Lippi: Azzuri will keep focus World Soccer Shop

Marcello Lippi is confident the Italians will be able to focus on football at Euro 2012, and forget about the latest match-fixing contraversy.

Lippi: Memories of 2006

The Azzurri, now coached by Cesare Prandelli, leave for Krakow on Tuesday for a Group C campaign which will see them face defending champions Spain, Croatia and the Republic of Ireland.

"It feels as though they are going through the same experience as that of 2006," said Lippi, who guided Italy to World Cup glory in Germany six years ago despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.

"I remember that week in Coverciano [ahead of the tournament in Germany] was not easy for us and there was the fear of what people would have said of us abroad.

"But no-one said anything in Germany. I believe that as soon as the national team travels to Poland, their only thoughts will be on football, on training and on the European Championship."

Italy lost 3-0 to Russia in Friday's warm-up friendly in Zurich.

Despite the below-par display, former Italy forward Sandro Mazzola believes Prandelli's team can do well at Euro 2012.

"I think the national team was conditioned by what happened during the week in their game against Russia, but in any case the performance was not good and they only had two chances of goal throughout the game.

"Regardless of that game, I believe the national team can be among the top four at the European Championship.

"I think it is a good thing that we will start against Spain as we have nothing to lose and it is a great opportunity to prove our worth," he stated.

The Azzurri begin their campaign against Vicente del Bosque's Spain on Sunday.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17737/lippi__azzuri_will_keep_focus

No Euro 2012 for Criscito World Soccer Shop

Italy defender Domenico Criscito will not play at Euro 2012 as he is under investigation in the country's latest match-fixing scandal.

Criscito: Won't be considered by Azzurri

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini announced this afternoon that the Zenit St Petersburg player will not be included in the travelling party for Euro 2012.

Criscito was questioned by police this morning at Italy's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, as part of an investigation carried out by Cremona prosecutors regarding a match-fixing probe.

"Criscito will not be with us at the European Championship," Albertini said in a press conference.

"He is in a hurry to end this current situation and that is his aim.

"He is disappointed to have caused this situation although he reiterates he has nothing to do with it."

Criscito, a former Genoa player, had been expected to be in Cesare Prandelli's 23-man roster for the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

"We are disappointed but we have to remain close to the player," Albertini said. "The decision not to include Criscito is a collective decision.

"The Federation has given Prandelli its support over this decision.

"Arrests have been made today but until proven otherwise, we are talking about innocent people even though they are considered suspects.

"I know Domenico and he is incredulous.

"He is an extraordinary guy and he has already seen his lawyers this morning.

"It is a strange day for us.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through."

Albertini believes the latest scandal, which has seen former Italy international and current Lazio captain Stefano Mauri as well as former Genoa player Omar Milanetto arrested on Monday as part of the investigation, will not hinder the Azzurri.

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite having the cloud of a match-fixing scandal above the game at the time.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," he said. "I wasn't before and I am not now.

"I already went through the one of 2006.

"I only hope that it brings good luck just as it did back then.

"We have a solid squad made of genuine people."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17304/no_euro_2012_for_criscito