Donadoni: World Cup Stars Will Return
(Goal.com) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni expects to welcome back a number of players who helped the Azzurri win the World Cup this summer.
Italy face a European Championship qualifying double-header with Ukraine and Georgia in October, having started the series with a draw against Lithuania and a defeat to France.
“I think I will have the world champions at my disposal, but a lot depends on them,†said Donadoni.
“I have no favourites, all the players know that I am observing everyone with no exception.
“Our only task is to work hard from now until the next matches on October 7 and 11 – although our physical condition is improving, our opponents are still at a more advanced stage in their preparation.
“We need these six points and I trust I will be able to have everyone I need at my disposal – this would make me very happy.
“Francesco Totti? He is determined to recover quickly and I can see that he is working hard. His return to the Nazionale only depends on him.â€
Totti suggested recently that he doesn't plan to return to the team until next year.
The likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Luca Toni, Mauro Camoranesi and Marco Materazzi (suspended) missed the opening two matches.
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Comments
I wouldn't count on Del Piero,he's finished,Totti,Nesta,camoranesi,Toni( and maybe Materazzi) I would welcome with open arms if I was Donadoni,Donadoni is inexperienced and he showed it with his first games,how can he be the replacement??
Posted by: duke | September 18, 2006 05:55 PM
It's going to be a different story when the key players come back,and they are well trained with a month of serie A in their legs.(not making any excuses for Lithuania & France)
Posted by: Tony p | September 18, 2006 06:10 PM
Luca Toni, Nesta (if healthy), Camoranesi are essential if Donadoni wants to have a legitimate team. Bringing Totti back (and having him at 100%) will add the special ingredient to the team. That depends if he wants to come back.
Posted by: ForzaItalia | September 18, 2006 06:46 PM
Totti does want to come back,but he wants to be 100%,he requested to come back when ready and to avoid friendlies.
Posted by: Tony p | September 18, 2006 09:26 PM
Italy has the best team in the world. I'm talking about the roster team which won the last world cup. Not the comical display of a soccer team that Donadoni has produced. They could have beaten anyone in that tournament, Brazil included. If Italy didn't win, it would have been Germany. For me the game against Germany was the final. The overconfident failings of Brazil were unavoidable, they had the Real Madrid complex. Too many stars not enough plummers. The personnell on the Azzurri national team was tight, united, talented and determined. If those characterists hold for the Euro 2008 only time will tell. First step: GET RID OF THE CLOWN!, I mean COACH!
Posted by: giova | October 3, 2006 04:42 PM