EURO 2008 Preview: Italy vs. Romania

الجمعة، 13 يونيو 2008 - 12:01

كتب : Omar AbdelAziz

Italy are in a must-win situation as they aim to avoid an embarrassing first round exit from EURO 2008, when they face Romania in Zurich.

Roberto Donadoni will apply major changes to the Azzurri, in an attempt to save his under-scrutiny job, following the 3-0 defeat to Holland.

Outsiders Romania proved how stubborn they can be when they frustrated France in the opener, and their coach believes they are under no pressure against the world champions.

Head-to-head:

Italy win: 10

Romania win: 2

Draw: 2

Italy

"There will be four or five players who will play tomorrow who did not play in Berne," said Donadoni.

"(Giorgio) Chiellini and (Alessandro) Del Piero will play, but I haven't mentioned any other names. If you hypothesize they will be your mistakes."

"Winning is fundamental for us. We have worked towards that goal and will do everything to achieve it."

Team News: Don has a fully-fit squad as Fabio Grosso and Daniele De Rossi are likely to be two of the 'four or five changes'.

Probable Line-up: Buffon- Zambrotta, Grosso, Chiellini, Panucci- Gattuso, De Rossi, Pirlo, Camoranesi- Del Piero, Toni.

Romania

"Italy are the favorites, but we came here to put on a good display and our main aim is to qualify for the knockout stage," said Romania coach Victor Piturca.

Team News: Striker Ciprian Marica is ruled out with a head injury.

Probable Line-up: Lobont- Contra, Rat, Tamas, Goian- Chivu, Radoi, Codrea, Nicolita- Dica, Mutu.

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