Dogged Socceroos Ready For Showdown With Giant Azzurri
June 26, 2006
The Italians have been present at every World Cup since 1962 and are among the favorites to win the trophy, despite their recent failures in major tournaments.
They are unbeaten in their last 21 international matches, a run which includes friendly wins against World Cup hosts Germany and Holland.
The Australians are appearing at their first World Cup for 32 years, but their stirring first round performances suggest they could cause an upset. Their coach, Guus Hiddink, knows what it takes to beat Italy, having masterminded South Korea's shock 2-1 victory over the Azzurri in the second round of the 2002 World Cup.
"Its going to be fantastic," said Australia winger Harry Kewell. "We weren't even supposed to get this far. A lot of people wrote us off, but we were quietly confident and we don't fear anybody."
"Against Italy we've got to out there and play our football and not worry about the opposition. It's the first time our nation have qualified past this stage, so we are going to go out and enjoy it."
Italy confident of outclassing Aussies
Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon is full of admiration for Hiddink, but predicted this time the Dutchman's motivational skills will fall short. "He's a great coach, we know that, and the results he has achieved speak for themselves," Buffon said.
"He's achieved historic results with mediocre teams. But I believe that on our part many things have changed in the past four years. We are confident of going through."
Buffon is expecting a physical match similar to the one they had against the United States, which ended in a bad-tempered 1-1 draw. "We have to be careful because if you take everything into consideration, they have nothing to lose," said the 28-year-old Juventus keeper. "We have to match them physically and tactically, and make sure we keep our heads."
"Against the USA we got caught out. The Australians have similar characteristics to the Americans, but with all due respect I am convinced we will go through to the next round."
Nesta, De Rossi ruled out
Italy defender Alessandro Nesta has been ruled out of the match after failing to recover from a groin strain, team doctor Enrico Castellaci said Saturday.
The 30-year-old centre-back suffered the injury in the 17th minute of Thursday's 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic which left Italy as Group E winners. Castellacci said it was too early to say if Nesta would be fit for the quarter-finals should Italy overcome the Aussies.
Marco Materazzi, who scored Italy's first goal against the Czechs after coming off the bench to replace Nesta, will retain his place at the heart of the Azzurri's defense.
Midfielder Daniele De Rossi will also be absent as he serves the second of a four-match ban for elbowing Brian McBride in the face during a 1-1 draw with the United States.
Australians ready for tough challenge
Australia are expecting Italy to be difficult to break down having conceded just one goal in the group stage, an own goal at that. "Italy won't be giving a lot away and they're the kind of team that can protect a 1-0 lead well," said Blackburn Rovers defender Lucas Neill.
"So they will be looking to get a goal whenever they can and we'll be looking to keep it as tight as possible for as long as possible because we feel stamina-wise and physically we can match any team."
Australia, whose World Cup campaign has captured the imagination of a country where rugby and cricket rule, will be without Brett Emerton.
The dynamic Blackburn Rovers midfielder was sent off in the 2-2 draw against Croatia on Thursday. "They're going to have to do it without me, but I'm sure they can do it," Emerton said.
"I think it's more nerve-wracking just sitting and watching than playing, so I'm not looking forward to that."