The former Fiorentina manager will be leading Italy in a competitive encounter for the first time since replacing the disgraced Marcello Lippi. All eyes are on the coach to start business on a good note as the Azzurri are desperate to find back the respect they used to enjoy.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, the Italians didn’t manage a single victory and their performance was well below their fans’ expectations. Cesare Prandelli has been given the task to put things right and this is what he had to say to the media during a press conference:
“Attention and application have always been present. But, my players need to show less respect in training, in the sense that for their clubs, the players aren’t scared to give their team mates a briefing in training. Here, this attitude is not present.
“We’ve got to crush negative thoughts. Not winning a game all year is something that can weigh heavily on the players. But, if we lose these two games [against Estonia and the Faroe Islands], then it would almost come as a disaster… it certainly will. However, we can’t say that these are easy games. That’s the way it is.”
Italy are in Group C with Slovenia, Northern Ireland, and Serbia also included in that section. The Azzurri were European champions in 1968 whereas their best finish since then was in 2000 where they lost to France in the final of the tournament. Italy are now eying Euro 2012 qualification and the first steps of their mission will see them facing Estonia and the Faroe Islands.
Visit the Italy TV Schedules and Online Streams page for more info on fixtures. Estonia vs Italy kicks off at 2:30pm EST on Friday, September 3. Meanwhile, Italy vs Faroe Islands is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, September 7. Kick-off time is at 2:50pm EST.
