| |  |  |
| | Maggio joy at Azzurri debut |
Wednesday 19 November, 2008 |
| Christian Maggio spoke of his pride at being the first Napoli player to get an Italy cap in 16 years.
The winger made his debut in this evening's 1-1 draw with Greece, as he had been called for the Azzurri, but had not come off the bench.
“It is a spectacular feeling and I am so happy this debut has at last come. I can only thank my teammates and the Coach. Everyone has made me feel very much at home.”
The last Napoli player to make it into the Italy shirt was Nando De Napoli in 1992.
“At the end of the day a draw made everyone happy, the Coach tried out various different formations and tested new players.
“It is good to laugh within the squad during training and from the moment I arrived there was a positive atmosphere.”
Maggio plays in a 3-5-2 system at the San Paolo, but had to adapt to Marcello Lippi's tactics that always use a four-man defence.
“I find it pretty easy, as I did play this role a while back, so the important thing is to give your best with every opportunity that is given to you.”
Maggio hopes to notch up another cap in February's prestigious friendly test with Brazil at the Emirates Stadium in London.
“It'll be wonderful to face such great stars. We'll try to give our best and make our mark in that match.”
| |
|
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
Toni sees the light at last
Luca Toni is relieved to have scored his first Azzurri goal in 697 minutes of international football. More
|
|
|
|
| |
