Half time. Perrotta should come off for Aquilani and Ambrosini for De Rossi (if he's fit).
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Official Azzurri (Italy) Euro 2008 Qualifier thread (27 Viewers)
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Donadoni silences critics
Roberto Donadoni has criticised the Italian media for piling unnecessary pressure on his squad after the 2-1 win in Ukraine.
“We knew it was going to be tough and that no results can be taken for granted. I expect the next game will also be classed as the last chance saloon, but we know what the media are like by now. It’s all hot air.
“Thanks to the entire squad as they are the ones who achieved this result and no-one else,” said the Coach when asked about Antonio Di Natale’s double.
The Azzurri were under pressure in Kiev, but fought back after Andriy Shevchenko’s equaliser to secure the three points.
“We showed great character and temperament. We know that we are still a step behind the other teams at this stage of the season in terms of fitness, but nobody beats us in character.”
The victory puts Italy on 20 points in Group B and all but rules Ukraine out of the running for Euro 2008, but France and Scotland are still in the thick of it.
“There are still some games to go and this result definitely improves our position, but it’s going to be a close group all the way,” concluded Donadoni.
Ukraine 1 - 2 Italy
Antonio Di Natale bagged a brace in Kiev for Italy's crucial 2-1 victory over Ukraine, even if Andriy Shevchenko also struck the bar.
This was a must-win game for the Azzurri, who were held 0-0 by France last Saturday and saw themselves leapfrogged in second place by Scotland. Ukraine's chances of qualifying were also hit by a 1-1 draw in Georgia, so it was a crucial tie for both sides.
Roberto Donadoni made five changes from the line-up against France, giving Christian Panucci his first Italy start in over three years. Former Udinese teammates Vincenzo Iaquinta and Di Natale renewed their partnership, surprisingly leaving Shakhtar Donetsk striker Cristiano Lucarelli in the stands. Massimo Ambrosini stepped in for the suspended Gennaro Gattuso, while Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi were injured.
Ukraine had the first chance after three minutes with a rocket of a free kick from Andriy Shevchenko that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. It was a stunning effort from the former Milan star from 28 metres out.
Italy threatened on 12 minutes, as Iaquinta ran on to a through ball, but his first touch let him down and he was crowded out by the goalkeeper and a defender.
Di Natale also had a great chance just inside the area set up by Panucci, but the Ukraine's man-marking again crowded him out even though he managed to turn and shoot wide. Iaquinta was free close by and perhaps the Udinese man should have passed the ball across.
Andrea Pirlo's long free kick whistled past the far post, then Pirlo opted for a chipped pass over the defence for Iaquinta rather than shooting from the edge of the area. On the counter-attack, Shevchenko's angled drive flashed across the face of goal.
Sheva smashed another extraordinary free kick through the defensive wall that Buffon parried with some difficulty and the Azzurri players just about managed to clear the loose ball from Gusev.
Fabio Cannavaro was harshly booked for a handling offence in midfield and will be suspended for the next match against Georgia. It did not seem to be voluntary, as the ball struck his arm.
The home side had a period of sustained pressure when Italy struggled to clear their lines. Buffon slipped as he came out to grab a free kick, but his defence was able to resolve the situation. Cannavaro had to put the ball out for a corner when Shelayev put the ball back towards the far post. From that set-piece, Nazarenko drilled just over the bar.
However, Italy held out and came out of their shell before the break to take the lead. Pirlo's splendid floated cross from the left found Di Natale's head from six yards to slot in. It was the Udinese star's third international goal.
In stoppages Shevchenko only glanced his head on a dangerous cross towards the back post.
Straight after the restart Iaquinta found space to put in a cross for another Di Natale header that this time was blocked on the line by Shovkovskiy. At the other end, a corner kick was missed by several players before Gianluca Zambrotta's clearance from six yards.
Chelsea benchwarmer Shevchenko had another good opportunity with a low drive at the near post that Buffon parried with his legs from point-blank range.
Simone Perrotta also went into the book and Buffon plucked a fierce Tymoschuk piledriver out of the air. Andriy Voronin was introduced and Zambrotta needed a crucial tackle to stop Nazarenko's counter-attack short.
Shovkovskiy flapped a cross off the head of Iaquinta, but there was panic on 68 minutes. An Andrea Barzagli defensive error left Shevchenko clear on goal and only a splendid reaction save from Buffon prevented Ukraine from equalising. Donadoni introduced Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani for his club teammate Perrotta.
The pressure paid off on 72 minutes. A free kick was partially cleared, but the ricochet took it back to Shevchenko for a well-placed low finish from eight yards into the far corner. It was the first time a Ukrainian player had netted against Italy, as their only previous strike had been an own goal.
Iaquinta probably should have restored the lead moments later, but Camoranesi got in his way on Zambrotta's smart cross from the left.
Italy were under constant pressure and couldn't clear their lines from an enthusiastic Ukraine, but a moment turned the game once more. Massimo Ambrosini's tough tackle won back the ball in the centre circle and he immediately launched Di Natale on the counter for a powerful finish under the bar.
Massimo Oddo replaced Camoranesi and took a right midfield role, leaving Panucci as right-back. Yeserzkiy wasted a great chance to make it 2-2 and Tymoschuk drilled wide again from distance. Fabio Quagliarella replaced Iaquinta for the final five minutes and his first touch was to nod Pirlo's free kick over the bar. Gladky had a penalty shout for contact with Panucci and Rusol hauled down Zambrotta on the counter to enter the book.
Shovkovskiy was almost caught out by a Pirlo set-piece from 30 metres. Pirlo also threaded through for Quagliarella, but the cutback for Aquilani was intercepted.
Ukraine: Shovkovskiy; Kucher, Yezerskiy, Rusol, Shelayev; Gusev (Milevskiy 88), Kalynychenko (Voronin 61), Tymoschuk, Gay; Nazarenko (Gladky 68), Shevchenko
Italy: Buffon; Panucci, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Camoranesi (Oddo 77), Perrotta (Aquilani 69), Di Natale; Iaquinta (Quagliarella 85)
Ref: Webb (Eng)
channel 4
Roberto Donadoni has criticised the Italian media for piling unnecessary pressure on his squad after the 2-1 win in Ukraine.
“We knew it was going to be tough and that no results can be taken for granted. I expect the next game will also be classed as the last chance saloon, but we know what the media are like by now. It’s all hot air.
“Thanks to the entire squad as they are the ones who achieved this result and no-one else,” said the Coach when asked about Antonio Di Natale’s double.
The Azzurri were under pressure in Kiev, but fought back after Andriy Shevchenko’s equaliser to secure the three points.
“We showed great character and temperament. We know that we are still a step behind the other teams at this stage of the season in terms of fitness, but nobody beats us in character.”
The victory puts Italy on 20 points in Group B and all but rules Ukraine out of the running for Euro 2008, but France and Scotland are still in the thick of it.
“There are still some games to go and this result definitely improves our position, but it’s going to be a close group all the way,” concluded Donadoni.
Ukraine 1 - 2 Italy
Antonio Di Natale bagged a brace in Kiev for Italy's crucial 2-1 victory over Ukraine, even if Andriy Shevchenko also struck the bar.
This was a must-win game for the Azzurri, who were held 0-0 by France last Saturday and saw themselves leapfrogged in second place by Scotland. Ukraine's chances of qualifying were also hit by a 1-1 draw in Georgia, so it was a crucial tie for both sides.
Roberto Donadoni made five changes from the line-up against France, giving Christian Panucci his first Italy start in over three years. Former Udinese teammates Vincenzo Iaquinta and Di Natale renewed their partnership, surprisingly leaving Shakhtar Donetsk striker Cristiano Lucarelli in the stands. Massimo Ambrosini stepped in for the suspended Gennaro Gattuso, while Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi were injured.
Ukraine had the first chance after three minutes with a rocket of a free kick from Andriy Shevchenko that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar. It was a stunning effort from the former Milan star from 28 metres out.
Italy threatened on 12 minutes, as Iaquinta ran on to a through ball, but his first touch let him down and he was crowded out by the goalkeeper and a defender.
Di Natale also had a great chance just inside the area set up by Panucci, but the Ukraine's man-marking again crowded him out even though he managed to turn and shoot wide. Iaquinta was free close by and perhaps the Udinese man should have passed the ball across.
Andrea Pirlo's long free kick whistled past the far post, then Pirlo opted for a chipped pass over the defence for Iaquinta rather than shooting from the edge of the area. On the counter-attack, Shevchenko's angled drive flashed across the face of goal.
Sheva smashed another extraordinary free kick through the defensive wall that Buffon parried with some difficulty and the Azzurri players just about managed to clear the loose ball from Gusev.
Fabio Cannavaro was harshly booked for a handling offence in midfield and will be suspended for the next match against Georgia. It did not seem to be voluntary, as the ball struck his arm.
The home side had a period of sustained pressure when Italy struggled to clear their lines. Buffon slipped as he came out to grab a free kick, but his defence was able to resolve the situation. Cannavaro had to put the ball out for a corner when Shelayev put the ball back towards the far post. From that set-piece, Nazarenko drilled just over the bar.
However, Italy held out and came out of their shell before the break to take the lead. Pirlo's splendid floated cross from the left found Di Natale's head from six yards to slot in. It was the Udinese star's third international goal.
In stoppages Shevchenko only glanced his head on a dangerous cross towards the back post.
Straight after the restart Iaquinta found space to put in a cross for another Di Natale header that this time was blocked on the line by Shovkovskiy. At the other end, a corner kick was missed by several players before Gianluca Zambrotta's clearance from six yards.
Chelsea benchwarmer Shevchenko had another good opportunity with a low drive at the near post that Buffon parried with his legs from point-blank range.
Simone Perrotta also went into the book and Buffon plucked a fierce Tymoschuk piledriver out of the air. Andriy Voronin was introduced and Zambrotta needed a crucial tackle to stop Nazarenko's counter-attack short.
Shovkovskiy flapped a cross off the head of Iaquinta, but there was panic on 68 minutes. An Andrea Barzagli defensive error left Shevchenko clear on goal and only a splendid reaction save from Buffon prevented Ukraine from equalising. Donadoni introduced Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani for his club teammate Perrotta.
The pressure paid off on 72 minutes. A free kick was partially cleared, but the ricochet took it back to Shevchenko for a well-placed low finish from eight yards into the far corner. It was the first time a Ukrainian player had netted against Italy, as their only previous strike had been an own goal.
Iaquinta probably should have restored the lead moments later, but Camoranesi got in his way on Zambrotta's smart cross from the left.
Italy were under constant pressure and couldn't clear their lines from an enthusiastic Ukraine, but a moment turned the game once more. Massimo Ambrosini's tough tackle won back the ball in the centre circle and he immediately launched Di Natale on the counter for a powerful finish under the bar.
Massimo Oddo replaced Camoranesi and took a right midfield role, leaving Panucci as right-back. Yeserzkiy wasted a great chance to make it 2-2 and Tymoschuk drilled wide again from distance. Fabio Quagliarella replaced Iaquinta for the final five minutes and his first touch was to nod Pirlo's free kick over the bar. Gladky had a penalty shout for contact with Panucci and Rusol hauled down Zambrotta on the counter to enter the book.
Shovkovskiy was almost caught out by a Pirlo set-piece from 30 metres. Pirlo also threaded through for Quagliarella, but the cutback for Aquilani was intercepted.
Ukraine: Shovkovskiy; Kucher, Yezerskiy, Rusol, Shelayev; Gusev (Milevskiy 88), Kalynychenko (Voronin 61), Tymoschuk, Gay; Nazarenko (Gladky 68), Shevchenko
Italy: Buffon; Panucci, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Zambrotta; Ambrosini, Pirlo, Camoranesi (Oddo 77), Perrotta (Aquilani 69), Di Natale; Iaquinta (Quagliarella 85)
Ref: Webb (Eng)
channel 4
Donadoni proved tonight why media and press keep attacking him. The man lacks football coaching, lacks lippi tactics lacks Italy's spirit etc....
The man has no balls to decide on ONE single formation and play some football. Instead he keep on changing it each game, I've never seen a coach changing 5 players in such a difficult situation.
Italy has been outplayed for sure tonight, thanks for some players like Zambrotta, Canna, Di Natale Pirlo who saved Donadoni's ass.
Can anyone tell me what's Donadoni's tactics? We all understood Lippi's tactics during Germany, Traps, Cesare, Dino Zoff etc.... I can't get one single thing this man is doing.
His subs are something to laugh on, he looks happy when Italy is playing under pressure.
I repeat he should thank some of his classy players in his squad that are keeping his ass as Italy's coach. other than that he's pure zero.
The man has no balls to decide on ONE single formation and play some football. Instead he keep on changing it each game, I've never seen a coach changing 5 players in such a difficult situation.
Italy has been outplayed for sure tonight, thanks for some players like Zambrotta, Canna, Di Natale Pirlo who saved Donadoni's ass.
Can anyone tell me what's Donadoni's tactics? We all understood Lippi's tactics during Germany, Traps, Cesare, Dino Zoff etc.... I can't get one single thing this man is doing.
His subs are something to laugh on, he looks happy when Italy is playing under pressure.
I repeat he should thank some of his classy players in his squad that are keeping his ass as Italy's coach. other than that he's pure zero.
It's not good for Italy. If Scotland didn't win then Italians would have needed a draw in Scotland and wins against Georgia and Faroe Islands.
This way a draw in Scotland-Italy will mean certain elimination for Italy if France wins it's matches and Scotland wins the other two matches.
October 13
Scotland-Ukraine
Italy-Georgia
Faroe Islands-France
October 17
Georgia-Scotland
France-Lithuania
November 17
Scotland-Italy
November 21
Italy-Faroe Islands
Ukraine-France
This way a draw in Scotland-Italy will mean certain elimination for Italy if France wins it's matches and Scotland wins the other two matches.
October 13
Scotland-Ukraine
Italy-Georgia
Faroe Islands-France
October 17
Georgia-Scotland
France-Lithuania
November 17
Scotland-Italy
November 21
Italy-Faroe Islands
Ukraine-France
Then we should hope that Ukraine can beat the Scots then huh..?
Although i somehow believe,Italy could manage a win against Scotland if all our players are fit..
Anyway,not a very good performance,but like the Azzurrini's yesterday,the Azzurri managed to bag the three points,which is what matters most..
Forza Azzurri!!
Although i somehow believe,Italy could manage a win against Scotland if all our players are fit..
Anyway,not a very good performance,but like the Azzurrini's yesterday,the Azzurri managed to bag the three points,which is what matters most..
Forza Azzurri!!
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