|
Italy impress as Dutch stumble
Italy celebrate their win in Tunis (Getty Images 2004)
It was a mixed weekend of friendly results for eight of the nations preparing for UEFA EURO 2004™. Italy and Portugal enjoyed comfortable victories, while the Netherlands and Greece both stumbled to defeat.
Advocaat unhappy
Belgium beat their Dutch neighbours 1-0 in Eindhoven on Saturday, courtesy of a Bart Goor penalty 12 minutes from time. Dutch coach Dick Advocaat was unhappy with his side's performance, but refused to push the panic button.
'First step'
"It is our first step in preparing for Portugal and it is clearly one of our worst games," he said. "We will have to learn from it." The coach added that his side, who are in Group D with Germany, the Czech Republic and Latvia, had particularly missed the passion of midfield enforcer Edgar Davids, one of several rested players.
First-time scorers
Italy enjoyed a far more satisfactory outing, beating African champions Tunisia 4-0 in Tunis on Sunday. An own goal from Tunisian defender Riadh Bouazizi gave the Azzurri a 15th-minute lead and the three remaining goals were all registered by players who had never scored for Italy before.
Trapattoni satisfied
Captain Fabio Cannavaro's 27th-minute header made it 2-0 and playmaker Andrea Pirlo curled in a wonderful free-kick in the 86th minute. Three minutes later defender Gianluca Zambrotta's close-range effort made it 4-0. "I'm really satisfied with our performance and especially with our mental approach to the game," declared Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
Danes held
Italy's opponents in their opening Group C game at EURO 2004™, Denmark, were surprisingly held 2-2 by Estonia in Tallinn. Jon Dahl Tomasson's cool finish put the Scandinavians ahead after 28 minutes, and although the Danes controlled the match and had the lion's share of possession they spurned several good chances to extend their advantage.
Olsen thoughts
Estonia refused to lie down, Kristen Viikmäe equalising with a 77th-minute header. Danish substitute Kenneth Perez restored his side's advantage three minutes later but Joel Lindpere's last-minute shot deflected past Thomas Sørensen to make it 2-2. "Our play lacked quality and precision," coach Morten Olsen said. "We cannot afford this kind of play at EURO 2004."
Greece lack fire
Greece, who meet hosts Portugal in the tournament's opening match in Lisbon on 12 June, also lacked fire in a 1-0 away defeat by Poland in Szczecin on Saturday. The only goal of the game came when Mihalis Kapsis put through his own goal on 16 minutes after a mix-up with goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis.
Stroll for Portugal
The same day, the Portuguese strolled to a 3-0 win over Luxembourg in Águeda. Playing the first half without six FC Porto players following their UEFA Champions League heroics on Wednesday, Portugal still managed three goals before the break through Luís Figo, Nuno Gomes and Rui Costa. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "I want my team to be able to take the risk of shooting on goal and today was a perfect occasion for them to do it."
Olic winner
Croatia, who are in Group B alongside France, England and Switzerland, beat Slovakia 1-0 on Saturday. Ivica Olic scored the only goal on 29 minutes in the absence of Ivan Klasnic, who was on scoring form for SV Werder Bremen in their German Cup final win, and Dado Pršo, who was carrying a knock after Wednesday's Champions League final.
Wiltord on target
On Friday, Slyvain Wiltord scored twice as the reigning European champions France strolled to a 4-0 win against Andorra in Montpellier, while Marcus Allbäck also scored two goals as Sweden won 3-1 in Finland.
Source : uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Italy strike resounding chord
Tunisia 0-4 Italy
Italy obtained a comfortable 4-0 victory in Tunis against African champions Tunisia as Fabio Cannavaro, Andrea Pirlo and Gianluca Zambrotta scored their first goals in an Azzurri shirt.
Tunisia's Ayari Anis under pressure from Christian Vieri of Italy (Getty Images)
Lone striker
Giovanni Trapattoni was without the injured Stefano Fiore and played with Mauro Camoranesi, Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero just behind the only striker Christian Vieri. In midfield the Italy coach started with Simone Perrotta and Cristiano Zanetti.
Cannavaro conversion
Italy opened the scoring after 15 minutes. Vieri ran on to a Totti long pass, Tunisia defender Riadh Bouazizi tried to ward off the Italy striker but headed into his own goal. Azzurri captain Cannavaro scored the second after 27 minutes, heading in a corner by Totti. It was the first goal in 78 international matches for the 30-year-old FC Internazionale defender.
Good opportunities
Italy defended well and did not allow Roger Lemerre's side any clear scoring chances. After the break Trapattoni substituted six players, but his team continued to push forward looking for the third goal. Antonio Cassano, who had replaced his AS Roma team-mate Totti, and Alessandro Del Piero wasted two good opportunities from close range.
Wonderful free-kick
Four minutes from the final whistle substitute Pirlo curled in a wonderful free-kick, giving the Azzurri their third goal, and three minutes later Zambrotta scored the fourth from close range after a corner by the AC Milan playmaker.
'Really satisfied'
"I'm really satisfied with our performance and especially with our mental approach to the game," said Trapattoni. "Del Piero, Totti and Vieri can do great things together." The win will boost Italy's morale ahead of their UEFA EURO 2004™ opener on 14 June against Denmark.
Source : uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Trapattoni targets team success
Go Mr. Trap !!! Forza Italy!!! Hope Italy Teams will goes to Final ... *._.*
Check it out!!
--------------------------------------
By Paolo Menicucci
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni believes the "new spirit" he has witnessed within his squad at their first training session for UEFA EURO 2004 makes the Azzurri favourites to win the tournament.
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni points the way ( Getty Images )
Team spirit
Speaking from Italy's Coverciano base near Florence, he said: "I am really optimistic because I see something new in the side. Every player seems ready to sacrifice himself for the team. I believe we can win, though I'm sure all the other teams are convinced they can go all the way in the tournament too."
Significant changes
After a disappointing showing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the coach is hoping for an improved performance in Portugal. "Now we have a different formation and better communications with every Italian club," he continued. "We wanted to hear from the players and if they had any particular requests. We have no excuses now."
Shared responsibility
When asked if AS Roma forward Francesco Totti would be Italy's most important player, Trapattoni replied: "I don't want to give him too much responsibility. I believe we have several strong players in this team, although some of them need to recharge their batteries. [Fabio] Cannavaro, [Alessandro] Del Piero, [Mauro] Camoranesi and [Antonio] Cassano are constantly improving their physical condition. I'm not worried because there is plenty of time for them to reach 100 per cent fitness."
Family visits
The veteran trainer has also outlined a series of rules for the trip to Portugal to his players. For the first time Italian players will be allowed to receive visits from their wives and girlfriends in their hotel for one hour after dinner, with the exception of the days before matches.
Importance of rules
"I don't like to speak about discipline, we are not in the army," Trapattoni explained. "Precise rules are important in this kind of competition but it's good to have your family with you. We want to create a happy group."
Final preparations
The Azzurri will leave for Portugal on 7 June after facing African Cup of Nations winners Tunisia on 30 May in their final warm-up game. They kick off their EURO 2004 campaign against Group C rivals Denmark in Guimarães on 14 June.
Source : uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Striking absences for Italy
Whuaaaaaaattt? After Maldini confirmed he will not play on this game and now? Inzaghi will absences on Italy Final Squad of EURO 2004?? I can't believe this!! Why He always not fit n also get ankle surgery in final competition??
OMG, Dunno what to say? Can i still and will support this team (i mean Italy Team) if my Idol (Pippo) not join in this competition?
Check it out this news!!
-----------------------------------
By Paolo Menicucci
Filippo Inzaghi and Alberto Gilardino have been omitted from Italy's provisional 23-man squad for UEFA EURO 2004.
Squad announcement
Inzaghi and Gilardino, scorer of 23 league goals for Parma AC this season, were excluded from the list announced by coach Giovanni Trapattoni today, along with another attacker Fabrizio Miccoli.
Forward options
Trapattoni, who has chosen to select six forwards rather than five, has instead called up Juventus FC's Marco Di Vaio alongside Christian Vieri, Bernardo Corradi, Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano and Alessandro Del Piero.
Still a chance
Inzaghi of AC Milan may yet be named in the Azzurri's final squad on 2 June if he can prove his fitness after ankle surgery last month, but the 22-year-old Gilardino now seems likely to play for Italy at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship later this month.
Zanetti fit
In midfield, Cristiano Zanetti has recovered from his recent injuries and is preferred to AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini. However, Trapattoni does include two players from the Italian champions in Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso.
Peruzzi named
As expected there is no place for Roberto Baggio, who made a farewell appearance in the friendly against Spain last month, while the third goalkeeping berth behind Gianluigi Buffon and Francesco Toldo goes to veteran Angelo Peruzzi.
Defensive cover
With Paolo Maldini ruling out a return to the national team, Trapattoni has opted for Matteo Ferrari and Marco Materazzi as cover for Alessandro Nesta and captain Fabio Cannavaro in central defence, but Juventus FC's Nicola Legrottaglie is left out. Giuseppe Favalli will provide back-up for left back Gianluca Zambrotta while Christian Panucci and Massimo Oddo will vie for the right-sided position.
Training schedule
Trapattoni's squad will assemble at a pre-tournament training camp in Coverciano on 24 May before playing African champions Tunisia on 30 May in their final warm-up game. They kick off their EURO 2004™ campaign against Denmark in Guimarães on 14 June.
Italy squad
Goalkeepers
Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus FC)
Francesco Toldo (Internazionale FC)
Angelo Peruzzi (S.S. Lazio)
Defenders
Christian Panucci (AS Roma)
Massimo Oddo (S.S. Lazio)
Fabio Cannavaro (Internazionale FC)
Alessandro Nesta (AC Milan)
Matteo Ferrari (AC Parma)
Marco Materazzi (Internazionale FC)
Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus FC)
Giuseppe Favalli (S.S. Lazio)
Midfielders
Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan)
Gennaro Gattuso (AC Milan)
Simone Perrotta (AC Chievo Verona)
Cristiano Zanetti (Internazionale FC)
Stefano Fiore (S.S. Lazio)
Mauro Camoranesi (Juventus FC)
Forwards
Marco Di Vaio (Juventus FC)
Alessandro Del Piero (Juventus FC)
Antonio Cassano (AS Roma)
Francesco Totti (AS Roma)
Bernardo Corradi (S.S. Lazio)
Christian Vieri (Internazionale FC)
Source : uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Maldini rules out Azzurri return
Kyaaaaa, what's up Maldini??? why??? Don't do that, becoz We *esp. i'm* hopefull that Italy will goes to Final with u too!!
Plz change ur mind ... *._.*
----------------------------------------
By Paolo Menicucci
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini has confirmed that he will not play for Italy at UEFA EURO 2004.
Paolo Maldini has had a tremendous season (Getty Images)
Trapattoni hopeful
The 35-year-old retired from international football after the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals. Following his superb form in recent months, however, the defender said he would speak to Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni at the end of the season. A fortnight ago, Trapattoni revealed he "would be extremely happy" should Maldini change his mind.
No change
During yesterday's celebrations for Milan's 17th Scudetto success after the champions finished the season with a 4-2 win against Brescia Calcio, Maldini said: "I have already talked with Trapattoni and explained to him that I won't change my mind. He completely understood the reasons for my decision."
Lengthy career
Maldini made 126 appearances for his country, making him the Azzurri's most capped player. Earlier this month he renewed his contract with Milan until 2006, extending a San Siro career that began with his debut against Udinese Calcio in January 1985.
Source : uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Inzaghi on road to recovery
OMG ... OMG, Inzaghi Injury again??
I hope Inzaghi will be play as Italian squad on Final Line Up EURO 2004
Check it out !!!
-----------------------------------
By Paolo Menicucci
Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi is confident he will be fit for UEFA EURO 2004™ after undergoing exploratory surgery on a troublesome ankle last week.
Filippo Inzaghi hopes to feature at EURO 2004 (Getty Images)
Sidelined
The 30-year-old AC Milan player, who watched from the stands as his team beat AS Roma to win the Serie A title on Sunday, had an operation to remove a small fragment from his left ankle.
Return to training
Doctors declared the procedure a success, and Inzaghi is expected to return to training within ten days. He hopes to prove his fitness to Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni before the trainer announces his EURO 2004™ squad on 2 June.
Inzaghi belief
"I believe I will be fit for the tournament, but I will have to prove it to Trapattoni before 25 May," he said. "Missing so many games this season could also be an advantage to me." The forward scored six goals in qualifying to help the Azzurri reach the finals in Portugal.
Source:©uefa.com 1998-2004. All rights reserved
Test ... test!!!
Finally, i can post any news here about EURO 2004.
I like this game ... *._.*
Hope my team will be a winner, and it can be my sweet present in my B'day ... *LOL*
|
