Inzaghi thanks Christian spirit
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Hat-trick hero Pippo Inzaghi aims to hang on to his Azzurri shirt and the partnership with good friend Christian Vieri.
“It’s something that gives me great satisfaction and unfortunately I couldn’t play alongside Christian at the World Cup due to my injury.”
The Milan striker has been on the outskirts of the Italy set-up for several months now and rarely got to partner his best friend on the field.
“Not only did I score my first Azzurri hat-trick,” he continued, “but me and Vieri also combined well throughout the game. It’s been an unforgettable evening.”
“We share a room during training camps and whenever we know we’re going to play in the same line-up you create an even greater rapport.”
The hug between the two men – who combined for the opening goal at the San Siro – was an emotional moment for both of them.
“We have no envy and no jealousy between us, so we work hard for each other and try to help out.”
The deadlock was broken on the hour mark, but before then Italy had thumped the woodwork four times.
“It really did seem to be a cursed goalmouth, but I was always hopeful the game would end the way it did.”
The 4-0 win over Wales has certainly given Giovanni Trapattoni problems in picking from his many forwards.
“We all understand that there are many great strikers available to the Italy side and everyone is aware that you have to sit some games out.”
“Someone this week wrote that I had demanded a starting place,” noted Inzaghi, “but it is simply rubbish as I have been an international for ten years and was never assured of a first team jersey.”
It was a stunning return to the Azzurri shirt for a man who was dropped for the recent friendly win in Germany.
“We need to find a balance in the way we look at Trap’s choices. I think it is right that in a friendly the Coach should try out new faces. I did not feel left out at all.”
Inzaghi also denied he had been going through a rough patch with both Milan and the Italy side.
“You can’t score in every game! I’d get sixty goals a season if that were the case, and I am only human.”
Gianluca Zambrotta missed the 2-1 defeat to Wales in Cardiff last year through injury, but this season he has been on scintillating form.
“Our morale was high and we knew it would be tough,” said the Juventus wide man, “but our desire to win was far too strong.”
“In the end we could have scored more than four goals and thoroughly deserved the points.”
Zambrotta has become a new player since moving from a right winger to a left-back at club level and now internationally.
“I am working hard to make the most of this new role and hope it continues along these lines. A good fitness level is crucial for this wide position and you have to give 100 per cent in training.”
Mauro Camoranesi has taken that right flank role from Zambrotta and had several good chances to score today.
“The whole midfield worked well,” noted the Argentine-born winger, “and was helped by the movement of the forwards. Above all we look to this result as a great prize for our efforts.”
“We must take things one step at a time. We are all going to enjoy this win and prepare for Belgrade in a relaxed fashion.”
The Azzurri travel to face Serbia & Montenegro on Wednesday as the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign continues.
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