++ [ originally posted by Juve_Kosova
] ++
i really like this guy, is he plays the way he does in the national team, ill be happy... and think like this, him and ferrari as Centrel Defanders, OMG.. very nice..!
and you'll like him more if you've seen this interview. he's very good at handling the media.
source = channel4.com
Italy are considered as one of the favourites for the tournament. Do you agree?
It is only normal that a nation such as ours is highly fancied but I think that France, who won the last tournament, are the real favourites. They, and also the Czech Republic, will be the most dangerous sides.
There are some people who claim that you’ve been more focused on the European Championship Finals than the League.
Those sort of insinuations trouble me as they are totally unfounded. Unfortunately I’ve struggled with injuries since I arrived at Inter. This season in particular, I’ve been forced on the sidelines on three occasions with niggling problems that have affected me. Two were muscle related, the other is a small stress fracture which requires three months of total rest – something that I’m not even considering. Now that the season is over I’m just hoping to be at my best for Euro 2004, even if I know that I will have to take special care of my body in training.
When would you say that we have seen the very best of Cannavaro for the national team?
In the last two seasons I haven’t been as consistent as in the past but I believe I have always played my part. For a defender it is just important to be there as you are often decisive even if people don’t realise it.
Paolo Maldini rejected the chance to be a part of the squad. Should he have come out of international retirement?
Paolo told us during the 2002 World Cup that he would be leaving. It was a decision that he made on a human level rather than a footballing one. He told me that he was missing out on his kids growing up and wanted to spend more time with them. It was a difficult decision for him to make. I think Trapattoni was right to try to get him back as he would have certainly been of use but we must respect Paolo’s decision.
Had he returned, would you have handed him back the captain’s armband?
Of course and with no problems. When you take part in a European Championship the team always comes first, the individual interests of a player are secondary. We would have welcomed Paolo back as it would have also allowed us to play with a three-man defence as we had done in the past.
What about Roberto Baggio?
Baggio has been a symbol of Italian football for the last 10 years, a champion who is recognisable the world over. He wouldn’t have caused any rift in the squad if he was here with us and that was underlined by his inclusion for the friendly against Spain.
Does Alex Del Piero deserve to be there?
Del Piero, like Francesco Totti, Christian Vieri, Antonio Cassano and even Baggio are players who can change a game with just one touch.
Should Trap have called in players who were in form or players who he has faith in?
The Coach was free to make his own decisions. I believe in a solid and compact group but Trap has demonstrated in the past that he has never closed the door on anyone. Trap’s decisions are always made with the good of the team in mind.
Which is the more competitive tournament, the World Cup or the European Championships?
They are just as tough as each other even if they are different events. You are more likely to get surprises in the World Cup because there are a high number of teams, while in the European Championships there are more balanced games as the teams know each other so well.
The Italian public sometimes get the feeling that players consider playing for the national side as a burden?
I’ve always considered it as a pleasure to play for Italy. The problem today is that there are too many games in a season and problems occur around friendly fixtures. But I must say that Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has made things easier for everyone by keeping a close dialogue with clubs regarding the call-up of players.
Simone Perrotta has been a major figure in Italy’s success recently. How is it possible that he plays for little Chievo and someone like Kleberson is at a great side like Manchester United?
Everything is possible in this game. Perrotta is a very important player for us but he has developed into that because he’s done well at Chievo, a club that have been one of the best Italian sides over the last few seasons.
What could stop Italy winning in Portugal this summer?
Misfortune and injuries.
Do you agree that Christian Vieri performs better for his country than his club because of the way Inter play?
Absolutely not. In the last few months people outside of the club thought that he was a problem but that wasn’t the case inside the changing rooms. Your theory is shot down by the fact that he has scored over 100 goals for us. How would he have managed that if he didn’t fit in?
Who will be the Final between?
Italy and another side. I’m not even interested in who our opponents will be.
Which striker would you like to avoid?
Nobody. In fact I would like to face Ruud Van Nistelrooy of Holland. I rate him highly and I’ve never played against him before.
Is it better to win with your club or your country?
It’s just better to win rather than lose.
Which team are you most curious of out of the Euro 2004 finalists?
Greece.