Euro Qualifier: Scotland - Italy 17/11/07 - TalkSoccer

**Jager** · 13-09-2007, 06:12 PM

For the first time of late, the Azzurri players seem to care now, not unlike their first game in this qaulification.

Mark my words, we will not lose again in this, this team will prepare for Scotland, they know what they are capable of.

**LAF** · 13-09-2007, 06:52 PM

I agree Jager. Italy paid when they took us for granted last time you played at Hampden but, unlike the French players, the Azzurri aren't as arrogant or as pig-headed.

barracuda · 13-09-2007, 07:06 PM

Let's just remember that Italy has only lost one game and drawn one so far. It's a tough group though.

**Jager** · 13-09-2007, 07:17 PM

Nope, I would of liked to win that game at home with France, but that seems to be the difference at the moment.

We'll just have to wait and see. We'll be tough for Scotland, we play and match up well against them.

The Azzurri can hold back or take it to them. I think that is the difference. France don't play that type of game, not good at holding back.

**dukeofdavinci** · 14-09-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Mark my words, we will not lose again in this, this team will prepare for Scotland, they know what they are capable of.

yeah after seeing scotland revive their hopes in 2 games we will sure be very wary of them an in fact pay attention to every detail in the remainder of our games.

**D-Kin** · 15-10-2007, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Azzurri boss Roberto Donadoni is already looking forward to Italy’s Euro 2008 qualifier with Scotland and knows that failure is not an option.

Although a 2-0 win over Georgia left the World Cup holders in a qualification spot in Group B, it seems likely that nothing less than victory over leaders Scotland will see them through.

If France beat Lithuania and the Ukraine and Scotland beat Georgia, Donadoni’s men must take three points at Hampden on November 17.

“It is just like the World Cup Final and a whole year’s work will come down to 90 minutes,” the ex-Livorno tactician admitted.

“Scotland are a totally different side at home and they are very organised as well as spirited.

“We are technically a better side, but we will need to be on top form in Scotland.

"We are in the final straight and we just need one last burst of acceleration.”

An unfamiliar Italy side take on South Africa in a friendly in Siena on Wednesday as Donadoni has given four players their first Azzurri calls.

channel4.com - Football Italia

**D-Kin** · 16-10-2007, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Azzurri midfielder Daniele De Rossi has no doubts that Italy will overcome Scotland and qualify for Euro 2008. “They’re not at our level.”

Roberto Donadoni’s men know that unless other results go their way nothing less than a victory at Hampden will book them a place in Austria and Switzerland.

While Italy have never won in Scotland and Gigi Buffon has admitted he is scared the world champions may not get maximum points, De Rossi has played down the threat.

“In my opinion, Scotland will never be at our level,” the Roma star scoffed. “Failing to qualify would be serious, but I think we have the personnel to succeed.

“It’s not as difficult as people say – all we have to do is win in Scotland. I’m still hoping that Georgia could stop them and save us the trouble though.”

channel4.com - Football Italia

**Jager** · 16-10-2007, 04:42 AM

I like to know the rest of the question that was asked of him?

Having said this, we all know that Scotland will play for draw, and not venture out, as they don't want to be caught in an Azzurri counterattack.

Its imperative that Italy scores first, then that will bring Scotland out of their shell.

Tough match, we are the underdogs, but if we can win against Germany in Germany, we can overcome this.

If Pirlo, Gattuso and Buffon have great games, its like we have a "one" goal lead.

**LAF** · 16-10-2007, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jager

I like to know the rest of the question that was asked of him?

Having said this, we all know that Scotland will play for draw, and not venture out, as they don't want to be caught in an Azzurri counterattack.

Its imperative that Italy scores first, then that will bring Scotland out of their shell.

Tough match, we are the underdogs, but if we can win against Germany in Germany, we can overcome this.

If Pirlo, Gattuso and Buffon have great games, its like we have a "one" goal lead.

Mate you can say that all you want but nobody will ever take you seriously when you say the World Champions are underdogs. The bookies still make you and France favourites.

I hope De Rossi was misquoted. But he does come across this way. All I have to say is "Top of the league and you're no!". Anyway the problem the French had was believing little old Scotland were below them, I hope alot of the Azzurri feel the same.

**Jager** · 17-10-2007, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAF

Mate you can say that all you want but nobody will ever take you seriously when you say the World Champions are underdogs. The bookies still make you and France favourites.

I hope De Rossi was misquoted. But he does come across this way. All I have to say is "Top of the league and you're no!". Anyway the problem the French had was believing little old Scotland were below them, I hope alot of the Azzurri feel the same.

I don't think so. I wish people would stop comparing Italy and France. Both are great footballing nations, and there are similarities, mostly because of France copying are youth leagues.....but Italy respect everyone.

Scotland is on top of the group, they are the ones to beat. Italy will dress its strongest team, and will go for the win.

As for underdogs, I think so. Its really up to the players, and if the Italian players show up for the match.

If we lose or not win, it willl be because of this, and our failure to put France away.

But this is not the end of the world, an albeit a huge failure, not completely unexpected. Italy have had problems qaulifying for this thing before......we usually regroup afterwards.

But lets talk about after the match. France could drop more points, so could you guys, but I"m not holding my breath.

In a perfect world, France is the one who misses.

**dukeofdavinci** · 17-10-2007, 07:02 PM

all eyes on this match now.the most important game for both teams.

scotland lost to georgia tonight, they will be pinning their hopes in this game against us, just same as us.

a win and nothing else will take us to euro 08'.really feeling wary for this match, can we do it, will our players be up to it....we have to wait until the 17th of nov to know the answer.

**Jager** · 18-10-2007, 07:53 AM

With the Scottish lose today to Georgia, the complexion of the game is changed completely. Now I'm positive the Azzurri will not defend to the max to gain a draw, but this willl mean that Scotland must attack, exposing them to Italian counterattacks, and that is our strength.

Still going to be a tough battle, we'll be luck to escape unscathed.

**D-Kin** · 18-10-2007, 11:53 AM

Basically we only need a draw now, qualification is in our own hands.

**Jager** · 18-10-2007, 06:44 PM

That it is, but I honestly felt we are actually getting better. Our players are going to be right in their prime, in terms of fitness.

They will be focused, they will know what to do.

However, this will be a dangerous place to play, the Scottish fans will make this game very unhospitable, but that is alright. Our players expect as much.

A draw could still be good for both teams, as France could still drop points in the Ukraine.

And a draw will do both clubs well.

Tactically, I'm hoping Matrix and Canna are back, with Buffon barking orders.

And I hope Don picks up some of the young talent from the South Africa match.

**D-Kin** · 19-10-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Scotland ready for Azzurri battle Friday 19 October, 2007

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Italy are in pole position to qualify for Euro 2008, but the atmosphere is defiant in Scotland as a nation prepares for November 17’s decisive encounter.

The Azzurri only need a draw in Glasgow to claim a place in Austria and Switzerland after the Scots were surprisingly beaten 2-0 in Georgia.

While Scotland’s task now looks daunting, there is an air of optimism amongst the country’s football authorities.

“We can beat Italy, I have no doubt about that whatsoever,” Celtic manager Gordon Strachan told BBC Sport.

“We’ve all enjoyed what the team has achieved so far and it’s all down to the last game so they have to go for it.

‘Whatever happens, this is the best performance in terms of excitement of any Scotland side trying to qualify.”

Celtic defender Gary Caldwell is also in buoyant mood ahead of the biggest game in his nation’s recent history.

“We have five wins out of five at Hampden and I’m sure that Italy aren’t looking forward to it,” he roared.

“I’m sure if they had known they would have to get a result to stay in the competition, they wouldn’t have fancied that.

“We know what we have to do as we know we must win to qualify and I’m sure we can get there.”

channel4.com - Football Italia