Fabio Cannavaro wants a Euro 2008 title to follow the World Cup and explains why Italy now take friendlies seriously.
The captain got a touch to Andrea Pirlo’s strike in the 3-1 victory over Portugal and the goal has now been credited to him, only his second international success.
“My deflection was incredibly important and I practised it in training! At least it proves Naples doesn’t just create rubbish,” joked Cannavaro.
It was a confident and energetic performance, particularly in the second half, as Luca Toni and Fabio Quagliarella also hit the target.
“I don’t think we used to snub friendlies in other years either, such as when we beat Holland and Germany. The Nazionale has grown so much in recent years, fighting for every game, entertaining, winning and scoring goals.
“The secret is that the new faces come into a group that is already solid and tries to improve with each day. The newcomers see that and settle in to the mentality.
“Victories like this certainly bring confidence and help you to prepare for the tournament. However, we must put the World Cup behind us and not think about it anymore, as this is a different competition with other teams.
“I’d like to follow France in winning the World Cup and European Championship back to back.”
Roberto Donadoni notched up his sixth consecutive win with the Azzurri as the warm-up for Euro 2008 continued.
“Donadoni replaced a World Cup winner and did brilliantly to reinvigorate and motivate players who risked falling by the wayside. He has earned all of our respect and admiration,” said Cannavaro.
The tactician’s contract expires in the summer and he is in negotiations with the Federation over a new deal that may or may not be tied to results in Switzerland and Austria.
“It’s only normal that the Coach would want a safe contract so that everyone can work in a relaxed atmosphere. It is something the FIGC has already discussed and I’m sure they will come to an agreement.”
