Euro Qualifier: Italy - Faroe Islands [21-11-07]

[D-Kin]

Azzurri boss Roberto Donadoni is preparing his men for tomorrow’s dead rubber game against the Faroe Islands, but he seems unfazed by missing out on the top seeding.

“I have to question the system, but we are strong anyway and have to accept the rules,” he stated.

“I’ve still got so much adrenaline pumping and as soon as we have played the Faroe Islands I want to go and see the venues in Austria and Switzerland.”

The ex-Livorno boss looks set to ring the changes ahead of tomorrow’s game in Modena, but he still wants his side to deliver a win.

“I want to see motivation tomorrow,” he insisted. “Fabio Cannavaro may not play as I spoke to him and he left me with a free decision and I’ll make five or six changes so I can experiment with the formation.”

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A meaningless game really, I'm expecting quite a few changes.

[D-Kin]

Don gives excluded Azzurri hope Tuesday 20 November, 2007

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Roberto Donadoni opened the door to new and old faces aiming for Euro 2008. “I have chosen all but four or five members of my squad.”

Italy are now qualified for next summer’s tournament and the race is on to be part of the 23-man side travelling to Austria and Switzerland.

“There are four or five places left to assign. The lads know what reasoning goes towards my decisions and how much I want to keep them motivated,” explained the Azzurri boss.

It is good news for both those who have been excluded recently – such as Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano – and newcomers like Giampaolo Pazzini, Alessandro Rosina and Raffaele Palladino.

The first opportunity for Juventus man Palladino to make his mark will be tomorrow’s final qualifier against the Faroe Islands, to be played at Modena’s Stadio Braglia.

“For this game I will take into account those who cannot really play two on the trot and the others who haven’t played much in qualifying. We will also make a few changes in terms of tactical systems.”

A victory will mathematically hand Italy top spot in Group B, regardless of France’s result in the Ukraine.

“This is an important game and we run the risk of underestimating it. It would be stupid to assume the match was already won, so I will send out players who are more motivated.”

Fabio Cannavaro could be rested to best prepare for Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures, although that would postpone his 113th cap – overtaking the legendary Dino Zoff.

“I have spoken to Cannavaro and he told me he would like to play, but gave me the freedom to make my choice either way.”

For the first time since he took over, Donadoni feels secure in his job on the Azzurri bench and was asked if he ever felt abandoned during this difficult time.

“I had my staff and wish to thank them all – Bortolazzi, Bordon, Buso, Andreini, Riva and Vladovich. Did I feel dumped by FIGC President Giancarlo Abete? When you see your future depends on one match, certain thoughts do rush to your head.

“But no, I never felt dropped. Just once Abete said something publicly that he later clarified and we sorted out amongst ourselves.”

Donadoni’s contract runs to the end of Euro 2008, but a good tournament could see him extend that stay.

“Of course if Abete proposed an extension I would be a liar if I said it wouldn’t please me. But that’s not on my mind right now.”

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[D-Kin]

Toni's Italy homecoming Tuesday 20 November, 2007

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Luca Toni is eager to impress his hometown crowd as Italy face the Faroe Islands in Modena, while Gigi Buffon warns not to underestimate this match.

The Azzurri are already qualified for Euro 2008, but need a victory tomorrow evening to be certain of topping Group B ahead of France.

“We will try to end the campaign on a high, playing as well as we have done throughout,” said Bayern Munich striker Toni.

“It will be great to win and finish ahead of France, but this game will be particularly special for me because I am from Modena.”

The encounter will be at Modena’s Stadio Alberto Braglia and a party atmosphere is expected for the hometown hero.

With this also in mind, teammate Buffon wants to ensure the fans get their money’s worth when Italy come to town.

“We are facing a fairly weak opponent on paper, but to honour the crowd I think it is crucial to play with the right attitude,” said the goalkeeper.

Buffon may be one of those rested for this game, as Coach Roberto Donadoni begins to test out alternatives for his 23-man squad going to next summer’s tournament.

“I think that in certain cases it is right to think about the group and make everyone happy. It doesn’t cost anything to sit out games occasionally.

“I am happy I’m not the Coach going to a European Championships. Italy always make their mark in the big occasions and it went well last time, so we hope to do the same in Austria and Switzerland,” added the World Cup winner.

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[llewelyn]

according to gazzetta italy will play a roma-style 4-2-3-1

Probable Formation:

Amelia-Oddo,Cannavaro,Chiellini,Grosso-De Rossi,Ambrosini-Perrotta-Iaquinta-Palladino-Toni

The bench: Curci,Bonera,Panucci,Gattuso,Quagliarella,Gilardin o,Lucarelli

Looks like both Toni and Cannavaro will start. It'll be interesting to see how De Rossi and Ambrosini play with one another. I wouldn't be surprised if Bonera gets subbed in for Grosso at some point to allow Chiellini some time on the left either.

A win and we finish atop the group. Forza Azzurri

[llewelyn]

uefa.com has palladino starting in place of quagliarella. curci and panucci as subs for buffon and zambrotta

[Jager]

Still a very powerful lineup, I guess there must be a seeding system with all the division winners.

[Jager]

Toni with two goals, and Cheillini was a long range bomb that sails into the corner, and its 3-0 at the half.

[D-Kin]

It finished 3-1, Jacobsen scored a late goal for the Faroe Islands.

[D-Kin]

Euro 2008 qualifier - November 21, 2007
Italy 3 - 1 Faroe Islands
Benjaminsen og 10 (I), Toni 25 (I), Chiellini 40 (I), R Jacobsen 82 (F)
Stadio Braglia, Modena

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Modena native Luca Toni, Giorgio Chiellini's screamer and an own goal gave Italy a 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands and top spot in Group B.

The Azzurri were already qualified thanks to their 2-1 win in Scotland, but needed a victory to be certain of first place in Group B ahead of France. Luca Toni was playing in his hometown of Modena, but Roberto Donadoni revolutionised the rest of the squad, including Raffaele Palladino's senior Italian international debut. The former Under-21 starlet was the 19th player to make his debut under Donadoni's reign.

Only three starters remained from Saturday's game in Glasgow - Fabio Cannavaro, earning his 113th cap to overtake Dino Zoff, Massimo Ambrosini and Toni.

Vincenzo Iaquinta was playing on his 28th birthday, but it was Simone Perrotta who had the first shot on goal. Toni cut back for the Roma midfielder and his low strike was charged down inside the area by some brave defending. Toni's assist for Iaquinta was too long, wasting an excellent scoring opportunity.

The deadlock was broken after 10 minutes, but no Italian was on the scoresheet. Massimo Oddo ran on to a smart Daniele De Rossi ball over the defence and his low cross for Toni was turned into his own net by Benjaminsen.

Christian Jacobsen ambitiously attempted to beat Marco Amelia from 40 metres, but it should have been 2-0 moments later. Toni's brilliant header from an Oddo free kick was fingertipped off the line by goalkeeper Mikkelsen.

Ambrosini nodded another Oddo set-piece over the bar, while Palladino was denied a debut goal by a double desperate save from point-blank range.

It was a siege on the Faroe Islands net, but Toni just failed to get on the end of Iaquinta's cutback as Roy Jacobsen risked another own goal. The visitors had their first opportunity on 34 minutes from a corner kick, but R Jacobsen was punished for a clear push on Cannavaro.

Toni finally doubled the Azzurri's tally in his hometown stadium. Fabio Grosso's cross from the left found him facing the wrong way, but the Bayern Munich giant hooked it with his right foot and spun round for the shot on the volley before it had hit the ground.

It was 3-0 in spectacular fashion as Juventus man Giorgio Chiellini unleashed an absolute screamer from over 20 metres that flashed across Mikkelsen and in at the far post. It was a cracking snapshot from the former Under-21 international.

R Jacobsen wasted a good chance to make the most of a rare Cannavaro distraction. There were no substitutions at half-time and Iaquinta turned a free header over from six yards, while a good Olsen free kick was not far off the crossbar.

Milan defender Daniele Bonera replaced captain Cannavaro, so the armband went to Perrotta, then Fabio Quagliarella came on for Ambrosini. Palladino flashed a shot wide from outside the box and Mikkelsen gathered another effort from the Juventus youngster.

Quagliarella earned a corner kick as Toni held up the ball for his deflected volley. Toni went very close to a second of the night as Oddo flicked up a pass through defenders and his close-range shot was fingertipped round the near post by Mikkelsen.

Toni finished his match in Modena and made way for Alberto Gilardino. The Azzurri seemed to ease off the gas and Jr Jacobsen was allowed a free header over the bar.

However, Quagliarella got his head on the end of an Oddo corner and was denied by a goalline clearance from substitute Thorleifson. The Udinese striker volleyed just wide, but it was flagged offside anyway.

Italy were clearly sitting back and trying to run out the clock, so a Faroe Islands goal was looking increasingly likely. R Jacobsen was left unmarked for a header under the bar from eight yards. He had also netted in the first meeting.

Palladino curled a right-foot drive past the far post from the edge of the area, but Davidsen's splendid header nearly caught Amelia napping.

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Italy: Amelia; Grosso, Chiellini, Cannavaro (Bonera 53), Oddo; Ambrosini (Quagliarella 59), De Rossi. Perrotta; Iaquinta, Toni (Gilardino 74), Palladino

Faroe Islands: Mikkelsen; Davidsen, Benjaminsen, Jr Jacobsen, Hansen; Danielsen, Olsen, R Jacobsen; Samuelsen (Thorleifson 74), Ch Jacobsen, Holst (Flotum 87)

Ref: Meyer (Ger)

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[D-Kin]

Don slams negative media Wednesday 21 November, 2007

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Roberto Donadoni may have won Group B, but he criticised the Italian media for focusing on the negative.

“I saw a great choreography and participation from the fans today,” he said of the 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands at the Stadio Braglia.

“Modena is a wonderful city and we’re glad we could share this fine end to our qualifying campaign with them tonight.”

The Azzurri were under a lot of pressure going into the last two games, but picked up victories over Scotland and the Faroes to secure the top of their group.

However, even France boss Raymond Domenech said it was “abhorrent” that Italy were not in the seeds for the Euro 2008 finals draw.

“The controversy is entirely sterile and pointless. We will see how the draw goes and then evaluate the situation, but this is the state of affairs so discussing it will make no difference,” insisted Donadoni.

The headlines have also been dominated by questions over whether he will pen a new contract before the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

“The contract is again a futile debate. I was asked a question about this and I answered in a civil fashion, but this is not an issue I want to think about right now.

“It’s not important to me and therefore shouldn’t be important to the journalists either.”

Italy are one of sixteen teams to have qualified for Euro 2008. The others are Poland, Portugal, France, Greece, Turkey, Czech Republic, Germany, Croatia, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Romania and Holland.

They will be divided into four groups in the draw on Sunday December 2.

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[D-Kin]

Chiellini enjoys Azzurri opener Wednesday 21 November, 2007

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Giorgio Chiellini was overjoyed at his debut goal for Italy and intends to earn his place at Juventus and Euro 2008.

“I am very happy as I don’t often get to hit the back of the net. My first goal for the Nazionale is such a special moment that will remain with me forever.”

His first half thunderbolt contributed to Italy’s 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands, ensuring they beat France to the top of Group B.

“I am certainly aiming for a place at Euro 2008. Things are going well with Juventus and I know I have to keep working hard with them to achieve it. It would be foolish to sit back now.”

Chiellini started his career as a full-back or occasionally wide midfielder, but he is rediscovered as a central defender, including in this match.

“I really like playing in the centre and hope to continue improving in this role. Of course if the Coach needs me then I can play on the flank, but I’d like to work at it and do even better in this position.”

The former Under-21 international still has some things to figure out, though, by his own admission.

“I already noticed at the start of my career that I need to improve in composure. I sometimes give the ball away a bit too much because we’re under pressure, but I know I need to work on that.”

Chiellini’s final comment was about the crowd trouble that had halted several Serie A games last week.

“I hope everyone has learned their lesson and that the usual things don’t happen again. In these weeks football came together to try to fix some problems and we need to do our part on the field to set a good example.”

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[D-Kin]

Toni's perfect homecoming Wednesday 21 November, 2007

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Luca Toni admits he was particularly happy to score in his hometown stadium for his fifth goal in qualifying.

“I really wanted to do well here. It wasn’t easy to play as they were all clammed up in their own half, but we made it,” grinned the Modena native.

The 3-1 victory over the Faroe Islands at the Stadio Alberto Braglia secured top spot in Group B ahead of France and was Toni’s second in as many games.

The move to Bayern Munich has not dulled his scoring record, as the former Palermo and Fiorentina hitman continues to lead the line for the Azzurri.

“I think I’m doing well in Germany, but I did pretty well in Italy too! I don’t see too much of a difference in the way I perform at club and international level.

“In Italy there is more work on the tactical level, but in terms of physical preparation I’d say Germany and Italy are much the same now.”

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[D-Kin]

Palladino joins the big boys Wednesday 21 November, 2007

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Raffaele Palladino is celebrating his senior Italy debut and is targeting a place in the 23-man squad going to Austria and Switzerland.

“I am very happy just to be here on my debut and when the Coach told me I’d be in the starting XI I was very excited,” said the former Under-21 international.

He played the entire 90 minutes in the 3-1 win over the Faroe Islands that secured the Azzurri’s top spot in Group B.

“Now the path to Euro 2008 has to be travelled day after day, working constantly and improving. My first aim must be to win my spot at Juventus, then anything else must come from there.

“My teammates tell me I never shoot and always go for the assist, so after the game started going well for us I tried to get a bit of personal glory on the night. I didn’t get a goal, but the performance went well, I think.”

Palladino has effectively replaced Bianconeri companion Alessandro Del Piero in the Italy squad and could enter a battle with the veteran for a ticket to Austria and Switzerland.

“Del Piero is absolutely not a rival. He is a teammate who helps me out so much, as I am young and need to improve constantly.

“In training I watch the strikers and try to steal all their tricks! Alex is a great player who has a lot more to give for Juve and the Nazionale.”

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[Jager]

This is the thing about Italy. The players knew the game was not really important per say, they didn't go out to embarras the FI, they actually took their foot off the gas.

Now if we play a good team, you see a much more determined Italian side.