DONADONI REFUSES
THE CRITICISM:
"I DO NOT FEEL
PUT TO THE TEST"
Roberto Donadoni does not feel put to the test. The road towards the two Euro 2008 qualifying matches against France and Ukraine begins with a clear question. Two delicate and difficult matches after the loss in the friendly match played in August against Hungary. "I do not feel put to the test- said Donadoni. I am simply the head coach of the national team and if this means I am put to the test, then let's say that's the way it is. But feeling put to the test is not a situation that gives me any advantages, and so I prefer to refuse it. Then there is who decides and judges".
The Azzurri began their preparation today in Coverciano. The first problem regarded the weather: due to a violent storm that hit Florence, the national team was forced to work out in the gym. The Milan and Fiorentina players, after their match on Monday evening at San Siro joined the group late in the evening (like Del Piero who had gone to Montecarlo to receive an award) and had a differentiated workout.
The other problem regards Luca Toni who recovery for the match on Saturday evening against France is difficult. Donadoni explained the situation: "Objectively, for Toni the situation is difficult. The tests made yesterday showed that there is still a small subcutaneous spot - said the head coach, referring to the muscle injury suffered by the Bayern forward. Today he will work out at only 70% and we will then evaluate the situation and decide whether to increase the work load or save him for the match against Ukraine".
There is a new face on the National team in Coverciano - Pasquale Foggia, midfielder of Cagliari and a returning player, Christian Panucci. And Donadoni underlined: "Panucci was called for how he is playing. I have always said that what happens on the field is important, and then you have to add the fact that he has always showed his willingness towards the National team. I am positively surprised".
The news of the confirmed disqualification for the head coach of France, Domenech, reached Coverciano and Donadoni replied: "If it were up to me, Domenech should be on the bench. With no problem. I do not want to make the decisions for anyone else. Sometimes they say that you can see the match better from up high. And there are those who have collaborators in the stands to point certain things out. For me, however, being on the bench is fundamental".
Donadoni was certain that the controversy raised by Domenech will not influence what happens on the field and confirmed what was said by the FIGC president, Abete: "If I should happen to meet Domenech at the stadium, I will be happy to shake his hand".
Panucci and Chiellini are different aspects of the team put together by Donadoni, as they represent the "old and the new". Panucci is back on the team after a three-year absence: "I was stunned - said the Roma defender - when Donadoni called me last week to see if I was available. He had done this in the past, too, but this time he actually called me on the team. Never say never in life and I am happy, without any regrets about the past, when I see the pictures of my teammates in Coverciano after the World Cup title one a little more than a year ago. With Lippi I always accepted by responsibilities and admitted my faults. I have always respected his decisions."
Giorgio Chiellini is back on the team after his experience with the National Under 21 team in the European Championships in The Netherlands: "I am back on the National team - he says - after two important wins with the Juventus team and my objective is now to stay on the team. I would not have any problems marking Trezeguet on the field on Saturday, but the decision is up to the coach. One thing is for sure: France is the one afraid of us. We are aware that with the right determination and will, the win and qualification for the European Championships depends only on us".