Don: In Scotland to win
Roberto Donadoni has discussed his selections ahead of Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualification D-day against Scotland and insists Italy won’t play for a draw.
The world champions just need a point at Hampden Park to book a ticket to Austria and Switzerland, but the Azzurri have never won in Scotland.
“Scotland have been getting results at the highest level,” Donadoni began. “Their Coach has been doing good work as proven by the fact that they are one game away from qualification.
“The past shows their strength, but Saturday will be a new game. They want to win, but we have other ideas.
“Their strength lies in their group mentality, but I maintain that ours does as well.”
The former Livorno tactician opted to select Alberto Gilardino ahead of Milan teammate Pippo Inzaghi.
“I made that decision because Gila has only been left out as a precaution in the past and he has shown consistency lately,” Donadoni explained. “He has experience as he has been to a World Cup and won it.”
Despite France boss Raymond Domenech’s inflammatory insinuation that Donadoni’s men will play negatively in Scotland, the ex-Milan midfielder is eyeing maximum points.
“I have been in the world of football for 25 years and I have never gone out on the pitch to draw,” he claimed.
“It will be the same for our opponents as if the Scots draw they need France to lose in Ukraine and that’s very unlikely.”
Juventus winger Mauro Camoranesi is ready for action in Glasgow despite a recent recurring thigh strain.
Christian Panucci is likely to be chosen ahead of Massimo Oddo on the right with Andrea Barzagli and Fabio Cannavaro ready to start in middle.
Italy (probable); Buffon; Panucci, Cannavaro, Barzagli, Zambrotta; Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini, Camoranesi; Toni, Di Natale
channel 4