Against Ukraine, RAI int blacked out during the national anthems and it took 5 minutes for the signal to come back. Now it's good though.
Cannavaro respects Faroe 'stars' Saturday 2 June, 2007
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Fabio Cannavaro believes Italy will not insult the Faroe Islands by taking tonight’s match lightly. “It’s just 11 v 11 and that’s what makes it tough.”
The Euro 2008 qualifying campaign has not gone well for the side packed with amateur football players, managing six straight defeats in which they scored one goal and conceded 23.
Yet the World Cup winners are eager not to assume the job is done before they even step on to the pitch.
“If we don’t go out there with the right mindset, we run the risk of falling into some traps,” warned Cannavaro.
“They have all the motivation needed to impress. I certainly don’t recall any unprofessional performances when I was playing, but football has these issues as well.
“The size of the stadium is not important, because once you’re on the field, everyone is the same. This is why every game is difficult.”
The current European and World Player of the Year also had praise for the Faroe Islands after viewing tapes of their matches.
“After such a long journey we trained hard and needed to, because from what we saw these players are fairly solid in defence and strong in the air.”
Another considerably bigger game from Group B is set for this weekend, as France take on Ukraine at the top of the table.
“What is my prediction? I am only focusing on a victory for Italy, the rest is irrelevant,” said Cannavaro.
The Azzurri captain also waded in on the row between club and country, as the Lega Calcio is refusing to start the season earlier than August 26.
The FIGC has requested an August 19 kick-off to be better prepared for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine in early September.
“I would like for the season to start on August 19 so we can all have more match fitness in view of the Nazionale ties. I will also speak to FIGC President Giancarlo Abete about this over the next few days, but the Federation already knows the position held by the players.”
Channel 4