WCQ: Italy vs. Scotland, Belarus (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter danielão
- Start date
Lippi justifies Cassano snub Tuesday 30 August, 2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marcello Lippi has explained why he’s opted to select Alex Del Piero ahead of Antonio Cassano for Italy’s World Cup qualifiers.
Both have spent time on the bench so far this season, but the Juventus ace has been chosen for the games against Scotland and Belarus.
"I think it is only right that we talk about the players who are here rather than those who are not," said the Azzurri boss.
"Cassano has really played very little in this campaign so far. Del Piero has featured more and has played well.
"I’ve already said that once Cassano has resolved all of his problems, he will return. Perhaps something would have happened by next month…
"I don’t say that because I know what will occur but the transfer window doesn’t close until Wednesday night."
The Roma starlet, linked with a switch to Juventus, is currently in conflict with his club after failing to extend his contract which expires in 2006.
Del Piero has been included in the 22-man squad though even if he didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Chievo on Sunday.
"I have total faith in Alex and he seems to be in good form right now," continued the 57-year-old.
"If I need him to play in a wide position then it won’t be something new for him. I already used him in such a position during my first year at Juventus."
Lippi has also selected another of his former Bianconeri pupils by recalling Lazio ‘keeper Angelo Peruzzi, given the injury to current Juve No 1 Gigi Buffon.
"Peruzzi has always been at my total disposal," he added. "He is an element who can guarantee this squad technical and human qualities, as well as charisma.
"I’ve coached both Angelo and Gigi Buffon, they are the best the world has seen over the last 15 years.
"Angelo’s age is not a concern. The only thing that matters is that he is a great player."
Italy’s latest qualifier will take place at Hampden Park on Saturday having already beaten Scotland 2-0 in their first group meeting.
"We expect to play a different Scotland side than the one we faced at the San Siro," noted the tactician.
"But the time has arrived for us to go and impose our brand of football in games from now on.
"My side have changed mentality over the last few months as we now have great faith in our ability. I’m convinced that we will do w
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Marcello Lippi has explained why he’s opted to select Alex Del Piero ahead of Antonio Cassano for Italy’s World Cup qualifiers.
Both have spent time on the bench so far this season, but the Juventus ace has been chosen for the games against Scotland and Belarus.
"I think it is only right that we talk about the players who are here rather than those who are not," said the Azzurri boss.
"Cassano has really played very little in this campaign so far. Del Piero has featured more and has played well.
"I’ve already said that once Cassano has resolved all of his problems, he will return. Perhaps something would have happened by next month…
"I don’t say that because I know what will occur but the transfer window doesn’t close until Wednesday night."
The Roma starlet, linked with a switch to Juventus, is currently in conflict with his club after failing to extend his contract which expires in 2006.
Del Piero has been included in the 22-man squad though even if he didn’t feature in the 1-0 win over Chievo on Sunday.
"I have total faith in Alex and he seems to be in good form right now," continued the 57-year-old.
"If I need him to play in a wide position then it won’t be something new for him. I already used him in such a position during my first year at Juventus."
Lippi has also selected another of his former Bianconeri pupils by recalling Lazio ‘keeper Angelo Peruzzi, given the injury to current Juve No 1 Gigi Buffon.
"Peruzzi has always been at my total disposal," he added. "He is an element who can guarantee this squad technical and human qualities, as well as charisma.
"I’ve coached both Angelo and Gigi Buffon, they are the best the world has seen over the last 15 years.
"Angelo’s age is not a concern. The only thing that matters is that he is a great player."
Italy’s latest qualifier will take place at Hampden Park on Saturday having already beaten Scotland 2-0 in their first group meeting.
"We expect to play a different Scotland side than the one we faced at the San Siro," noted the tactician.
"But the time has arrived for us to go and impose our brand of football in games from now on.
"My side have changed mentality over the last few months as we now have great faith in our ability. I’m convinced that we will do w
------------------------De Sanctis--------------------
Zaccardo--------Nesta-------Cannavaro-------Zambrotta
---------------------Pirlo----De Rossi-------------------
----------------------------Totti---------------------------
----------------------------------------------------Del Piero
-----------------Gilardino----Toni-----------------------
that would be nice
Zaccardo--------Nesta-------Cannavaro-------Zambrotta
---------------------Pirlo----De Rossi-------------------
----------------------------Totti---------------------------
----------------------------------------------------Del Piero
-----------------Gilardino----Toni-----------------------
that would be nice
Canna: Azzurri the best in Europe
Wednesday 31 August, 2005
Italy may have been short on trophies in recent years, but Fabio Cannavaro insists that only Brazil can match them for talent in the 2006 World Cup.
“I think we’ll begin the tournament on a par with any of the favourites and perhaps only Brazil have something extra from the midfield up,” said the Azzurri captain.
“This is a great opportunity for us and I believe we can really make our mark on the World Cup, especially as it’s the last chance for many of us.”
The Juventus defender turns 32 in September and is back on form following a disappointing spell at Inter, but Italy risk a difficult start to the competition, as they are only 13th in the FIFA rankings.
“I do not understand why Italy could be unseeded in the draw. There are sides like Mexico and the USA in front of us, who have less pedigree in this sport and certainly haven’t had the results to justify such a position. Even if we aren’t top seeds, at least it’ll give us extra motivation and focus.”
Marcello Lippi’s men aren’t qualified for the World Cup yet and face two crucial qualifiers away to Scotland and Belarus over the next few days.
The Coach looks set to stick with the 4-3-1-2 system that proved so successful in the 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month, but there are changes in personnel.
The return of Francesco Totti, who missed that Dublin game with flu symptoms, is likely to push Alessandro Del Piero on to the bench so that the Roma man can hook up with Milan duo Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino.
Lippi locked the doors of the training ground for today’s session, but it’s believed he’ll give Angelo Peruzzi the goalkeepers’ gloves on his comeback, with Cristian Zaccardo, Alessandro Nesta, Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta in defence.
Two from Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso and Mauro Camoranesi should then partner Andrea Pirlo in midfield. Despite his time in Scotland with Glasgow Rangers, it looks as if Gattuso will be the one to sit on the bench at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Football Italia
So, Italy probable:
Peruzzi
Zaccardo - Nesta - Cannavaro - Zambrotta
Camoranesi - Pirlo - De Rossi
Totti
Gilardino - Vieri
I like it although I think Toni deserves to start.
Wednesday 31 August, 2005
Italy may have been short on trophies in recent years, but Fabio Cannavaro insists that only Brazil can match them for talent in the 2006 World Cup.
“I think we’ll begin the tournament on a par with any of the favourites and perhaps only Brazil have something extra from the midfield up,” said the Azzurri captain.
“This is a great opportunity for us and I believe we can really make our mark on the World Cup, especially as it’s the last chance for many of us.”
The Juventus defender turns 32 in September and is back on form following a disappointing spell at Inter, but Italy risk a difficult start to the competition, as they are only 13th in the FIFA rankings.
“I do not understand why Italy could be unseeded in the draw. There are sides like Mexico and the USA in front of us, who have less pedigree in this sport and certainly haven’t had the results to justify such a position. Even if we aren’t top seeds, at least it’ll give us extra motivation and focus.”
Marcello Lippi’s men aren’t qualified for the World Cup yet and face two crucial qualifiers away to Scotland and Belarus over the next few days.
The Coach looks set to stick with the 4-3-1-2 system that proved so successful in the 2-1 victory over the Republic of Ireland earlier this month, but there are changes in personnel.
The return of Francesco Totti, who missed that Dublin game with flu symptoms, is likely to push Alessandro Del Piero on to the bench so that the Roma man can hook up with Milan duo Christian Vieri and Alberto Gilardino.
Lippi locked the doors of the training ground for today’s session, but it’s believed he’ll give Angelo Peruzzi the goalkeepers’ gloves on his comeback, with Cristian Zaccardo, Alessandro Nesta, Cannavaro and Gianluca Zambrotta in defence.
Two from Daniele De Rossi, Gennaro Gattuso and Mauro Camoranesi should then partner Andrea Pirlo in midfield. Despite his time in Scotland with Glasgow Rangers, it looks as if Gattuso will be the one to sit on the bench at Hampden Park on Saturday.
Football Italia
So, Italy probable:
Peruzzi
Zaccardo - Nesta - Cannavaro - Zambrotta
Camoranesi - Pirlo - De Rossi
Totti
Gilardino - Vieri
I like it although I think Toni deserves to start.
