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Italy facing must-win match with Scotland
ROME: Italy has weathered a match-fixing scandal and widespread stadium
violence over the past year. The world champions could face a new low
if they fail to beat Scotland on Wednesday.
A loss would seriously damage the Azzurri's chances of qualifying for
next year's European Championship.
Italy trails Group B leaders Scotland and France by five points entering
the game in Bari, and can't afford to drop any further behind. France
is off on Wednesday.
"I wasn't hoping to find ourselves this far back in the standings
at this point," captain Fabio Cannavaro said. "It's up to us.
We've got the chance to play this game at home and it's an occasion we
have to take advantage of."
Italy failed to qualify for the European Championship after winning its
third World Cup title in 1982.
"It's a delicate moment and we can't make any errors. We need a win
to show that this group is neither old nor worn out," Cannavaro said.
"Our goal is to do what France did after winning the World Cup: Qualify
for the Euros and win it."
France pulled off the World Cup-European Championship double in 1998 and
2000.
The numbers are on Italy's side. The Azzurri have beaten Scotland all
five times they've played in Italy, and have won six of six games in Bari.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni attended Scotland's 2-1 win over Georgia
in Glasgow on Saturday and said the Scots didn't deserve to win. Craig
Beattie scored the winning goal with a minute to go.
"I saw strengths and weaknesses. We will have to be attentive not
to concede space to their two forwards. (Kenny) Miller is very fast and
(Kris) Boyd gives them strength. But in Bari we have to play our game."
The Georgia match marked the debut for Scotland coach Alex McLeish.
"I want to keep things under my hat just now, but I think we can
go to Italy and have a go," McLeish told The Scotsman. "We will
certainly be trying to score. We are in a position where we can certainly
do that.
"I could say 'Right, let's sit in for a draw' and get a point which
would make it a wonderful five days," McLeish added. "I will
give it consideration. We are obviously playing against a really good
side who will have a say in that as well."
Donadoni is facing harsh criticism from the Italian media, and failing
to win would only make things worse.
"My only worry is about Wednesday's game. I think the team is calm
and that puts me at ease," Donadoni said. "The controversy comes
from outside. The group is united and together."
Nine of the 11 players that started the World Cup final were called up
to Italy's team.
The only two members of the squad left out were injured defender Fabio
Grosso and playmaker Francesco Totti, who is taking a break from the national
team until September.
Two others are hurting.
Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sat out training on Sunday and Monday with
stomach sickness and midfielder Simone Perrotta has a right thigh problem.
Donadoni is expected to design his attack around Fiorentina forward Luca
Toni, with Alessandro Del Piero, Mauro Camoranesi and Antonio Di Natale
battling for wing roles.
A Tartan Army of more than 5,000 Scottish fans is expected in Bari.
International Herald
Tribune, March 26, 2007.
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