|
Donadoni ponders Italy possibilities
By Paolo Menicucci from Milan
| |
|
|
Roberto Donadoni casts his eye over his charges
at San Siro on Monday (¿Getty Images)
|
Roberto Donadoni is keeping his options open as
he prepares for Wednesday's friendly against Spain. On a personal level
the Italy coach has suggested he may be prepared to extend his contract
beyond UEFA EURO 2008T, while on the pitch he insists there is still time
for the likes of Alessandro Del Piero to break into his squad before the
summer.
Key presence
The 33-year-old Del Piero was a surprising omission for the party to face
Spain in Elche, with many believing his rejuvenated presence for Juventus
merits an international recall. He delivered another eye-catching performance
in the Bianconeri's 2-1 victory at FC Internazionale Milano on Saturday,
and although he has been unable to convince Donadoni to give him another
chance with Italy this time, he may still get his opportunity.
'It might happen'
"Ale believes he can make the squad for EURO and he is right to think
that," said the Azzurri coach, who will be looking to add the European
title in June to the FIFA World Cup predecessor Marcelo Lippi claimed
two years ago. "Before the start of the tournament we will have another
friendly against Belgium. And while there tend not to be many late, surprising
inclusions just ahead of a big tournament, one or two players could make
it - it might happen."
No complacency
It might yet happen for Del Piero's Juve team-mate Giorgio Chiellini too,
one of a host of players knocking at the door as the contest for the 23
places this summer intensifies. "He is among the in-form players
right now," Donadoni observed. "I still consider him, as well
as others, as an option for EURO but I cannot call 26 or 27 players and
I already have Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi, Andrea Barzagli and a
versatile defender like Christian Panucci in this squad. We get closer
and closer to a definite selection but nobody can feel the shirt is his."
Undecided future
Complacency is a trap Donadoni is keen to avoid himself, underlining that
wherever his future lies beyond UEFA EURO 2008T, he is committed to the
Italy cause. "I had an offer to renew my contract, I considered it
and I refused it," he said. "I don't see any problem in that.
I will be very motivated at EURO, even if I haven't signed a contract.
I have always tried to earn my bread through hard work, and I think my
bread was fully earned and deserved. And I don't rule out staying after
the tournament."
Euro2008.uefa.com,
25 March 2008
|
|
