Claudio Gentile’s side is ready for the start of their Olympic challenge on Thursday and the Coach pinpoints Andrea Pirlo as their key player.
“Pirlo will be the focal point for the whole squad,” he said of the Milan midfielder, “the one who can dictate the tempo. He ensures our play has a quality to it.”
The 25-year-old is one of three over-age players included in the European Championship winning Azzurrini side.
“The others were also brought along for good reasons,” explained Gentile. “Matteo Ferrari is able to bring a greater sense of security to the defence, while goalkeeper Ivan Pelizzoli is also coming off a good season with Roma.”
Italy are among the favourites for Olympic gold after conquering the European trophy in May, but must first qualify ahead of Ghana, Japan and Paraguay.
“We have perhaps the toughest Group of them all, but we are also aware of our very impressive potential. The people are waiting for something to happen and we will give 100 per cent to ensure Italian football can bring back that medal after 68 years.”
The first match is against Ghana on August 12, followed by a meeting with Japan on Sunday and concluding the Group phase against Paraguay on Wednesday 18 Aug.
“With only 18 players in the squad and a game every three days in this heat,” warns the tactician, “we must employ the rotation system at the right time.”
The National Olympic football team left Fiuggi this morning at about 10:00 am after seven days of preparation for the Games in Athens. The team and staff went to the Fiumicino airport in Rome where they left at 2:00 pm for Athens before going on to the headquarters in Volos.
The FIGC president Franco Carraio left with the team and has a series of meetings for the CIO scheduled.
楼主
发表于 2004-8-10 01:41:00
发表于 2004-8-10 19:30:00