The Official Italy WC Thread (19 Viewers)
- Thread starter Bjerknes
- Start date
Totti laughs off Azzurri curse Wednesday 7 June, 2006
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As Azzurri stars continue to suffer injuries, Francesco Totti has taken a curious view of the 'curse’ striking the team.
“It’s a great start to this World Cup, eh?” joked the Roma captain. “We’re certainly anything but lucky and it’s strange to see so many players being ruled out.”
Gianluca Zambrotta will miss at least the opening game with a thigh strain and Alessandro Nesta is also a doubt for that Ghana tie due to a recurring muscular problem.
This morning, Gennaro Gattuso was told he’ll be sidelined for a fortnight after tearing a muscle in his thigh, but he will not be replaced.
Totti was the major injury doubt ahead of the tournament, having been out of action for three months with a fractured ankle, so his presence from the start against Ghana is also far from certain.
“With all these injuries, it’ll be a very different Italy to the one we were expecting,” added Totti. “At this rate, I’ll be the healthiest player out there!”
The Azzurri arrived in Germany this evening, touching down in Dusseldorf and travelling to their base camp, the Landhaus Milser Hotel in Duisburg. A large group of fans was present to welcome the Italy stars.
channel4
:wth:
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As Azzurri stars continue to suffer injuries, Francesco Totti has taken a curious view of the 'curse’ striking the team.
“It’s a great start to this World Cup, eh?” joked the Roma captain. “We’re certainly anything but lucky and it’s strange to see so many players being ruled out.”
Gianluca Zambrotta will miss at least the opening game with a thigh strain and Alessandro Nesta is also a doubt for that Ghana tie due to a recurring muscular problem.
This morning, Gennaro Gattuso was told he’ll be sidelined for a fortnight after tearing a muscle in his thigh, but he will not be replaced.
Totti was the major injury doubt ahead of the tournament, having been out of action for three months with a fractured ankle, so his presence from the start against Ghana is also far from certain.
“With all these injuries, it’ll be a very different Italy to the one we were expecting,” added Totti. “At this rate, I’ll be the healthiest player out there!”
The Azzurri arrived in Germany this evening, touching down in Dusseldorf and travelling to their base camp, the Landhaus Milser Hotel in Duisburg. A large group of fans was present to welcome the Italy stars.
channel4
:wth:
whats this?
oh and look what i found from here:
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/photos/ita.html?i=13&d=1
luca ponti
Say whatever you like about the Italians but nobody poses better than them. They don't look like footballers, they look like models. Trust them all to wear dark glasses, cool.
Hopefully they could get out of this sticky situation regarding injuries. It is alwayts the good and useful ones that get injured is it not? I mean Materazzi will be fit for the whole tournament as will Zaccardo and Grosso.
I bet Iaquinta has made a full recovery from his supposed injury too
Hopefully they could get out of this sticky situation regarding injuries. It is alwayts the good and useful ones that get injured is it not? I mean Materazzi will be fit for the whole tournament as will Zaccardo and Grosso.
I bet Iaquinta has made a full recovery from his supposed injury too
Goal.com Exclusive: Fabio Cannavaro Interview & Website Launch "We Shall Give 120% To Win And Make Italian Football Shine Again" - The Azzurri’s captain teases the Germans, fears Ronaldo and France, but sees the trophy adorned in blue…
The Azzurri are flying towards the World Cup and away from their domestic controversies with a lot of enthusiasm. But first, Fabio Cannavaro gave a present to his fans, and himself, by launching his new website in conjunction with Goal.com.
From today, at the address www.fabiocannavaro.it the captain of the Italian national team will update his fans with news that he will write himself, listen to opinions and the impressions of whoever wants to communicate with him, and when possible, personally reply and update the public on his situation and morale within the Italian team camp during what promises to be a momentous World Cup.
He will be keeping an online diary throughout the tournament, and continuing this dialogue with fans thereafter through his website - the English language version of which is being launched in conjunction with Goal.com on Monday.
Before leaving for Germany, Fabio granted Goal.com an exclusive interview, clarifying the objectives of his website as well as those of the Italian national team ahead of the World Cup...
Goal.com: So Fabio, first of all why did you start a personal website? what need do you want to satisfy?
FC: The objective is that of having a close and constant contact with the fans and with all of those who have supported me in these years. I think it’s a nice challenge and I can’t wait to confront it.
Goal.com: The objective is therefore that of knocking down the barriers and talking with the fans?
FC: Yes, surely this: trying to understand the moods and being close to those who have always shown me affection. And maybe listen to those who maybe do not appreciate you as much and understand the reasons, which can also help you to grow up.
Goal.com: We’re also on the eve of a very important appointment, what is the mood of the Italian team captain?
FC: We know that in this moment of difficulty for our environment, the national team has an important job, that of giving back values to th game of football which lately lost them. We therefore know that we have an extra responsibility. For all of this we shall try to give our best both on and off the pitch.
Goal.com: From your personal point of view, the responsibilities are even bigger, considering that you're the captain of this squad: but if they had told you 10 years ago, would you have believed you would be in this position?
FC: No, I would say no (laughs). When I was young I wasn't considered to be phenomenal. The qualities from the technical point of view were what they were, but with time I improved a lot and my career progressed. And now I’m here, proud of what I did.
Goal.com: In what kind of mood do you leave for this adventure?
FC: I live this moment with great enthusiasm. Representing Italy, a country which lives on football, in such an important competition and as a captain is really an honour.
Goal.com: How many possibilities does our squad have of doing well in FC: Germany?
FC: Many, because we are a national team made up of great athletes, persons of great professionalism and character. We shall do our best to do well. Then, at the World Cup, you play everything in 7 games, therefore you also need a bit of luck. But the conditions to do well are present.
Goal.com: What are the main qualities needed to arrive at the final?
FC: The heart. We started with a bit of scepticism following the experiences of the [2002] World Cup and last European Championship. We had an excellent qualifying campaign, played well and re-enthused the public towards these colours; especially, as I said before, with the heart, the determination and the will never to give up.
Goal.com: First Beckenbauer and then Klinsmann, however, put in doubt the psychological aspect of this squad: in your opinion, can the scandal condition you in any way?
FC: Absolutely no. On the contrary, if before we knew we had to give 100%, now we know that we must give 110-120% to do well, therefore this might be an extra motivation to do well.
Goal.com: But what kind of atmosphere is there between you? Do you talk about what is happening away from the playing fields?
FC: Luckily when we come to the national team we forget everything else. Then, after the first heavy days, with a lot of controversies, the atmosphere is getting calm, like in the early days. Therefore, also from this point of view we are calm.
Goal.com: A curiosity, but why for everything that happens, is the name of Cannavaro always put in the middle?
FC: (Laughs) And what do I know? (laughs). I really don’t know, but it does not worry me, on the contrary it makes me laugh, because I'm serene with my conscience. Maybe because I won two Scudetto and now I’m at the centre of everything. But I know that I have always behaved well and I have always respected the rules. Then, if my name is pulled out, I don't care, because I know that everything will be cleared.
Goal.com: Thinking badly, one might say that there are people looking for publicity: the national team captain is more newsworthy than a normal player?
FC: I must admit that I also thought about this, however there are more pros than cons in being the Italian captain. The satisfaction is so high, that these things don’t affect me at all.
Goal.com: However, from the telephone interceptions we did understand something… You don’t like Branca much, right?
FC: It’s not true at all, I have nothing against him. Those interceptions are not mine, they’re of the Director with my agent. The newspapers then publish what they want, but, for example, I spoke with Moggi just once and when things were already done. With Branca I never had any problems, I dined out with him one night and the next day they sold me, therefore… (laughs)
Goal.com: Back to the World Cup: a win would cancel everything that is happening?
FC: I don’t know this, surely it would contribute to give back credibility to our football, but a World Cup always does well. In any case, back to the scandals and the controversies, there are people who are investigating and will ascertain eventual responsibilities. After that, if necessary, if someone did not respect the rules, then it’s fair that he pays for it.
Goal.com: And to end this interview, a few predictions.
Who will win the World Cup?
FC: Italy
Goal.com: Top-scorer?
FC: One of our players.
Goal.com: Surprise team?
FC: Ivory Coast
Goal.com: Team to avoid?
FC: Seeing our latest experiences, France.
Goal.com: The attacker you fear most?
FC: The number one remains Ronaldo.
Goal.com: Goal.com: Thanks Fabio and good luck to you and the Italian team…
FC: Thanks to you!
Interview conducted by Sergio Stanco
The Azzurri are flying towards the World Cup and away from their domestic controversies with a lot of enthusiasm. But first, Fabio Cannavaro gave a present to his fans, and himself, by launching his new website in conjunction with Goal.com.
From today, at the address www.fabiocannavaro.it the captain of the Italian national team will update his fans with news that he will write himself, listen to opinions and the impressions of whoever wants to communicate with him, and when possible, personally reply and update the public on his situation and morale within the Italian team camp during what promises to be a momentous World Cup.
He will be keeping an online diary throughout the tournament, and continuing this dialogue with fans thereafter through his website - the English language version of which is being launched in conjunction with Goal.com on Monday.
Before leaving for Germany, Fabio granted Goal.com an exclusive interview, clarifying the objectives of his website as well as those of the Italian national team ahead of the World Cup...
Goal.com: So Fabio, first of all why did you start a personal website? what need do you want to satisfy?
FC: The objective is that of having a close and constant contact with the fans and with all of those who have supported me in these years. I think it’s a nice challenge and I can’t wait to confront it.
Goal.com: The objective is therefore that of knocking down the barriers and talking with the fans?
FC: Yes, surely this: trying to understand the moods and being close to those who have always shown me affection. And maybe listen to those who maybe do not appreciate you as much and understand the reasons, which can also help you to grow up.
Goal.com: We’re also on the eve of a very important appointment, what is the mood of the Italian team captain?
FC: We know that in this moment of difficulty for our environment, the national team has an important job, that of giving back values to th game of football which lately lost them. We therefore know that we have an extra responsibility. For all of this we shall try to give our best both on and off the pitch.
Goal.com: From your personal point of view, the responsibilities are even bigger, considering that you're the captain of this squad: but if they had told you 10 years ago, would you have believed you would be in this position?
FC: No, I would say no (laughs). When I was young I wasn't considered to be phenomenal. The qualities from the technical point of view were what they were, but with time I improved a lot and my career progressed. And now I’m here, proud of what I did.
Goal.com: In what kind of mood do you leave for this adventure?
FC: I live this moment with great enthusiasm. Representing Italy, a country which lives on football, in such an important competition and as a captain is really an honour.
Goal.com: How many possibilities does our squad have of doing well in FC: Germany?
FC: Many, because we are a national team made up of great athletes, persons of great professionalism and character. We shall do our best to do well. Then, at the World Cup, you play everything in 7 games, therefore you also need a bit of luck. But the conditions to do well are present.
Goal.com: What are the main qualities needed to arrive at the final?
FC: The heart. We started with a bit of scepticism following the experiences of the [2002] World Cup and last European Championship. We had an excellent qualifying campaign, played well and re-enthused the public towards these colours; especially, as I said before, with the heart, the determination and the will never to give up.
Goal.com: First Beckenbauer and then Klinsmann, however, put in doubt the psychological aspect of this squad: in your opinion, can the scandal condition you in any way?
FC: Absolutely no. On the contrary, if before we knew we had to give 100%, now we know that we must give 110-120% to do well, therefore this might be an extra motivation to do well.
Goal.com: But what kind of atmosphere is there between you? Do you talk about what is happening away from the playing fields?
FC: Luckily when we come to the national team we forget everything else. Then, after the first heavy days, with a lot of controversies, the atmosphere is getting calm, like in the early days. Therefore, also from this point of view we are calm.
Goal.com: A curiosity, but why for everything that happens, is the name of Cannavaro always put in the middle?
FC: (Laughs) And what do I know? (laughs). I really don’t know, but it does not worry me, on the contrary it makes me laugh, because I'm serene with my conscience. Maybe because I won two Scudetto and now I’m at the centre of everything. But I know that I have always behaved well and I have always respected the rules. Then, if my name is pulled out, I don't care, because I know that everything will be cleared.
Goal.com: Thinking badly, one might say that there are people looking for publicity: the national team captain is more newsworthy than a normal player?
FC: I must admit that I also thought about this, however there are more pros than cons in being the Italian captain. The satisfaction is so high, that these things don’t affect me at all.
Goal.com: However, from the telephone interceptions we did understand something… You don’t like Branca much, right?
FC: It’s not true at all, I have nothing against him. Those interceptions are not mine, they’re of the Director with my agent. The newspapers then publish what they want, but, for example, I spoke with Moggi just once and when things were already done. With Branca I never had any problems, I dined out with him one night and the next day they sold me, therefore… (laughs)
Goal.com: Back to the World Cup: a win would cancel everything that is happening?
FC: I don’t know this, surely it would contribute to give back credibility to our football, but a World Cup always does well. In any case, back to the scandals and the controversies, there are people who are investigating and will ascertain eventual responsibilities. After that, if necessary, if someone did not respect the rules, then it’s fair that he pays for it.
Goal.com: And to end this interview, a few predictions.
Who will win the World Cup?
FC: Italy
Goal.com: Top-scorer?
FC: One of our players.
Goal.com: Surprise team?
FC: Ivory Coast
Goal.com: Team to avoid?
FC: Seeing our latest experiences, France.
Goal.com: The attacker you fear most?
FC: The number one remains Ronaldo.
Goal.com: Goal.com: Thanks Fabio and good luck to you and the Italian team…
FC: Thanks to you!
Interview conducted by Sergio Stanco
Lippi to shave his head If Itali were to win the World Cup.
Lippi: A shave to victory Thursday 8 June, 2006
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has promised that he will shave off his hair if his side prove to be a cut above the rest at the World Cup.
The tactician made the surprise pledge during a light-hearted moment in today’s media conference in Duisburg.
It all came about when Daniel Dal Zennaro, an Ansa photographer, was asked to move out of the way during question time.
Lippi jokingly added: “Either move or cut your hair.”
Dal Zennaro, who has a very healthy head of hair, replied: “I’ll shave it all off if we win the World Cup.”
“In that case, I will too,” concluded the Italian national boss.
Lippi: A shave to victory Thursday 8 June, 2006
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has promised that he will shave off his hair if his side prove to be a cut above the rest at the World Cup.
The tactician made the surprise pledge during a light-hearted moment in today’s media conference in Duisburg.
It all came about when Daniel Dal Zennaro, an Ansa photographer, was asked to move out of the way during question time.
Lippi jokingly added: “Either move or cut your hair.”
Dal Zennaro, who has a very healthy head of hair, replied: “I’ll shave it all off if we win the World Cup.”
“In that case, I will too,” concluded the Italian national boss.