By Anna Italia
Covering the 2010 World Cup Qualifier South Africa from an Italian Perspective


You have upset me or simply put  I'm fed up (mi avete stufato) that's what Italy Head Coach responded to the journalists when asked again for not calling up Sampdoria forward Antonio Cassano for the 2010 World Cup. Already upset, hello, imagine how many times Lippi is asked the same question by almost everybody looking for  a logical response. This is why Lippi responded as Meneghin did. 

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Click here to watch LIVE online streaming the 2010 World Cup qualifier game Republic of Ireland vs Italy on Saturday, October 10, 2009

The whole "Cassano" argument returned after his Vice coach  Pezotti mentioned that Cassano was closer to be in the Italian National team. So, Lippi said "Pezzotti is crazy. The most important thing for Lippi right now is to qualify for the 2010 World Cup, period. Hey, I agree with Lippi.  Italy needs to concentrate on qualifying, training, and keeping focused on the target which is to defeat the Republic of Ireland this Saturday, October 10, right? RIGHT.

"It's very important to qualify this Saturday, not only from my point of view but for everybody.  We need only 1 point.  If we don't earn this 1 point Saturday, we have to earn the 3 points on Wednesday. However, it will be a mistake to play just for that 1 point on Saturday, the team must play as they know," says Lippi.  Italy is the leader of the UEFA European Group 8 with 20 points followed by the Republic of Ireland with 16 points.
 
I agree with Lippi that it will be totally "dumb" to face the match against Ireland with the idea of just gaining a 1 point, which it will mean that the team will be conditioned to play for a draw.  This will be totally unacceptable. Italy must play with all their hearts, pride, and for heaven sake win convincingly not struggling to score a goal.  It's about time that Lippi and the squad show the fans that they do mean business and that they are ready to be serious contender.  Why not winning consistently like Spain?  Hello, ......  knock, knock, Italy is the defending World Cup champions but how they struggle... so enough is enough, don't you think guys?

Regarding the formation, Lippi commented that he still have to observe players, including midfielder Claudio Marchisio who has a problem with his left knee. 

Lippi also expressed his solidarity to Coach Roberto Donadoni   who was sacked by Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentis and replaced by Walter Mazzari

2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Standings - Europe Group 8 Table Updated on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 after completion of all games from Group 8. Next 2010 World Cup Qualifier game of the Italian National team  on Saturday, October 10: Buy your ticket: Republic of Ireland - Italy tickets   -   2010 World Cup Qualifier game of the Italian National team  on  Wednesday, October 14  Buy your Italy National team Soccer tickets: Italy - Cyprus tickets Buy your tickets here: World Cup 2010 Qualification games Buy your football tickets for the Italian National Team matches now. TEAM GP W D L GS GA P 1 Italy 8 6 2 0 13 3 20 2 Ireland 8 4 4 0 10 6 16 3 Bulgaria 8 2 5 1 10 7 11 4 Cyprus 8 1 3 4 8 12 6 5 Montenegro 8 0 5 3 7 13 5 6.Georgia 8 0 3 5 4 11 3

Related Stories:

- First Day Training Italy National Team in Coverciano, Tuesday, October 6, 2009 for the 2010 World Cup Qualifier match Republic of Ireland - Italy 

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Here is the schedule of Italy National team for tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 7 - Mercoledì 7 Ottobre 2009

h. 10.30   Italian National Team training (open to the press) / Allenamento (aperto alla stampa)
h.  13.30 ca   Press Conference with players / Incontro con la stampa (Calciatori) 
h. 16.30   Italian National Team training closed doors  / Allenamento (a porte chiuse)

Is Lippi right avoiding the "Cassano argument," yes no, and why?  Can Italy go and play to win the game for the 3 points or will they go already conditioned for the draw knowing they only need 1 point to qualify?


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