Official Azzurri (Italy) Euro 2008 Qualifier thread (16 Viewers)
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No but u get the moments of brilliance when they are most needed!... well, i hope so
i honestly wasnt that impressed with scotland against ukraine.. if shev was a shade of his former best it would of been a different story.. but yeah its gonna be a hell of a game against the Scots
i honestly wasnt that impressed with scotland against ukraine.. if shev was a shade of his former best it would of been a different story.. but yeah its gonna be a hell of a game against the Scots
An OK performance, given that Zambrotta, Nesta, Del Piero (are we allowed to say his name anymore?), Perrotta, Camoranesi, Inzaghi, and many others weren't there.
Having said that, the finishing was absolutely wasteful last night. Expected much better from Di Natale and Quagliarella.
Scotland had a good game vs. Ukraine, and are going to be extremely psyched up for the showdown with Italy. Tough match...and Italy will really need something special to win this game.
My prediction Scotland 1-1 Italy
I just can not see the Azzurri coming out of Hampden park without conceding a goal.
Hope I'm wrong. By the way, I love Scottish football, and both Italy + Scotland going thru would be awesome!
Having said that, the finishing was absolutely wasteful last night. Expected much better from Di Natale and Quagliarella.
Scotland had a good game vs. Ukraine, and are going to be extremely psyched up for the showdown with Italy. Tough match...and Italy will really need something special to win this game.
My prediction Scotland 1-1 Italy
I just can not see the Azzurri coming out of Hampden park without conceding a goal.
Hope I'm wrong. By the way, I love Scottish football, and both Italy + Scotland going thru would be awesome!
Buffon fears Euro exit
Gigi Buffon has admitted that world champions Italy do run the risk of not qualifying for Euro 2008.
The Group B table remained as it was after Saturday’s round of games with Italy in second, a point clear of France and one shy of Scotland.
However, with the way the fixtures fall, it would seem that the Azzurri will have to win in Glasgow next month or face spending the summer at home.
“It is a very delicate and particular moment for us,” noted the Juventus 'keeper after he captained his side to a 2-0 victory over Georgia.
“We risk netting 26 or 27 points in the section and still not progressing. This may also be a little down to ourselves, but it would be too much of a punishment.”
Buffon was kept relatively quiet in Genoa last night as Georgia never really threatened his goal, but the Italian performance was hardly inspiring either – particularly in the second half.
“We were looking to protect the result,” he added. “We were by no means brilliant, but the important thing was to win.”
Now the world’s most expensive custodian is hoping that Georgia can do Italy a favour by causing an upset against a rampant Scotland side on Wednesday.
“It is a game that will still need to be played and Georgia have nothing to lose at this stage,” stated the former Parma hero. “Scotland may also suffer knowing that they need to win.”
Buffon has now returned to Juventus after he was not included in the squad for the Siena friendly against South Africa in midweek.
Panucci: What a night!
Christian Panucci has admitted that he will never forget winning his 50th cap for Italy last night in a stadium he regards as home.
The 34-year-old, fielded in the centre of defence alongside Andrea Barzagli, was brought up through the Genoa youth system before Milan swooped for his services in the summer of 1993.
“It was really emotional for me to play in an arena where I grew up,” noted the controversial stopper who was recalled to the set-up last month.
“It may seem like this is scripted a little, but I honestly will never forget the standing ovation which the Curva Nord offered me.”
Panucci was the oldest man on the pitch for the world champions, but he was also one of the Azzurri’s better players in a game which they won 2-0.
“I’m satisfied and happy with the result,” added the recognised full-back. “We didn’t go goal crazy, but it was just important for us to win the game against a team who were technically good with the ball at their feet.”
Although Italy moved back into second place with victory at Marassi on Saturday, the Giro Azzurro are aware that they will still have to probably beat Scotland in Glasgow next month to progress.
“We need to go there and not forget that we are Italy,” continued the former Chelsea flop. “We’ll go there to play our own game.”
Donadoni names Africa squad
Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has revamped his squad for the South Africa friendly by handing four players their maiden call.
With the primary job of collecting three points against Georgia achieved, the tactician has allowed a number of his big guns to return home in favour of testing out some of the next generation.
Napoli defender Paolo Cannavaro and Andrea Dossena of Udinese are included for the first time, as are the former Under-21 duo of Juventus’ Antonio Nocerino and Torino sensation Alessandro Rosina.
There is also a place again for two World Cup heroes who have fallen out of favour with the Coach in recent times.
Milan striker Alberto Gilardino is back after his brace against Lazio last week, while Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo makes the 20-man squad too.
Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta has remained in the set-up for now, but he may be withdrawn after a fever ruled him out of last night’s 2-0 win in Genoa.
The squad will get together on Monday and face South Africa in Siena on Wednesday.
Full squad – Goalkeepers: Amelia [Livorno], Curci [Roma]
Defenders: Zaccardo [Palermo], Mesto [Udinese], Bonera [Milan], Gamberini [Fiorentina], P Cannavaro [Napoli], Chiellini [Juventus], Dossena [Udinese]
Midfielders: De Rossi [Roma], Palombo [Sampdoria], Nocerino [Juventus], Montolivo [Fiorentina], Semioli [Fiorentina], Foggia [Cagliari], Mauri [Lazio], Rosina [Torino]
Forwards: Lucarelli [S Donetsk], Gilardino [Milan], Iaquinta [Juventus]
channel 4
Finally Rosina.
Gigi Buffon has admitted that world champions Italy do run the risk of not qualifying for Euro 2008.
The Group B table remained as it was after Saturday’s round of games with Italy in second, a point clear of France and one shy of Scotland.
However, with the way the fixtures fall, it would seem that the Azzurri will have to win in Glasgow next month or face spending the summer at home.
“It is a very delicate and particular moment for us,” noted the Juventus 'keeper after he captained his side to a 2-0 victory over Georgia.
“We risk netting 26 or 27 points in the section and still not progressing. This may also be a little down to ourselves, but it would be too much of a punishment.”
Buffon was kept relatively quiet in Genoa last night as Georgia never really threatened his goal, but the Italian performance was hardly inspiring either – particularly in the second half.
“We were looking to protect the result,” he added. “We were by no means brilliant, but the important thing was to win.”
Now the world’s most expensive custodian is hoping that Georgia can do Italy a favour by causing an upset against a rampant Scotland side on Wednesday.
“It is a game that will still need to be played and Georgia have nothing to lose at this stage,” stated the former Parma hero. “Scotland may also suffer knowing that they need to win.”
Buffon has now returned to Juventus after he was not included in the squad for the Siena friendly against South Africa in midweek.
Panucci: What a night!
Christian Panucci has admitted that he will never forget winning his 50th cap for Italy last night in a stadium he regards as home.
The 34-year-old, fielded in the centre of defence alongside Andrea Barzagli, was brought up through the Genoa youth system before Milan swooped for his services in the summer of 1993.
“It was really emotional for me to play in an arena where I grew up,” noted the controversial stopper who was recalled to the set-up last month.
“It may seem like this is scripted a little, but I honestly will never forget the standing ovation which the Curva Nord offered me.”
Panucci was the oldest man on the pitch for the world champions, but he was also one of the Azzurri’s better players in a game which they won 2-0.
“I’m satisfied and happy with the result,” added the recognised full-back. “We didn’t go goal crazy, but it was just important for us to win the game against a team who were technically good with the ball at their feet.”
Although Italy moved back into second place with victory at Marassi on Saturday, the Giro Azzurro are aware that they will still have to probably beat Scotland in Glasgow next month to progress.
“We need to go there and not forget that we are Italy,” continued the former Chelsea flop. “We’ll go there to play our own game.”
Donadoni names Africa squad
Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has revamped his squad for the South Africa friendly by handing four players their maiden call.
With the primary job of collecting three points against Georgia achieved, the tactician has allowed a number of his big guns to return home in favour of testing out some of the next generation.
Napoli defender Paolo Cannavaro and Andrea Dossena of Udinese are included for the first time, as are the former Under-21 duo of Juventus’ Antonio Nocerino and Torino sensation Alessandro Rosina.
There is also a place again for two World Cup heroes who have fallen out of favour with the Coach in recent times.
Milan striker Alberto Gilardino is back after his brace against Lazio last week, while Palermo defender Cristian Zaccardo makes the 20-man squad too.
Juventus striker Vincenzo Iaquinta has remained in the set-up for now, but he may be withdrawn after a fever ruled him out of last night’s 2-0 win in Genoa.
The squad will get together on Monday and face South Africa in Siena on Wednesday.
Full squad – Goalkeepers: Amelia [Livorno], Curci [Roma]
Defenders: Zaccardo [Palermo], Mesto [Udinese], Bonera [Milan], Gamberini [Fiorentina], P Cannavaro [Napoli], Chiellini [Juventus], Dossena [Udinese]
Midfielders: De Rossi [Roma], Palombo [Sampdoria], Nocerino [Juventus], Montolivo [Fiorentina], Semioli [Fiorentina], Foggia [Cagliari], Mauri [Lazio], Rosina [Torino]
Forwards: Lucarelli [S Donetsk], Gilardino [Milan], Iaquinta [Juventus]
channel 4
Finally Rosina.
actually...I have no plans on marrying Nocerino. I just hope to meet him one day. So I would love to be the flower girl at your wedding so I can get my opportunity
---------------------
My team
_____________Amelia
__Zaccardo_Bonera_Cannavaro_Chiellini
_____Nocerino_Montolivo_De Rossi
______________Rosina
__________Iaquinta_Gilardino
Is it me or does Iaquinta play one game and gets sick or injured for the next game
Bonera, Dainelli, Gamberini....are all worth a TRY, especially since it's at home vs. Georgia.
I hope this Panucci call-up is a one-off...
Not that he played poorly, it would be better for new comers to contribute to the Azzurri.
I hope this Panucci call-up is a one-off...
Not that he played poorly, it would be better for new comers to contribute to the Azzurri.
Where is it because I was looking for it yesterday and I could not find it under the Juvematch photogallery which is where i saw it last week.
Thankfully, I still don't think of him as a brother so we still have 'hook-up' potential 
I have no idea who this B******o character is but, do your thing!
I totally agree with your line up...the only thing I would change would be drop Bonera and put in Gambrini. The only thing Bonera is good for is he has a nice ass but, in actually playing I don't think so.
Oh and I cannot believe this P. Cannavaro's first call up! Its about time.
actually i wasnt on planning on marrying him either his like a brother to me, B*******O is the only player i feel like hooking up with this week
---------------------
My team
_____________Amelia
__Zaccardo_Bonera_Cannavaro_Chiellini
_____Nocerino_Montolivo_De Rossi
______________Rosina
__________Iaquinta_Gilardino
Is it me or does Iaquinta play one game and gets sick or injured for the next game
---------------------
My team
_____________Amelia
__Zaccardo_Bonera_Cannavaro_Chiellini
_____Nocerino_Montolivo_De Rossi
______________Rosina
__________Iaquinta_Gilardino
Is it me or does Iaquinta play one game and gets sick or injured for the next game
I have no idea who this B******o character is but, do your thing! I totally agree with your line up...the only thing I would change would be drop Bonera and put in Gambrini. The only thing Bonera is good for is he has a nice ass but, in actually playing I don't think so.
Oh and I cannot believe this P. Cannavaro's first call up! Its about time.
Cannavaro Jr thanks Napoli
Paolo Cannavaro – brother of Italy captain Fabio – has dedicated his first Azzurri call-up to hometown club Napoli.
Cannavaro junior has been included in the squad for Wednesday’s friendly against South Africa and he’s been quick to share his joy with the Neapolitan faithful.
“This call-up is even more satisfying for me because it comes while I have been playing for my beloved club side,” stated the former Under-21 international.
“This is very rewarding for me and I would like to share this present with all the fans and the whole of Naples.
“Today is a very special day because I am fulfilling a dream which I have wanted for some time.”
Although Paolo won’t get the chance to play alongside his brother, who has been left out of the squad by Roberto Donadoni, he’s still delighted with his inclusion for the Siena tie.
“It’s a sensational feeling to be included,” he added. “You do sometimes think about the national side, but you feel an indescribable joy when it does actually arrive.
“I want to thank the club, President Aurelio De Laurentiis, director general Pierpaolo Marino and everyone who has ever believed in me.
“They had faith in my abilities and gave me the possibility to wear the club shirt of my home city.”
Cannavaro, who helped Napoli to Serie A promotion last term, has some way to go if he wants to mirror the Azzurri career of his brother.
Fabio has won 111 caps to date, lifted the World Cup as captain and went within seconds of winning the 2000 European Championships.
channel 4
Paolo Cannavaro – brother of Italy captain Fabio – has dedicated his first Azzurri call-up to hometown club Napoli.
Cannavaro junior has been included in the squad for Wednesday’s friendly against South Africa and he’s been quick to share his joy with the Neapolitan faithful.
“This call-up is even more satisfying for me because it comes while I have been playing for my beloved club side,” stated the former Under-21 international.
“This is very rewarding for me and I would like to share this present with all the fans and the whole of Naples.
“Today is a very special day because I am fulfilling a dream which I have wanted for some time.”
Although Paolo won’t get the chance to play alongside his brother, who has been left out of the squad by Roberto Donadoni, he’s still delighted with his inclusion for the Siena tie.
“It’s a sensational feeling to be included,” he added. “You do sometimes think about the national side, but you feel an indescribable joy when it does actually arrive.
“I want to thank the club, President Aurelio De Laurentiis, director general Pierpaolo Marino and everyone who has ever believed in me.
“They had faith in my abilities and gave me the possibility to wear the club shirt of my home city.”
Cannavaro, who helped Napoli to Serie A promotion last term, has some way to go if he wants to mirror the Azzurri career of his brother.
Fabio has won 111 caps to date, lifted the World Cup as captain and went within seconds of winning the 2000 European Championships.
channel 4
Ill Iaquinta pulls out
Vincenzo Iaquinta will not feature for Italy against South Africa on Wednesday after he returned to club side Juventus today.
The striker missed the 2-0 Georgia victory last night because of a fever and he’s failed to recover in time for the midweek friendly.
Italy boss Roberto Donadoni consulted his medical staff earlier today and it was agreed that it would be best if the former Udinese man left the camp.
Donadoni has opted against calling up a replacement in the belief that Cristiano Lucarelli and Alberto Gilardino will provide him with enough cover for the Siena tie.
channel 4
Vincenzo Iaquinta will not feature for Italy against South Africa on Wednesday after he returned to club side Juventus today.
The striker missed the 2-0 Georgia victory last night because of a fever and he’s failed to recover in time for the midweek friendly.
Italy boss Roberto Donadoni consulted his medical staff earlier today and it was agreed that it would be best if the former Udinese man left the camp.
Donadoni has opted against calling up a replacement in the belief that Cristiano Lucarelli and Alberto Gilardino will provide him with enough cover for the Siena tie.
channel 4
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