Official Azzurri (Italy) Euro 2008 Qualifier thread (24 Viewers)
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Panucci accepts Azzurri duty
Veteran Roma stopper Christian Panucci has explained his feelings at getting the Azzurri call for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine.
The 34-year-old hadn’t been involved in the national set-up since 2004’s win over Bulgaria, but has been drafted in following Alessandro Nesta’s retirement and injuries to Marco Materazzi and Fabio Cannavaro.
“When I heard about the call I was tempted to give it some thought, but when I realised that Italy had problems and needed me I couldn’t say no.
“I’m not so old that I have to become a centre-back, but if that’s where I’m needed there will be no problem.
“There is a real satisfaction in returning to the Azzurri side and there is no bitterness at being out for so long. I made mistakes too during that time.”
Panucci’s Roma have enjoyed a perfect start to their Serie A campaign with wins over Palermo and Siena, and Christian believes the Giallorossi are stronger title contenders than Juventus.
“Juventus are a good side, but not as good as us,” he insisted.
“The Milan sides could beat us or we could beat them. It’s too early to say and we shouldn’t be talking about the Scudetto at this stage.”
channel 4
Veteran Roma stopper Christian Panucci has explained his feelings at getting the Azzurri call for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine.
The 34-year-old hadn’t been involved in the national set-up since 2004’s win over Bulgaria, but has been drafted in following Alessandro Nesta’s retirement and injuries to Marco Materazzi and Fabio Cannavaro.
“When I heard about the call I was tempted to give it some thought, but when I realised that Italy had problems and needed me I couldn’t say no.
“I’m not so old that I have to become a centre-back, but if that’s where I’m needed there will be no problem.
“There is a real satisfaction in returning to the Azzurri side and there is no bitterness at being out for so long. I made mistakes too during that time.”
Panucci’s Roma have enjoyed a perfect start to their Serie A campaign with wins over Palermo and Siena, and Christian believes the Giallorossi are stronger title contenders than Juventus.
“Juventus are a good side, but not as good as us,” he insisted.
“The Milan sides could beat us or we could beat them. It’s too early to say and we shouldn’t be talking about the Scudetto at this stage.”
channel 4
Toni set to miss France
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Key hitman Luca Toni’s chances of making the Azzurri side to face France in September 8’s vital Euro 2008 qualifier are looking slim.
The prolific front man left Fiorentina in the summer and has made a fast start to life in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich with three goals in his first three games.
However, the giant goal machine picked up a thigh injury a fortnight ago playing against Hannover and is a big doubt for Roberto Donadoni.
“Objectively, it will be difficult for Toni to play against France,” the Azzurri boss told a Press conference.
“Today he will try and train at 70 per cent and, depending on how he responds, we will see whether it is possible to increase his workload tomorrrow or if it is better save him for the game in the Ukraine.”
Donadoni has already lost Marco Materazzi and Christian Abbiati to injury and must wait on Fabio Cannavaro's late fitness test, but is ready to replace Toni with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Cristiano Lucarelli or Udinese star Fabio Quagliarella.
channel 4
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Key hitman Luca Toni’s chances of making the Azzurri side to face France in September 8’s vital Euro 2008 qualifier are looking slim.
The prolific front man left Fiorentina in the summer and has made a fast start to life in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich with three goals in his first three games.
However, the giant goal machine picked up a thigh injury a fortnight ago playing against Hannover and is a big doubt for Roberto Donadoni.
“Objectively, it will be difficult for Toni to play against France,” the Azzurri boss told a Press conference.
“Today he will try and train at 70 per cent and, depending on how he responds, we will see whether it is possible to increase his workload tomorrrow or if it is better save him for the game in the Ukraine.”
Donadoni has already lost Marco Materazzi and Christian Abbiati to injury and must wait on Fabio Cannavaro's late fitness test, but is ready to replace Toni with Shakhtar Donetsk’s Cristiano Lucarelli or Udinese star Fabio Quagliarella.
channel 4
It seems Toni is out. I think most logical thing now is to play two strikers. For some reason, I dont think Lucarelli can make it at International level.
I say Quagliarella, and Inzaghi looks most natural pair out of the lot.
For me the key is midfield. This is where Azzurri clearly has superiority, and their ability to dictate the tempo and possession will be the key. Otherwise, French's superior attacking quartet could shine through.
I say Quagliarella, and Inzaghi looks most natural pair out of the lot.
For me the key is midfield. This is where Azzurri clearly has superiority, and their ability to dictate the tempo and possession will be the key. Otherwise, French's superior attacking quartet could shine through.
Diarra: You're all cheats! Tuesday 4 September, 2007
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After Raymond Domenech’s touchline ban, France midfielder Lassana Diarra accused Italy of being a nation of "provokers and cheats.”
The Arsenal player has cranked up the tension on an already boiling Euro 2008 qualifier at San Siro on Saturday evening.
Coach Domenech (pictured) will be in the stands after UEFA confirmed his one-match touchline ban for falsely accusing Italy of “buying the referee” in a 1999 Under-21 encounter.
“The matter is closed as far as I am concerned,” noted the tactician after today’s verdict. “I will be in the stands and have no further comment to make. In England the managers are often in the stands, although I’ll be a bit higher up…”
The searing rivalry between the two nations hit new levels this evening, as France and Arsenal midfielder Diarra launched a stinging attack on the World champions.
“Everyone knows the reputation the Italians have is of cheats and provokers,” he was quoted as saying in the 'Gazzetta dello Sport.’
“The important thing is not to fall into their traps. I am a black man and in Italy we often get insulted, not just by the fans, but also by the players. Having said that, the situation does seem to be improving.”
Diarra may well be referring to the incident several years back when Patrick Vieira had a furious row with Lazio’s Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The two men have put it behind them now and work together at Inter, where Serb Mihajlovic is now Roberto Mancini’s assistant manager.
The former Chelsea midfielder, now at Arsenal, continued his incredible attack on Italian football.
“It doesn’t matter if Domenech won’t be on the bench, because he will follow us until the last minute and then his staff knows what to do,” added Diarra.
“Italy have Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, but we have Claude Makelele and Vieira. I really don’t think the Azzurri have the stronger pairing.”
The final moment of the interview set to raise eyebrows in the peninsula seemed like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“It will be difficult at San Siro, because the atmosphere will be very tense.”
- Channel 4
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I smell revenge on the pitch:eyebrows:
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After Raymond Domenech’s touchline ban, France midfielder Lassana Diarra accused Italy of being a nation of "provokers and cheats.”
The Arsenal player has cranked up the tension on an already boiling Euro 2008 qualifier at San Siro on Saturday evening.
Coach Domenech (pictured) will be in the stands after UEFA confirmed his one-match touchline ban for falsely accusing Italy of “buying the referee” in a 1999 Under-21 encounter.
“The matter is closed as far as I am concerned,” noted the tactician after today’s verdict. “I will be in the stands and have no further comment to make. In England the managers are often in the stands, although I’ll be a bit higher up…”
The searing rivalry between the two nations hit new levels this evening, as France and Arsenal midfielder Diarra launched a stinging attack on the World champions.
“Everyone knows the reputation the Italians have is of cheats and provokers,” he was quoted as saying in the 'Gazzetta dello Sport.’
“The important thing is not to fall into their traps. I am a black man and in Italy we often get insulted, not just by the fans, but also by the players. Having said that, the situation does seem to be improving.”
Diarra may well be referring to the incident several years back when Patrick Vieira had a furious row with Lazio’s Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The two men have put it behind them now and work together at Inter, where Serb Mihajlovic is now Roberto Mancini’s assistant manager.
The former Chelsea midfielder, now at Arsenal, continued his incredible attack on Italian football.
“It doesn’t matter if Domenech won’t be on the bench, because he will follow us until the last minute and then his staff knows what to do,” added Diarra.
“Italy have Gennaro Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo, but we have Claude Makelele and Vieira. I really don’t think the Azzurri have the stronger pairing.”
The final moment of the interview set to raise eyebrows in the peninsula seemed like a self-fulfilling prophecy.
“It will be difficult at San Siro, because the atmosphere will be very tense.”
- Channel 4
______________________________________________________
I smell revenge on the pitch:eyebrows:
Donadoni confident against France
Roberto Donadoni faces the biggest test of his career, but insists his head’s not on the chopping block with France.
“Saturday’s opponents are certainly our toughest in Group B, but we are in better shape than in the past,” said the Italy boss.
“I expect to see improvements in terms of fitness and performance compared to the friendly in Hungary.”
August’s pre-season test did not boost morale, as the Azzurri looked sluggish in their 3-1 defeat in Budapest.
“I am the Coach of the Nazionale and have the responsibility on my shoulders. If this means being under the microscope then I guess I am, but I don’t feel that way.”
Not only must Donadoni deal with a must-win game against France, he has to do so without the injured Marco Materazzi, Christian Abbiati and possibly Fabio Cannavaro and Luca Toni as well.
With this in mind, he made the radical decision to recall Christian Panucci, who had not played for Italy since a June 2004 match with Bulgaria under Giovanni Trapattoni.
“I want to underline how entirely open he was to this call. That is above all what I ask of the lads who come here,” added Donadoni, sending a veiled message to the recently retired Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta.
“Panucci is a versatile player of great quality. It’s the spirit that counts and he is setting a wonderful example, especially when there is talk of players falling out of love with international duty.”
A totally new face in midfield is Pasquale Foggia, who has impressed so far with Cagliari.
“He is doing well and this call is proof that I pay attention to everyone,” added the Coach.
Toni’s injury worries mean that Donadoni must set out two different systems to deal with the Bayern Munich hitman’s possible absence against France.
“We’ll see how his body reacts to today’s training session and decide tomorrow. He’ll remain in the squad, as if he does not play on Saturday – which is possible – it means he’ll be ready for the Ukraine next Wednesday.
“This evening we will begin studying the match situation and trying out various options. Simone Perrotta and Mauro Camoranesi are physically recovered, but need to find their best match fitness.”
The tension ahead of Saturday’s clash is sky high, especially after France boss Raymond Domenech’s touchline ban for falsely accusing Italy’s Under-21 side of “buying the referee” in a 1999 match.
“If it were up to me, I’d leave him on the bench,” said Donadoni. “If I meet him, then I will gladly shake his hand.”
channel 4
Roberto Donadoni faces the biggest test of his career, but insists his head’s not on the chopping block with France.
“Saturday’s opponents are certainly our toughest in Group B, but we are in better shape than in the past,” said the Italy boss.
“I expect to see improvements in terms of fitness and performance compared to the friendly in Hungary.”
August’s pre-season test did not boost morale, as the Azzurri looked sluggish in their 3-1 defeat in Budapest.
“I am the Coach of the Nazionale and have the responsibility on my shoulders. If this means being under the microscope then I guess I am, but I don’t feel that way.”
Not only must Donadoni deal with a must-win game against France, he has to do so without the injured Marco Materazzi, Christian Abbiati and possibly Fabio Cannavaro and Luca Toni as well.
With this in mind, he made the radical decision to recall Christian Panucci, who had not played for Italy since a June 2004 match with Bulgaria under Giovanni Trapattoni.
“I want to underline how entirely open he was to this call. That is above all what I ask of the lads who come here,” added Donadoni, sending a veiled message to the recently retired Francesco Totti and Alessandro Nesta.
“Panucci is a versatile player of great quality. It’s the spirit that counts and he is setting a wonderful example, especially when there is talk of players falling out of love with international duty.”
A totally new face in midfield is Pasquale Foggia, who has impressed so far with Cagliari.
“He is doing well and this call is proof that I pay attention to everyone,” added the Coach.
Toni’s injury worries mean that Donadoni must set out two different systems to deal with the Bayern Munich hitman’s possible absence against France.
“We’ll see how his body reacts to today’s training session and decide tomorrow. He’ll remain in the squad, as if he does not play on Saturday – which is possible – it means he’ll be ready for the Ukraine next Wednesday.
“This evening we will begin studying the match situation and trying out various options. Simone Perrotta and Mauro Camoranesi are physically recovered, but need to find their best match fitness.”
The tension ahead of Saturday’s clash is sky high, especially after France boss Raymond Domenech’s touchline ban for falsely accusing Italy’s Under-21 side of “buying the referee” in a 1999 match.
“If it were up to me, I’d leave him on the bench,” said Donadoni. “If I meet him, then I will gladly shake his hand.”
channel 4
azzurri is the world champion, Cannavaro is the euro and world player of the year, Milan champions of europe and super cup, Capello champion of spain, and now del piero won the golden foot..... i gave you success of only one year and some months do i need to add more to beat your (WOLRD AND EUROPEAN CHAMPION at the same time)????? no 
and the azzurri have nothing to prove and spacially to france because italy is way too much bigger than france in history be releastic
and the azzurri have nothing to prove and spacially to france because italy is way too much bigger than france in history be releastic
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