals next summer.

"I am certainly aiming for a place at Euro 2008. Things are going well with Juventus and I know I have to keep working hard with them to achieve it. It would be foolish to sit back now."

Luca Toni admits he was particularly happy to score in his hometown stadium for his fifth goal in qualifying.

"I really wanted to do well here. It wasn’t easy to play as they were all clammed up in their own half, but we made it," grinned the Modena native.

Youngster Raffaele Palladino is celebrating his senior debut and is targeting a place in the 23-man squad going to Austria and Switzerland.

"I am very happy just to be here on my debut and when the Coach told me I’d be in the starting XI I was very excited," he said.

"Now the path to Euro 2008 has to be travelled day after day, working constantly and improving. My first aim must be to win my spot at Juventus, then anything else must come from there.

"My teammates tell me I never shoot and always go for the assist, so after the game started going well for us I tried to get a bit of personal glory on the night. I didn’t get a goal, but the performance went well, I think."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Quartet complete Euro 2008 line-up

2007-11-21T23:28:00.000Z

Portugal, Russia, Sweden and Turkey became the last four countries to book places at the Euro 2008 finals on a dramatic final night of qualifying.

Co-hosts: Austria & Switzerland.
Group A: Poland & Portugal.
Group B: Italy & France.
Group C: Greece & Turkey.
Group D: Czech Rep & Germany.
Group E: Croatia & Russia.
Group F: Spain & Sweden.
Group G: Romania & Netherlands.

Nowhere was the drama more intense than in Group E where Russia grabbed second place off an England side who, needing just a point to qualify, went down 3-2 at home to Croatia, succumbing to Mladen Petric's late strike.

Dmitri Sychev's solitary strike gave Russia a 1-0 victory in Andorra which proved enough to lift them a point above England, while the impressive Croatians celebrated winning the section.

Portugal secured second place in Group A thanks to a goalless home draw with Finland – a result which ended the visitors' hopes of progress. Luiz Felipe Scolari's men finished a point behind first-time qualifiers Poland, who drew 2-2 at Serbia.

Turkey's 1-0 success against Bosnia-Herzegovina ensured them the runners-up slot behind Group C winners Greece, ending Norway's challenge in the process. Although the Scandinavians prevailed 4-1 in Malta, Turkey finished a point clear thanks to Nihat Kahveci's strike.

In Group F, meanwhile, Kim Kallstrom's second-half effort earned Sweden the 2-1 home victory against Latvia that they required to claim the runners-up berth behind Spain, whose 1-0 triumph over Northern Ireland extinguished the visitors' hopes in Gran Canaria.

Twelve teams were already sure of their places in the draw in Lucerne on 2 December. Switzerland and Austria had qualified automatically as co-hosts, and were joined by Germany, Greece, the Czech Republic and Romania last month. On Saturday, Poland, world champions Italy, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Croatia also advanced.

Austria and Switzerland are both top seeds for the draw and they will be joined by holders Greece and Marco van Basten's Netherlands. The Azzurri have been placed in Pot 2.

Seedings for the draw:
[Pot 1] Switzerland, Austria, Greece, Netherlands.
[Pot 2] Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Sweden.
[Pot 3] Germany, Romania, Portugal, Spain.
[Pot 4] Poland, France, Turkey, Russia.

Source: UEFA

[Euro Futsal] Azzurri stroll through as group winners

2007-11-21T22:46:00.000Z

Italy clinched first place in UEFA European Futsal Championship Group A with a comfortable defeat of the Czech Republic that keeps them apart from holders Spain in Friday's semi-finals.

Sandro Zanetti and Adriano Foglia struck before two Fabiano Assad goals ensured Italy's place in the last four, and they finished top ahead of Portugal on goal difference.

The Azzurri will continue their bid to reclaim the trophy they won in 2003 against the team that eliminated them 4-2 in the semi-finals two years later, Russia.

Group A - Matchday 3 Results:
Romania 0-3 Portugal (21-11-07)
Italy 4-0 Czech Republic (21-11-07)

Group B - Matchday 3 Results:
Russia 1-4 Spain (21-11-07)
Ukraine 2-3 Serbia (21-11-07)

Group B - Match 12: Italy v Faroe Islands

2007-11-21T21:57:00.000Z

Group B: Italy 3-1 Faroe Islands (Modena)
Italy completed their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign by securing top spot in Group B with a 3-1 triumph over the Faroe Islands in Modena.

Defender Frodi Benjaminsen's own goal put the world champions in front after eleven minutes, Luca Toni doubled the lead on 36 minutes and Giorgio Chiellini's stunning strike four minutes before the break gave the Azzurri a commanding advantage.

Rogvi Jacobsen's header reduced the deficit seven minutes from the end but the visitors ended the qualifying tournament without a single point on the board.

Having already earned qualification for next summer's finals, coach Roberto Donadoni made eight changes from Saturday's 2-1 triumph in Scotland but his reshuffled side did not take long to break the deadlock.

Toni had already directed a close-range header just wide when Benjaminsen deflected Massimo Oddo's cross into his own net. Italy continued to press forward and shortly after the half-hour they increased their advantage, Toni getting on to the end of Fabio Grosso's cross before firing past Jakup Mikkelsen.

The home side continued to control possession and their efforts were rewarded again when Chiellini's 25-metre drive stunned Mikkelsen. At the other end, the Faroes threatened with Suni Olsen's shot from distance falling just wide of Marco Amelia's far post.

Into the second half and Mikkelsen had to dive at full stretch to stop Toni's right-footed effort while Hanus Thorleifson made a goalline clearance from Italy substitute Fabio Quagliarella's powerful header.

Jogvan Martin Olsen's team did not just defend, though, and on 83 minutes, they found the net when Jacobsen's powerful header towards the near post beat Amelia. Italy might have conceded a second had Amelia not saved Johan Davidsen's header but by then, the job was done.

GROUP B RESULTS:
Georgia 0-2 Lithuania
Italy 3-1 Faroe Islands
Ukraine 2-2 France

GROUP B TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 12 - PTS: 29
[2] FRA - PLD: 12 - PTS: 26
---------------------------
[3] SCO - PLD: 12 - PTS: 24
[4] UKR - PLD: 12 - PTS: 17
[5] LIT - PLD: 12 - PTS: 16
[6] GEO - PLD: 12 - PTS: 10
[7] FAR - PLD: 12 - PTS: 00

MATCH REACTION:
[Azzurri] - [Euro 2008 line-up complete]

Source: UEFA / C4 Football Italia

U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Faroe Islands v Italy

2007-11-21T16:07:00.000Z

Group 1: Faroe Islands U21 0-1 Italy U21 (Torshavn)
A late goal from second-half substitute Nicola Pozzi gave ten-man Italy a 1-0 victory against Faroe Islands in Torshavn to keep the Azzurrini top of Group 1.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's side missed several first-half opportunities with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo and Alessio Cerci both culpable. And it looked as though the match would finish goalless until Pozzi struck ten minutes from time.

Osvaldo had squandered the best early openings when he twice missed the target with only Gunnar Nielsen to beat. Cerci then hit the bar with a close-range header moments before Fabiano Santacroce's sending-off on 42 minutes.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Azzurrini continued to press in the second half yet were nearly undone when goalkeeper Andrea Consigli was stretched by Bogi Lokin.

With the clock ticking down, Casiraghi replaced Osvaldo with Pozzi and the move proved decisive. The Empoli striker immediately tested the reflexes of Nielsen with a right-footed shot before nodding in the only goal from Paolo De Ceglie's left-wing cross.

GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Azerbaijan 0-1 Croatia
Faroe Islandes 0-1 Italy
Greece 2-1 Albania

GROUP 1 TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 07 - PTS: 19
---------------------------
[2] CRO - PLD: 08 - PTS: 18
[3] GRE - PLD: 07 - PTS: 13
[4] ALB - PLD: 07 - PTS: 10
[5] FAR - PLD: 08 - PTS: 03
[6] AZE - PLD: 07 - PTS: 01

Source: UEFA

[Italy v Faroe Islands] Match Preview

2007-11-20T19:37:00.000Z

Italy can afford to rotate their squad for Wednesday's final Euro 2008 Group B game at home to the Faroe Islands having secured qualification thanks to Saturday's 2-1 win in Scotland.

A victory at the Stadio Alberto Braglia in Modena over the bottom side would secure top spot in the group ahead of already qualified France but events in the stands and outside the stadium may be of more interest that action on the pitch.

The match will be the first professional game played in Italy since riots in Rome a week last Sunday following the shooting dead of a Lazio fan by a police officer.

All Serie B and C games were postponed last weekend as a mark of respect for the dead man with authorities also busy tightening security ahead of the resumption of action.

No trouble is expected in the northern city of Modena, especially with the Faroes bringing very few fans, but police will still be on guard given the recent violence aimed at them.

On the pitch coach Roberto Donadoni is likely to tinker with his line-up, if only to avoid the anger of Serie A bosses should any injuries occur in a meaningless match.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon may be rested while Juventus winger Raffale Palladino could be handed a debut. His club colleague Vincenzo Iaquinta is also pushing for a start upfront after coming on as a substitute in Glasgow.

Donadoni has accomplished the mission of getting his team to the European championship with one game to spare, no small feat considering the pressure he was under after replacing Marcello Lippi.

During the qualifying campaign, there were calls for him to move aside in the Italian media.

"This squad has fully deserved this qualification," said Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giancarlo Abete. "Had we failed to achieve this aim, we would have been depressed for 10 months.

"We have to say thanks to a united group of players and to a coach who has made it possible. We will try to continue on this road with him for as long as possible."

Beating France to first place will be the icing on the cake although Donadoni has more ambition than that. Italy lead the group, one point clear of France, who take on Ukraine on Wednesday.

"I now imagine the European Championship as being less easy than the World Cup," said Donadoni. "We will go there with our usual ambition, to play for the win. This is my mentality, for my team to go out on the pitch trying to get the best possible result.

"My dream is to create a team that has a winning mentality and can think big."

Italy have just two friendlies against the Netherlands and Spain so far pencilled in before June's finals in Austria and Switzerland so Donadoni may use the Faroes game to look at different tactics.

Donadoni sets sights on Euro glory

2007-11-19T12:33:00.000Z

Roberto Donadoni is confident Italy can follow up their World Cup success by winning Euro 2008.

The Azzurri booked their place in next summer's finals on Saturday as Christian Panucci's last-minute header gave them a 2-1 victory over Scotland.

Donadoni feels that Italy will be among the favourites but accepts that it will be just as difficult to lift the trophy as it was in Germany last year.

"The group is really strong, mentally as well as technically," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"That's why I think we will be contenders. It will be hard because, with the exception of Brazil and Argentina, it will be like a World Cup.

"It is difficult also to face strong sides right from the start but we can arrive at the end. We will go there to win."

Donadoni admits the performance against Scotland gave him the feeling that he had moulded a team that could be very special.

"Now, after more than a year, I feel the group is a little more mine," said Donadoni, who took charge after Marcello Lippi had guided Italy to World Cup glory.

"I don't get big-headed after winning in Scotland but I am satisfied.

"This is the national team I wanted and that I've built with patience and coherence."

[Euro Futsal] Morgado artistry in Italy exhibition

2007-11-18T22:27:00.000Z

Italy equalled the record margin of victory in the UEFA European Futsal Championship finals as their class told against Romania.

Two days ago Italy were involved in the first 0-0 draw in this competition in eight years against hosts Portugal but this afternoon they struck after 82 seconds through Carlos Morgado, who went on to complete a hat-trick.

Romania defeated the Czech Republic 8-4 on their finals debut on Friday but the 2003 winners were a class above and now need only a point against the Czech Republic in Santo Tirso on Wednesday to keep up their record of reaching every semi-final, while Romania take on Portugal in Gondomar.

Adriano Foglia scored a brace, and Saad Assis and Fernando Grana added the others. Cosmin Gherman scored Romania's only goal to make it 3-1.

Group A - Matchday 2 Results:
Italy 7-1 Romania (18-11-07)
Portugal 5-3 Czech Republic (18-11-07)

Group B - Matchday 2 Results:
Ukraine 1-4 Russia (19-11-07)
Spain 1-1 Serbia (19-11-07)

[Scotland 1-2 Italy] Italian press reaction

2007-11-18T11:43:00.000Z

The Italian media paid tribute to the country's football heroes after they clinched a place at the Euro 2008 finals with a hard-fought 2-1 win in Scotland.

Luca Toni opened the scoring at Hampden Park on Saturday and, although Barry Ferguson restored parity midway through the second half, Christian Panucci's late strike ensured the World Cup winners progressed from Group B along with France.

The headline in sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport exclaimed: "Italy fly to the European Championship - Panucci's goal seals qualification."

The Corriere dello Sport's headline read: "This is Italy. The Glasgow triumph gives us the European Championships."

A sub-headline in national newspaper La Repubblica said: "From Toni to Panucci, the perfect game - but it is a 2-1 (win) obtained with a World Cup spirit."

More than ten million viewers watched the game on television in Italy and they were given immediate cause to cheer after Toni's second-minute opener.

After Scotland equalised in the second half, Roma defender Panucci - a player who did not make Marcello Lippi's World Cup squad - knocked in the winner in second-half injury time.

When the Azzurri won the 2006 World Cup in Berlin, they did so with Serie A football under a cloud with some of the national-team players' clubs embroiled in the Calciopoli scandal.

On Saturday, Italy played just six days after the shooting death of a Lazio fan which sparked football-related violence across the country.

Players wore black armbands in memory of the victim, Gabriele Sandri.

National newspaper La Stampa likened the win to the success in Germany. "Triumph in Scotland, Italy go to the European Championship," its main headline read.

That paper also said: "We see again the World Cup Azzurri - the goals of Toni and Panucci, but also the heart of Berlin."

A La Reppublica columnist questioned the tactics of Scotland manager Alex McLeish, who used James McFadden up front, writing: "McLeish gave us a hand playing with just one forward for almost an hour."

There is also a reference to Italy coach Roberto Donadoni, whose position has been in question ever since he replaced Lippi at the helm.

"Now what will we say of Donadoni?" one story asked.

The game was played in very wet conditions at Hampden Park in Glasgow.

National newspaper Corriere della Sera said in a headline: "Battle under the rain in Glasgow. Italy go to the European Championship."

That paper also said the hosts had been fortunate in its match report. The story's headline read: "Toni scores then Antonio Di Natale has a goal disallowed, then after the restart, Scotland equalise in offside position and Panucci scores the crucial goal at the end."

Source: PA

[Scotland 1-2 Italy] French reaction

2007-11-18T11:21:00.000Z

France coach Raymond Domenech has taken the credit for Italy and France both reaching Euro 2008. "At least they were useful for once."

Le Bleus boss has made a habit of sniping comments towards the Azzurri, especially after the World Cup Final won on penalties in Germany last year.

Italy’s 2-1 victory in Scotland automatically qualified both Roberto Donadoni’s side and France for the tournament.

"They won because my words motivated them," smiled Domenech, who had suggested this week that Italy were 'draw specialists.'

"I didn’t see the game, as I prefer not to force myself to sit through too many ugly things. I feel both relieved and frustrated, as to be honest I would have preferred to play the last game in Ukraine with the need for a result.

"This is the strength of our squad, the ability to hold out under pressure, when we are afraid of elimination. I shall miss that sensation."

If Italy had drawn in Glasgow, France simply needed to avoid defeat in Kiev on Wednesday evening, but now that tie and the Azzurri’s against the Faroe Islands only serve to decide which of the two teams top Group B.

"I am happy anyway, as if we are qualified today then it means that we deserved it," concluded Domenech.

While French newspaper 'L’Equipe' offered to "kiss Italy’s feet" this morning, striker Thierry Henry also refuses to thank the Azzurri for facilitating France’s qualification.

The 2-1 victory in Glasgow yesterday evening mathematically saw both Italy and France through to Euro 2008.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Giancarlo Abete revealed he had received a phone call from French Federation (FFF) chief Escalettes to thank him for the result.

However, Henry agreed with coach Domenech that they do not owe a debt of gratitude to their cousins over the Alps.

"Someone didn’t want us at the European Championships," he told TF1. "I have read too many people saying 'grazie mille' in the newspapers. France qualified exactly the same way as Italy did, by picking up 25 points all on their own."

Source: C4 Football Italia

[Scotland 1-2 Italy] Scottish reaction

2007-11-17T19:52:00.000Z

Scotland fell agonisingly at the final hurdle in their Euro 2008 qualification bid as Christian Panucci's last-gasp header earned Italy a 2-1 win at Hampden Park.

Alex McLeish's side needed to win to ensure a path to Austria and Switzerland next summer and, despite going behind just two minutes in, they almost overcame the reigning world champions.

Barry Ferguson's 64th-minute tap-in cancelled out Luca Toni's opener and Panucci struck in injury-time. To add insult to injury that devastating late blow came after the Azzurri were awarded a free-kick after Alan Hutton appeared to be impeded by sub Giorgio Chiellini.

Afterwards McLeish was furious with Spanish referee Manuel Enrique Mejuto Gonzalez. He was adamant an injustice had been done when Hutton was penalised.

"We didn't deserve that, to lose that game, we battered them in the second half and they were dead men walking at the end," he said.

"The set-piece that led to their second goal was an unbelievable decision. Alan Hutton was in control of the ball and their guy battered him. How can that be a free-kick to Italy?

"They got most 50-50s and we expected that."

But despite his heartbreak, McLeish insisted his players should be proud of their efforts both at Hampden Park and throughout their campaign.

"I'm proud of these players," he added. "That first goal was so unlike us. It took the power away from us for a spell.

"We were making chances, we were imaginative, but unfortunately it didn't fall for us. It was a terrific effort and you could see the fans' appreciation after the game.

"The Italians know they were a lucky team to leave Hampden Park with a victory. We've got to take heart from this and confidence."

The World champions also had complaints about the refereeing, as they had an Antonio Di Natale goal incorrectly disallowed for offside in the first half and Scotland’s equaliser was probably offside.

Striker James McFadden meanwhile claimed Scotland had been "absolutely robbed" by the decision to award Italy that late set-piece.

He said: "After all the hard work we've been absolutely robbed by the referee. I think he was shocking. Coming from the Ukraine game, people didn't want us to qualify and they've got what they wanted."

Source: C4 Football Italia

[Scotland 1-2 Italy] Azzurri reaction

2007-11-17T19:39:00.000Z

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insists his side were well worth their 2-1 victory over Scotland which saw them book their place at Euro 2008.

Christian Panucci's last-gasp winner ended Scotland's dreams of qualifying for their first major international tournament in a decade as top two spots in Group B now go to the Azzurri and France.

Donadoni said: "We knew that it was going to a very physical game and the atmosphere made it even more so.

"I have to say that the lads were magnificent. This is a victory that belongs to these players who fought with character and desire: all the credit goes to them."

Luca Toni gave the Azzurri the best possible start when he opened the scoring after just two minutes before Barry Ferguson sent Hampden Park into raptures with a 65th minute equaliser. But Panucci struck in injury-time to break Scottish hearts.

"The most positive note of the evening is not just qualifying for the European Championships, but also in this atmosphere with fans and players who always cheered on their side with fair play," Donadoni added.

Panucci said: "Tonight I'm as happy as a child, like my son who is six. I have had many great moments in my career but never like this.

"I am so happy for myself and Donadoni. I hugged him so many times. This qualification was also his. I played with him at Milan, he has a winning mentality.

"It's the happiest moment of my career."

Fabio Cannavaro, who was winning his 112th cap, insisted that the Azzurri had answered all their critics with the all important victory.

"We showed our strength tonight," said the Azzurri captain. "We are a compact squad and when we know we have to win we succeed in giving great displays.

"We showed that we are World champions and that we haven't forgotten how to play.

"After the equaliser we were worried to tell you the truth, we felt their desire. Scotland were growing stronger and had several good chances, but we managed to stay strong."

Toni was also full of praise for his side's mental strength after the World champions had to dig deep against a battling Scotland side.

"We came here knowing that we were going to play in very difficult conditions," he said. "And that's what happened tonight. This is the best we've played under Donadoni.

"My goal was very important, because we showed them what we had come here to do."

Meanwhile, one player in the Azzurri line-up has just one cloud over his evening - helping rivals France to reach the finals too.

Gennaro Gattuso, who played in Scotland for Glasgow Rangers, said: "I am proud of the qualification we have achieved with this squad. But I am really annoyed because I know we also helped France to go through."

Gattuso spent a year at Rangers at the start of his career and married a local girl, but even stronger than his love for the country is his dislike of Les Bleus.

"Raymond Domenech is always being such a pain and he really did not deserve to reach the finals.

"Now I hope to meet France at Euro 2008 so we can teach them all a lesson."

Source: C4 Football Italia

Group B - Match 11: Scotland v Italy

2007-11-17T19:09:00.000Z

Group B: Scotland 1-2 Italy (Glasgow)
Christian Panucci's 91st-minute header shattered Scottish hearts as World champions Italy booked their place at the Euro 2008 finals with a 2-1 victory at a rain-soaked Hampden Park.

Panucci's goal, which restored Italy's lead after Barry Ferguson had equalised Luca Toni's early opener, also ensured France's progress to the finals, meaning only the identity of the Group B winners is left to be decided when the Azzurri face Faroe Islands and France visit Ukraine on Wednesday.

For Scotland, though, the dream of a first major tournament appearance in a decade is dead.

The hosts needed a win to secure a place in Austria and Switzerland but they made the worst possible start when Toni pounced with an emphatic near-post finish inside the second minute. From Gianluca Zambrotta's throw into the box, Antonio Di Natale collected the ball and crossed low for the big striker who, without an international goal since his double against the Scots in March, drove high into the net.

Scotland were rocking and Italy threatened to score again. Mauro Camoranesi fired over, then Toni's rising shot forced Craig Gordon into a save.

Set-pieces appeared the Scots' best hope and they had Italy on the back foot with a succession of corners. After white shirts had blocked Alan Hutton's header and Lee McCulloch's shot, McFadden swung another corner in and Hutton nodded a whisker wide.

At the back, though, the home defence were struggling to contain Toni and Italy nearly killed the Scots off just after the half-hour mark. Gordon stopped superbly from Massimo Ambrosini and Di Natale turned the rebound into the net only to be denied wrongly by the linesman's flag.

After that reprieve Alex McLeish's men nearly stole an equaliser on the stroke of the interval, David Weir's header beating Gianluigi Buffon but not Andrea Pirlo on the goalline.

Scotland drew level on 65 minutes after Hutton's forceful run had won a free-kick on the edge of the Azzurri area. McFadden's deflected effort fell to Stephen McManus and although Buffon kept his shot out, Ferguson bundled in the rebound. Replays showed the Scots might've been fortunate as Ferguson looked to be in an offside position.

The home supporters sensed a famous victory when substitute Kenny Miller crossed low to the far post but McFadden, a hero so often for Scotland, turned the ball wide. Instead the last word went to Italy as Panucci, who missed an open goal minutes earlier, headed Pirlo's late free-kick past Gordon.

GROUP B RESULTS:
Lithuania 2-0 Ukraine
Scotland 1-2 Italy

GROUP B TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 11 - PTS: 26
[2] FRA - PLD: 11 - PTS: 25
---------------------------
[3] SCO - PLD: 12 - PTS: 24
[4] UKR - PLD: 11 - PTS: 16
[5] LIT - PLD: 11 - PTS: 13
[6] GEO - PLD: 11 - PTS: 10
[7] FAR - PLD: 11 - PTS: 00

GROUP B REMAINING FIXTURES:
[21-11-2007] Georgia-Lithuania, Italy-Faroe Islands, Ukraine-France.

MATCH REACTION:
[Azzurri] - [Scottish] - [French] - [Press]

Source: UEFA / C4 Football Italia

Forza Italia!

2007-11-17T10:06:00.000Z

Remember, we’re World Champions!
Scotland-Italy at Hampden Park this evening at 1800 (CET)
It’s the decisive match for Euro 2008

[Scotland v Italy] Match Preview

2007-11-17T09:38:00.000Z

Italy will be looking to restore national pride and book a place at next year's European Championship finals when they face Scotland in a crunch Group B qualifier this evening.

Last year the Azzurri rose above the Calciopoli scandal that was dominating the domestic game to win the World Cup in Germany and now they will attempt to overcome a painful week in which football-related violence has tarnished the image of Serie A again.

Today's match will be played just six days after Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri was killed by police at a motorway service station, a tragedy that prompted unruly scenes at Atalanta's game and rioting at the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) headquarters in Rome.

"If we are able to get a good result in Scotland and qualify, we would dedicate it to the family of the victim," said goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon before the team's departure from Italy. "It would be the best present we could give them."

Italy's players will wear black armbands in honour of Sandri.

The world champions can seal their place in next summer's showpiece in Austria and Switzerland with a win at Hampden Park. Defeat, however, would leave their hopes of qualification hanging by a thread and coach Roberto Donadoni's future in doubt.

The fixture has the potential to serve up a fairytale ending for the home side, whose last major international tournament was the FIFA World Cup in France almost a decade ago.

A win would seal their qualification and an unbeaten home record against Italy will boost the Scots' hopes of coming through one of the toughest qualifying groups, as will the fact Alex McLeish's men have not dropped a point on home soil throughout the campaign.

In the reverse fixture back in March Italy won 2-0 in Bari, and defeat here for the Scots would end all chances of qualifying. A draw would mean the Tartan Army would have to rely on Ukraine beating France on Wednesday.

France top the group with 25 points, Scotland are second on 24 and Italy third on 23, although the Azzurri have played one game fewer and face minnows Faroe Islands in their final game on Wednesday.

Donadoni not fazed

2007-11-16T22:29:00.000Z

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni fired off a warning shot to his critics ahead of the crunch Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland at Hampden Park on Saturday.

The Azzurri go into the match against Scotland third in Group B, two points behind leaders France and one behind Alex McLeish's side.

A draw would leave Scotland needing Ukraine to beat France next Wednesday while the World champions would only require a win against the Faroe Islands in Modena to qualify for next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

However, a Scotland win would leave Italy and France fighting for the second qualification spot, with Donadoni under pressure to keep his job if they fail to make the finals in Switzerland.

Asked if the game against the Scots was a defining moment for himself, the former AC Milan star said: "We have two matches left, Scotland have one match left. Where I was brought up, they say you have to have received a death certificate before you are declared dead.

"There is no need to ask the players how they can mess up at a stadium like Hampden or in a game of this importance. What is important is to look the players in the eyes and see that they know what is expected of them. If we are not ready for this game then we will never be ready for any game.

"We are aware that we are meeting opponents who will use their ability, aggression, spirit and the backing of the crowd. But they are 11 players of flesh and bone just like us. We will use our determination and ability to get a result.

"It has been a good week for team rapport. Now it is down to the players. It doesn't matter who plays, what matters is the determination to make the effort, to run, to get back in the game if you make mistakes. I have 24 players of the same level, we all win or we all lose together."

Donadoni was respectful of Scotland's two unlikely victories over France earlier in the section which turned Group B on its head.

He said: "Sometimes you have more or less luck but if they beat France twice then it was deserved. But to qualify takes more than two games."

Defender Massimo Oddo, who hurt his foot during Italy's last training session at Coverciano before leaving with the team for Glasgow, looks to have recovered but he is set to be replaced by Christian Panucci in the starting line-up.

Barcelona full-back Gianluca Zambrotta has fully recovered from a minor knee problem and trained at Hampden Park this evening with the rest of the squad.

The Azzurri welcome back captain Fabio Cannavaro, who missed last month's qualifier against Georgia through suspension.

Cannavaro will play alongside Palermo's Andrea Barzagli in central defence. AC Milan trio Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo and Massimo Ambrosini are likely to form the Azzurri's midfield with Luca Toni leading the attack.

[Euro Futsal] Hosts hold out in opening stalemate

2007-11-16T22:18:00.000Z

The UEFA European Futsal Championship began with its first goalless draw in eight years as hosts Portugal and Italy cancelled each other out in Group A.

Portugal were involved in the last 0-0 result in this competition, drawing with Belgium in the opening game of the 1999 finals.

Today they found life tough against 2003 winners Italy but the Azzurri were unable to convert their chances to create a repeat of their 8-3 defeat of Portugal in Ostrava two years ago.

Group A - Matchday 1 Results:
Portugal 0-0 Italy (16-11-07)
Czech Republic 4-8 Romania (16-11-07)

Group B - Matchday 1 Results:
Spain 6-2 Ukraine (17-11-07)
Serbia 3-5 Russia (17-11-07)

U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Italy v Azerbaijan

2007-11-16T22:11:00.000Z

Group 1: Italy U21 5-0 Azerbaijan U21 (Fermo)
Italy maintained their stranglehold on their U21 Euro 2009 qualifying group with a polished 5-0 win against Azerbaijan in Fermo sending them four points clear of nearest rivals Croatia.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's team had to wait 42 minutes to make the breakthough but after that there was no looking back. Robert Acquafresca's cross from the left was deflected in to his own net by Rahid Amirguliyev before the striker, who also hit the crossbar, scored the second just prior to the interval as he made no mistake from close range after a defence-splitting pass from Sebastian Giovinco.

Striker Alessio Cerci marked his Azzurini debut by scoring the third goal 13 minutes from time after another brilliant pass by Giovinco and second-half substitute Andrea Russotto made it four with five minutes remaining after Salahat Aghayev had parried a shot by Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

In added time midfielder Daniele Dessena put the finishing touch to the win with a right-foot volley from a cross by Paolo De Ceglie.

Italy, who now have 16 points from six games in Group 1, travel to the Faroe Islands on Tuesday for their next qualifier.

GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Italy 5-0 Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands 0-5 Albania (17/11/2007)
Greece 3-4 Croatia (17/11/2007)

GROUP 1 TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 06 - PTS: 16
---------------------------
[2] CRO - PLD: 07 - PTS: 15
[3] GRE - PLD: 06 - PTS: 10
[4] ALB - PLD: 06 - PTS: 10
[5] FAR - PLD: 07 - PTS: 03
[6] AZE - PLD: 06 - PTS: 01

Source: UEFA

Oddo out of Scotland match

2007-11-16T12:23:00.000Z

Italy defender Massimo Oddo is doubtful for Saturday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifying game against Scotland due to injury.

Oddo hurt his foot during Italy's last training session at Coverciano before leaving with the team for Glasgow.

The AC Milan right-back underwent tests in hospital which have ruled out a fracture, but he is an unlikely starter for the Hampden Park clash.

The good news for coach Roberto Donadoni is that Barcelona left-back Gianluca Zambrotta has fully recovered from a minor knee problem and will be available for selection.

[Euro Futsal] Key men fit for Azzurri challenge

2007-11-15T22:07:00.000Z

Italy trio Sandro Zanetti, Vinicius Bacaro and Carlos Mantovanelli have passed fitness tests to make the 14-man squad for the UEFA European Futsal Championship finals which begin tomorrow in Porto.

Zanetti, Bacaro and Mantovanelli had been doubtful with thigh, knee and groin problems respectively, but all have been included after the final cut from 18-men made by Italy coach Alessandro Nuccorini. However, Patrick Nora misses out with a thigh injury.

The Azzurri, who won the trophy back in 2003, will take part in the opening game on Friday against hosts Portugal in Group A.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Alexander Feller (Luparense Calcio A5), Caio Farina (ElPozo Murcia FS).
Outfield players: Assad Fabiano (Gestesa Guadalajara FS), Anderson Pellegrini (Xota Pamplona FS), Marcio Forte (Montesilvano Calcio A5), Fernando Grana (Luparense Calcio A5), Jocimar Jubanski (Luparense Calcio A5), Carlos Montovanelli (Luparense Calcio A5), Edgar Bertoni (Interviu Fadesa), Saad Assis (PSG Mostoles), Vinicius Bacaro (ElPozo Murcia FS), Adriano Foglia (Montesilvano Calcio A5), Carlos Morgado (Montesilvano Calcio A5), Sandro Zanetti (PSG Mostoles).

Buffon warns Scots

2007-11-15T13:30:00.000Z

Gianluigi Buffon has told Scotland to be afraid ahead of their crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Italy on Saturday.

The clash at Hampden Park is likely to decide which of the two sides will advance to next summer's tournament, with France certain to qualify if they beat Ukraine.

Buffon is confident Italy will be able to cope with the pressure, and feels Scotland could struggle due to the relative inexperience of their squad.

"We could be afraid if we didn't have experience but the squad is full of players who have experience of Serie A, the Champions League and the World Cup so we will not find ourselves unprepared," the Juventus goalkeeper told The Guardian newspaper.

"If anyone is afraid it is Scotland who are afraid of us."

Buffon is taking nothing for granted though as he has been impressed by Scotland's surprise challenge in Group B. "Scotland are always worthy of respect and football in Scotland is evolving," he said.

"Perhaps compared to us they have been inferior technically but from the point of view of character they have always had a good squad that can narrow the gap.

"As a goalkeeper I always look out for my opponent's strikers and I must say that James McFadden is a very good player and Kenny Miller has also impressed me.

"These are top players. We are not playing against a side from the Scottish fourth division."

Abete: Azzurri focussed

2007-11-14T21:28:00.000Z

Italian football federation (FIGC) chief Giancarlo Abete has stressed the national team will not be distracted by the turmoil back home as they prepare for their crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland.

Much of the country is still trying to come to terms with the death of 26-year-old Lazio fan Gabriele Sandri, who was shot accidentally by a policeman.

Abete, who is spending this week with the national team, announced on Monday that Italy will wear black armbands during Saturday's encounter in memory of Sandri. All domestic league matches - in Serie B and C - this weekend have been postponed.

However, he hopes the problems the nation is currently experiencing do not affect Italy's bid to qualify.

"This is an important week for Italian football," said Abete. "But the national team has the support of the nation and of the football bodies.

"Saturday's encounter is a difficult game but the national team is preparing well for it."

Abete added: "This is a difficult time for Italian football and especially for the family of Gabriele Sandri."

Toni confident of win

2007-11-14T21:24:00.000Z

Italy striker Luca Toni will not even consider the possibility of defeat in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland.

Toni, a member of the World Cup-winning side in Germany in 2006, expects the Azzurri to clinch their passage to next summer's finals in Glasgow.

"I want to play at Euro 2008," said Toni. "Frankly, I don't even consider in my mind the possibility that Italy will not be there."

The Bayern Munich frontman knows the task that awaits them in Glasgow.

The last time the two teams met on Scottish soil, the Azzurri were made to struggle and only a late equaliser by substitute Fabio Grosso secured Italy a 1-1 draw in their World Cup qualifier back in 2005 at the same ground.

"I remember that game," said Toni. "We know what atmosphere to expect. It will be a packed stadium, the home fans will be supporting their team for the entire game. But this atmosphere will only motivate us to do well.

"We know what we need to do."

Toni believes Italy will have to show their World Cup-winning credentials against Alex McLeish's side to come out triumphant.

"We know what our responsibilities are as world champions," said Toni. "We have to prove our worth on the pitch. All the teams that play against us give everything. We know what is at stake.

"But Saturday's encounter is a great game that any player would want to play (in), and we can't wait to go out on the pitch."

Saturday's game will be the most important for coach Roberto Donadoni since taking over the national team shortly after the Azzurri's World Cup triumph. A defeat would almost certainly bring to an end his spell as national coach.

"I think Donadoni has done a great job," admitted Toni. "It wasn't easy for him to replace coach Marcello Lippi, who won the World Cup.

"We struggled at the beginning of our qualifying campaign but we bounced back."

Cannavaro surprised by Scots

2007-11-13T20:21:00.000Z

Fabio Cannavaro has admitted he did not expect Scotland to challenge Italy and France for Euro 2008 qualification.

Italy face Scotland at Hampden Park this Saturday and victory for either side would secure their place in next summer's tournament.

France have lost to Scotland home and away but their fate will be in their own hands when they face Ukraine next Wednesday.

Cannavaro remains confident that his Azzurri side will progress, but he has been impressed by Alex McLeish's side.

"I am surprised that Scotland have shown a lot of strength in this group," said the defender. "But I am even more surprised that they beat France, one of the strongest sides in the world.

"Prior to qualifying, everyone thought that France and Italy would secure the top spots in the group. But Scotland are still in there with a chance."

A draw against Scotland would leave Italy needing just one more point from their final group game with Faroe Islands, but Cannavaro wants to complete the job in Glasgow.

"Saturday's game is going to be a very hard game for us," he said.

"Scotland need a win and for us it's crucial to go to Scotland and play well and get a win. It's going to be difficult but we know we can do it."

Azzurri coach aims for win

2007-11-12T21:15:00.000Z

Roberto Donadoni insists Italy will be heading to Scotland on Saturday with an intention to win the Euro 2008 qualifier.

A draw for Italy, followed by an expected home win over Faroe Islands next week, would ensure the world champions finish in the top two in the group and a spot at next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland.

Azzurri coach Donadoni, though, is adamant that he will be sending out his team with the aim of securing a first win on Scottish soil.

Donadoni told the Italian media: "Scotland are undoubtedly obtaining high-level results - their coach did a really important job and the fact they are set to play for qualification shows this.

"Italy has never won in Scotland? The past certainly has its importance, but on Saturday it will be a new game that must be played.

"They want to win, but we will do the same too."

Azzurri: Donadoni names Euro 2008 squad

2007-11-11T19:34:00.000Z

Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino is the only new face in Roberto Donadoni's 24-man squad for Italy's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Scotland and the Faroe Islands on November 17 and 21.

The 23-year-old Palladino has scored one goal in nine Serie A matches for Juventus this season and is one of five Juve players included in the Azzurri squad alongside Gianluigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Mauro Camoranesi and Vincenzo Iaquinta, although Donadoni has decided against calling up Bianconeri captain Alessandro Del Piero.

Italy are third in Group B, two points behind France and one behind Scotland. A victory in Glasgow - or a draw and a consequent victory against the Faroes in Modena - would book the Azzurri's place in the tournament in Austria and Switzerland next summer.

The Azzurri squad will meet up at the Coverciano training ground on Monday afternoon and fly out to Glasgow on Friday.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Gianluca Curci (Roma).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Daniele Bonera (AC Milan), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Fabio Grosso (Olympique Lyonnais), Massimo Oddo (AC Milan), Christian Panucci (Roma), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (AC Milan), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan).
Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Cristiano Lucarelli (Shakhtar Donetsk), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).

Source: C4 Football Italia / UEFA

Donadoni "calm" ahead of Scotland showdown

2007-11-09T19:41:00.000Z

Italy boss Roberto Donadoni insists he is "calmly" preparing for the crunch Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland next weekend.

The match is likely to make or break the Azzurri's qualifying campaign for the finals in Austria and Switzerland next year.

Victory over the second-placed Scots on November 17 would ensure Italy a place at the finals, and a draw would leave them only needing a point against the Faroe Islands four days later to book their place.

Defeat could mean the unthinkable for the world champions: missing out next summer.

Scotland boss Alex McLeish, who named his squad for the showdown yesterday, believes the Azzurri are under greater pressure than his side, who will have home advantage at Hampden Park.

But Donadoni said: "I am waiting calmly. I am preparing the things that need to be done. We will face this game with the maximum concentration and focus."

An Italy victory would also confirm France's spot in the finals. But anything less, would mean Raymond Domenech's side will travel to Ukraine in their final game needing a result.

Donadoni will name his squad for the double-header on Sunday evening.

Scotland squad to face Italy on November 17:
Goalkeepers: Craig Gordon (Sunderland), David Marshall (Norwich City), Allan McGregor (Rangers).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Burnley), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham United), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby County), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Gary Naysmith (Sheffield United), David Weir (Rangers).
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Celtic), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Darren Fletcher (Manchester United), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Rangers), Stephen Pearson (Derby County), Barry Robson (Dundee United), Gary Teale (Derby County).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (West Bromwich Albion), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Derby County), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham City).

France squad to face Ukraine on November 21:
Goalkeepers: Sebastien Frey (Fiorentina), Mickael Landreau (Paris Saint-Germain), Ulrich Rame (Bordeaux).
Defenders: Eric Abidal (Barcelona), Francois Clerc (Olympique Lyonnais), Patrice Evra (Manchester United), William Gallas (Arsenal), Bacary Sagna (Arsenal), Sebastien Squillaci (Olympique Lyonnais), Lilian Thuram (Barcelona).
Midfielders: Alou Diarra (Bordeaux), Lassana Diarra (Arsenal), Mathieu Flamini (Arsenal), Claude Makelele (Chelsea), Samir Nasri (Olympique de Marseille), Jerome Rothen (Paris Saint-Germain), Jeremy Toulalan (Olympique Lyonnais).
Forwards: Nicolas Anelka (Bolton Wanderers), Hatem Ben Arfa (Olympique Lyonnais), Karim Benzema (Olympique Lyonnais), Sidney Govou (Olympique Lyonnais), Thierry Henry (Barcelona), Florent Malouda (Chelsea), Franck Ribery (Bayern Munich).

Source: UEFA

Euro 2008 Qual: Quartet through ahead of November deciders

2007-10-18T12:51:00.000+01:00

Four teams booked their places in the Euro 2008 finals this week but ten more slots are still available.

These will be determined in the last sets of qualifiers on 17 and 21 November with 18 nations still in contention over six unresolved groups.

Follow the link for a look at the state of play in each of the gorups, and who and how the teams that are still in contention will join the Czech Republic, Germany, holders Greece and Romania in Austria and Switzerland next summer...

GROUP-BY-GROUP ROUND-UP:
[Click Here!]

Euro 2008 Qual: Group B Round-up

2007-10-17T22:22:00.000+01:00

Italy’s hopes of reaching the Euro 2008 finals received a massive boost as Group B leaders Scotland were beaten in Georgia. But France took advantage of the slip-up to take top spot ahead of November's final matches.

The Azzurri face the Scots in Glasgow and host the Faroe Islands next month, and the result in Tbilisi tonight means Roberto Donadoni’s men only need four points from their final two games to secure a place in Austria and Switzerland.

The World champions, who beat 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa 2-0 in a friendly in Siena thanks to a brace from Cristiano Lucarelli, now drop down to third, but with a game in hand on their rivals.

Georgia, who lost 2-0 in Italy last Saturday, had only previously defeated the Faroe Islands in qualifying. But it was a 17-year-old Empoli player – who has never featured for the Tuscan side in Serie A – who gave Georgia the lead, Levan Mchelidze rising to nod in a corner kick.

James McFadden had strong penalty appeals waved away for the visitors before the Georgians doubled their lead when David Siradze met David Kvirkvelia’s low cross from the left.

Scotland now need to beat the Azzurri in their final game on November 17 to qualify, while a draw will only be enough if Italy or France slip-up in their final games on November 21.

France took advantage of Scotland's defeat to take top spot with a 2-0 win over Lithuania in Nantes.

Les Bleus striker Thierry Henry scored twice in the space of two second-half minutes to secure three points for Raymond Domenech's side and pass Michel Platini to become France's record goalscorer.

The French dominated throughout but Lithuania held on until Henry netted the opener in the 79th minute and quickly followed it up with his second of the night moments later.

France now need just a point in their final game against Ukraine in Kiev on November 21 to qualify.

In the groups other game, Ukraine crushed Faroe Islands 5-0 at the Olympic Stadium. Maxim Kalinichenko put Ukraine ahead on 40 minutes and his goal was quickly followed by two Oleg Gusev strikes before half-time. Kalinichenko added his second shortly after after the break before completing his hat-trick on the hour-mark.

GROUP B RESULTS:
France 2-0 Lithuania
Georgia 2-0 Scotland
Ukraine 5-0 Faroe Islands

GROUP B TABLE:
[1] FRA - PLD: 11 - PTS: 25
[2] SCO - PLD: 11 - PTS: 24
---------------------------
[3] ITA - PLD: 10 - PTS: 23
[4] UKR - PLD: 10 - PTS: 16
[5] LIT - PLD: 10 - PTS: 10
[6] GEO - PLD: 11 - PTS: 10
[7] FAR - PLD: 11 - PTS: 00

GROUP B REMAINING FIXTURES:
[17-11-2007] Lithuania-Ukraine, Scotland-Italy.
[21-11-2007] Georgia-Lithuania, Italy-Faroe Islands, Ukraine-France.

Source: UEFA

Friendly: Italy v South Africa

2007-10-17T21:58:00.000+01:00

Friendly: Italy 2-0 South Africa (Siena)
Cristiano Lucarelli scored two late goals to give an experimental Italy side a 2-0 win over South Africa in a friendly at Siena's Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Following the crucial 2-0 win over Georgia in the Euro 2008 Group B qualifier at the weekend, the Azzurri had a rest day from the qualification campaign ahead of November's crunch ties against Scotland in Glasgow and the Faroe Islands.

Coach Roberto Donadoni handed Alessandro Gamberini, Alessandro Rosina and Riccardo Montolivo their full debuts, and brought on Andrea Dossena and Antonio Nocerino from the bench for their first caps.

The World champions hogged possession in the first half but struggled to produce clear chances against the 2010 World Cup hosts.

Defender Cristian Zaccardo came close with a header with 18 minutes on the clock while captain Daniele De Rossi drove a shot just over the bar six minutes later.

An Alberto Gilardino effort that hit the post was the highlight of the second half until Lucarelli took advantage of poor defending to nod home a Dossena cross eight minutes from time.

The Shakhtar Donetsk striker sealed the win with another header in the final moments of the game.

Italy now travel to Scotland on November 17 and host the Faroes on November 21 in search of four points that will guarantee their place at next years European Championship finals in Austria and Switzerland.

GROUP B RESULTS:
France 2-0 Lithuania
Georgia 2-0 Scotland
Ukraine 5-0 Faroe Islands
[Group B Round-up]

Source: UEFA

U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Greece v Italy

2007-10-16T22:09:00.000+01:00

Group 1: Greece U21 2-2 Italy U21 (Athens)
Italy remained undefeated and in command of Euro Under-21 Championship Group 1 after drawing 2-2 against Greece at the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium in Athens.

The home side took a deserved lead in the 19th-minute with a header by Antonis Petropoulos but the Azzurrini then took control of the encounter. They had to wait until the 62nd-minute to equalise though when a powerful long-range shot by Giuseppe Rossi found the target.

With ten minutes remaining a textbook combination between Sebastian Giovinco and Daniele Dessena allowed the latter to unleash a clever shot from just inside the box that gave Italy the lead.

However, the Greeks reacted well and managed to clinch a point when substitute Konstantinos Mitroglou converted an 87th-minute penalty after Grigorios Makos had been brought down by Domenico Criscito.

Pierluigi Casiraghi's side moved on to 13 points from five matches with Greece in second spot, three points adrift.

GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Greece 2-2 Italy
Faroe Islands 1-2 Croatia (17/10/2007)
Azerbaijan 1-1 Albania (17/10/2007)

GROUP 1 TABLE:
[1] ITA - PLD: 05 - PTS: 13
---------------------------
[2] CRO - PLD: 06 - PTS: 12
[3] GRE - PLD: 05 - PTS: 10
[4] ALB - PLD: 05 - PTS: 07
[5] FAR - PLD: 06 - PTS: 03
[6] AZE - PLD: 05 - PTS: 01

Source: UEFA

Buffon backs Georgia to stop Scots

2007-10-14T17:09:00.000+01:00

Despite losing 2-0 against Italy, Azzurri 'keeper Gianluigi Buffon believes Georgia have the ability to do Italy a major favour by stopping Scotland's momentum at the top of Group B.

Italy trail Scotland by one point at the top of the section with France a further point adrift, and travel to Glasgow for their next qualifier on 17 November. Before that, Georgia play Alex McLeish's side in Tbilisi on Wednesday, and 29-year-old Buffon felt that - despite their defeat in Genoa on Saturday - Georgia might prove a handful for the Scots on home soil.

"I believe Georgia can put Scotland in trouble because they are a good team and have nothing to lose," he explained. "I think Scotland could slip up. We are at risk of not qualifying with 26 or 27 points in our group. Obviously it would be only our own fault for our bad start in the group but it would also be unfortunate because there are teams winning their groups with the same number of points."

Fabio Grosso, who scored the second goal of the night in Genoa, also believes Georgia have the skill to stop Scotland in their tracks. The Lyon defender said: "They play very good football, keeping possession very well, and we hope they can do us a favour against Scotland. It might be very difficult but we know we have the ability to win in Glasgow and qualify in any case."

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is not expecting any favours in Tbilisi, however, and is focused on the trip to Glasgow. "We have a month to prepare," he said. "We still have to improve in several respects but I'm happy with the way we played tonight and I'm sure we can play well there. I was not interested in Scotland's result today, I was just interested in watching our performance and I think I got the responses I wanted."

Source: UEFA

Azzurri: Donadoni names South Africa squad

2007-10-13T23:44:00.000+01:00

Paolo Cannavaro, brother of World Cup-winning captain Fabio, has received his first Italy call up along with three other players for Wednesday's friendly with South Africa in Siena.

Roberto Donadoni, whose Italy side beat Georgia 2-0 in a Euro 2008 qualifier in Genoa tonight, has decided not to risk his key players ahead of next month's crunch qualifier at Group B leaders Scotland.

Napoli defender Cannavaro joins Andrea Dossena of Udinese, Juventus’ Antonio Nocerino and Torino sensation Alessandro Rosina in the squad for the first time.

AC Milan forward Alberto Gilardino and Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo are also in the 20-man squad while Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta is included after missing the Georgia game with a fever.

Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi have again been left out.

Italy are second in their qualifying group one point behind Scotland and just a point ahead of France with two games remaining. In the midweek qualifiers, Scotland travel to Georgia on Wednesday, while the French host Lithuania.

Azzurri squad:
Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Livorno), Gianluca Curci (Roma).
Defenders: Cristian Zaccardo (Palermo), Giandomenico Mesto (Udinese), Daniele Bonera (AC Milan), Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Paolo Cannavaro (Napoli), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus).
Midfielders: Andrea Dossena (Udinese), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Angelo Palombo (Sampdoria), Antonio Nocerino (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Franco Semioli (Fiorentina), Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari), Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).
Forwards: Cristiano Lucarelli (Shakhtar Donetsk), Alberto Gilardino (AC Milan), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus).

Source: Gazzetta dello Sport / Reuters

[Reaction] Roberto Donadoni

2007-10-13T22:41:00.000+01:00

Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has praised his Azzurri side for collecting the win that was expected and needed against Georgia.

Goals either side of half-time from Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso put the Azzurri back into second place in Group B.

"It was important for us to win tonight," noted the tactician after the clash in Genoa. "The players put in an excellent performance, one full of character.

"I saw my men face this match with the right attitude. That is what really pleased me about this encounter."

The Azzurri didn’t sparkle in Genoa though and the under pressure coach admitted that things proved particularly difficult after the break.

"We certainly played better in the opening period," he insisted. "We had more intensity then, whereas in the second half we just controlled things to make sure we took home the victory."

The match was made safe by a lovely Fabio Grosso goal, a strike which Donadoni has nothing but respect for. "It was a beautiful goal and came at the end of a great move," he noted.

Although Italy are currently in a qualification place, it does look increasingly likely that the Azzurri will have to win in Scotland next month after the latter beat the Ukraine 3-1 earlier today.

"I didn’t watch Scotland because it was of no interest to me at that stage," continued the former Livorno boss. "Now we have a month to prepare for the game against them. We know that our play and creativity need to improve.

"However, we were not at 100 per cent so I am therefore satisfied with what was done tonight. I want to thank the team for that."

Italy are next in action on Wednesday evening when they will play South Africa in a friendly in Siena.

[Match Report]

Source: C4 Football Italia

Group B - Match 10: Italy v Georgia

2007-10-13T22:11:00.000+01:00

Group B: Italy 2-0 Georgia (Genoa)
An Andrea Pirlo free kick and Fabio Grosso's late strike gave lacklustre Italy a 2-0 win over Georgia to keep their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign on track.

AC Milan midfielder Pirlo scored just before half-time when his effort from the centre of the pitch wrong-footed visiting 'keeper Georgi Lomaia and flew into the middle of the net.

The World champions wasted several other opportunities in the first half and only made sure of victory against a lively Georgia side when full back Grosso scooped the ball home after Luca Toni's layoff.

Italy remain second in Group B on 23 points, one below leaders Scotland and one above France.

But after Scotland's 3-1 win over Ukraine - who are now out of the running for qualification - and France's 6-0 away demolition of the Faroe Islands earlier, Italy still have work to do with just a trip to Glasgow and a home match with the Faroes to come next month.

But Italy could drop out of the top two on Wednesday when both of their rivals are in action. France only need to pick up a draw at home to Lithuania to go above the Azzurri in the standings. Scotland travel to Georgia in the other game - knowing a win would all but confirm their place in Austria and Switzerland next year.

GROUP B RESULTS:
Faroe Islands 0-6 France
Scotland 3-1 Ukraine
[Group B Round-up]

GROUP B TABLE:
[1] SCO - PLD: 10 - PTS: 24
[2] ITA - PLD: 10 - PTS: 23
---------------------------
[3] FRA - PLD: 10 - PTS: 22
[4] UKR - PLD: 09 - PTS: 13

[5] LIT - PLD: 09 - PTS: 10

[6] GEO - PLD: 10 - PTS: 07

[7] FAR - PLD: 10 - PTS: 00

GROUP B REMAINING FIXTURES:
[17-10-2007] France-Lithuania, Georgia-Scotland, Ukraine-Faroe Islands.
[17-11-2007] Lithuania-Ukraine, Scotland-Italy.
[21-11-2007] Georgia-Lithuania, Italy-Faroe Islands, Ukraine-France.

MATCH REACTION:
[Azzurri]

Source: UEFA / C4 Football Italia

Euro 2008 Qual: Group B Round-up

2007-10-13T18:12:00.000+01:00

Scotland have edged closer towards Euro 2008 with a 3-1 win over Ukraine, while France strolled to a victory in the Faroe Islands - both results complicating Italy's chances of qualification.

The Scots were already leading Group B before today’s games and have maintained that spot with a home victory that sees them move to 24 points.

The Scots went two up inside the first 10 minutes as Kenny Mille Miller and Lee McCulloch netted, before former Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko got the visitors back into the match on 24 minutes.

However, the home side took a fresh grip of the encounter with 20 minutes remaining when James McFadden – who netted their shock winner in France last month – made it 3-1.

France beat the Faroe Islands and the fog to temporarily go second. The French only touched down in the Faroes this morning after the bad weather saw their plane diverted to Norway last night.

However, it didn’t put them off their stride as they took early control of the tie as Nicolas Anelka and Thierry Henry scored within eight minutes as the visitors went 2-0 in front.

It proved to be just as easy after the break as Karim Benzema, with a brace, Jerome Rothen and Hatem Ben Arfa stretched their advantage. They finally won it 6-0.

UPDATE: Italy's win over Georgia in the evening moved the Azzurri back in front of Le Bleus, a point clear of them and one behind Scotland. Ukraine are out of the running for qualification.

REMAINING GROUP B FIXTURES:
[17-10-2007] Georgia-Scotland, France-Lithuania, Ukraine-Faroe Islands.
[17-11-2007] Lithuania-Ukraine, Scotland-Italy.
[21-11-2007] Italy-Faroe Islands, Georgia-Lithuania, Ukraine-France.

Source: C4 Football Italia

[Euro 2008 Qual] Italy v Georgia Preview

2007-10-12T23:17:00.000+01:00

Roberto Donadoni is likely to field an attacking trident in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia and, while he will have a fully fit Giorgio Chiellini at his disposal, Vinceza Iaquinta looks unlikely to be fit.

The Azzurri take on Georgia at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris knowing that anything less than a win will see their chances of qualification for next years tournament fade.

The visitors in Genoa are expected to present a resolute defence, but it seems that Donadoni will turn to a three-man attack to break their resistance.

The prolific Luca Toni and Antonio Di Natale seem almost certain to start. They are likely to be joined by Fabio Quagliarella upfront because Juventus’ Iaquinta missed today’s training session due to a severe irritation to his throat and has been suffering from knee problems.

Meanwhile, in defence Chiellini has shaken off his thigh injury and will challenge Fabio Grosso for the left-back position, while Massimo Ambrosini and Daniele De Rossi battle for a spot in midfield.

The under pressure Donadoni is confident ahead of the clash in Genoa. "We know this is going to be a fundamental match for our qualification. We will face a young team and they will want to put in a good showing against us and then against Scotland," he claimed.

The coach is also well aware that the Azzurri cannot afford to drop any points on rivals Scotland and France. "We will have to be determined and focused on the game and we also need to be aggressive. I am telling the lads to be patient during these days and they will have to concentrate in order to avoid errors".

Italy eased past Georgia 3-1 in Tibilisi last October thanks to goals from De Rossi, Mauro Camoranesi and Simone Perrotta.

The Azzurri need the same again to put the pressure on Group B leaders Scotland, who face a tough match against Ukraine in Glasgow. Third-placed France have a less challenging appointment in the Faroe Islands.

GROUP B FIXTURES:
Saturday 13 October
Scotland v Ukraine (1500, UK Time)
Faroe Islands v France (1600)
Italy v Georgia (1950)

GROUP B TABLE:
[Click Here]

U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Italy v Croatia

2007-10-12T22:20:00.000+01:00

Group 1: Italy U21 2-0 Croatia U21 (Chieti)
Pierluigi Casiraghi's Italy still have a 100 per cent record in Group 1 after defeating Croatia 2-0 with a goal in each half from Cagliari striker Robert Acquafresca.

The visitors were arguably the more dangerous side in the early stages of the game but it was Italy who took the lead after 40 minutes when Acquafresca turned a low cross by Giuseppe Rossi from the left past Ivan Vargic.

Acquafresca added his second 12 minutes into the second half, heading a cross by captain Marco Motta from the right inside the far post.

The Azzurrini continued to create opportunities with Sebastian Giovinco going close with a superb lob, then Rossi's close-range shot was well saved by Vargic.

The win moved Italy three points clear of second-placed Croatia and Greece with Casiraghi's team travelling to the third-place side on Tuesday.

GROUP 1 RESULTS:
Faroe Islands 0-0 Azerbaijan (13/10/2007)

GROUP 1 TABLE & FIXTURES:
[Click Here!]

Source: UEFA

Italy bank on reluctant 'saviour'

2007-10-12T15:22:00.000+01:00

Luca Toni will lead Italy's attack against Georgia on Saturday after sitting out last month's Group B games against France and Ukraine with a thigh injury.

Since leaving Fiorentina for Bayern Munich in the summer, Toni has scored eight goals in as many Bundesliga matches – and the Azzurri sorely missed him in the goalless visit of France.

"I was very sad to miss that game against France, especially as we had lost to them in Paris," the 30-year-old said. "However, my fitness problems are over and I feel in great form."

Azzurri coach Roberto Donadoni can hope for a sharper performance with Toni up front, though the man himself is quick to play down his potential role. "I don't feel like the saviour of Italy," he said. "I'm just aware of my responsibilities and am happy to deal with high expectations. I have scored a lot of goals for Bayern but only because there is a great team supporting me. I think it will be the same with Italy."

The Euro 2008 qualifying picture remains complicated for the world champions, who are one point behind group leaders Scotland and one above France.

"I was not expecting Scotland to win in France and this result has made everything more difficult for us," Toni said. "But I won't be cheering against Scotland [when they play Ukraine] as we need to concentrate on our own campaign. If we win all three remaining matches we are through so we don't need to watch the others. We must start by taking three points against Georgia in Genoa."

Source: UEFA

Buffon proud to skipper Azzurri

2007-10-10T20:41:00.000+01:00

Almost ten years and 78 appearances since his international debut, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will captain the Azzurri for the first time on Saturday.

Buffon takes over from Fabio Cannavaro, who is suspended for Italy's Euro 2008 Group B qualifier against Georgia, and the Juventus keeper is looking forward to leading out the side in Genoa. "It is an achievement after ten years with the Azzurri," said the 29-year-old, who made his debut in an October 1997 play-off against Russia to help his country qualify for the FIFA World Cup in France.

"I hope to carry on playing international football for a long time. I don't think I'll keep going until I'm 40, but when people talk about the need to bring through a new generation of players, I don't think they're talking about me."

Buffon, who was recently voted into the FIFPro World XI despite spending last season in Serie B with Juve, is now focused on making sure his team reach next summer's finals in Austria and Switzerland. With the Azzurri second in Group B, one point behind leaders Scotland – whom they meet in Glasgow next month – and only one above third-placed France, victory against Georgia is essential.

"It's going to be tough to qualify, particularly because a few teams are making everything more difficult than we expected it to be," Buffon admitted. "On paper, we have two easy games [against Georgia and the Faroe Islands at home] and one difficult one in Scotland. For now, though, we can only think about beating Georgia. We will have plenty of time to think about the trip to Glasgow."

Source: UEFA

Chiellini adds to Azzurri concerns

2007-10-10T18:40:00.000+01:00

Italy's defensive problems are mounting ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Georgia after Juventus left-back Giorgio Chiellini missed training due to a thigh-muscle injury.

With Gianluca Zambrotta injured and captain Fabio Cannavaro suspended, the 23-year-old Chiellini had been lined up for a starting role in Genoa. His participation is now in doubt, although Azzurri doctor Andrea Ferretti said he will monitor the player's condition on a "day-by-day" basis.

Italy are second in Group B, a point behind Scotland and one above France, going into the weekend's must-win fixture.

Chiellini's former Under-21 team-mate Riccardo Montolivo is the only new face in the squad. The Fiorentina midfielder said of his inclusion: "It's every child's dream to play for the national team. I didn't expect to be called up, so my happiness is doubled. I've matured a lot in the last two years, and I have to thank my coach Cesare Prandelli and my team-mate Fabio Liverani who've helped me so much. I want to dedicate this first call-up to my family."

While the 22-year-old is celebrating the start of his international career, Alessandro Del Piero's could be coming to an end after the Juventus player was left out of the squad. "It is difficult to leave anyone at home, not just Del Piero," said coach Roberto Donadoni.

"At 33 years old it is harder than at 27 to manage certain things but my choices are not personal. I take into account the balance of a group of 20 players."

Looking ahead to the Georgia game, he added: "It will be a difficult match, the thing I'm most scared of is they have nothing to lose."

Source: UEFA

Azzurri: Donadoni leaves out Del Piero & Inzaghi

2007-10-07T19:11:00.000+01:00

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has omitted strikers Alessandro Del Piero and Filippo Inzaghi from an already depleted squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier with Georgia next Saturday.

Donadoni has been denied the services of suspended skipper Fabio Cannavaro as well as World Cup-winning quartet Gianluca Zambrotta, Marco Materazzi, Mauro Camoranesi and Simone Perrotta. Roma star Alberto Aquilani is also injured.

But he has chosen not to rely on veteran forwards Del Piero and Inzaghi for the clash with Georgia at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in Genoa and the friendly with South Africa in Siena four days later.

Fiorentina midfielder Riccardo Montolivo is called up for the first time while Daniele Bonera and Stefano Mauri are back in favour.

The squad will congregate at the Coverciano training base in Florence on Monday and begin training on Tuesday.

While the Azzurri have one qualifier, their main two Group B rivals have a double header. Leaders Scotland face Ukraine at home and Georgia away, while France travel to the Faroe Islands and take on Lithuania.

Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Marco Amelia (Livorno), Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Gianluca Curci (Roma).
Defenders: Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Daniele Bonera (Milan), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Alessandro Gamberini (Fiorentina), Fabio Grosso (Lione), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Christian Panucci (Roma).
Midfielders: Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennaro Gattuso (Milan), Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Andrea Pirlo (Milan).
Forwards: Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Pasquale Foggia (Cagliari), Vincenzo Iaquinta (Juventus), Cristiano Lucarelli (Shakhtar Donetsk), Fabio Quagliarella (Udinese), Luca Toni (Bayern Munich).

U21: Casiraghi names Azzurrini squad

2007-10-05T13:53:00.000+01:00

Pierluigi Casiraghi has named four new faces in his 24-man squad to play Croatia and Greece in the Euro 2009 Under-21 qualifiers.

Inter goalkeeper Enrico Alfonso, defenders Alessandro Bastrini of Sampdoria and Matteo Rubin of Torino and Inter midfielder Francesco Bolzoni have all been called up for the first time.

Casiraghi also selected Fiorentina's Pablo Daniel Osvaldo, who scored two goals on his Viola debut against Livorno last week, but the striker was not available because of a slight injury. The 21-year-old was born in Argentina but also holds Italian citizenship.

The Azzurrini have a 100 per cent record in qualification Group 1 so far following three straight victories, but they laboured to tight wins over Albania and the Faroe Islands in September and will need to do better on October 12 against Croatia in Chieti and on October 16 against Greece in Athens.

Italy Under-21 squad:
Goalkeepers: Enrico Alfonso (Inter), Andrea Consigli (Rimini), Salvatore Sirigu (Cremonese).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastrini (Sampdoria), Domenico Criscito (Juventus), Lorenzo De Silvestri (Lazio), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Torino), Marco Rossi (Parma), Matteo Rubin (Torino), Fabiano Santacroce (Brescia).
Midfielders: Francesco Bolzoni (Inter), Luca Cigarini (Parma), Paolo De Ceglie (Siena), Daniele Dessena (Parma), Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli), Claudio Marchisio (Empoli), Piermario Morosini (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Avellino), Andrea Russotto (Treviso).
Forwards: Robert Acquafresca (Cagliari), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).

Source: C4 Football Italia / FIGC

[World Rankings] Azzurri return to the top

2007-09-19T15:49:00.000+01:00

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

Siena to host Azzurri friendly

2007-09-19T13:38:00.000+01:00

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

[Reaction] Donadoni silences critics

2007-09-12T22:41:00.000+01:00

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

Euro 2008 Qual: Group B Round-up

2007-09-12T22:20:00.000+01:00

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

Group B - Match 9: Ukraine v Italy

2007-09-12T22:06:00.000+01:00

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

Depleted Azzurri face tough task

2007-09-11T20:26:00.000+01:00

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

2007-09-11T17:42:00.000+01:00

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

Euro 2008 Qual: Shevchenko issues warning

2007-09-11T12:41:00.000+01:00

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

U21 Qual: Casiraghi warns of Albania threat

2007-09-11T12:19:00.000+01:00

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

Abete dismayed by fans reaction

2007-09-10T21:39:00.000+01:00

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

Reaction: Roberto Donadoni

2007-09-08T22:49:00.000+01:00

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

Group B - Match 8: Italy v France

2007-09-08T22:09:00.000+01:00

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]

U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Italy v Faroe Islands

2007-09-07T22:34:00.000+01:00

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

Panucci back in Italy reckoning

2007-09-02T19:13:00.000+01:00

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

U-21: Casiraghi calls Lazio hero De Silvestri

2007-08-31T16:54:00.000+01:00

Lazio full-back Lorenzo De Silvestri has been included in Pierluigi Casiraghi's Italy squad for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers against the Faroe Islands and Albania.

The 19-year-old caught the eye in Lazio's Champions League third qualifying round win at Dinamo Bucharest this week and could now play in the Group 1 games on 7 and 11 September. De Silvestri previously captained Italy at U-17 and U-19 levels.

Roma defender Marco Andreolli returns to the squad after missing the 2-1 friendly victory against France through injury.

The five-time European champions are second in their group behind Croatia but have a match in hand after defeating Albania 4-0 in their opener in June.

Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Andrea Consigli (Rimini), Salvatore Sirigu (Cremonese).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Roma), Domenico Criscito (Juventus), Lorenzo De Silvestri (Lazio), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Torino), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari), Andrea Ranocchia (Arezzo), Marco Rossi (Parma), Fabiano Santacroce (Brescia).
Midfielders: Luca Cigarini (Parma), Paolo De Ceglie (Siena), Daniele Dessena (Parma), Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli), Claudio Marchisio (Empoli), Piermario Morosini (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Avellino), Andrea Russotto (Treviso).
Forwards: Robert Acquafresca (Cagliari), Arturo Lupoli (Fiorentina), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli), Giuseppe Rossi (Villarreal).

Source: C4 Football Italia / UEFA

Friendly: Hungary v Italy

2007-08-22T22:51:00.000+01:00

22 August 2007: Hungary 3-1 Italy (Budapest)
Hungary produced a stunning second-half display, scoring three times to turn around a one-goal deficit against world champions Italy in Budapest.

The Azzurri took the lead through Antonio Di Natale after 49 minutes but Roland Juhasz equalised 12 minutes later, before a Zoltan Gera penalty and a Robert Seczesin strike settled matters in the hosts' favour.

Italy started with plenty of attacking intent with Andrea Pirlo's free-kick calling home goalkeeper Márton Fülöp into action early on. Hungary offered their first threat on nine minutes but Gera shot wide from close range when faced with Gianluigi Buffon. The home side came close again five minutes later as Balazs Dzsudzsak's shot from the edge of the area clipped the right-hand post.

Fulop distinguished himself again after 27 minutes when he denied Alessandro Del Piero from ten yards but despite looking fragile at the back, Hungary were still troubling Italy on the break and only a fine save from Buffon prevented youngster Ádám Vass heading in seven minutes before the break.

Italy opened the scoring four minutes into the second half when Alberto Aquilani played in Di Natale who finished well. However, the lead was short-lived as Juhasz equalised from close range after being left unmarked inside the area. Gera then put Hungary ahead five minutes later from the penalty spot after Fabio Cannavaro had felled Tamas Priskin.

Filippo Inzaghi almost levelled with 16 minutes to go but shot over the bar and that proved to be a critical miss as Hungary grabbed a third with a fine team move culminating in substitute Seczesin slotting past Buffon. It could have been worse for Roberto Donadoni's men had Buffon not pulled off a fine save in added time to keep out Seczesin's 25-metre drive.

Hungary: Fulop; Szelesi, Vasko, Juhasz, Vanczak (Czisimadia 73); Hajnal (Filkor 59), Vass, Tozser (Leandro 59); Priskin (Feczesin 73); Gera, Dzsudzsak (Halmosi 82).
Italy: Buffon; Oddo (Grosso 46), Cannavaro, Materazzi (Barzagli 46), Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo; Quagliarella, Aquilani (Palombo 66), Del Piero (Di Natale 46); Toni (Inzaghi 46).
Ref: Mejuto Gonzalez (Spain).

U-21 Friendly: Italy v France

2007-08-21T22:26:00.000+01:00

U-21 Friendly: Italy 2-1 France (La Spezia)
Italy Under-21s completed an impressive 2-1 win against France in La Spezia on Tuesday evening's friendly.

Italy's victory at the Stadio Alberto Picco came largely as a result of a fine first-half display with the Azzurrini taking the lead on 37 minutes when Daniele Dessena converted Sebastian Giovinco's pinpoint left-wing cross. Giuseppe Rossi then doubled home advantage within three minutes with a left-foot volley after the French defence failed to deal with a Giovinco corner.

The visitors reacted well in the second half and scored through Julien Quercia nine minutes after the interval but despite a concerted effort to draw level it was Italy who came the closest to scoring again when Gabriele Paonessa hit the post with a powerful right-footed shot in added time.

Source: C4 Football Italia

One year as Champions...

2007-07-09T00:00:00.000+01:00

A year has gone by since that fantastic night in Berlin, but the emotion continues…

Twenty-five years after the 1982 World Cup win in Spain, one year ago today - July 9 - the Azzurri team of 2006 triumphed beating France after a dramatic penalty shoot-out and winning their fourth World Cup title.

In the hearts and eyes of millions of fans there are still the incredible images of the great celebrations that swept the entire country as they celebrated the 23 Azzurri World Champions, their coach - Marcello Lippi, and the entire Italian delegation.

Television channels all over the world broadcast (and will air again in this period and until 2010) the images after the match and the welcome that the national team had in Rome, in the streets of the city, from the airport of Pratica di Mare, to the popular districts, all the way to downtown Rome, with the unforgettable celebrations at Circo Massimo.

The fourth title for Italy arrived ahead of the most delicate and troubled season for Italian football of the past years: a limpid success, searched for with willpower and determination by Lippi and a team that with their seriousness, compactness, will to redeem themselves and show what they were really worth during the entire tournament contributed significantly to relaunching the image and prestige of Italian calcio.

Thank you Azzurri, with the same affection and the same emotion of one year ago.

A World Cup year, Champions forever!

ONE YEAR ON AS CHAMPIONS: [HOME] - [PICTURE REVIEW] - [VIDEO REVIEW]

One year as Champions...

2007-07-08T23:59:00.000+01:00

In heart-stopping fashion, Marcello Lippi's men lifted the World Cup trophy for the fourth time on July 9 2006 in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Unbeaten throughout the tournament, they defeated France in a gripping penalty shoot-out - a stunning triumph for the whole Azzurri squad for whom every outfield player contributed.

Click on the matches for individual match highlights and reports.

[Group E, Match 1] Italy 2-0 Ghana

[Group E, Match 2] Italy 1-1 USA

[Group E, Match 3] Czech Republic 0-2 Italy

[Second Round] Italy 1-0 Australia

[Quarter-Final] Italy 3-0 Ukraine

[Semi-Final] Germany 0-2 Italy (AET)

[Final] Italy 1-1 France (AET, 5-3 on pens)

ONE YEAR ON AS CHAMPIONS: [HOME] - [PICTURE REVIEW] - [VIDEO REVIEW]

One year as Champions...

2007-07-08T23:58:00.000+01:00

In heart-stopping fashion, Marcello Lippi's men lifted the World Cup trophy for the fourth time on July 9 2006 in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Unbeaten throughout the tournament, they defeated France in a gripping penalty shoot-out - a stunning triumph for the whole Azzurri squad for whom every outfield player contributed.

While there was scandal and chaos at home, Italy closed ranks on the field to join the 1934, 1938, and 1982 teams as true immortals of the game.

Italian Calcio Blog proudly remembers that glorious month... Forza Azzurri!

ONE YEAR ON AS CHAMPIONS: [HOME] - [PICTURE REVIEW] - [VIDEO REVIEW]

U21 Euro 2007: Oranje retain European crown

2007-06-23T21:57:00.000+01:00

Final
Netherlands 4-1 Serbia (Euroborg Stadion, Groningen)
Twelve months after winning the European Under-21 Championship for the first time, the Netherlands retained the trophy in style with a 4-1 win against Serbia in Groningen tonight.

Cries of "Foppe de Haan" rang round the Euroborg Stadion after goals from Otman Bakkal, Ryan Babel, Maceo Rigters and Luigi Bruins ensured victory, though an entertaining game was only made safe after Aleksandar Kolarov had been dismissed for a second bookable offence two minutes past the hour.

The scoreline was tough on Serbia, who impressed throughout the competition less than a year after being granted full UEFA membership. But this was the Netherlands' night, and in particular that of De Haan. Before he was appointed coach in 2004 the Netherlands had never won a UEFA competition at youth or U21 level. Now winning has become a habit.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Beijing beckons for Viviano

2007-06-22T11:19:00.000+01:00

After leading Italy to a penalty shoot-out success against Portugal, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano's only regret was that the game "could and should have been the final".

Replacing the injured Gianluca Curci during a 0-0 draw at the De Goffert Stadion, the goalkeeper fended off Manuel Fernandes' effort from the spot before Antunes put his kick wide to give Italy a 4-3 win on penalties. The victory sends Italy to next summer's Olympics, which Viviano called "one of the most important competitions of the World".

It was a dramatic turn of events for Italy and Brescia goalkeeper Viviano who traveled to the European Under-21 Championship with little hope of a first-team place. Given the Carlsberg Man of the Match award, he said: "I am very happy because I came here as a substitute. Unfortunately, our first-choice goalkeeper got injured so the coach decided to make me play. To be the most decisive player on the field in such an important game fills me with pride."

Victory in the fifth and sixth placed play-off saw Pierluigi Casiraghi's side reach one of their targets for the finals. "For us the minimum was to earn the Italian national team a place in the Olympic Games, and in the end Italy won't miss out." However, he did not deny his side had failed in their main aim, saying: "We came here to win the European Championship, because we have a top class team."

Having made 40 league appearances this season, the 21-year-old felt Thursday night's game "could and should have been the final. It was very though as we had to face Portugal who are such strong opponents."

Things became even more complicated with Giuseppe Rossi's dismissal for a second booking 16 minutes before the end of normal time, but Casiraghi's boys proved to be "a group of exceptional lads with the necessary attributes to claim the final victory".

Viviano will now be hoping to get a chance to impress in Beijing next summer. "I hope to be in the team for that tournament but that decision belongs to the coach," he said.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Nocerino raises the flame for Azzurrini

2007-06-21T23:24:00.000+01:00

The conference centre that backs on to the Papendal training ground in Arnhem which Italy have used as their base at the European Under-21 Championship today hosted the 'Beijing Olympic Experience', and from the early stages of the Olympic Games play-off in Nijmegen there was a sense of inevitability around the Azzurrini's victory.

Portugal gave as good as they got but despite playing against ten men for over 40 minutes they could find no way through and, with Graziano Pelle drawing applause from the attendant Louis van Gaal with a cheeky chip in the penalty shoot-out that followed, Italy prevailed.

There are many myths about how the ancient Olympic Games were created, the most popular being that Heracles built the Olympic stadium in honour of his father Zeus. Heracles, renowned for his ingenuity, strength and courage, would have been pleased with both teams' early endeavour, typified by the performance of Antonio Nocerino shielding the Italy back line.

A powerful, imposing figure, the Piacenza midfielder bears little physical resemblance to the most famous exponent of his role, Claude Makelele, but the speed with which his shirt became drenched in sweat bore testament to great industry.

In Brazil they call the Makelele position the volante (rudder), but while Nocerino was steering the Azzurrini, providing midfield impetus, there was little forward thrust, little ingenuity. That was mainly coming from Portugal, and led by Nani and Manuel Fernandes, Jose Couceiro's team always looked capable of conjuring something. First Nani whipped in a dangerous ball to the near post before Fernandes found the head of Ricardo Vaz Te with a pinpoint cross but the finishing touch was lacking. The pair were forcing the play, with the Benfica youngster catching the eye when he tracked back to dispossess Alessandro Rosina though he, in turn, was robbed by the omnipotent Nocerino.

A trio of Italy players spent much of the pre-match warm-up skilfully juggling the ball between them, but Nocerino had not been one of them. The 22-year-old was forced to wait almost 100 appearances before recording his first league goal and is hardly renowned for his attacking prowess, though he almost fashioned the opener moments before half-time when his ball sent Giuseppe Rossi through, only for Paulo Ribeiro to deny the striker.

The game ebbed and flowed before the Manchester United forward was thrust back into the limelight 16 minutes from time, handed a second yellow card for dissent which placed the Azzurrini's aspirations of a 15th Olympic campaign in the balance.

The dismissal should have been the cue for Nocerino to become even more involved but the ball was bypassing midfield and it fell to Giorgio Chiellini to take centre stage, anticipating the play, dominating aerial battles and putting his body on the line. He ended the first period of extra time sporting a huge bandage after being caught by the boot of Nani.

Italy were indebted to good fortune when Joao Moutinho's goal-bound header inadvertently struck Domenico Criscito before Yannick Djalo missed the chance of the game, firing over with the goal gaping. Antunes missed the decisive penalty in the resultant shoot-out as Italy secured a 4-3 win, begun by the outrageous effort by Pelle. Finally, ingenuity to match the strength and courage.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Olympic Play-off Reaction

2007-06-21T23:03:00.000+01:00

Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi was celebrating a job well done after his side secured the last European place at the 2008 Olympic Games with a 4-3 penalty shoot-out victory against Portugal in the European Under-21 Championship in Nijmegen.

Casiraghi's side survived the loss of Giuseppe Rossi, who collected his second booking of the game in the 74th minute, to take the play-off to penalties where they successfully converted all four of their kicks.

Portugal coach Jose Couceiro meanwhile, was left lamenting the injustice of football after Manuel Fernandes and Antunes failed to score in the shoot-out, but feels his side have a bright future.

Pierluigi Casiraghi (Italy coach): We played really well tonight, the players produced a very good performance. It wasn't easy, a great team like Portugal made it very difficult for us but we kept going and got our reward in the end. We expected a tight game and that's what we got, then we went down to ten men so it became even more difficult for us but the boys played very well indeed. Even if Portugal had the advantage of the extra man, we gave everything tonight and we made it in the end. We achieved our final objective.

Jose Couceiro (Portugal coach): Football isn't fair. We were the better team tonight, but missed a lot of crucial chances. We moved the ball well and played well in midfield but we were short up front without the suspended Hugo Almeida. It was not fair, we've done very well again tonight but we didn't get what we deserved. I expected us to control the game and we knew we had to take risks. Italy's main threat came from our mistakes in midfield. The only problem was that we didn't score; that's obviously why we lost. We're frustrated, we always expected more, but I'm very proud of what the players have achieved. This team is full of young players – eleven of them will still be eligible for the next European Championship. This is not the end, this is the start of something and the hard work will continue.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Italy claim final Olympic spot

2007-06-21T22:33:00.000+01:00

2008 Olympic Games Play-off
Portugal 0-0 Italy AET, Italy win 4-3 on penalties (De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen)
Emiliano Viviano was the hero as ten-man Italy edged out Portugal in a penalty shout-out in Nijmegen to end their European Under-21 Championship campaign on a high note by claiming a place in the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Both sides came into this game having won their final group games last weekend but finished third in their respective sections. Neither was able to reproduce the attacking flair they had shown in their previous matches, however, with clear chances at a premium in a tense encounter.

Italy lost Giuseppe Rossi to a second bookable offence late in the second period of normal time but held on to take the game to spot-kicks where Viviano saved from Manuel Fernandes. When Antunes placed Portugal's fifth penalty wide of the post Italy – for whom Graziano Pelle, with a nerveless chip, Riccardo Montolivo, Domenico Criscito and Raffaele Palladino all converted – could celebrate their Olympic berth.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Rivals keen to take up Olympic offer

2007-06-20T22:37:00.000+01:00

They may have missed out on their primary goal at the European Under-21 Championship but there will be no shortage of incentive for Portugal and Italy as they meet at the Goffert Stadion in Nijmegen with a place in next year's Olympic Games at stake.

Both sides failed to reach the semi-finals having finished third in their groups, with neither able to recover from taking only one point from their first two fixtures. Although Portugal overwhelmed Israel 4-0 in their concluding Group A fixture and Italy defeated the Czech Republic 3-1, their four-point totals kept them out of the top two.

Normally that would have spelt the end of their campaigns but a reprieve was provided by England's progress to the last four; as Stuart Pearce's team will not compete in Beijing, Portugal and Italy have another chance to keep their Olympic ambitions alive.

It is an opportunity both are determined to grasp, although history is on Italy's side. The most successful Olympic football team having taken part in 14 tournaments, the Azzurrini were bronze medallists in Athens three years ago and have also won seven of their eleven competitive U21 matches against Portugal.

Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi treats such statistics with disdain, however, saying: "I don't care about the past. This is a special game, a kind of final. It is not followed by another match, it is not a group game and like all finals it will be decisive on its own, so it is useless to look at statistics. It will depend entirely on what happens during the game.

"Portugal are a completely different team to those we have played so far; they have a lot of quality and are technically and physically very strong," continued Casiraghi, who is likely to have captain Giorgio Chiellini and Luca Cigarini available after both shook off knocks.

"They have skilful players like Moutinho and Nani and strong midfielders in Veloso and Fernandes so we're quite well matched. We'll study them thoroughly as always but we have our style and some special players. We have to play independently from our opponents, because our players will always keep their own qualities."

Portugal coach Jose Couceiro has also studied the opposition in depth and believes his charges can use what has long been considered a traditionally Italian approach against its inventors. "Tactical preparation has improved on our part and many in Portugal may call it a lack of ambition," he said. "Well, that's what Italians have always done, they have studied the game since they were young. They know that there are moments when you don't take risks and just control the game. It will be a very even contest."

Portugal have played in only three Olympics, although two of those participations came in 1996 and 2004, and they finished fourth in the former competition - their best performance to date.

"I've protected the players by saying publicly that we wanted to reach the semi-finals and the Olympics," added Couceiro, who is set to risk Nani and Ricardo Vaz Te despite niggling injuries. "But they knew that we wanted much more. Unfortunately we couldn't reach that goal and now we have this new objective, qualifying for Beijing. We will do our best to get there."

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Holland & Serbia reach Final

2007-06-20T21:58:00.000+01:00

Semi-Finals
Netherlands 1-1 England AET, Netherlands win 13-12 on penalties (Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen)
The Netherlands returned to the final of the European Under-21 Championship for the second year running following a thrilling 13-12 victory on penalties against England after their semi-final had finished 1-1 after extra time.

In total 32 spot-kicks were needed to decide the tie which eventually went the way of the hosts and holders when, almost three hours after kick-off, local Heerenveen hero Gianni Zuiverloon fired the winning conversion low to the right of Scott Carson.

For Netherlands coach Foppe de Haan, it cancelled out bitter memories of losing 10-9 on spot-kicks to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup two years ago, yet it was rough justice on an England team who had battled bravely throughout and played the additional half-hour with ten men after Nedum Onuoha had limped off injured.

Maceo Rigters earlier saved the Jong Oranje with a thrilling overhead kick in the last minute to cancel out Leroy Lita's first-half strike for England, setting up a rousing finale and a final against Serbia in Groningen on Saturday.

Serbia 2-0 Belgium (Gelredome Stadion, Arnhem)
Goals at the start and finish of the match from Aleksandar Kolarov and Dragan Mrdja took Serbia into their second European Under-21 Championship final in three attempts as they held off the challenge of a hard-working Belgium side in Arnhem.

Kolarov's fourth-minute free-kick evaded everyone to give Serbia an initiative they were never to cede in a tense semi-final, and when substitute Mrdja ran clear to add a second with three minutes left, a squad that includes eight players who lost at this stage with Serbia and Montenegro last summer as well as three who featured when the 2004 final went Italy's way, knew they would have the chance of another U21 showpiece.

Belgium, particularly Marouane Fellaini, had their chances but too often their attacks foundered on the centre-back pairing of Branislav Ivanovic and Dusko Tosic. Serbia now take on the Netherlands on Saturday night.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Pazzini looks for Beijing bonus

2007-06-20T12:33:00.000+01:00

Giampaolo Pazzini admitted that the atmosphere in the Italy camp has been "sweet and sour" as the blow of failing to reach the last four of the European Under-21 Championship has been softened by their chance of a place at the Olympics.

The Azzurrini were many commentators' tips to claim a sixth title in the Netherlands but they never really recovered from the disappointment of opening-day defeat against Serbia. A 2-2 draw with England followed and although Pierluigi Casiraghi's team beat the Czech Republic 3-1 in their final outing, it was only good enough for third place in Group A – though they could earn redemption by overcoming Portugal in the Olympic play-off.

"We were very disappointed that we are now only playing the play-offs rather than the semi-finals," said Fiorentina striker Pazzini. "We could still salvage something from our campaign here and depart the Netherlands on good terms."

Pazzini came into the tournament riding the crest of a wave. Seven goals in 24 Serie A appearances have apparently done enough to convince Viola coach Cesare Prandelli he could be a natural replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Luca Toni – a feeling no doubt enhanced by his eye-catching hat-trick against England U21s in March.

Yet the 22-year-old has been unable to replicate that form in the Netherlands. "I expect many fans have been disappointed, not only by the performance of the team as a whole, but of me in particular," he said. "Personally I am unhappy with my performance at this championship. I have not showed all I have in me."

Some have accused the Azzurrini of coming into the tournament with a superiority complex, turning up in the Netherlands to collect their trophy but Pazzini is adamant the opposite is true. "I never experienced that - not in training, nor during the games. Things did not go to plan so there is nothing to do except feel sorrow and move on," he continued.

"On Thursday I'll do my best so that Italy qualify for the Olympics. We are being very conscientious preparing for our final game and we are really looking forward to giving a good performance."

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Rossi relishing Olympic opportunity

2007-06-18T22:25:00.000+01:00

Despite Italy's elimination from the European Under-21 Championship, Giuseppe Rossi considers the opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games as a "once in a lifetime" chance.

Although the Azzurrini managed a 3-1 win against the Czech Republic in their last Group B match, with Alberto Aquilani, Giorgio Chiellini and Rossi himself getting the goals, the Carlsberg Man of the Match believes his side are "just a bit unlucky" not to have earned more than a play-off against Portugal in Nijmegen on Thursday having finished third in the standings behind Serbia and England.

Despite his obvious disappointment at missing out on the semi-finals, however, the Manchester United forward recognises a significant prize is still on offer, saying: "The Olympics is a great tournament. It's a once in a lifetime chance."

Rossi, who scored nine goals in 17 Serie A games this season while on loan at Parma, finally opened his account for the Azzurrini in his ninth U21 international appearance, skipping away from Czech defender Roman Hubnik before unleashing a fierce low left-footed shot that went in off the far post.

"Today was a great performance by everybody - we didn't deserve to go out," added Rossi, who echoed his coach Pierluigi Casiraghi in pointing to short but decisive passages of play against Serbia and England that ultimately undid Italy's challenge. "In 270 minutes of football, we have played badly for ten minutes. When you make a mistake you get punished and at this level you can't make too many mistakes. That's how football is."

Rossi had largely been held in reserve by his coach in Italy's first two games, making a 16-minute cameo in the 1-0 opening loss to Serbia before coming on as a half-time substitute against England three days later.

However, in spite of an impressive display over 90 minutes at the Gelredome, his personal satisfaction is outweighed by collective disappointment. He said: "Of course it's a nice feeling but I would have preferred to go through instead of winning the Man of the Match award. But we will benefit from these three free days by having a rest and hopefully we'll go into the Portugal game fresh and trying to win."

The play-off game has been prompted by England's progress to the semi-finals. England are not permitted to play in the Olympics so the fourth and final European place at the tournament is to be decided by a play-off between the two sides who finished third in their respective groups.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Matchday 3 Reaction

2007-06-17T22:06:00.000+01:00

Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi said his side had not got what they deserved after the five-time winners bowed out of the European Under-21 Championship despite concluding their Group B campaign with a 3-1 victory against the Czech Republic in Arnhem.

England's 2-0 win against group winners Serbia in the section's other fixture left the Azzurrini in third place on four points and facing a play-off against Portugal on Thursday for a place in next year's Olympic Games, while Czech coach Ladislav Skorpil took comfort from his side's improved display despite ending the tournament in fourth position.

Pierluigi Casiraghi (Italy coach): We deserved to go through; in 270 minutes of football 15 minutes have cost us. Obviously we're very disappointed but five minutes against Serbia, when we conceded a goal from their only chance, and ten against England have been crucial. That's the only time we had problems but we have to accept that. That's football and we must pick ourselves up and carry on. I don't think we made any mistakes; apart from those two spells we played great football. Apart from that, we showed our quality and played very good football. The players created so many chances against Serbia and England, they did their best and couldn't do any more than that. In the group stage when you lose one game it's too hard to recover.

Ladislav Skorpil (Czech Republic coach): We played better than we did in the first two games, we got better in every match and improved all the time. Tonight was an unusual game, both teams had to win to stay in the tournament, whether to get to the semi-finals or the Olympic Games. In the first two games we played good football but without scoring so we changed things around a bit tonight and tried a new approach. I brought in Martin Kuncl and Martin Klein and they're two of the more attacking defenders in the Czech league; we tried something new. You have to try something different all the time. In attack we can be satisfied with our performance and Michal Papadopulos played very well. At this level, how you start a match is crucial and we let a goal in after four minutes. We managed to equalise but the decisive moment was their third goal just before half-time.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Victory in vain as Azzurrini bow out

2007-06-17T21:48:00.000+01:00

Groub B - Matchday 3
Italy 3-1 Czech Republic (Gelredome Stadion, Arnhem)
Italy failed to progress beyond the European Under-21 Championship group stage for the second season in succession despite ending Group B with a solid win against the Czech Republic in Arnhem.

The Azurrini had won five of the last eight competitions but paid the price for taking just one point from their first two matches. That left Pierluigi Casiraghi's side relying on England failing to beat Serbia and, although Alberto Aquilani's fine fourth-minute free-kick met with wild celebrations, the mood had become more muted by the time Giorgio Chiellini restored Italy's lead after Michal Papadopulos had levelled in the 14th minute as news filtered through that England were winning.

Giuseppe Rossi added a third in first-half added time but England's 2-0 victory in Nijmegen ensured Italy would finish in third place, although they do have the consolation of a play-off against Portugal on Thursday with the winner qualifying for the 2008 Olympic Games.

England 2-0 Serbia (De Goffert Stadion, Nijmegen)
Leroy Lita and Matt Derbyshire were on target in each half as England beat Serbia 2-0 to secure a place in the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals.

Their progress as Group B winners already confirmed, Serbia made nine changes to the side that started Wednesday's 1-0 victory against the Czech Republic, and England quickly capitalised on their lack of understanding in Nijmegen. Lita broke the deadlock inside six minutes from close range and after sustaining some second-half pressure, substitute Derbyshire sealed victory with a crisp 77th-minute strike though some of the gloss was taken off by a late Tom Huddlestone dismissal.

The Tottenham midfielder will now miss the semi-final with the Netherlands in Heerenveen on Wednesday, while Serbia face Belgium in Arnhem in the other semi.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Casiraghi calls on Azzurrini to attack

2007-06-17T11:26:00.000+01:00

Italy coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is calling for his players to maintain the momentum they built up in battling back from two goals down against England as they prepare to face the Czech Republic, bidding to keep their European Under-21 Championship aspirations alive.

The Azzurrini are the most successful side in the competition's history having won five of the last eight finals, but a return of one point from their first two Group B games has left their hopes of a sixth crown hanging by a thread. Even victory against the Czechs in Arnhem might not be enough for Casiraghi's team, who will be eliminated if England overcome Serbia, although a point would suffice should the section winners prevail in Nijmegen.

Casiraghi is staying positive and points to Thursday's 2-2 draw with England for inspiration, saying: "We played a great second half, in both a physical and a football sense.

"We'll have to start again from that point, in terms of the spirit and willpower in coming back to get a good result, trying to win despite the fact that we were two goals down," continued the Italy coach, whose side met their opponents in a friendly last November, which finished goalless.

"This is the team we have to be against the Czechs. They're a strong, tough, physical team who fight for every ball and look to counterattack. They have some quality players, they're difficult to play against. Serbia and England had many problems creating chances against them because they keep the defence and midfield very close together. They never give too much space away."

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Rosina looks for redemption

2007-06-17T10:55:00.000+01:00

Italy playmaker Alessandro Rosina believes the Azzurrini are determined to rescue their underwhelming campaign in their final European Under-21 Championship Group B match against the Czech Republic tonight.

"These are tournaments in which no distraction is allowed because there is a major risk that you compromise everything - this is what has happened to us," said the Torino man, who pinpointed the failure to take anything from their opening game as crucial. "Against Serbia, despite the fact that we played well we ended up pointless, and against England, despite a fantastic second half, we paid dearly for our performance in the first 20 minutes. This certainly explains everything."

That haul of one point from their first two games has left the Azzurrini third in the table and staring at the prospect of elimination, and the 23-year-old admitted the five-time European champion had "committed some bad errors, because ultimately we have just one point. Each player has to look at himself, dig deep and pull out that little extra which is in each of us. We must put this extra effort at the service of the team, form a united block and recover with a victory."

One problem may be the failure of Italy's strikers to hit their best form although the gifted Rosina, who scored nine goals in 35 Serie A games this season, does not consider this the only reason for the team's stuttering form. "Obviously if we'd scored more goals we would be in a better position. We have had some problems, not just in attack, but now it doesn't help us at all to look back. We need to sort out what went wrong in the previous games, but we have to focus above all on the next game, which we must win – and hope that the other game will bring the result we want."

That "other game" takes place in Nijmegen with England playing group winners Serbia knowing victory will secure their place in the semi-finals behind their opponents, regardless of what Italy and the Czech Republic do in Arnhem. Rosina believes Serbia may use the opportunity as a chance to show what they can do, saying: "They have so many young players in their squad who want to prove themselves and who perhaps won't get that many chances to play in such big tournaments. Because they are doing well, they will give it their best until the final whistle."

Should Serbia win, a point against the Czechs could be enough to take Italy into the last four, although the player nicknamed 'Rosinaldo' in honour of his Brazilian-like ball skills recognises the Azzurrini have a tough assignment of their own, saying: "They got a draw against England in their opening match, and lost against Serbia in the final seconds. They are a very aggressive, well-organised team who do not concede space easily, so it won't be easy for us at all."

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Belgium progress to SF's

2007-06-16T21:54:00.000+01:00

Groub A - Matchday 2
Belgium 2-2 Netherlands (Abe Lenstra Stadion, Heerenveen)
Sebastien Pocognoli's 70th-minute strike ensured Belgium joined the Netherlands in the European Under-21 Championship semi-finals after an entertaining draw between the Low Countries rivals.

With Belgium trailing 2-1 at half-time and Group A rivals Portugal beating Israel, Jean-Francois De Sart's side looked to be heading out of the competition. But Pocognoli made sure of their safe passage and a place in the Olympic Games when he drove powerfully beyond Kenneth Vermeer with 20 minutes left.

The draw means the Netherlands finish top of Group A on seven points, two ahead of Belgium. Foppe de Haan's team will play their semi-final in Heerenveen on Wednesday while Belgium travel to Arnhem to play Group B winners Serbia.

Israel 0-4 Portugal (Euroborg Stadion, Groningen)
There was a rainbow over the Euroborg before kick-off but Portugal's hopes of finding a pot of gold here in the Netherlands ended despite this comfortable victory against Israel in their final Group A game. Belgium's 2-2 draw with the Netherlands some 60 kilometres away in Heerenveen consigned them to third place in the section, a point behind Jean-Francois De Sart's Belgians.

Leading 4-0 through goals from Manuel Fernandes, Ricardo Vaz Te, Miguel Veloso and Nani, everything looked rosy for Portugal until the 70th minute when news filtered through that Belgium had equalised against the Dutch. With the inspirational Nani departing on a stretcher in the same minute, suddenly the mood turned sour for Jose Couceiro's side.

While Portugal must now wait for tomorrow's Group B deciders to find out if third spot will earn them a play-off for a berth at the 2008 Olympic Games, Israel's first U21 finals closed with this third successive defeat.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Chiellini left to rue Italy lapses

2007-06-15T14:25:00.000+01:00

Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini blamed "15 minutes of complete madness" for his side's 2-2 draw against England in a match he feels they "dominated".

The Juventus left-back scored Italy's opener on 35 minutes, deflecting home a corner from close range - "like pinball" - after Pierluigi Casiraghi's team had conceded two strikes in three minutes to England's David Nugent and Leroy Lita. "If you see the chances and look at the statistics, aside from those 15 minutes of complete madness, we clearly dominated," he said. "We had over 30 shots on goal. We created so much in attack."

Of the Azzurrini's awful beginning at the Gelredome, the 22-year-old added: "We had hoped to start the game better. We had ten or 15 minutes of total amnesia in which none of us were on the field. After that initial blackout, in which we jeapordised the result of the game, we hit back. After England's second goal we were a completely different side - the exact opposite of the one on the pitch until then."

And once they had the bit between their teeth, Chiellini believes his team-mates were unstoppable. "Yesterday was the best we have played since Pierluigi Casiraghi took charge nine months ago." They could easily have won, although the defender insists "we can't blame our forwards, they created so many chances".

Italy must now beat the Czech Republic in their third fixture on Sunday and hope Group B winners Serbia deny England victory in order to reach the semi-finals.

"Unfortunately we didn't manage to find a winning goal and now we're hoping that Serbia draw against England in the last game," said Chiellini. "We have to win our last one and then see what happens in the other match. It is not over yet, and you can be sure that we'll give everything we have until the very end."

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Aquilani deflated after draw

2007-06-15T11:46:00.000+01:00

Alberto Aquilani admitted there was "great bitterness" in the Italy camp after a 2-2 draw against England left them facing elimination from the finals.

The midfielder, chosen as Carlsberg Man of the Match, took the corner that led to Italy's first goal and scored the second as they came from 2-0 down to draw at the Gelredome last night. However, for all his contribution to a thrilling contest, he was left downbeat, saying: "There is great bitterness among us. We gave our all in such a big match. We came back from a two-goal deficit and we feel so sad because we could have won."

Having lost their opening game 1-0 against Serbia, Italy go into their final fixture against the Czech Republic on Sunday with destiny no longer in their own hands. To reach the semi-finals, they must beat the Czechs and hope Serbia avoid defeat against England.

The 22-year-old Aquilani said: "I hope Serbia will be at their best and beat England, or at least do their best."

The Roma product demonstrated excellent technique against England with his 69th-minute equaliser also showing his striking ability from distance. Given his all-round excellence, it was no surprise the UEFA Technical Study Group made Aquilani its Man of the Match, for which the player was grateful. He said: "The people who made this choice showed that they know about football but I would have preferred to win the game and not the trophy."

The atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards might not have been inspiring, but Aquilani at least was sure that he and his team-mates had worked hard. "We gave all we had, and from that point of view there is nothing to say," he said.

Coach Pierluigi Casiraghi will require a similar performance from his side against the Czechs and hope Serbia do them a favour.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]

U21 Euro 2007: Matchday 2 Reaction

2007-06-14T22:01:00.000+01:00

England manager Stuart Pearce underlined the positives of tonight's 2-2 draw against Italy in Arnhem which leaves his team second in Group B ahead of their match against already-qualified Serbia. However, Pearce's delight at seeing his men draw a game they had led 2-0 was validated by his opposite number's dismay – Pierluigi Casiraghi conceding this "was a bad result".

The point keeps the Azzurrini one behind England entering the final round of fixtures.

Stuart Pearce (England coach): It's a great result. Just watching it, it was a fantastic spectacle. After the first 20 minutes it might have been five or six-nil. I'm so proud of the players and all credit for Italy coming back. The players should be in that dressing room very proud of the spectacle they put on. It wasn't all about skill - it was about guts and determination. I'd like to have won, we were two up, but I think there's enough bad points to work on ahead of Sunday. It's in our hands now, we're still unbeaten and I hope to remain unbeaten in this tournament.

Pierluigi Casiraghi (Italy coach): It was a bad result. During the first 15 minutes we played badly. We committed a few mistakes, conceded twice and it could have been worse. But we played excellent in the second half, had about 30 shots and could have won. Both teams played tough, attractive football and gave the spectators a match to savour. There were four goals and I think the people here would have enjoyed it.

[U21 Euro 2007 Championship Finals Schedule]