EURO 2008 Qualifyers Group B Result Italy 2 - 0 Georgia Goals by Andrea Pirlo and Fabio Grosso "Yet, Not a Convincing Victory Compared to France and Scotland"

                              Italia  2 - 0 Georgia 
                                       44' Andrea Pirlo
                                       84' Fabio Grosso

By Anna Italia

After the great victories from France over Faroe Islands and Scotland against Ukraine, Italy had no other choice than winning convincingly.

However, the defending 2006 World Cup Champions seem losing the grinta, the drive to excel when it's needed.

            
 Here is the starting lineup:  Bottom row from left to right Antonio Di Natale, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo, Fabio Quagliarella, Massimo Ambrosini.  Standing: from left to right Fabio Grosso, Luca Toni, Andrea Barzagli, Massimo Oddo, Gigi Buffon and Christian Panuci  Photo: Sabattini 

The score was Italy 2 - 0 Georgia goals by AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo with a long-range free kick in the 44th minute, and by a great Fabio Grosso in the 84th minute after a combination with Luca Toni controling the ball inside the area by finally sending the pass to Grosso who was at the precise place and at the right moment to give Italy a second goal.
 
 
Celebrating the first goal by Andrea Pirlo                       Luca Toni and Grosso celebrating the second goal.
Photo: Sabattini                                                               Photo: Sabattini  

For those expecting a spectacular football display from Italy, it was not there. It had its moments, like the one created for the second goal. Nevertheless, compared to how Italy played against France in San Siro, I might say that this time Italy improved, but not enough.

Italy had many opportunities to goal with Luca Toni, but was not able to convert into goals. Had not been by Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon safeguarding Italy's net and the defense, at this time, Italians would be crying.

But like Holland coach Van Basten says, nowadays all that matters is the three points." Really? I guess it is true.

After the interval, I was expecting more determination from Italy.

Yet, it seems that nothing goes right and goals cannot pass beyond Georgia goalkeeper Lomaia. Georgia were modetermined in the second half, especially in the last 10 minutes.

This result presents a difficult picture for Italy because either they win the next match, or say ciao ciao to the Euro 2008. Scotland is leading the group with 24 points, Italy with 23 points, and France with 22 points.

Problem is that Scotland and France have a greater goal difference while Italy barely win their matches with less than 2 goals. If Italy lose the next match, danger could be that Scotland and France might win their matches and pass to the next round.

From 1 to 10, I will give Italy a 7.  Just like Italy Captain Gigi Buffon said after the match, Italy did not play that well.  Hey Gigi, I agree. 

Italy still need to convince. Yet, as Italian fans, like Fabio Capello said while commenting the match in the Italian Channel Rai, "we must support the team."  No other option, so, FORZA ITALIA.


 Watch the video for the full match highlights Italy - Georgia



Here is the current standing of the UEFA EURO 2008 QUALIFYING Group B
Scotland 24
Italy 23
France 22
Ukraine 13
Georgia 7
Faroe Islands 0

Results from GROUP B

Scotland 3 - 1 Ukraine
4' K. Miller           24' Andriy Shevchenko
10' L. McCulloch
68' J. McFadden

Faroe Islands 0 - 6 France
7' Anelka
8' Thierry Henry
49' K. Benzema
64' J. Rothen
79' K. Benzema
90' H.B. Arfa

Italy 1 - 0 Georgia             
44' Andrea Pirlo   

Italy Starting Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper:  Gigi Buffon
Defenders: Massimo Oddo, Andrea Barzagli, and Christian Panucci
Midfielders: Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo,and Massimo Ambrossini
Forwards:  Quagliarella, Luca Toni, Antonio Di Natale

Coach: Roberto Donadoni


Related Story

Saturday October 13 Soccer Match Results from EURO 2008 Qualifications, International Friendlies, 2010 World Cup Qualifications

Posted by Anna Italia at 10/13/2007 12:49 PM
Categories: AC Milan, Italian National Team, Euro 2008 Qualifiers
 
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  • 10/13/2007 2:59 PM Milan99 wrote:
    Congrats Italy!!! Its still a win. France win was great The best was Pirlo scoring, remember I told you a Milan player should score
    Reply to this
  • 10/14/2007 10:36 AM Anna Italia wrote:
    Milan99 after celebrating Italy's victory, I feel happier. I went out yesterday and a had a wonderful dancing night.

    I know you told me about the scoring, hey don't you love that goal of Pirlo!!! It was perfect! And the combo between Luca Toni and Grosso... what a perfect timing!

    Do you agree?
    Reply to this
  • 10/14/2007 1:49 PM Milan99 wrote:
    It was great Anna, congrats Italy

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gly5JFjpL0k
    Reply to this
  • 10/14/2007 7:09 PM Pietro wrote:
    Milan99 and Anna what do you think of Luca Toni performance? I was waiting for his goals but stlll he made that assist to Grosso.
    Reply to this
    1. 10/14/2007 8:27 PM Milan99 wrote:
      That assist he made was great, it made me respect him, I've thought of him as the player that want to score by himself but this assist made me rethink his playing
      Reply to this
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