Fორცა იუვე
Donadoni silences critics Wednesday 12 September, 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Roberto Donadoni has criticised the Italian media for piling unnecessary pressure on his squad after the 2-1 win in Ukraine.
“We knew it was going to be tough and that no results can be taken for granted. I expect the next game will also be classed as the last chance saloon, but we know what the media are like by now. It’s all hot air.
“Thanks to the entire squad as they are the ones who achieved this result and no-one else,” said the Coach when asked about Antonio Di Natale’s double.
The Azzurri were under pressure in Kiev, but fought back after Andriy Shevchenko’s equaliser to secure the three points.
“We showed great character and temperament. We know that we are still a step behind the other teams at this stage of the season in terms of fitness, but nobody beats us in character.”
The victory puts Italy on 20 points in Group B and all but rules Ukraine out of the running for Euro 2008, but France and Scotland are still in the thick of it.
“There are still some games to go and this result definitely improves our position, but it’s going to be a close group all the way,” concluded Donadoni.
Panucci glad to be back Wednesday 12 September, 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Christian Panucci celebrated the end of his Azzurri exile and wants to stay on the international scene.
The 2-1 win in Ukraine was the Roma defender’s 49th cap, but he had not played for Italy in over three years.
“The important thing was the result. I am happy to be back, especially with a victory, so I am overjoyed,” smiled the right-back.
“I am glad to be back and obviously would like to stay, as the Nazionale has always been very important for me. Right now I just want to enjoy this moment and will continue to work hard ahead of the next call-ups in a month.”
Antonio Di Natale bagged a brace in the tricky Euro 2008 qualifier, although Andriy Shevchenko scored for Ukraine and hit the bar.
“We played a good game against a very difficult side to face, as Ukraine were man-marking and constantly doubled up on us to close down spaces.
“I can’t say if the win was deserved or not, but we were certainly clinical and got three very important points.”
“I think tonight we were missing out in terms of possession. We couldn’t hold on to the ball, they were pressurising us and it was very tough to get it back off them, especially with our fitness situation,” continued Panucci.
“It is probably true that we are no longer accustomed to playing against teams who man-mark. They were determined to stop us playing, but also we made mistakes as we were too stretched out and couldn’t start effective counter-attacks.”
A shock result in Group B saw Scotland win 1-0 in France this evening, putting the Brits top and Italy now second just one point away.
“France are a great side, even if they lost to Scotland, so we are here and continue to fight for our place along with the other teams.”
Zambro stunned by Scots Wednesday 12 September, 2007 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gianluca Zambrotta concedes that perhaps Italy would have preferred Scotland not to beat France, as it further complicates Group B.
The sensational 1-0 victory secured by James McFadden in Paris puts the Scots top of the Euro 2008 qualifying group with 21 points, while Italy leapfrog France to go second on 20 after their 2-1 win in Ukraine.
“The fact we still have to go and play in Scotland means this may or may not be a positive result. We are now second, but there are three games to go and the journey to qualification is still long,” said Zambrotta.
“We are in a complex group with three teams who are among the top in Europe and France and Italy are the best in the world, having faced off for the World Cup Final a year ago.
“They will be three Finals. We passed the test tonight and were perhaps not as sharp as we would have liked, but the important thing was to win.”
The Azzurri were under a lot of pressure after the 0-0 draw with Les Bleus at San Siro, but were clinical in their 2-1 result in Kiev.
“The squad is very united and the team embrace was important for us. It was a tough game and we battled for 95 minutes, so it is a victory for us, the Coach and the staff. It is a good sign for the upcoming tests.”
Antonio Di Natale was the start of the show with a brace – taking his total international tally to five goals – and had not originally been tipped for a starting spot.
“Di Natale has already shown a great deal in the Nazionale and can make the difference, both tonight and in other games. We are happy that he is here with us,” said Barcelona full-back Zambrotta.
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