Italy's woes give hope to Group C rivals
Source: Agencies |
June 10, 2012, Sunday
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Print Edition
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ITALY has hardly had the ideal preparation for Euro 2012 with poor results against the backdrop of a match-fixing scandal at home leaving Ireland and Croatia nurturing hopes of getting out of Group C with favorite Spain.
Croatia is actually ranked eighth in the world by FIFA, four places higher than Italy, while 18th-placed Ireland's Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni and captain Robbie Keane are among the most experienced and wily practitioners of the game.
Spain meanwhile is favorite to retain its continental title, which would make it the first nation to win back-to-back European Championships with a World Cup in between.
It has the strength-in-depth to cope without record scorer David Villa and inspirational center back Carles Puyol, who are out injured, in the pressure of a major tournament.
Marshalled by the peerless Xavi in midfield and boasting the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas and captain Iker Casillas, Spain seem certain to progress.
Italy, on the other hand, is mired in yet another domestic match-fixing scandal which has robbed it of Domenico Criscito after the defender was placed under investigation by police.
The Azzurri lost their last three warm-up matches, including a demoralizing 0-3 defeat by Russia in their last friendly.
It may draw strength in adversity and it is always dangerous to underestimate a wounded beast, especially one with the pedigree of the 2000 finalist.
Croatia is optimistic about its chances, pinning hopes on in-form striker Nikica Jelavic who ended the season with a bang at English Premier League side Everton. "He's one of the reasons we are very confident," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic told the UEFA website. "He's on top form and he made a major impact very suddenly. His progress is unbelievable. He is one of our greatest assets."
"I don't have any headaches," Bilic added as he prepares his side for today's Group C opener against the Irish in Poznan.
Croatia is actually ranked eighth in the world by FIFA, four places higher than Italy, while 18th-placed Ireland's Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni and captain Robbie Keane are among the most experienced and wily practitioners of the game.
Spain meanwhile is favorite to retain its continental title, which would make it the first nation to win back-to-back European Championships with a World Cup in between.
It has the strength-in-depth to cope without record scorer David Villa and inspirational center back Carles Puyol, who are out injured, in the pressure of a major tournament.
Marshalled by the peerless Xavi in midfield and boasting the likes of Andres Iniesta, David Silva, Cesc Fabregas and captain Iker Casillas, Spain seem certain to progress.
Italy, on the other hand, is mired in yet another domestic match-fixing scandal which has robbed it of Domenico Criscito after the defender was placed under investigation by police.
The Azzurri lost their last three warm-up matches, including a demoralizing 0-3 defeat by Russia in their last friendly.
It may draw strength in adversity and it is always dangerous to underestimate a wounded beast, especially one with the pedigree of the 2000 finalist.
Croatia is optimistic about its chances, pinning hopes on in-form striker Nikica Jelavic who ended the season with a bang at English Premier League side Everton. "He's one of the reasons we are very confident," Croatia coach Slaven Bilic told the UEFA website. "He's on top form and he made a major impact very suddenly. His progress is unbelievable. He is one of our greatest assets."
"I don't have any headaches," Bilic added as he prepares his side for today's Group C opener against the Irish in Poznan.
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