[D-Kin]

Casiraghi fears negative sides Tuesday 13 November, 2007

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Under-21 boss Pierluigi Casiraghi has warned Italy will face a defensive brick wall against Azerbaijan and the Faroe Islands.

“These will be two difficult games, because we are going to take on teams who are very adept at defending in numbers,” said the Coach ahead of the crucial European Championship qualifiers.

“Let us not forget how difficult it was to get the better of the Faroes in the first leg. We have more to lose than to gain, especially for a side like us who makes attack the primary objective.”

The Azzurrini are streaking out in front in their qualifying campaign after four wins and a draw. Italy are one point clear at the top of Group 1, but have a game in hand over second-place Croatia.

They welcome Azerbaijan to Fermo on Friday and then travel to Torshavn on Wednesday November 21.

“My Under-21 side has improved a great deal and many players got better after working with their clubs. We still have a year left to complete this work and be in the best shape for the finals.”

Lazio defender Lorenzo De Silvestri was not at training today, as he was given compassionate leave to attend Wednesday morning’s funeral of Gabriele Sandri.

De Silvestri was good friends with the fan tragically shot by a stray policeman’s bullet in a motorway service station near Arezzo on Sunday.

“Unfortunately football is going through a delicate time and it is very difficult for the reasons everyone can see,” added Casiraghi of the crowd trouble that followed the incident.

“We have to send out a strong signal. All we can do is try to remind people what it’s all about on the field.”

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