Optimistic Scotland relishing Italian job
Scotland may never have beaten Italy on Italian soil but can have cause for optimism in Wednesday’s Euro 2008 qualifier in Bari while southern neighbours England must regroup against Andorra in Barcelona.
Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson has issued a rallying call ahead of the qualifier against the world champions, and, topping Group B with 12 points from five matches ahead of both Italy and France, can confidently expect a good performance.
On a night of 20 qualifiers with the Czech Republic, Spain and Holland also in action, it is the two British teams which have taken the spotlight.
Scotland had a dramatic 2-1 win over Georgia on Saturday while Italy have made a poor start to their qualifying campaign. And even recent history between the two nations does not necessarily make worrying reading for Alex McLeish’s men.
Although Scotland lost 2-0 the last time they travelled to Italy, the defeat was down to two moments of individual brilliance from Andrea Pirlo rather than an outstanding display from the home side.
Their last encounter saw Scotland unfortunate to be held to a 1-1 draw at Hampden Park and Ferguson sees no reason why confidence should not be high ahead of the clash in San Nicola Stadium.
He said: “The last time we went over there, they beat us 2-0 but it was only two free-kicks that won them the game. They didn’t have many chances. Then we played them here and I thought we dominated the game. We had a few chances.
“We are going over there with no fear. We know they’ve got world-class players but the commitment in this team is unbelievable just now and I think we can go there and get a point.”
He added: “We’ve got to be positive. All the guys in the dressing room have got to be positive. We beat France, and France and Italy were in the World Cup final, so it would be great to go there and get the three points.
“However, realistically, a point would be great for us.”
While a draw suits Scotland, Ferguson knows nothing less than a win will be good enough for Italy. Coach Roberto Donadoni is already facing calls for the sack after just six games in charge and Ferguson insists the Azzurri have everything to lose.
He said: “If we had drawn against Georgia, there would have been a bit of pressure on us. We got the three points that we wanted against Georgia but we have to be realistic because Italy are one of the best teams in the world.
“But all the pressure is on them. They’ve not had the best start so, if we can keep them quiet for the first 20 minutes, you never know what could happen. Italy are the team who will be under pressure.”
England, meanwhile, should have little problems against Andorra in Barcelona on Wednesday but their build-up has been hampered by the controversial media-hype which often surrounds the team.
England manager Steve McClaren on Monday denied reports of a rift with striker Wayne Rooney following their weekend goalless draw against Israel in Tel-Aviv.
There is also speculation that McClaren’s days are numbered.
England have fallen five points behind Croatia, the pacesetters in qualifying Group E, and three adrift of Russia, who currently occupy the second qualifying spot.
Rooney was allegedly angered by McClaren’s decision to single him out for criticism in the closed-doors inquest at the Ramat Gan stadium.
Rooney reportedly stormed out of the dressing room after McClaren highlighted his failure to score a competitive goal for England since Euro 2004 but McClaren denied the bust-up.
“It is an absolute load of rubbish. Everyone is together and know what we need to do,” he said.
He also scotched talk of a worsening relationship with his assistant Terry Venables.
“An absolute load of rubbish once again. It’s an overreaction and about people having other agendas. The camp is very strong and there is great belief,” McClaren said.
“My staff are all very good and working together. We stick together, we get advice from everybody including Terry – great advice. But, ultimately, I’m in charge and it’s my neck on the block.”
Source:Soccer News
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