After winning the FIFA World Cup in 1982, Italy failed to qualify for
the following UEFA European Championship. Having replaced Marcello Lippi
in September following Italy's world title triumph in Germany, Roberto
Donadoni is eager to avoid history repeating itself as the Azzurri face
Scotland in Bari after a slow start to Group B.
Official response
With seven points from four games, Italy are five behind group leaders
Scotland and France and two adrift of Ukraine. Suggestions that a poor
result against Scotland on Wednesday could see Donadoni dismissed prompted
Italian Football Federation commissioner Luca Pancalli to issue a statement:
"We have complete faith in Donadoni. Right now the national team
needs calm and not pointless panic."
Donadoni calm
Nonetheless, while some believe his career is in the balance, Donadoni
remains sanguine. "I had some tests done and they said I'm not stressed
at all," he joked. "I have always felt calm and safe since being
appointed, and not only after Pancalli's words of support. I don't mind
the rumours about my future. I'm just focused on fielding a very determined
team against Scotland."
Bari plans
On Saturday Donadoni was in Glasgow to watch Scotland's 2-1 victory over
Georgia. He said: "This result complicates matters a little bit for
us, but in Italy it was greeted like a defeat for us. Maybe somebody didn't
realise that we weren't playing on Saturday. In Bari we will try to take
the initiative and set the tempo. Scotland are a very physical side with
quality in midfield."
Cannavaro confident
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro has joined the defensive wall in front of
his coach, saying: "You need to be a saint to work well with all
this criticism, but Donandoni has the right personality to fulfil all
expectations." Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also accentuated the positive.
"We expected Scotland to win and it would have been a surprise only
if they had failed to beat Georgia."
Toni defiant
Now Italy must rein the Scots in and striker Luca Toni - who may be partnered
by in-form S.S. Lazio forward Tommaso Rocchi at the Stadio San Nicola
- was sure his side could secure a win. "At this stage, three points
against Scotland are a must," he said. "It will be a tough game
but we played well in our last two outings and we want to continue along
this path."
, March 28, 2007.
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