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Qualification in balance, says Gigi Friday 6 October, 2006
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Pierluigi Casiraghi knows that his Under-21 side face a challenge in the European Championship play-off versus Spain. “We have a 50-50 chance of qualification,” said the Azzurrini boss.
Italy and Spain will play the first leg match in Modena on Friday in what promises to be a titanic clash between two of the most successful U-21 sides in history.
“We know we can do well,” said the tactician. “I hope my men play well and go on to the pitch with a winning mentality for the entire 180 minutes of the double encounter.
“We are aware that we are playing a strong side and we have exactly the same chances of qualifying.
“Spain have some very good players and we have prepared the match carefully by studying their individuals in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises.”
Italian Football Federation commissioner Luca Pancalli will be among the crowd to demonstrate the FIGC’s support to Casiraghi and his squad.
“The Federation have been very close to us in the past few days and that represents an important signal of the unity between the technical and executive sectors,” added Casiraghi.
“To know that Pancalli and his staff will be at the stadium makes us proud and proves that we are all working for the same cause.”
Riccardo Montolivo is set to be one of the protagonists of the match after scoring the decisive goals in the qualifying Group 5 victories against Iceland and Austria.
The Fiorentina midfielder, who is a survivor of the Italy squad that did not qualify from the group stages of the Finals in Portugal this summer, is confident that the team can do well.
“We have two very difficult games against Spain but I am optimistic,” said the Atalanta youth team product.
“Although we sometimes struggle against weaker sides, we always play our best football against the strongest opponents.”
The second leg against Spain will be played on October 10 at the Nueva Balestera Stadium in Palencia.
The winners will qualify for the final phase of the tournament, which will take place from June 10 to June 23 in the Netherlands. The hosts have already qualified.
Italy (probable): Curci; Potenza, Andreolli, Mantovani, Chiellini; Nocerino; Rosina, Aquilani, Montolivo, Pisano; Pellè
Spain (probable): Adan; Melli, Albiol, Piqué, Garrido; Jurado, Zapater, Raul, Gavilan; Kepa, Silva
წარმატებები აძურინის,ესპანეთს კარგი გუნდი ჰყავს.
მიმაგრებული სურათი
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იტალიური ფეხბურთის ბრიგადა, CAMPIONI DEL MONDO 2006
