[WK 2006 KWALIFICATIE] Groep 5 (met ITALIË)

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Lippi recalls Blasi


Marcello Lippi has recalled Daniele Bonera and Manuele Blasi for next week’s World Cup qualifiers against Slovenia and Moldova.
Parma defender Bonera makes his comeback after injury problems, while Blasi could be used as a full-back in the same position he has been adopting at Juventus over the last month.
As expected, Roma duo Antonio Cassano and Christian Panucci will not play a part in these international tests, but Vincenzo Iaquinta is called after the end of his contract dispute with Udinese.
Compared to the recent call-ups, Palermo’s injured defender Andrea Barzagli and Reggina man Giandomenico Mesto are dropped.
Italy will welcome Slovenia to Palermo’s Stadio Barbera on Saturday evening, while Moldova visit Lecce’s Stadio Via del Mare on Wednesday October 12.

Italy squad:
Gk: De Sanctis (Udinese), Peruzzi (Lazio)
D: Bonera (Parma), F Cannavaro (Juventus), Grosso (Palermo), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Zaccardo (Palermo), Zambrotta (Juventus)
M: Barone (Palermo), Blasi (Juventus), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Diana (Sampdoria), Gattuso (Milan), Pirlo (Milan)
F: Del Piero (Juventus), Gilardino (Milan), Iaquinta (Udinese), Toni (Fiorentina), Totti (Roma), Vieri (Milan)

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Lippi looks to Grosso

Marcello Lippi is putting his faith in local hero Fabio Grosso against Slovenia and has experimented with Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino upfront.

“I have no doubts over my line-up, as Gianluca Zambrotta will be on the right and Fabio Grosso on the left,” explained the Italy boss ahead of Saturday’s World Cup qualifier.

The versatility of Juventus star Zambrotta is a key factor for the Azzurri, as he can play on either flank in a full-back or wide midfield position.

“I want to make the most of Grosso’s crossing abilities and his current form, so I will switch Zambrotta over to the right to make room. I thought about it for a little while, but now I have no doubts it is the right choice, especially as we are playing in Palermo.”

Grosso is one of several Rosanero players who have made their mark on the current campaign and he’ll be a local hero when the teams run out in the Stadio Renzo Barbera tomorrow evening.

Former Palermo striker Toni is also set to start after his hat-trick against Belarus, but he could get an intriguing new partner. During the training session, Lippi experimented with Toni and Milan’s Gilardino for a powerful front two.

Gilardino has been struggling since his move to the San Siro and has scored just two goals in six games for the Rossoneri, though the Coach refused to be drawn on what his choice of centre-forwards would be. Only a point is needed against Slovenia to qualify for the 2006 World Cup, but Italy lost the reverse fixture 1-0 – their last defeat in official competition.

“We know that we’ll be playing against a side that’ll do everything it can to beat us and maintain its own hope of qualifying,” noted Lippi.

“I told the lads to put themselves in Slovenia’s shoes, as they have only one result that would help them. We must be wary, as I expect an entertaining and hard-fought game of football. I want to see an Italy performance that is solid and determined. This game is worth more than the result, as we need a good show to increase our confidence.”

There was concern for Fabio Cannavaro during today’s training session when he left the field after a clash of heads with his former Inter teammate Marco Materazzi. The Nerazzurri defender was medicated for a cut to the forehead, but Cannavaro underwent tests after suffering dizzy spells. Medical staff assure both will be fit to face Slovenia.

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Op zaterdag 8 oktober 2005 22:43 schreef Suijk het volgende:
Wat is dit voor éénmanstopic?

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Op zaterdag 8 oktober 2005 22:43 schreef Suijk het volgende:
Wat is dit voor éénmanstopic?

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Toni 'hurt' by Palermo insults

Luca Toni admits he was hurt by his former fans’ insults in Palermo, while the other Azzurri comment on their World Cup qualification.

“I would’ve liked to score against Slovenia at the Stadio Barbera, but I couldn’t manage it,” said Toni after the 1-0 win.

The former Rosanero striker wasted several scoring opportunities and was insulted by his old supporters every time he touched the ball.

“I was disappointed by the booing, but I tried not to let it get to me. The only reason I failed to net was down to the fine saves of the Slovenia goalkeeper, otherwise it would have been a much heavier scoreline.”

The Sicilian fans were certainly more enthusiastic when it came to the goal, as it was an all-Palermo collaboration between Fabio Grosso and match-winner Cristian Zaccardo.

“I am so happy for the goal, which I dedicate to Coach Marcello Lippi,” said the defender who has now netted once in eight international appearances.

“Playing at the Stadio Barbera evidently brings me luck and it’s wonderful to share this moment with the fans. I was sorry for Toni, as he didn’t deserve to be treated that way.”

It could prove a turning point in terms of confidence for the 23-year-old, who had made costly defensive errors against Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

“Of course nobody enjoys being criticised, but right now I’m not thinking about that. I only hope to earn my place in the World Cup squad and above all to improve as a player.”

Alberto Gilardino thought he had broken the deadlock in the first half, but his goal was disallowed because Grosso’s cross was adjudged to have gone out of play.

“I really didn’t understand what happened and it seemed a perfectly good goal to me,” said the Milan forward. “Never mind, this just means I will score goals when they really count – in Germany.”

Lippi is today set to name his new squad for the final Group Five match against Moldova on Wednesday, as Francesco Totti and Gennaro Gattuso are suspended, while Alessandro Nesta returns home with a sprained left thumb.

The Coach announced that his choice of third goalkeeper would be “in loco,” as after calling in Messina’s Marco Storari for the game in Sicily, he will add Lecce’s Vincenzo Sicignano to the squad when Italy play at the Stadio Via del Mare next week.

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Op vrijdag 7 oktober 2005 13:38 schreef M0NTANA het volgende:
Jammer dat Massimo Oddo er niet bij zit trouwens, vind ik toch de beste Italiaanse rechtsback van dit moment en dat heeft niets te maken met zijn huidige club. Cristian Zaccardo heeft de laatste interlands rechtsback gespeeld, maar hij heeft veel kritiek gekregen. Daniele Bonera is er nu ook weer bij, die zou ook rechtsachter kunnen spelen. Bovendien zit ook Manuele Blasi bij de selectie, die heeft de laatste tijd ook geregeld rechtsback gespeeld bij Juventus. Toch gaat mijn voorkeur uit naar Massimo Oddo.

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Op zondag 9 oktober 2005 18:19 schreef pfaf het volgende:
Dus toch. Wat kut voor Luca en DylanDog.