Friendly: Italy - Austria [20-08-08]

[D-Kin]

Lippi's first game back in charge, exciting stuff.

The game will be held in Nice, France. Why? I don't know.

I just hope selection wise this game doesn't turn into a farce.

[Forza_Roma]

We know that Panucci has played his last game for the Azzurri...lol

It will be interesting to see what players Lippi selects...then we can compare players to who Donadoni selected for the Euro.

[LaVecchiaSignora]

cant wait to see lippi on the sidelines!!

[Jager]

This is what you should know.....

Milan and Juve are playing CL qaulifiers around that time, so I don't think you see many of their good players.

Roma is playing the Supercoppa apparently around that time, so you won't see many of their top guys.

That means you will see a completely experimental team. Basically no names.

As to why this was scheduled, I have no idea??

Best to take a break.

[D-Kin]

Originally Posted by Jager

Milan and Juve are playing CL qaulifiers around that time, so I don't think you see many of their good players..

You mean Fiorentina.

But yeah, point taken.

[Forza_Roma]

Good point....

Guess we'll see the Milan midfield again....hopefully, they will be more successful then the Holland match.

[dukeofdavinci]

I just hope selection wise this game doesn't turn into a farce.

lol...it will be experimental for sure, and domestic+cl comitments 2nd, and new season around europe 3rd.

so he definitely will experiment a lot at the same time wont risk getting top ones injured.

it will be mix and match

[Jager]

Oh, and the Olympics will be happening or wrapping up, so many young good players will be playing there.

[dukeofdavinci]

Oh, and the Olympics will be happening or wrapping up, so many young good players will be playing there.

owh yeah and that too, wonder why they scheduled it then.thats about 4-5 teams of players unavailable.

but we can see how he is doing tho, what he will go for, his tactics since we can expect much in player wise.

[dukeofdavinci]

Italy: Lippi calls Gila, cuts Cassano Saturday 16 August, 2008

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Marcello Lippi has called Alberto Gilardino and Andrea Dossena for his first Italy friendly, but dropped Antonio Cassano.

The ‘new’ Coach announced the squad for his debut match on Wednesday against Austria, but there are very few changes to the group Roberto Donadoni took to Euro 2008.


Gilardino earns a recall after his fine form for Fiorentina, including a goal in this week’s 2-0 Champions League preliminary round win over Slavia Prague.


Dossena is a new introduction following his move to Liverpool, although he had one cap from a 2-0 friendly victory over South Africa in October 2007. That was his only previous senior international call.


Daniele Bonera, Marco Cassetti and Angelo Palombo return to the Azzurri fold. Luca Toni and Marco Materazzi are injured, while Lippi has said he'd like to test a few of the Olympic players in the future, above all Riccardo Montolivo.


The real surprise is the absence of Sampdoria starlet Cassano, who had been one of Italy’s best performers at the European Championship.


The squad will unite at the Coverciano training ground on Monday before heading out to the French city of Nice for the game.



Goalkeepers: Amelia (Palermo), Buffon (Juventus).


Defenders: Barzagli (Wolfsburg), Bonera (Milan), Cassetti (Roma), Chiellini (Juventus), Dossena (Liverpool), Grosso (Lyon), Zambrotta (Milan).


Midfielders: Aquilani (Roma), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Gattuso (Milan), Palombo (Sampdoria), Perrotta (Roma), Pirlo (Milan).


Forwards: Del Piero (Juventus), Di Natale (Udinese), Gilardino (Fiorentina), Iaquinta (Juventus).

squad list is out, some surprise names in there for our "lippi experimental azzurri"

[dukeofdavinci]

Lippi demands debut win Monday 18 August, 2008

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Marcello Lippi is relishing his second spell as Italy Coach and is looking for a winning start against Austria on Wednesday.

The World Cup winning hero is back at the helm charged with the task of rebuilding the Azzurri after a disappointing Euro 2008.

And Lippi couldn’t be happier to be back in the hot seat after a two-year Sabbatical.

“I immediately regretted leaving the job,” he explained to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I told myself that I was an imbecile so many times for quitting. I told the FIGC President that I was available and if things didn’t go according to plan in Euro 2008 I would be there.

“Everything is much sweeter second time around. I just want to play an important role in this squad again.

“I didn’t speak to any other teams or countries because of that and anyone who came to try and get me was ignored.

“Two years ago a group had to be built from nothing. This time it’s just a matter of taking things forward. We need to recreate the conditions needed to win.

“We also need to calmly integrate the young talent in the Under-21 side. They can give us the enthusiasm and the freshness.”

Italy are expected to record a win over Austria in Nice on Wednesday evening and Lippi wants to start on the right foot.

“I want to start again with a good win,” he said. “In my first reign I started with a defeat, but that also happened to 1982 World Cup winning Coach Enzo Bearzot. This time I want it to be different.”

The main point of debate in Lippi’s first squad is the absence of Antonio Cassano and Massimo Ambrosini.

“I am free to pick whoever I want and to make my own judgements,” Lippi roared.

“As for Cassano and Ambrosini, I don’t want to give my reasons for leaving them out because I won’t lay myself open for judgement.

“The world champions aren’t here for a reunion, even if it is an experience they will always carry with them.
“Whoever is in the Azzurri squad is there on merit. Players like Alessandro Del Piero are there because of their form and that is the only reason.

“I also want to make it clear that I demand a commitment to the team from my players and they need to give their contribution, regardless of positions or formation.”

Lippi concluded by paying tribute to Roma President Franco Sensi, who died last night.

“He was honest, hard-working and without prejudice,” he stressed.

“I would like to offer my respects on the behalf of everyone involved in the national side and to give my thoughts to Rosella Sensi in particular.”

boss man demanding a winning start, and as usual the cigar man keeps the press at bay and under control

[D-Kin]

What the fuck's going on with the defence??

We're lacking CB's me thinks.

[Jager]

I'm not too bothered, its a friendly. Things are going to work out, in a way its good to work in new players for this Joel.

[Jager]

Gila qoute:

“I couldn’t have had a better start,” Gila declared to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I am on good form. I scored in my first proper Fiorentina game and now I am in search of an Azzurri goal.

“It is extraordinary to be back in this group and I have been reunited with so many players who I experienced World Cup joy with.

“There is the same enthusiasm for me and I want to be a crucial figure in this new cycle.”

[Jager]

We are about 60 minutes into the second half and its 2-1 with an Austrian own goal.

I can't say we are playing well or this match is anything to write home about, however its good to get this out of the system now.