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Italy - Euro 08 Preview | Help spread the word: Share on Facebook 
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Dan Stephens previews the World Champions Italy as they attempt to achieve what the French did in 1998 and 2000, the World Cup and Euro Championship double.The Azzurri stumbled rather than pranced their way into the Euro 2008 finals. The tournament, of course, arrives only two years after the Italian national team won the World Cup, but with a new manager, indifferent performances in the domestic league, and the wake of corruption and football violence, the team in blue have hardly had it their own way. And, it doesn’t get any easier as inspirational captain and defensive dynamo Fabio Cannavaro tore ligaments in his left ankle during the build-up to the tournament and will be out until next year. So, can Italy repeat their world domination two years ago? Well, even without their captain, they’ve always been a great defensive team and will be difficult to break down for anyone. The emerging talent of centre-back Andrea Barzagli will help fill Cannavaro’s void (especially with veterans Materazzi and Zambrotta beside him), but the powerful midfield, which includes the likes of Gennaro Gattuso, Daniela De Rossi, and Massimo Ambrosini will provide good support. However, while Italy can keep teams out at one end, they might have trouble scoring at the other. A lot of attention will be placed upon striker Luca Toni who scored 44 goals for club and country this season. And perhaps more important will be the performances of midfield playmaker Andrea Pirlo who has a gifted right-foot and wonderful footballing brain. He can deliver defense splitting paces from 50 yards away and often begins counter-attacks from deep within his own half. Italy won’t head into the tournament as favourites largely due to them being in the group of death with Holland, France, and Romania, but if they can reach the quarter finals you have to fancy them to go a long way. Dan Stephens Fancy writing for LiveFootball? Click here to find out more. |