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| | Toni sees the light at last |
Wednesday 19 November, 2008 |
| Luca Toni is relieved to have scored his first Azzurri goal in 697 minutes of international football.
His looping header gave Italy a 1-1 draw away to Greece that also extended Marcello Lippi's unbeaten run on the bench to a 31 games.
“I am happy that I rediscovered the goal, even if it was a friendly, as it is always wonderful to score for the Azzurri. We're also happy we managed to give Lippi this record,” smiled the Bayern Munich star.
“I owe a great deal to the Coach, as he took me into the Nazionale and we shared the World Cup experience. When I was having difficulties he always called me in and talked it over.”
He had not netted for his country since a 3-1 win over Portugal on February 6 and was beginning to fear he would lose his place.
“It's a great shame I was unable to score during the European Championships - even if my goal ruled offside was the only one where the referee admitted he made a mistake!
“Clearly for a striker it is important to score goals, as that is what the fans expect of us, but above all I tried to help the team.
“I've gone through periods where I don't score and know in those moments it is important to help your teammates and I have always enjoyed setting others up for goals, too.”
Toni's position is still under pressure as Amauri waits to decide if he will play for Italy or Brazil once he gains citizenship.
“The more strong strikers there are, the better, as we are the world champions and so whoever steps on to the field with the Number 9 shirt has to be the best.
“If Amauri decides to become Italian then he is welcome and we will see what happens, but Italy already have so many talented forwards at their disposal, such as Alberto Gilardino.”
Giuseppe Rossi had his first senior Azzurri start this evening and Toni was eager to talk up his teammates' chances.
“Rossi already impressed me when he almost single-handedly saved Parma from relegation. I was amazed none of the big Serie A sides signed him then and believe he is the future of the Nazionale.
“I think we are on the right track. The first qualifying games in 2004 also had a few problems, but we are improving and the group is extremely united. We have to wait for the test of a big game, as that is when you can tell whether a squad is ready.”
This was Italy's last match of 2008, but they resume with a friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
“I don't think it can be a friendly against Brazil! There is such rivalry and we have won more World Cups than anyone else, so it should be an entertaining battle with two teams trying for the victory.”
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Italy: Toni and Lippi celebrate
Luca Toni broke his goal drought after nine months to earn a 1-1 draw in Greece that sets a new Italy record for Marcello Lippi. More
Lippi shrugs off record
Marcello Lippi is the only Italy Coach ever to go 31 games unbeaten, but insists such statistics are meaningless. More
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