In keeping with the Italian Football Federation's policy of using young national coaches, the Azzurrini's UEFA European Under-17 Championship bid is being led by 39-year-old Luca Gotti as they welcome 2006 runners-up the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Ukraine for Elite round Group 2 from Saturday.
Gotti, a former Milan and Reggina youth coach, took over in September. He had a difficult start but the Azzurrini found form in the qualifying round with 4-0 wins against Malta and Andorra and a goalless draw with Serbia. In January they played two games against a strong Republic of Ireland team, losing 1-0 but then winning 2-0 with goals from Salvatore Caturano and Fernando Forestieri. Caturano scored again in a 2-1 defeat by Russia in February.
Empoli striker Caturano and Lazio centre-back and captain Alessandro Tuia are important players but attention has been on attacking midfielder Forestieri, who scored on his Serie B debut for Genoa against Pescara three days before turning 17, and then led his side to victory in the prestigious Coppa Carnevale youth event.
Born in Argentina, he opted for Italy this summer and scored three times in the qualifying round. "I want to help this side to win the European Championship," Forestieri said. "My real dream is to play a [FIFA] World Cup final with Italy just as [Argentina-born] Mauro Camoranesi did last summer."
Friday, March 23, 2007
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Casiraghi praises Azzurrini form
Azzurrini coach Pierluigi Casiraghi is confident ahead of Saturday’s friendly with England. "I am pleased with the work done."
The Under-21 squad left Italy after a three-day training camp at Borghesiana and will play the last match before the European Championship in Holland in the renovated Wembley Stadium.
"We are in a very good state of form and I am satisfied with what we have done in the past three days," said Casiraghi.
"We will play a match that requires no additional motivations, I am sure the lads will be determined to do well," added the former Lazio man.
"England are a strong side, but we are Italy, a team with many talented players. This test will give us the occasion to see them play and better evaluate their improvements, both as individuals and as a group."
The Under-21 squad left Italy after a three-day training camp at Borghesiana and will play the last match before the European Championship in Holland in the renovated Wembley Stadium.
"We are in a very good state of form and I am satisfied with what we have done in the past three days," said Casiraghi.
"We will play a match that requires no additional motivations, I am sure the lads will be determined to do well," added the former Lazio man.
"England are a strong side, but we are Italy, a team with many talented players. This test will give us the occasion to see them play and better evaluate their improvements, both as individuals and as a group."
Azzurrini suffer Palladino blow
Juventus man Raffaele Palladino has been forced to pull out of Saturday’s Under-21 friendly match with England because of a knee injury.
The in-form striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Bianconeri’s match with Triestina on Monday, has been dealing with the problem in the past few weeks.
But the pain in his right knee has become more acute since meeting up with the Azzurrini, causing Pierluigi Casiraghi to replace him with Parma midfielder Daniele Dessena.
The Gialloblu player will join the rest of the team on Thursday afternoon, when the squad will depart for England.
The in-form striker, who scored a hat-trick in the Bianconeri’s match with Triestina on Monday, has been dealing with the problem in the past few weeks.
But the pain in his right knee has become more acute since meeting up with the Azzurrini, causing Pierluigi Casiraghi to replace him with Parma midfielder Daniele Dessena.
The Gialloblu player will join the rest of the team on Thursday afternoon, when the squad will depart for England.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Pancalli: Donadoni "untouchable"
Italian Football Federation (FIGC) commissioner Luca Pancalli has given his unequivocal backing to under-fire coach Roberto Donadoni.
Donadoni has found his position called into question following a series of disappointing results and less than convincing performances since he succeeded Marcello Lippi last summer.
The Azzurri take on Scotland next Wednesday in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari and, with Donadoni's side trailing the Scots and France in their qualification group, more dropped points would only increase the pressure on the former Livorno coach.
Pancalli is adamant that Donadoni is the man to lead his nation, however, and has stressed the benefits of continuity.
"Donadoni is untouchable," declared Pancalli. "I've complete faith in him and at this moment the team needs continuity and not disruption."
Donadoni has found his position called into question following a series of disappointing results and less than convincing performances since he succeeded Marcello Lippi last summer.
The Azzurri take on Scotland next Wednesday in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari and, with Donadoni's side trailing the Scots and France in their qualification group, more dropped points would only increase the pressure on the former Livorno coach.
Pancalli is adamant that Donadoni is the man to lead his nation, however, and has stressed the benefits of continuity.
"Donadoni is untouchable," declared Pancalli. "I've complete faith in him and at this moment the team needs continuity and not disruption."
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Tonetto: Azzurri take the years off
Max Tonetto insists he does not feel his age despite being the third oldest player to receive a debut Italian international call.
"To go through this experience at the age of 32 is marvellous, but I still feel like I’m 20," said the Roma left-back. "I hope it can all continue like this."
If he plays against Scotland on March 28, Tonetto will be 32 years, four months and 10 days old. Only Mauro Tassotti and Leandro Remondini were older when they got their first caps.
"It is an immense joy to be here and I hope I will have the opportunity to play. I must thank coach Luciano Spalletti, who put his faith in me from the start.
"I also owe so much to Roma, who allowed me to play in the Champions League and therefore gave me international visibility."
The former Sampdoria defender only joined the Giallorossi in the summer, but has become a firm fixture in the squad that has reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the call was not entirely a surprise, as there had long been reports that Roberto Donadoni would bring in Tonetto. "All week there was talk of my possible Azzurri call. Fortunately it happened, otherwise my friends and teammates would have made fun of me for years!"
"To go through this experience at the age of 32 is marvellous, but I still feel like I’m 20," said the Roma left-back. "I hope it can all continue like this."
If he plays against Scotland on March 28, Tonetto will be 32 years, four months and 10 days old. Only Mauro Tassotti and Leandro Remondini were older when they got their first caps.
"It is an immense joy to be here and I hope I will have the opportunity to play. I must thank coach Luciano Spalletti, who put his faith in me from the start.
"I also owe so much to Roma, who allowed me to play in the Champions League and therefore gave me international visibility."
The former Sampdoria defender only joined the Giallorossi in the summer, but has become a firm fixture in the squad that has reached the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the call was not entirely a surprise, as there had long been reports that Roberto Donadoni would bring in Tonetto. "All week there was talk of my possible Azzurri call. Fortunately it happened, otherwise my friends and teammates would have made fun of me for years!"
Casiraghi excited ahead of Wembley match
Pierluigi Casiraghi and Gianfranco Zola are excited as the Italian Under-21 squad prepares to open the new Wembley Stadium.
"There will be 60,000 spectators, so it’s going to be the biggest crowd the Under-21 side has ever played for," said coach Casiraghi ahead of Saturday’s friendly against their English counterparts.
"It will be very exciting, especially for the lads, and I’m sure this kind of atmosphere will really motivate them to do well."
Casiraghi is not new to London, as he played for Chelsea and was present when Italy beat England at the old Wembley in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. His assistant, Zola - another former Chelsea player, scored the only goal.
"This match has more to it than merely an exhibition, as it will be an opportunity for me to evaluate individual members of my team," continued the tactician.
"It will also give me the chance to get a close look at England, who will be our opponents in the group phase of the European Championships in June. Our objective is to be protagonists in that tournament."
Zola is confident that one man will stand out for the Azzurrini this weekend, especially after bagging a hat-trick for Juventus in the 5-1 victory over Triestina.
"Technically, Raffaele Palladino is incredibly strong. It’s easy to predict a great future ahead of him. By the way he moves he reminds me of Marco Van Basten, but he is also able to go deep and adapt to different attacking roles."
Palladino is expected to start upfront against England, although Cesena forward Graziano Pelle is also hoping for an appearance.
"I read up all the statistics on the new Wembley and it will be very exciting to play in front of 60,000 people with the Azzurri jersey," said the striker. "When they told me the number of tickets that had been sold for an international Under-21 friendly, I got goosebumps."
"There will be 60,000 spectators, so it’s going to be the biggest crowd the Under-21 side has ever played for," said coach Casiraghi ahead of Saturday’s friendly against their English counterparts.
"It will be very exciting, especially for the lads, and I’m sure this kind of atmosphere will really motivate them to do well."
Casiraghi is not new to London, as he played for Chelsea and was present when Italy beat England at the old Wembley in the 1998 World Cup qualifiers. His assistant, Zola - another former Chelsea player, scored the only goal.
"This match has more to it than merely an exhibition, as it will be an opportunity for me to evaluate individual members of my team," continued the tactician.
"It will also give me the chance to get a close look at England, who will be our opponents in the group phase of the European Championships in June. Our objective is to be protagonists in that tournament."
Zola is confident that one man will stand out for the Azzurrini this weekend, especially after bagging a hat-trick for Juventus in the 5-1 victory over Triestina.
"Technically, Raffaele Palladino is incredibly strong. It’s easy to predict a great future ahead of him. By the way he moves he reminds me of Marco Van Basten, but he is also able to go deep and adapt to different attacking roles."
Palladino is expected to start upfront against England, although Cesena forward Graziano Pelle is also hoping for an appearance.
"I read up all the statistics on the new Wembley and it will be very exciting to play in front of 60,000 people with the Azzurri jersey," said the striker. "When they told me the number of tickets that had been sold for an international Under-21 friendly, I got goosebumps."
Donadoni looks ahead to crucial match
Roberto Donadoni has discussed tactics and squad selection ahead of the Azzurri’s clash with Scotland next week.
Donadoni gave a press conference at the Coverciano training camp in Florence today where his squad are preparing for the qualifier at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola on Wednesday March 28.
The definitive list of 20 players making the trip to Bari will be released on Friday, but prior to that the ex-Livorno boss has work to do.
Scotland face Georgia on Saturday in Alex McLeish’s first game at the helm and Donadoni is keen to know how the new man will manage the side.
"I want to go to Glasgow on Saturday morning to watch Scotland as we know nothing about the new coach," he revealed.
As for the formation, Donadoni’s main decision is whether to employ a striking trident or settle for two front men.
"It depends on the players. I’m trying to field a balanced side and I need strikers who can defend as well," he explained. "Three strikers who can cover and mark doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of balance."
One of Donadoni’s major worries will be a lack of cohesion within the side. As the scheduled friendly with Romania was cancelled, the Azzurri haven’t played since November’s 1-1 friendly with Turkey.
"I don’t want to make excuses, but it’s a handicap not having played for so long," admits Donadoni. "Because of what happened [in Catania] I’ve made not one but three steps backwards."
Before leaving for an afternoon training session, Donadoni answered questions on the absence of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, as well as the inclusion of Alessandro Del Piero.
"When Totti makes himself available and resolves all his physical problems, I’ll decide if he should be in the team. For now my attention is elsewhere and I get tired of repeating these answers," he stated wearily.
"Cassano’s taking the chances that [Fabio] Capello gives him but we’ll have to see if he can become more consistent and as for Del Piero, if I thought he was finished he wouldn’t be here.
"He can play a role for the national side and earn his place. He’s playing in Serie B but his past speaks for itself."
Donadoni gave a press conference at the Coverciano training camp in Florence today where his squad are preparing for the qualifier at Bari’s Stadio San Nicola on Wednesday March 28.
The definitive list of 20 players making the trip to Bari will be released on Friday, but prior to that the ex-Livorno boss has work to do.
Scotland face Georgia on Saturday in Alex McLeish’s first game at the helm and Donadoni is keen to know how the new man will manage the side.
"I want to go to Glasgow on Saturday morning to watch Scotland as we know nothing about the new coach," he revealed.
As for the formation, Donadoni’s main decision is whether to employ a striking trident or settle for two front men.
"It depends on the players. I’m trying to field a balanced side and I need strikers who can defend as well," he explained. "Three strikers who can cover and mark doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of balance."
One of Donadoni’s major worries will be a lack of cohesion within the side. As the scheduled friendly with Romania was cancelled, the Azzurri haven’t played since November’s 1-1 friendly with Turkey.
"I don’t want to make excuses, but it’s a handicap not having played for so long," admits Donadoni. "Because of what happened [in Catania] I’ve made not one but three steps backwards."
Before leaving for an afternoon training session, Donadoni answered questions on the absence of Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano, as well as the inclusion of Alessandro Del Piero.
"When Totti makes himself available and resolves all his physical problems, I’ll decide if he should be in the team. For now my attention is elsewhere and I get tired of repeating these answers," he stated wearily.
"Cassano’s taking the chances that [Fabio] Capello gives him but we’ll have to see if he can become more consistent and as for Del Piero, if I thought he was finished he wouldn’t be here.
"He can play a role for the national side and earn his place. He’s playing in Serie B but his past speaks for itself."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Quagliarella enjoys Azzurri call
Sampdoria hitman Fabio Quagliarella could not hide his satisfaction after his maiden call-up for Roberto Donadoni’s Italy squad.
The Azzurri will host the Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland at Bari on March 28 and the 23-year-old was one of the new faces on the list, along with Roma full-back Max Tonetto.
"I hope this is only the beginning, I don’t want to consider the call-up a finishing point," Quagliarella told Radio Radio.
"I am very relaxed, I am aware of what is happening. I won’t let this go to my head, I still have a long road ahead of me," added the Blucerchiato, who scored his 11th goal this season against Palermo on Saturday.
"This is a dream come true. Six or seven months ago I was cheering for the Nazionale in Germany and now I am here, it’s an enormous satisfaction for me.
"This is one of those things you dream of when you are a kid, to play in Serie A and appear at least once with the Azzurri, I hope this is just the beginning."
Sampdoria are currently in eighth position with 35 points and Quagliarella believes that the Genoa-based club can do well, although he does not want to guarantee that he will remain in Liguria next season.
"We can fight for a UEFA Cup spot, although it is logical that I would like to win something important. I would like to stay here for some time, but I have no news yet," explained the player, who is co-owned by Udinese.
"I asked my agent to not tell me anything. I want to focus on playing, all the rest can be postponed to June. My preferred destination? I have always been a Napoli fan," revealed the Blucerchiato.
The Azzurri will host the Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland at Bari on March 28 and the 23-year-old was one of the new faces on the list, along with Roma full-back Max Tonetto.
"I hope this is only the beginning, I don’t want to consider the call-up a finishing point," Quagliarella told Radio Radio.
"I am very relaxed, I am aware of what is happening. I won’t let this go to my head, I still have a long road ahead of me," added the Blucerchiato, who scored his 11th goal this season against Palermo on Saturday.
"This is a dream come true. Six or seven months ago I was cheering for the Nazionale in Germany and now I am here, it’s an enormous satisfaction for me.
"This is one of those things you dream of when you are a kid, to play in Serie A and appear at least once with the Azzurri, I hope this is just the beginning."
Sampdoria are currently in eighth position with 35 points and Quagliarella believes that the Genoa-based club can do well, although he does not want to guarantee that he will remain in Liguria next season.
"We can fight for a UEFA Cup spot, although it is logical that I would like to win something important. I would like to stay here for some time, but I have no news yet," explained the player, who is co-owned by Udinese.
"I asked my agent to not tell me anything. I want to focus on playing, all the rest can be postponed to June. My preferred destination? I have always been a Napoli fan," revealed the Blucerchiato.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
Donadoni names two new faces to play Scots
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has handed first call-ups to Roma defender Max Tonetto and Sampdoria forward Fabio Quagliarella ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland.
With injuries keeping Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Grosso out of contention, Tonetto has been included in Donadoni's 25-man squad for the encounter in Bari's Stadio San Nicola on March 28.
Tonetto is a late-comer to the international scene at the age of 32. He has been a regular for Roma this season in Serie A and the Champions League.
The absence of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta through injury and playmaker Francesco Totti, who is unavailable for national team duty until September, has forced Donadoni to call on the services of 23-year-old Quagliarella.
The Samp hitman has scored 11 league goals this season including one in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Palermo.
Post-World Cup picks Tommaso Rocchi of Lazio, Chievo’s Franco Semioli, on-form Udinese star Antonio Di Natale and Lazio's creative midfielder Stefano Mauri retain their spots. Milan’s Daniele Bonera is also included in the squad.
The good news for Donadoni is that captain Fabio Cannavaro will be available having shaken off a muscular injury.
The Azzurri will begin training at their Coverciano headquarters in Florence on Monday morning for four days of work, will have the weekend free and return together on Monday.
The World Champions are currently two points behind Group B leaders France and Scotland after four games played.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Christian Abbiati (Torino).
Defenders: Max Tonetto (Roma), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Daniele Bonera (Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennnaro Gattuso (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus).
Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese).
Alex McLeish named a 26-man squad for his first games in charge of Scotland in the qualifiers against Georgia and the Azzurri on 24 and 28 March.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Cardiff City), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Iain Turner (Everton).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston North End), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Jackie McNamara (Wolverhampton), Graeme Murty (Reading), Gary Naysmith (Everton), Steven Pressley (Celtic), David Weir (Rangers).
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Hibernian), Chris Burke (Rangers), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Wigan), Nigel Quashie (West Ham), Scott Severin (Aberdeen), Gary Teale (Derby County).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (Celtic), Kris Boyd (Rangers), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Celtic).
With injuries keeping Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Grosso out of contention, Tonetto has been included in Donadoni's 25-man squad for the encounter in Bari's Stadio San Nicola on March 28.
Tonetto is a late-comer to the international scene at the age of 32. He has been a regular for Roma this season in Serie A and the Champions League.
The absence of striker Vincenzo Iaquinta through injury and playmaker Francesco Totti, who is unavailable for national team duty until September, has forced Donadoni to call on the services of 23-year-old Quagliarella.
The Samp hitman has scored 11 league goals this season including one in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Palermo.
Post-World Cup picks Tommaso Rocchi of Lazio, Chievo’s Franco Semioli, on-form Udinese star Antonio Di Natale and Lazio's creative midfielder Stefano Mauri retain their spots. Milan’s Daniele Bonera is also included in the squad.
The good news for Donadoni is that captain Fabio Cannavaro will be available having shaken off a muscular injury.
The Azzurri will begin training at their Coverciano headquarters in Florence on Monday morning for four days of work, will have the weekend free and return together on Monday.
The World Champions are currently two points behind Group B leaders France and Scotland after four games played.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Marco Amelia (Livorno), Christian Abbiati (Torino).
Defenders: Max Tonetto (Roma), Massimo Oddo (Milan), Gianluca Zambrotta (Barcelona), Andrea Barzagli (Palermo), Marco Materazzi (Inter), Fabio Cannavaro (Real Madrid), Daniele Bonera (Milan), Manuel Pasqual (Fiorentina).
Midfielders: Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Massimo Ambrosini (Milan), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Gennnaro Gattuso (Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Milan), Franco Semioli (Chievo), Simone Perrotta (Roma), Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus).
Forwards: Fabio Quagliarella (Sampdoria), Tommaso Rocchi (Lazio), Luca Toni (Fiorentina), Alberto Gilardino (Milan), Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese).
Alex McLeish named a 26-man squad for his first games in charge of Scotland in the qualifiers against Georgia and the Azzurri on 24 and 28 March.
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers: Neil Alexander (Cardiff City), Craig Gordon (Hearts), Allan McGregor (Rangers), Iain Turner (Everton).
Defenders: Graham Alexander (Preston North End), Russell Anderson (Aberdeen), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Christian Dailly (West Ham), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Jackie McNamara (Wolverhampton), Graeme Murty (Reading), Gary Naysmith (Everton), Steven Pressley (Celtic), David Weir (Rangers).
Midfielders: Scott Brown (Hibernian), Chris Burke (Rangers), Barry Ferguson (Rangers), Paul Hartley (Celtic), Lee McCulloch (Wigan), Nigel Quashie (West Ham), Scott Severin (Aberdeen), Gary Teale (Derby County).
Forwards: Craig Beattie (Celtic), Kris Boyd (Rangers), Shaun Maloney (Aston Villa), Kenny Miller (Celtic).
Friday, March 16, 2007
Casiraghi names U-21 squad
Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has named a strong 21-man squad for next Saturday’s friendly against England as the Azzurrini continue to build towards this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
Empoli defender Andrea Raggi is the only new face in the squad for the first fixture at the new Wembley Stadium in London on March 24.
The 22-year-old will look to impress Casiraghi having already made 25 Serie A appearances for surprise package Empoli this season. "It will be a great game both because of the importance of Wembley and because we will face England again in the finals," said Casiraghi. "It will be a very good experience for us."
The squad is scheduled to meet up on Tuesday evening at La Borghesiana in Rome and will leave for England on March 22.
All 60,000 tickets available for the friendly were sold out almost immediately.
Italy will play in this summer's European Championships in the Netherlands between June 10 to 23. The five-time European champions will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Inter), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Alessandro Potenza (Fiorentina), Andrea Raggi (Empoli).
Midfielders: Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pelle (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma).
England manager Stuart Pearce will only lead the team at the Finals in the summer as he has club duty with Manchester City. His assistant Nigel Pearson named the squad for the friendly and will be caretaker manager against the Azzurrini.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Queen's Park Rangers), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Liam Rosenior (Fulham), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle).
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), James Milner (Newcastle), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Fulham).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston North End), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
Empoli defender Andrea Raggi is the only new face in the squad for the first fixture at the new Wembley Stadium in London on March 24.
The 22-year-old will look to impress Casiraghi having already made 25 Serie A appearances for surprise package Empoli this season. "It will be a great game both because of the importance of Wembley and because we will face England again in the finals," said Casiraghi. "It will be a very good experience for us."
The squad is scheduled to meet up on Tuesday evening at La Borghesiana in Rome and will leave for England on March 22.
All 60,000 tickets available for the friendly were sold out almost immediately.
Italy will play in this summer's European Championships in the Netherlands between June 10 to 23. The five-time European champions will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Emiliano Viviano (Brescia).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Inter), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Alessandro Potenza (Fiorentina), Andrea Raggi (Empoli).
Midfielders: Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).
Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pelle (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma).
England manager Stuart Pearce will only lead the team at the Finals in the summer as he has club duty with Manchester City. His assistant Nigel Pearson named the squad for the friendly and will be caretaker manager against the Azzurrini.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Alnwick (Tottenham), Lee Camp (Queen's Park Rangers), Joe Hart (Manchester City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Wigan), Gary Cahill (Aston Villa), Curtis Davies (West Brom), Anton Ferdinand (West Ham), Justin Hoyte (Arsenal), Liam Rosenior (Fulham), Andrew Taylor (Middlesbrough), Steven Taylor (Newcastle).
Midfielders: David Bentley (Blackburn), Lee Cattermole (Middlesbrough), Tom Huddlestone (Tottenham), James Milner (Newcastle), Nigel Reo-Coker (West Ham), Kieran Richardson (Manchester United), Wayne Routledge (Fulham).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn), Leroy Lita (Reading), David Nugent (Preston North End), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Italy ousted by Argentina
Italy’s leadership of the FIFA World Rankings has lasted just a month as Argentina have now taken top spot.
The Azzurri had brought Brazil’s 55-month run as leaders to an end in February, to head the list for the first time since November 1993.
However, Argentina have now ousted the Azzurri, thanks to the 1-0 victory over France in February, and lead the rankings for the very first time since its introduction.
The World Champions remain above Brazil who are now third ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Bari on March 28.
Apart from that, and Brazil’s consequent drop to third, there were no other changes in the top 10. The next FIFA World Rankings will be published on April 18, 2007.
Top 10:
1 (3) Argentina – 1,616 points
2 (1) Italy – 1,592
3 (2) Brazil – 1,557
4 (4) France – 1,515
5 (5) Germany – 1,390
6 (6) England – 1,339
7 (7) Netherlands – 1,313
8 (9) Portugal – 1,288
9 (10) Czech Republic – 1,195
10 (12) Spain – 1,161
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings >>>
The Azzurri had brought Brazil’s 55-month run as leaders to an end in February, to head the list for the first time since November 1993.
However, Argentina have now ousted the Azzurri, thanks to the 1-0 victory over France in February, and lead the rankings for the very first time since its introduction.
The World Champions remain above Brazil who are now third ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Bari on March 28.
Apart from that, and Brazil’s consequent drop to third, there were no other changes in the top 10. The next FIFA World Rankings will be published on April 18, 2007.
Top 10:
1 (3) Argentina – 1,616 points
2 (1) Italy – 1,592
3 (2) Brazil – 1,557
4 (4) France – 1,515
5 (5) Germany – 1,390
6 (6) England – 1,339
7 (7) Netherlands – 1,313
8 (9) Portugal – 1,288
9 (10) Czech Republic – 1,195
10 (12) Spain – 1,161
FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings >>>
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Azzurrini to play England U21 friendly at new Wembley
Italy Under-21's coach Pierluigi Casiraghi will have one final friendly test against England at the new Wembley Stadium before the UEFA Under-21's European Championships begin in the Netherlands in June.
The English Football Association confirmed that the construction firm rebuilding the £757m stadium had finally handed over the keys to them, and the match between the two nations will be one of the 'test events' at the stadium before it can stage the FA Cup Final in May. The completion of the venue is more than a year late, having been scheduled for January 2006, and the cost of the project has increased dramatically.
Casiraghi and Stuart Pearce's sides, who have been grouped together for the Finals this summer, will meet on Saturday 24 March with the kick-off at 12.30pm (UK Time). Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale at midday on Monday 12 March and the capacity will be limited to a maximum of 60,000, rather than the full 90,000.
The Azzurrini have not played a game since winning 2-0 against Luxembourg last December in Vibo Valentia. Their last friendly was set to be a test against their Belgian counterparts in Chieti on February 6, but that was postponed following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti in the Sicilian Derby violence.
Casiraghi will name his squad for the England friendly on Friday 16 March, and the squad will meet up in Rome on Tuesday 20 March before they fly to London on Thursday 22 March.
The Finals will take place between June 10 to 23 and the five-time champions will also face Serbia and the Czech Republic in their Group.
The English Football Association confirmed that the construction firm rebuilding the £757m stadium had finally handed over the keys to them, and the match between the two nations will be one of the 'test events' at the stadium before it can stage the FA Cup Final in May. The completion of the venue is more than a year late, having been scheduled for January 2006, and the cost of the project has increased dramatically.Casiraghi and Stuart Pearce's sides, who have been grouped together for the Finals this summer, will meet on Saturday 24 March with the kick-off at 12.30pm (UK Time). Tickets will be £10 each and go on sale at midday on Monday 12 March and the capacity will be limited to a maximum of 60,000, rather than the full 90,000.
The Azzurrini have not played a game since winning 2-0 against Luxembourg last December in Vibo Valentia. Their last friendly was set to be a test against their Belgian counterparts in Chieti on February 6, but that was postponed following the death of police officer Filippo Raciti in the Sicilian Derby violence.
Casiraghi will name his squad for the England friendly on Friday 16 March, and the squad will meet up in Rome on Tuesday 20 March before they fly to London on Thursday 22 March.
The Finals will take place between June 10 to 23 and the five-time champions will also face Serbia and the Czech Republic in their Group.
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