Italy top World Rankings!

Italy have jumped over Brazil to lead the FIFA World Rankings for the first time since November 1993.

The Azzurri have brought the Selecao’s 55-month run as leaders to an end after the South American nation lost 2-0 to Portugal last week.

The World Cup winners were scheduled to play a friendly with Romania seven days ago, but the match was cancelled after rioting fans in Catania killed a policeman following a Serie A match.

Reacting to the news, World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has spoken of his pride at topping the rankings for the first time in 14 years.

"I am obviously satisfied with this achievement that was prompted by the World Cup victory and probably also Brazil’s recent defeat to Portugal," said the former tactician.

The Azzurri leapfrogged past Brazil in the standings this month despite a stuttering reign under new coach Roberto Donadoni, who took over following Lippi’s resignation.

"We are once again leading the world and that is certainly a very important recognition for our football. All of us have reason to be extremely proud."

There are no other changes in the top five with Argentina, France and Germany all trailing Brazil in second. Spain have returned to the top 10 for the first time since October last year.

The next FIFA World Rankings will be published on March 14, 2007.

Top 10:
1 (2) Italy – 1,562 points
2 (1) Brazil – 1,540
3 (3) Argentina – 1,535
4 (4) France – 1,496
5 (5) Germany – 1,359
6 (6) England – 1,330
7 (7) Netherlands – 1,312
8 (9) Portugal – 1,262
9 (10) Czech Republic – 1,193
10 (12) Spain – 1,161

FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings >>>


EDIT: 14/03/07 - Italy’s leadership of the FIFA World Rankings lasted just a month as Argentina took top spot in March. Full Story >>>

Azzurrini learn Euro 2009 qualifying fate

Italy will face Croatia, Greece, Albania, Azerbaijan and the Faroe Islands in the qualifying stages for the 2009 U-21 European Championship Finals.

The draw took place in Stockholm on Tuesday and the matches will begin before the start of the 2007 Finals in the Netherlands this summer.

Sweden, as hosts, qualify automatically and are the only side guaranteed a place in the eight-team event, while the 10 group winners and four best second-placed sides in the group stage will qualify for the two-legged play-offs – scheduled for October 2008.

"We were drawn in the only six-team group and therefore we will have two extra matches to play compared to the other sides," said Azzurrini boss Pierluigi Casiraghi. "Ours isn’t an easy group.

"The friendly with Croatia represented my debut on the Italy bench and I remember it ended with a goalless draw.

"I also played against then when I was a player, their tactics are very similar to ours.

"Greece are also dangerous opponents and I am sure they can do well, especially after the Olympic Games in Athens."

The Azzurrini have qualified for the final phase of this year’s tournament, which will take place from June 10 to June 23.

Group 1:
Italy
Croatia
Greece
Albania
Azerbaijan
Faroe Islands

Group 2:
Czech Republic
Ukraine
Turkey
Armenia
Liechtenstein

Group 3:
Portugal
England
Bulgaria
Republic of Ireland
Montenegro

Group 4:
Spain
Russia
Poland
Georgia
Kazakhstan

Group 5:
Netherlands
Switzerland
Norway
Macedonia
Estonia

Group 6:
Denmark
Slovenia
Lithuania
Finland
Scotland

Group 7:
Belgium
Slovakia
Iceland
Austria
Cyprus

Group 8:
Serbia
Hungary
Belarus
Latvia
San Marino

Group 9:
Germany
Israel
Moldova
Northern Ireland
Luxembourg

Group 10:
France
Romania
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Wales
Malta

Italian Football suspended following violence

Italy's international and domestic football Championships have been suspended indefinitely after the death of a policeman at a Serie A match in Sicily on Friday.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Luca Pancalli declared that all the weekend's matches in Serie A and Serie B were suspended, then clarified that the suspension was "indefinite".

Gigi Riva, a coach for Italy's national team, told Italian TV the suspension also applied to the national teams. The World Champions were scheduled to play a friendly match with Romania in Siena next Wednesday.

The Italy Under-21's game against Belgium in Chieti on Tuesday has also been cancelled.

The incidents will no doubt harm Italy's bid to host the 2012 European Championships. UEFA will announce the hosts of the 2012 tournament at the end of April.

Read full story here >>>

Casiraghi names U-21 squad

Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has named a strong 20-man squad for next Tuesday’s friendly against Belgium as the Azzurrini continue to build towards the summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Among the selection for the fixture at the Stadio Guido Angelini in Chieti is forward Giuseppe Rossi, who celebrated his 20th birthday on Thursday and is in fine goalscoring form for Parma since returning to the club on loan from Manchester United last month.

Arsenal forward Arturo Lupoli, on loan at Derby County, has been confirmed in the squad after his debut in the 2-0 win over Luxembourg in December, when he became the first striker to score under the reign of Casiraghi. Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino makes his return after missing the last tie, but Bianconeri youngsters Paolo De Ceglie and Claudio Marchisio have been ignored.

The fact that Torino wizard Alessandro Rosina has been called up suggests that he won’t win his first call-up to the full squad for the friendly against Romania next Wednesday.

Defenders Marco Andeolli and Giorgio Chiellini, along with midfielder Alberto Aquilani, are missing because of injury.

Italy have qualified for next 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: Andrea Coda (Udinese), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Andrea Mantovani (Chievo), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Udinese), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari), Alessandro Potenza (Fiorentina).

Midfielders: Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Andrea Lazzari (Piacenza), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Antonio Nocerino (Piacenza), Simone Padoin (Vicenza), Alessandro Rosina (Torino).

Forwards: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Raffaele Palladino (Juventus), Giampaolo Pazzini (Fiorentina), Graziano Pelle' (Cesena), Giuseppe Rossi (Parma).

Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!

Goodbye to an amazing year that saw the Azzurri win their fourth World Cup and Serie A crash into turmoil with the Calciopoli scandal. Let's hope 2007 only brings headlines on the field!

World Cup Review >>>
Calciopoli Review >>>

U21: Italy v Luxembourg

12 December 2006: Italy U21 2-0 Luxembourg U21 (Vibo Valentia)
Arturo Lupoli and Gabriele Paonessa scored on their Italy Under-21 debuts as an experimental Azzurrini side defeated Luxembourg 2-0 in a friendly at the Stadio Luigi Razza in Vibo Valentia.

It took only 13 minutes for Derby County striker Lupoli to register his first goal for the U21s. The 19-year-old, who is on loan at Derby from Arsenal, received a pass just outside Luxembourg's penalty area and broke the deadlock with a powerful left-foot shot.

The visitors had the opportunity to equalise in the early stages of the second half when they were awarded a penalty for a handball by Marco Motta. However, Roma goalkeeper Gianluca Curci dived to his right to save Jerome Bigard's shot and spare Motta's blushes. Seven minutes from time Andrea Russotto split Luxembourg's defence with a fine pass into the path of second-half substitute Paonessa, of Vicenza, who made no mistake from close range.

The Azzurrini, five-time European champions, are preparing for the European Under 21's Championship Finals which begin on June 10, 2007 in the Netherlands.

U21: Casiraghi shuffles his pack…

Italy Under-21 coach Pierluigi Casiraghi has named an experimental squad for the friendly against Luxembourg in Vibo Valentia on 12 December.

Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli, on loan at Derby County, is one of 12 new faces in the fold. Promising Juventus youngsters Paolo De Ceglie and Claudio Marchisio, as well as Raffaele De Martino of Udinese and Valerio Virga of Roma, are among the other debutants.

Empoli defender Lino Marzoratti had already been included once in the squad, but has never actually had a chance to play with the outfit.

The Azzurrini are preparing for the European Under-21's Championship in the Netherlands next summer, and Casiraghi says: "It will be a good opportunity to see players who will also be eligible for the Under-21s after the European Championship next summer."

The five-time champions will face England, Serbia and the Czech Republic in Group B.

Squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Gianluca Curci (Roma), Daniele Padelli (Crotone).
Defenders: Marco Andreolli (Inter), Michele Canini (Cagliari), Domenico Criscito (Genoa), Lino Marzoratti (Empoli), Marco Motta (Udinese), Francesco Pisano (Cagliari).
Midfielders: Ignazio Abate (Modena), Simone Bentivoglio (Modena), Paolo De Ceglie (Juventus), Raffaele De Martino (Udinese), Marino Defendi (Atalanta), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Valerio Virga (Roma).
Strikers: Arturo Lupoli (Derby County), Michele Paolucci (Ascoli), Gabriele Paonessa (Vicenza), Nicola Pozzi (Empoli), Andrea Russotto (Treviso).

European Under-21's Championship Draw >>>

Lippi's international ambition

Marcello Lippi admits he received many offers after the World Cup triumph and would be willing to take charge of another national side.

“Several proposals came in, all from overseas, including some non-European clubs,” revealed the former Italy boss.

“My intention is to resume my activity in the 2007-08 season, so I’ll only make my decision in May. Would I go on another international bench? If there was an offer then I’d certainly consider it.”

Lippi has won every trophy available at club level with Juventus and conquered the 2006 World Cup in Germany before quitting the Azzurri.

He took a year off to rest and relax, rejecting a bid from the Mexican national team to sign him up this summer.

Most recently he has been linked with the Milan bench, Napoli and even Spain or England if results continue to disappoint.

The tactician spoke to journalists during today’s presentation of a new book about the Germany 2006 triumph, titled La Squadra. It was co-written between Lippi and journalist Rosa Alberoni.

Lippi pleased with Cannavaro award

Italy's World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi believes Fabio Cannavaro deserved to pick up the Ballon D'Or.

Lippi was delighted with the news the Azzurri captain and Real Madrid central defender had been named European Footballer of the Year on Monday, with Juvegoalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon runner-up.

"To have Cannavaro win the award and Buffon finish second is just the cherry on the cake in what has been an exceptional year for us," said Lippi. "It is as though Cannavaro has collected the award on behalf of all the players that won the World Cup."

Cannavaro became the first defender to win France Football magazine's prestigious award since Matthias Sammer in 1996, edging Buffon and Arsenal and France striker Thierry Henry, who came in third.

"I am not surprised that the award has been given to a defender," said Lippi. "The award is given to a player who has proved outstanding in a team, regardless of the role he plays."

Buffon was gracious in defeat for the prestigious accolade, which is voted for by a selection of European football journalists.

"Fabio has won because he was simply the best," he said. "He gave more superior performances than anyone else. I really didn't expect to get so close, although I did want to finish in the top three."

The Italy goalkeeper has not given up hope of taking home the award in the future. "I see no reason why this couldn't happen to me in the future," he added. "I will try, sooner or later it will happen."


Cannavaro wins Ballon d'Or >>>
Cannavaro nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year >>>
Cannavaro named in FifPro World XI team >>>

U-21 Championship: Draw Reaction

Pierluigi Casiraghi's Italy have been drawn in Group B of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship along with England, Czech Republic and Serbia. After the draw in Arnhem, the Azzurrini coach reflected on a tough group as did his counterparts...

Pierluigi Casiraghi (Italy coach): The two groups are equal because there are eight quality teams involved. I don’t think one team is stronger than any of the others. It’s very difficult being a coach to a player. When you play there is only one side to the game, playing your best for 90 minutes. As coach it is 24/7, thinking about the team, training, matches. It’s my first experience of such an important tournament but I will approach it thinking this will be a great experience for me.

Miroslav Djukic (Serbia coach): The group is very difficult, you could say the favourites are England and Italy, but I believe in my players and I’m sure we’ll do well. The English squad is very good, especially in attack where they have great pace, particularly [Theo] Walcott. We all know Italy, always a hard team to play against, a very competitive team who are strong on the counterattack. We played a friendly against the Czech Republic but this time it will be completely different as there is a lot at stake. We believe we can reach the semi-finals, but know it will be difficult to do so

Ray Clemence (England assistant): Italy have an incredible record so they will be the favourites in this group. There are two teams to qualify and three very enjoyable, but very difficult, games in prospect for England. It’s very, very important to qualify for these tournaments because this is about the development of international players. Moving up at any age, whether you’re 17 or a senior, is always a big step.

Ladislav Skorpil (Czech Republic coach): We didn’t expect an easy draw because of the talent on show. We hope to be good competitors and obviously hope we will qualify for the knockout rounds.

U-21 Championship: The Finals Draw

This is the draw for the 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Finals made in Arnhem last November. Five-times European Champions Italy, unseeded for this tournament, have been placed in Group B along with Czech Repuclic, England and Serbia.

Group A
1. Netherlands
2. Israel
3. Portugal
4. Belgium

Group B
1. Czech Republic
2. England
3. Serbia
4. Italy

Pierluigi Casiraghi's Azzurrini will start the campaign against Serbia on Monday 11 June in Nijmegen. That will be followed by England on Thursday 14 June and Czech Republic on Sunday 17 June, both in Arnhem.

The tournament kicks-off in Heerenveen on June 10 2007, with the hosts the Netherlands playing Israel. The Final will take place in Groningen on June 23 2007.

Casiraghi and his counterparts have reflected on this tough draw. Read their views here >>>

The tournament will be shown live and exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK.


Full Schedule (All kick-off times are UK Time):
Sun 10 June:
Group A - Netherlands v Israel - 1715 - Abe Lenstra, Heerenveen
Group A - Portugal v Belgium - 1945 - Euroborg, Groningen

Mon 11 June:
Group B - Czech Republic v England - 1715 - Gelredome, Arnhem
Group B - Serbia v Italy - 1945 - Goffert, Nijmegen

Wed 13 June:
Group A - Israel v Belgium - 1715 - Abe Lenstra, Heerenveen
Group A - Netherlands v Portugal - 1945 - Euroborg, Groningen

Thu 14 June:
Group B - Czech Republic v Serbia - 1715 - Goffert, Nijmegen
Group B - England v Italy - 1945 - Gelredome, Arnhem

Sat 16 June:
Group A - Belgium v Netherlands - 1945 - Abe Lenstra, Heerenveen
Group A - Israel v Portugal - 1945 - Euroborg, Groningen

Sun 17 June:
Group B - Italy v Czech Republic - 1945 - Gelredome, Arnhem
Group B - England v Serbia - 1945 - Goffert, Nijmegen

Wed 20 June:
SF 1 - 1st A v 2nd B - 1715 - Abe Lenstra, Heerenveen
SF 2 - 1st B v 2nd A - 1945 - Gelredome, Arnhem

Thu 21 June:
Olympic Games Play-off * - 3rd A v 3rd B - 1945 - Goffert, Nijmegen

Sat 23 June:
Final - Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 - 1945 - Euroborg, Groningen


* The top two from each Group will progress to the semi-finals and qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in China. However, if England reach the last four, there will be a play-off on June 21 between the two teams finishing third in the group stage for the remaining berth, as England are not eligible for the Olympics.

U-17: Italy and Serbia through

Italy and Serbia grabbed the two Elite round berths on offer in the last UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifying round group - and their wins against Andorra and Malta were good news for Wales.

Before Group 4 started, Wales were the third-placed team from the eleven pools already completed with the best record against the top two in their mini-tournament. And after Italy and Serbia had each overcome both Andorra and the Maltese hosts on Friday and Sunday, Wales knew that their place in the Elite round draw on 5 December, like that of Italy and Serbia, was secure.

Serbia, who qualified for the 2006 finals in conjunction with Montenegro, took six minutes to take the lead against Malta on Matchday 1 in Hamrun through Milan Prso. Although Chris Mackay, Sheldon Grech and Mark Scerri went close for Malta, Vujadin Savic secured the points for Serbia four minutes from time.

At the same venue, Argentinian-born Genoa prospect Fernando Forestieri put Italy ahead 28 minutes in against Andorra. On the hour mark substitute Alberto Paloschi made it 2-0 and late on Forestieri and another replacement, Vincenzo Nitride, doubled the lead despite a valiant display for Andorra goalkeeper Oriol Oliva.

On Matchday 2 the action moved to sunny Corradino but Andorra again suffered a 4-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Serbia. Igor Misan struck on 20 minutes and added his second just after Prso had found the target late in the first half, with Savic again claiming a late goal.

Italy then ensured they, Serbia and Wales would progress as they also put four past Malta, starting with Paloschi's header in the 27th minute after the hosts had made a promising start. Federico Masi headed in just before the hour mark and Paloschi and Forestieri had time to take their mini-tournament goal tallies to three.

There was still first place to play for in the final match in Hamrun, and with Italy only needing a point against Serbia the 0-0 draw proved enough. Italy coach Luca Gotti told said: "We put up solid performances but not excellent in my view. Against Serbia we put up a very good performance in the first half, but then relaxed allowing our - very good - opponents to play. I must mention the Malta side, who in my view gave 110 per cent against us. Generally speaking I am happy with the qualification, which is always our number one priority."

Third position belonged to Malta after they won 1-0 against Andorra in Corradino with Miguel Ciantar scoring on the half-hour after being set up by Mark Scerri.