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Abete: Smells like team spirit
Monday 9 June, 2008

It was the secret of their success in 2006 and FIGC chief Giancarlo Abete believes Italy can once again stand out as a unit.

“I am sorry to lose our captain and Ballon d’Or winner Fabio Cannavaro, but unfortunately we know that players can get injured in tournaments, like Alessandro Nesta at the World Cup,” said the Federation President.

“The squad has to know how to react and express its full potential as a team, just as it did in Germany.”

While early contenders Portugal are centred around Cristiano Ronaldo’s star power, the Azzurri have great strength in depth, particularly in attack.

“We enter this competition as world champions and are considered among the favourites along with Germany, France, Spain and Portugal. A competition can also be decided on incidents, as we were eliminated from four of the last five World Cups on penalties.

“It’s a very balanced playing field between world class teams. In Germany two years ago all four semi-finalists were European, so although naturally Brazil and Argentina cannot compete in Euro 2008, it remains a tournament of the highest level.

“We must remain concentrated and confident in the qualities of our team.”

Roberto Donadoni has refused to name a captain in Cannavaro’s absence, as Gianluigi Buffon will take the armband only if Alessandro Del Piero is not in the starting XI against Holland.

“There has to be a logical evaluation by the Coach. It’s important to note there is no rivalry between Buffon and Del Piero, who are both great players and teammates at Juventus. It is down to the tactician.”

Donadoni had been at the centre of a contract row for several months before Abete extended his deal until 2010.

“We are all very content to have set this problem aside, one that could have caused unrest during the tournament,” explained the FIGC chief.

“We were satisfied to renew Donadoni’s contract, though there was still great mutual respect even when we had not yet found an agreement.”


Preview: Holland - Italy
The Azzurri’s Euro 2008 campaign finally gets started with a high-profile battle against Marco Van Basten’s Holland. More

Quality key for Donadoni
Roberto Donadoni aims to use “all of our technique and physicality” to defeat friend Marco Van Basten’s Holland this evening. More

Canna to get bench role?
Fabio Cannavaro could receive special dispensation to sit on the bench for Italy, though Andrea Barzagli assures he'll take care of business on the pitch. More

Buffon leads the way
Gianluigi Buffon has spoken of his pride at wearing the captain's armband for Italy in what promises to be a hard-fought clash with Holland. More

Van Basten sees Don's spirit
Holland Coach Marco Van Basten believes old friend Roberto Donadoni has infused his warrior spirit into the Azzurri. More

Blog: Don's defensive dilemma
Italy could start Euro 2008 with Marco Materazzi and Andrea Barzagli as their centre-backs, but a couple of full-backs might be a better option. More

Reports: Don backs De Rossi
Roberto Donadoni will choose Daniele De Rossi ahead of Massimo Ambrosini for tomorrow’s game against Holland, according to the Italian Press. More



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Pictures: Richiardi (Milan)
& Getty Images (UK)


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