Iaquinta: We deserve Euro 2008
Vincenzo Iaquinta insists Italy thoroughly deserve to be at Euro 2008 and can add this title to their World Cup medals.
“The important thing was getting through the qualifying round. After all the victories we notched up, it would have been unjust to be left at home,” said the Juventus striker.
The Azzurri drew their opening tie with Lithuania and lost 3-1 in France, but those and the 0-0 with Les Bleus at San Siro were the only points they dropped.
Qualification was sealed in Saturday’s 2-1 win in Scotland, secured by Luca Toni and Christian Panucci.
“We did well to get off to such a strong start with Toni. There was a reaction from the Scots, but we never wavered,” added Iaquinta.
“Finally we have the ticket in our hands for Austria and Switzerland. After conquering the World Cup I think we can aim for the European Championship as well, seeing as this is a very strong squad and can still improve.
“Let us not get ahead of ourselves, though. We should take the time to enjoy this exceptional result that we wanted so much in this difficult time for Italian football.”
The final qualifier is at Modena’s Stadio Braglia against the Faroe Islands on Wednesday evening. A victory will ensure first place in Group B regardless of France’s result in Ukraine.
As Iaquinta was only a substitute in Glasgow, it is likely he will start in that tie alongside debutant Raffaele Palladino, his Juve teammate who has made the step up from the Under-21 squad.
Buffon bets on Italy 'Double'
Gianluigi Buffon is willing to bet on world champions Italy’s chances of winning the European Championships next summer.
“Now there are quite a few months to go before the finals. The minimum objective is to get past the first round, but then we’ll see what happens,” said the goalkeeper.
“I am ready to bet on this squad, as it has everything needed to continue surprising everyone on the main stage.”
The Azzurri booked their passage to Austria and Switzerland thanks to Saturday’s 2-1 victory in Scotland.
The Scots have been highly critical of referee Mejuto Gonzalez and his assistants, but Buffon insists if anyone has cause for complaint it’s Italy.
“We deserved this success, obviously. One would be foolish to suggest otherwise. In the second half we were under pressure and that was inevitable, seeing as Scotland had to win at all costs.
“In my view we deserved to seal up the win in the first half, as Antonio Di Natale’s goal should not have been disallowed and the Scottish equaliser was offside. Never mind, we are accustomed to suffering and difficult situations don’t frighten us.”
The players have all made a point of dedicating this win to Coach Roberto Donadoni, who was constantly on the verge of dismissal since the moment he took over.
“We are happy for him and he deserved this great achievement. They tell me he got very emotional in the locker room, but I did not see that,” continued Buffon.
“It was not easy to replace Marcello Lippi, but he took full responsibility. He convinced us because he is a great Coach and a consistent man who knows how to make the right decisions at the right time.
“He certainly worked well both for the present and the future. Continuing this way we can have some more wonderful moments in Austria and Switzerland, considering how much we have improved over the past year.”
channel 4
Domenech: I Don't Like Panucci
France Coach Raymond Domenech has added to his long-list of insults against Italy by admitting that he doesn't like Christian Panucci.
Panucci headed home a stoppage time winner against Scotland yesterday to send both Italy and France through to the finals of Euro 2008.
Domenech was asked earlier today if he was thankful to Panucci for scoring the goal that clinched qualification for Les Bleus.
"I don't like Panucci much but I thank him anyway," sniped Domenech. "Italy's result doesn't bother me as we are preparing for our game with Ukraine on Wednesday."
Domenech and Panucci have a bitter history and in 2001 the French boss unleashed a stinging critique of the Azzurri star, while he was playing for Monaco.
"This guy possesses all the flaws you can find in football," Domenech said.
"He is the biggest cheat I've ever known.
"I've seen some troublemakers among Italian defenders but never like him.
"Time-wasting, shirt-pulling, tackles from behind - he's a real wind-up merchant."
It remains to be seen what Italy make of Domenech's latest comments but the 56-year-old is certainly getting under Rino Gattuso's skin.
“Raymond Domenech is always being such a pain and he really did not deserve to reach the finals," said the Milan hardman following yesterday's win over Scotland.
goal.com
Buy on AliExpress.com
Does he ever shut up?
So I would say our worst jerseys ever. Last time I checked the 80's style was not in.
I thought the green was pretty random too, plus the blue jacket underneath. :sick: I think they were probably trying to go with the theme of the Italian flag, so I hope the home jersey is red. And I agree about the too resistant to the rain thing. :frown:
