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Op maandag 12 juli 2004 15:49 schreef Heero87 het volgende:
Italië zal wel winnen, maar ze hebben wel veel lastige verplaatsingen. Eigenlijk zie ik al de rest wel meestrijden voor plaats 2, met Slovenië, Schotland en Noorwegen als uitgesproken favorieten.

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Op zaterdag 17 juli 2004 06:19 schreef FritsVanEgters het volgende:
Italië heeft nog nooit zwaar geloot in de voorronde.

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Op zaterdag 17 juli 2004 17:40 schreef tong80 het volgende:

[..]

Waarom ontbraken ze dan op het WK 1974 ?

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Lippi calls three new faces

There are three new faces in Marcello Lippi’s first Italy squad – Manuele Blasi, Luca Toni and Francesco Flachi – but Alex Del Piero is dropped.

There were already clues that Palermo hitman Toni (pictured) would be given his first call-up for Wednesday’s friendly against Iceland, as Christian Vieri is out injured.

Flachi also pushes his way into the squad following an impressive campaign with Sampdoria, while Blasi is reaping the rewards for his summer switch to Juventus.

Many of the top Azzurri stars are out of action, including Antonio Cassano, Francesco Totti, Vieri, Mauro Camoranesi, Massimo Ambrosini, Cristiano Zanetti, Bernardo Corradi, Pippo Inzaghi and Fabio Cannavaro.

However, Lippi assured this week that Del Piero is most definitely part of his plans for this new era of the Italian national squad.

“Alex is an important player,” noted the former Juve boss. “A very important player, for his history with the Azzurri, the team in which he plays, the results he has earned and how he deals with public opinion. I am certain he will find his form again.”

This is the squad that will travel to Iceland for Wednesday’s game:

Gk: Abbiati (Milan), Buffon (Juventus)

D: Birindelli (Juventus), Diana (Sampdoria), Favalli (Inter), Legrottaglie (Juventus), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Oddo (Lazio), Zambrotta (Juventus)

M: Barone (Palermo), Blasi (Juventus), Fiore (Valencia), Gattuso (Milan), Perrotta (Roma), Volpi (Sampdoria)

F: Bazzani (Sampdoria), Di Vaio (Valencia), Flachi (Sampdoria), Miccoli (Juventus), Toni (Palermo)

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Op maandag 12 juli 2004 16:26 schreef jpzegthallo het volgende:
Italië gaat het nog wel moeilijk krijgen. Vooral omdat ze tegen heel verdedigend ingestelde landen spelen.

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Op donderdag 19 augustus 2004 09:23 schreef zjroentje het volgende:
Hoe kan je nou in IJsland verliezen.

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Op donderdag 19 augustus 2004 17:11 schreef gras het volgende:

[..]

Zelfs Duitsland had het daar moeilijk...

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Op donderdag 19 augustus 2004 17:20 schreef mitt het volgende:

[..]

Zelfs?

Dan is Italie helemaal tot een dramatisch punt beland

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Op vrijdag 20 augustus 2004 08:58 schreef DIGGER het volgende:

[..]

OE-FEN-WED-STRIJD

Nederland won een half jaartje gelee ook met 4-0 van Griekenland, lekker veelzeggend he?

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Op vrijdag 20 augustus 2004 19:09 schreef methodmich het volgende:
Precies andersom hoor.

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Miccoli shines in Italy test

Marcello Lippi has tested out the 4-4-2 system he aims to use against Norway and the stars were Fabrizio Miccoli and Bernardo Corradi.

The Coach had revealed this week that he would be going back to the more solid tactical system following the 2-0 defeat in his debut against Iceland.

“This match had some positive signals,” said Lippi, “as in these three days at the training camp the players have given 100 per cent.”

With Alessandro Del Piero still out of full training due to a muscular problem, today joined by Milan defender Alessandro Nesta with a similar issue, the front two for this test were Fabrizio Miccoli and Alberto Gilardino.

“Nesta has worked a great deal with Milan over the last week, so I was the one who asked that he be rested. As for Del Piero, there are still a few physical problems, but I expect him to resume full training tomorrow. I already know who will start the game," he added, "so my only doubts are who will be on the bench.”

However, time is running out if the Juventus captain is to be part of the starting eleven against Norway. His place is increasingly moving towards Miccoli, who only today revealed the rivalry between them in Turin.

This opening 50-minute mini-encounter ended 5-0 for the Azzurri and the star was Miccoli, who bagged a brace around goals from Stefano Fiore and debutantes Gilardino and Daniele De Rossi. Intriguingly, Gianluca Zambrotta was fielded on the wing rather than as a fullback.

In the second half of the match against the Under-18 side, Lippi changed to a more powerful partnership of Luca Toni and Bernardo Corradi. The Valencia forward was on form with a hat-trick in the 7-1 result, while the other scorers were Toni, Matteo Ferrari, Zauli and Aimo Diana.

1st half:

Italy A 5-0 Italy U18

Scorers: Miccoli (2), Fiore, Gilardino, De Rossi

Italy A: Buffon; Bonera, Legrottaglie, Materazzi, Favalli; Fiore, Gattuso, De Rossi, Zambrotta; Miccoli, Gilardino

2nd half:

Italy B 7-1 Italy U18

Scorers: Corradi (3), Toni, Ferrari, Zauli, Diana

Italy B: Pelizzoli; Oddo, Legrottaglie, Ferrari, Zauri; Diana, Blasi, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Corradi, Toni

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Lippi rules out Del Piero

Marcello Lippi has confirmed that Alessandro Del Piero will not start the World Cup qualifier against Norway.

The Juventus ace has been hampered by a slight muscle strain this week and his name won’t be on the official teamsheet.

"He won’t play because he’s not trained cleanly, he’s been unable to work with any sort of consistency," said the tactician ahead of Saturday’s match.

"Will he be on the bench? We’ll see. He’s had a problem which he has brilliantly recovered from but he isn’t ready to start."

Fabrizio Miccoli is set to replace Del Piero in the starting line-up but Lippi wasn’t giving too much away regarding his probable XI.

"I’ve not told the squad yet who will play so I won’t be telling you," he explained to journalists. "I have a lot of options available to me.

"The youngsters? There is a chance that Bonera, De Rossi and Gilardino will play but that isn’t certain."

Lippi shuffled his pack even further on Friday after Massimo Ambrosini was selected in a practice match.

The Milan man may now be picked to start in midfield alongside Gennaro Gattuso instead of De Rossi.

"I’m making no promises but the squad has worked well and with real enthusiasm," continued Lippi. "I want the players to give everything they have tomorrow night."

Lippi concluded by commenting on Arrigo Sacchi’s claim that the national side needs a magician, and not a Coach, to achieve success.

"Sacchi is an alert football observer but I’m an optimist," he stated. "The side doesn’t need a magician but a Coach who transmits enthusiasm, someone who has the ability to unite a group of players."

Italy possible: Buffon; Bonera, Nesta, Materazzi, Favalli; Fiore, Gattuso, Ambrosini (De Rossi), Zambrotta; Miccoli, Gilardino

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Lippi mischia le carte nella partitella
Alla vigilia di Moldova-Italia esperimenti del c.t.
CHISINAU (Mol) - Nell'allenamento di rifinitura dell'Italia a Chisinau, in vista della gara di domani sera contro la Moldova, Lippi ha mischiato le carte nella partitella finale schierando due formazioni miste 11 contro 12. In rosa sono scesi in campo Pelizzoli; Bonera, Ferrari, Legrottaglie, Zambrotta; Diana, Gattuso, Pirlo, Ambrosini; Corradi, Miccoli, in bianco: Buffon; Oddo, Nesta, Materazzi, Favalli; Fiore, Blasi, De Rossi, Zauri; Del Piero, Gilardino, Toni. Gilardino è successivamente passato con la squadra in pettorina rosa.

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Italia: Del Piero sì, De Rossi no

Lippi conferma i 5 cambi domani contro la Moldova: "Ale può dimostrare chi è, un po' di riposo farà bene a Daniele". E invoca lo "spirito visto con la Norvegia".

CHISINAU (Moldova), 7 settembre 2004 - Del Piero sì, De Rossi no. Ma soprattutto con lo stesso spirito che ha portato alla vittoria contro la Norvegia. Ecco i punti fermi di Marcello Lippi alla vigilia della sfida con la Moldova di domani sera, valida per la qualificazione ai Mondiali del 2006: "Confermo che cambierò 5 giocatori e che Del Piero giocherà". E da Alessandro Del Piero, che conosce bene e da tempo, il c.t. si aspetta delle risposte precise: "Tutti sono venuti qui con una grande voglia di riscatto - ha detto Lippi - gli altri azzurri hanno avuto la possibilità di mostrarla in campo sabato contro la Norvegia. Lui non c'era per problemi fisici, però ha domani la sua possibilità. Certo, vale anche per lui il discorso sulla deresponsabilizzazione. Domani può dimostrare tutto quello che può dare, non certo riscattarsi da chissà cosa. In Islanda non c'era, cosa avremmo detto allora se fosse stato in campo...?".

Poi "consola" Daniele De Rossi: "Nel fare i cambi terrò conto di tanti elementi. Può darsi che si faccia del bene ad un giovane di 21 anni a tenerlo fuori dopo che ha fatto una gran partita, molto al di là delle aspettative. Ci vuole coraggio a buttarlo dentro, ma serve anche la capacità di gestire anche il dopo". Cambi dunque soprattutto a centrocampo, ma quello che Lippi vuole invariato è lo spirito della vittoria contro la Norvegia. "Se manteniamo la stessa concentrazione e non snobbiamo la Moldova si può uscire da questi dieci giorni di lavoro con due vittorie". Nell'ultimo allenamento aperto ai giornalisti, il c.t. ha mescolato le carte per non dare indicazioni su quale potrà essere la formazione titolare. Al momento della partitella in famiglia Lippi, che ha a disposizione 23 giocatori, ha schierato da una parte Pelizzoli, una difesa composta da Bonera, Ferrari, Legrottaglie e Zambrotta; un centrocampo con Diana, Gattuso, Pirlo ed Ambrosini; Miccoli e Corradi in attacco. Dall'altra parte, invece, Buffon, difesa con Oddo, Nesta, Materazzi e Favalli; Fiore, Blasi, De Rossi e Zauri a centrocampo; Gilardino, Del Piero e Toni in attacco. Poi, ha spostato Gilardino nell'altra squadra.

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Op donderdag 9 september 2004 17:10 schreef DIGGER het volgende:
Hij was wel de slechtste man van het veld hoor, miste 3 toch niet onaardige kansen.

Buffon was de man bij Italie met 2 erg goede reddingen (veel meer had ie ook niet te doen) en Nesta was ijzersterk.

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Lippi calls Cagliari star

Marcello Lippi has unveiled the Italy squad set to face Slovenia and Belarus, which includes Cagliari’s Mauro Esposito but not Antonio Cassano.

Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero are unavailable due to injury, but Fabio Cannavaro and Francesco Totti are back in the side following their physical problems.

Milan hitman Pippo Inzaghi was hoping for a recall after scoring his first goal in six months, but Lippi has chosen to wait until he can regain full fitness.

Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi and Parma’s Alberto Gilardino have made the transition from the Under-21 side to senior Azzurri a permanent one, while Palermo’s Luca Toni retains his spot following the winning goal against Norway on Sept 4.

One of the surprises for Lippi’s second competitive round of games is Cagliari forward Mauro Esposito, who has scored two goals in Serie A so far this season and was sent off for a scuffle during the 2-1 win over Brescia on Saturday.

Esposito has taken the place of Euro 2004 star Cassano, who is struggling with slight fitness problems, but not enough to rule him out of these crucial World Cup qualifiers.

Another new face is Palermo fullback Christian Zaccardo, who had already been earmarked for a call-up during his time at Bologna.

Valencia men Bernardo Corradi, Marco Di Vaio and Stefano Fiore are the only non-Serie A members of the squad.

Italy will travel to Celje for the clash with Slovenia on Saturday evening, followed by a game with Belarus at Parma’s Stadio Tardini.

Gk: Buffon (Juventus), Pelizzoli (Roma)

D: Bonera (Parma), Cannavaro (Juventus), Materazzi (Inter), Nesta (Milan), Oddo (Lazio), Pancaro (Milan), Zaccardo (Palermo), Zambrotta (Juventus)

M: Blasi (Juventus), Camoranesi (Juventus), De Rossi (Roma), Diana (Sampdoria), Esposito (Cagliari), Fiore (Valencia), Gattuso (Milan), Perrotta (Roma)

F: Corradi (Valencia), Di Vaio (Valencia), Gilardino (Parma), Toni (Palermo), Totti (Roma)

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Op maandag 4 oktober 2004 17:16 schreef DIGGER het volgende:
Esposito was samen met Zola vorig jaar de grote man bij Cagliari, en speelt de 1e 5 wedstrijden in de Serie A tot nu toe ook gewoon allemaal erg goed.

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Perrotta doubt for Lippi

Simone Perrotta could be forced into an early exit from the Italy squad with injury, while we look at the side likely to face Slovenia.

Roma midfielder Perrotta has not taken part in full training since meeting up with the rest of the Azzurri on Monday morning due to a knock. He suffered heavy bruising to his left leg during the closing stages of the 3-3 draw with Inter and medical staff could decide to send him home.

This frees up a place in midfield that could be taken by his Giallorossi teammate Daniele De Rossi. The Under-21 international already impressed in his senior debut and scored in Sunday’s Serie A match.

He should be partnered by Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso, but there are three other tactical decisions that need to be made by Marcello Lippi.

Reports from the training ground suggest that Massimo Oddo and Daniele Bonera are battling for the right-back slot, while Valencia colleagues Marco Di Vaio and Stefano Fiore are contenders for a wide midfield role in a 4-2-3-1 system.

In the absence of Christian Vieri, the choice of centre-forward is up in the air between Alberto Gilardino, Bernardo Corradi and Luca Toni. The fact the Palermo striker is still recovering from a minor thigh problem could push Corradi ahead.

Meanwhile, Toni is also in the news with newspaper talk of a potential move to Roma.

“To hear that a great side like Roma is interested in me can only make me happy,” stated the ex-Brescia man. “To play for any big club, including the Giallorossi, is the dream of any player.”

We should have a clearer picture of the squad Lippi plans to field against Slovenia when Italy play their traditional friendly match against the Under-18 squad on Wednesday afternoon.

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Op zondag 10 oktober 2004 15:29 schreef methodmich het volgende:
De mij volslagen onbekende Sloveen Cesar

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Op maandag 15 november 2004 19:57 schreef methodmich het volgende:
Ik zie geen programma in mijn programmaboek, maar ik dacht dat Italië wel speelde?

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Op donderdag 18 november 2004 10:31 schreef zjroentje het volgende:
He, een MVV-er met een interland.

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Azzurri: Player Ratings

Pelizzoli: The Roma ‘keeper made a great save in the first half but did show signs of uncertainty after the break. Gigi Buffon has nothing to fear. 6/10

Zaccardo: A decent debut at right-back where he defended well. Rarely offered support in attack though. 6/10

Barzagli: The Palermo stopper will be pleased with his first game for the side. Looked very comfortable throughout and could prove useful in the future. 6.5/10

Materazzi: There was no costly mistake this time from Materazzi who put in one of his best games for Italy. He even surprised with his reading of the tie. 7/10

Parisi: Started well and even tried his luck with a long range free-kick but didn’t get forward as many expected. 6/10

Esposito: He didn’t stop running down the flank but his quantity wasn’t matched by quality. 6/10

Blasi: Underlined why he is a first team regular at Juventus under boss Fabio Capello. He forgot it was a friendly at times with a few crunching tackles. 6.5/10

De Rossi: The Roma youngster was the star of the show. He did everything required and controlled the midfield. Superb. 7.5/10

Mauri: The Udinese man was the biggest disappointment out of all the new boys. Perhaps the emotion of the occasion got to him. 5/10

Miccoli: Reminded Lippi that he is a player who can’t be ignored. He scored a great free-kick but also excelled with some super touches and vision. 7/10

Toni: The Palermo giant left his scoring boots at home last night. He was a constant danger but wasted numerous chances. A positive performance though. 6.5/10

Substitutes -

Chiellini: The Under-21 side may have to do without this left-back after an impressive debut. He got forward well but made some excellent challenges too. 6.5/10

Diana: Question marks still remain over whether he has the class needed at this level. 6/10

Barone: He was only given 30 minutes to impress but managed to catch the eye. Went close with a powerful drive. 6.5/10

Caracciolo: Almost netted on his debut with a diving header but wasn’t really given a chance to impress by his colleagues. 6/10

Montella: Deserved a goal in an exciting 45 minute display. He hit the bar and went close with a bicycle kick. The Roma man could be of real use to Lippi. 6.5/10

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Lippi opts for 4-3-3

Italy will start tonight’s friendly against Russia with an attacking trident of Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella and Christian Vieri.

"We will play with a 4-3-3," confirmed boss Marcello Lippi. "Playing with a the trident is an experiment that I want to try out.

"However, the three forwards can’t just stay up front and wait for the ball to arrive, they must help out the rest of the team."

The tactician will use this evening’s game to iron out a few doubts ahead of next month’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.

"Will we play the same way next month? We’ll see what happens against Russia," explained the former Juve boss.

"I expect to see a good game from my side, one which is enthusiastic and keen to reward their hard work over the last three days.

"This is a match which should be a part of our path to becoming a great side."

Lippi is expecting much from the in-form Christian Vieri who has yet to play for the Azzurri under the Coach.

"I’m not curious but satisfied to see Vieri in such shape and his current frame of mind," he added.

"The player is an important figure for this team seeing as his teammates do look up to him."

Italy (probable): Buffon; Bonera, Cannavaro, Nesta, Pancaro (Chiellini); Blasi, De Rossi, Gattuso; Totti, Vieri, Montella

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Op zondag 20 maart 2005 22:27 schreef -Vaduz- het volgende:
_{EW=Digger toch?}

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Op maandag 21 maart 2005 17:50 schreef methodmich het volgende:
Het succes van Palermo dringt aardig door. Overigens is het in vergelijking met het EK een zeer vernieuwde Squadra.

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Lippi lines up offensive Italy

Italy boss Marcello Lippi is set to unleash a trident attack in the World Cup qualifier against Scotland on Saturday.

The tactician seems orientated to start with a 4-3-3, which will see Alberto Gilardino, Francesco Totti and Antonio Cassano fielded simultaneously.

Totti, who has recovered from a slight foot injury, will be given a free role behind the two youngsters.

Should the former Juve boss go ahead with the system, it will be the third time that’s he’s fielded such an attacking formation is his brief reign.

He used it against Slovenia in October with limited success after the Azzurri lost 1-0 in a shock defeat. The trident was formed by Totti, Gilardino and Mauro Esposito on that night.

Lippi tested it again last month when Totti, Vincenzo Montella and Christian Vieri started in the 2-0 friendly win over Russia.

Italy should line-up with Gigi Buffon in goal, protected by a back-four of Daniele Bonera, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and Fiorentina left-back Giorgio Chiellini.

The midfield three should be Andrea Pirlo in the middle, Juve’s in-form Mauro Camoranesi on the right and Milan workhouse Gennaro Gattuso on the left.

Italy will start the game as hot favourites for victory but Scotland boss Walter Smith seems unperturbed.

"You have to be optimistic otherwise it is impossible to be a football manager," he said.

"We know a draw would be great but even if we lose I do not think the other sides in the group will gain that much. We are aiming for a play-off spot and I believe we can achieve that."

Italy are currently top of Group 5 with nine points, Scotland are seven points adrift in penultimate place.

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Op maandag 28 maart 2005 15:47 schreef methodmich het volgende:
DIGGER, hoe was die eerste goal van Pirlo?

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Op donderdag 31 maart 2005 18:30 schreef the_legend_killer het volgende:
Schotland jammer

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Op zondag 5 juni 2005 15:24 schreef methodmich het volgende:
STAND

1. Italië 6-13
2. Slovenië 6-9
3. Noorwegen 6-8
4. Wit-Rusland 5-6
5. Schotland 5-5
6. Moldavië 6-2

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Op dinsdag 7 juni 2005 16:31 schreef placebeau het volgende:
Eigenlijk, op Italië na, allemaal kutploegen in deze poule.

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Op zaterdag 3 september 2005 16:58 schreef BliksemSchigt het volgende:
Wedstrijden:

20:45 Slovenia ? - ? Norway

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Op zaterdag 3 september 2005 18:49 schreef CherrymoonTraxx het volgende:
13' 1 - 0 Miller.

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Op woensdag 7 september 2005 19:28 schreef Ambrosius het volgende:
Na een 1-0 achterstand tegen Wit-Rusland staat Italië via twee keer Toni nu op 1-2 na een klein half uur.

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Op woensdag 7 september 2005 20:16 schreef Ambrosius het volgende:
1-4 Italië ondertussen, de derde van Toni.

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Op woensdag 7 september 2005 20:16 schreef Ambrosius het volgende:
1-4 Italië ondertussen, de derde van Toni.

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Op maandag 5 september 2005 12:07 schreef DIGGER het volgende:

[..]

Was een gave goal, maar de Schotten kregen achteraf wel te veel met een punt hoor.

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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.