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!]
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Euro 2008 Qual: Group B Round-up
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
U21 Euro 2009 Qual: Greece v Italy
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
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
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Buffon backs Georgia to stop Scots
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
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
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Azzurri: Donadoni names South Africa squad
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Friday, October 12, 2007
[Euro 2008 Qual] Italy v Georgia Preview
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]
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
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
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'
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
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
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