Italy woes mount with Russia loss
Source: Agencies |
June 3, 2012, Sunday
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Italy's troubles mounted as it produced some slapstick defending in a 0-3 defeat by fellow Euro 2012 finalist Russia on Friday in its only warm-up match for the tournament.
The game in Zurich was played against the backdrop of a match-fixing scandal back home that prompted Italy coach Cesare Prandelli to say he would not mind his side pulling out of the European Championship if it was the right move.
Friday's performance was a defensive nightmare for Italy, which conceded only twice in 10 games during qualifying, with Russia's second and third goals coming from defensive mix-ups involving substitute goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
Italy had created more chances in the opening hour but its rearguard always looked shaky and it fell to pieces when Russia, which could have scored three times ahead of the break, went ahead through Alexander Kerzhakov just before the hour.
Roman Shirokov then added two late goals.
It was Italy's third successive match without scoring following 0-1 defeats by Uruguay in November and the United States in February and its heaviest loss since Prandelli took charge following the 2010 World Cup.
Italy has been drawn in a tough Group C at Euro 2012 with world and European champion Spain, Croatia and Ireland.
Italy's only other warm-up match before it faces Spain in their opening match on June 10, against Luxembourg in Parma last Tuesday, was canceled following the earthquake which hit the north of the country.
Mario Balotelli drew a blank for the Italians, disappearing from the action in the last half hour after a bright opening.
"I have to do tests, we didn't have time for lots of preparations, there is not much time," said Prandelli.
"We have to regain our strength and fight for every ball, as in the qualification."
Italy's match-fixing scandal led Prandelli to drop left back Domenico Criscito from his squad after police said the player was formally under investigation. Criscito has denied any wrongdoing.
In Innsbruck, Austria, Euro co-host Ukraine suffered a 2-3 defeat by Austria in their friendly on Friday.
Forward Marko Arnautovic was the hero scoring twice for the host after Zlatko Junuzovic had opened the scoring. Oleg Gusev was twice on target for Ukraine.
In Prague, substitute Adam Gyurcso struck late to help Hungary beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the host's final Euro tuneup on Friday.
Balazs Dzsudzsak opened the scoring for Hungary in the 6th minute with Michal Kadlec equalizing in the 24th.
The game in Zurich was played against the backdrop of a match-fixing scandal back home that prompted Italy coach Cesare Prandelli to say he would not mind his side pulling out of the European Championship if it was the right move.
Friday's performance was a defensive nightmare for Italy, which conceded only twice in 10 games during qualifying, with Russia's second and third goals coming from defensive mix-ups involving substitute goalkeeper Morgan De Sanctis.
Italy had created more chances in the opening hour but its rearguard always looked shaky and it fell to pieces when Russia, which could have scored three times ahead of the break, went ahead through Alexander Kerzhakov just before the hour.
Roman Shirokov then added two late goals.
It was Italy's third successive match without scoring following 0-1 defeats by Uruguay in November and the United States in February and its heaviest loss since Prandelli took charge following the 2010 World Cup.
Italy has been drawn in a tough Group C at Euro 2012 with world and European champion Spain, Croatia and Ireland.
Italy's only other warm-up match before it faces Spain in their opening match on June 10, against Luxembourg in Parma last Tuesday, was canceled following the earthquake which hit the north of the country.
Mario Balotelli drew a blank for the Italians, disappearing from the action in the last half hour after a bright opening.
"I have to do tests, we didn't have time for lots of preparations, there is not much time," said Prandelli.
"We have to regain our strength and fight for every ball, as in the qualification."
Italy's match-fixing scandal led Prandelli to drop left back Domenico Criscito from his squad after police said the player was formally under investigation. Criscito has denied any wrongdoing.
In Innsbruck, Austria, Euro co-host Ukraine suffered a 2-3 defeat by Austria in their friendly on Friday.
Forward Marko Arnautovic was the hero scoring twice for the host after Zlatko Junuzovic had opened the scoring. Oleg Gusev was twice on target for Ukraine.
In Prague, substitute Adam Gyurcso struck late to help Hungary beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in the host's final Euro tuneup on Friday.
Balazs Dzsudzsak opened the scoring for Hungary in the 6th minute with Michal Kadlec equalizing in the 24th.
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