Russia look for improvement

Russia coach Dick Advocaat insists his side have plenty of work to do despite thrashing Italy 3-0 last week.

The Russians sounded out a warning to maiden opponents Czech Republic with a comprehensive defeat of Italy in Zurich, with Aleksandr Kerzhakov opening the scoring on the hour-mark before Roman Shirokov netted a late double.

The manner of the victory has led many pundits to install as Advocaat’s team as dark horses for Euro 2012, but the Dutchman is ignoring the pre-tournament hype surrounding his team ahead of their Group A opener.

“The result against the Italians gives us great confidence,” the former Netherlands coach told Sky Sports.

“These friendlies are very important.

“That game (against Italy) showed that we are on the right track. But I also think we have to be a lot better defensively.”

Advocaat said he knew what his starting line-up would be for Friday’s meeting with the Czechs in Wroclaw.

“We still have a few days to go and anything can still happen,” he said.

“Of course, I have prepared the side in my head for the most part, but I will not be saying anything about it.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/russia-look-for-improvement/95881/

Marchisio: Italy will overcome off-field drama

Italy midfielder Claudio Marchisio is adamant the recent match-fixing allegations will not affect his side during Euro 2012.

Italian football has been rocked by reports of match-fixing in recent months, just six years after the Calciopoli scandal ended and numerous clubs received punishments, including Juventus being stripped of two Serie A titles and relegated to Serie B.

Marchisio, who plays for Juventus, admitted Italy’s squad for Euro 2012 had been talking about the ongoing scandal, but said it would not distract them from the European Championships, which start on Saturday.

“It was impossible not to talk about the match-fixing scandal,” Marchisio said.

“It was on every newspaper, so we talked about the matter and what annoys us in particular is that it is not the whole football world that is portrayed by the scandal.

“We’ll wait for the sentences and it’s fair that those who committed the crimes will pay for that.

“The only thing we can do is wait and trust that justice will give them stiff sentences, so that it will be harder to have the same situation again in Italian football.

“Aside from this, we are all great professionals and we all want to play an excellent European Championship.”

Marchisio also urged calm following the 3-0 friendly defeat to Russia, which was Italy’s only warm-up match before Euro 2012 starts in Poland and Ukraine.

“We obviously analysed the game and there were positives aspects,” Marchisio said.

“After two great years and with our excellent qualifying campaigns, such a defeat right before the beginning of the cup needs to be analysed carefully.

“But we need to remain calm, because we are strong, we are a close-knit group, and we know what needs to be improved and we also know what we have to do in order to achieve that.”

Reports have suggested Italy coach Cesare Prandelli will play a three-man defence at Euro 2012.

Marchisio said the players would handle whatever tactics Prandelli chooses.

“Some players are used to playing with a three-man defence and five in the midfield and others have never played with such a system,” the 26-year-old midfielder said.

“But it’s up to the coach to make that decision and the team will have to follow him in any decision he makes.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/marchisio-italy-will-overcome-off-field-drama/95878/

Catania confirm Montella departure

Catania have parted company with coach Vincenzo Montella, paving the way for the former Italy international to take charge of Fiorentina.

The head coach took over at Catania in June last year, replacing Diego Simeone, but impressed greatly in his one and only season in charge, leading the Sicilians to a comfortable 11th in Serie A.

Montella had a year left on his contract with Catania, but the club confirmed on Monday they had granted the 37-year-old an early release from his role.

“Catania announce that it has agreed in principle to the termination of its relationship with coach Vincenzo Montella,” a statement from the club read.

“The coming days will be used to evaluate the agreements and understandings that have been reached.”

The former striker had been heavily linked with a return to Roma, following Luis Enrique’s decision to step down.

But Catania president Antonio Pulvirenti stood in his way and Roma appointed Zdenek Zeman.

However, Montella looks poised to take up the role at Stadio Artemio Franchi, with Fiorentina looking for a new boss having fired Delio Rossi following his bust-up with Adem Ljajic towards the end of last season.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/catania-confirm-montella-departure/95875/

Injury scare for Balotelli

Italy forward Mario Balotelli was forced to leave Monday’s training session with a fitness problem.

The Manchester City man reportedly complained of slight discomfort in his right knee and was given permission by Azzurri coach Cesare Prandelli to leave the session early.

According to the Italian team’s medical staff, Balotelli has suffered a minor muscle overload and is expected to resume full training on Tuesday.

The news comes on the same day that Italy found out Andrea Barzagli could spend up to 20 days on the sidelines because of a calf problem.

Prandelli’s men will begin their Euro campaign on Sunday against Spain before taking on Croatia and Republic of Ireland.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/injury-scare-for-balotelli/95858/

Negredo backs Spain to shine

Alvaro Negredo says that Spain will be on top of their game in their Euro 2012 opener against Italy on June 10.

The reigning European and world champions struggled in Sunday’s 1-0 international friendly win over China, but Negredo insists that things will be different in his side’s first game at the UEFA showpiece.

“The first half was pretty ugly to watch because they (China) defended a lot,” Negredo told reporters.

“They kept things tight at the back, and we misplaced a lot of passes. There’s no need to worry, though.

“The match against China wasn’t good, but things will be different against Italy. What happened here will benefit us and make us stronger.”

Spain tackle Italy in Gdansk before matches with Republic of Ireland and Croatia.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/negredo-backs-spain-to-shine/95840/

Giaccherini eager to fire for Italy

Emanuele Giaccherini is ready to replicate his Juventus form for Italy at Euro 2012, insisting that he will do his utmost for the national team.

The 27-year-old was one of the surprise inclusions in national team coach Cesare Prandelli’s squad for the tournament, and although he has yet to make his international debut, Giaccherini is eager to leave his mark in Poland and Ukraine.

“Just being here as part of the squad is already wonderful. I arrived here with a lot of enthusiasm and am determined to do my utmost,” Giaccherini stated to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I am fine with whatever decision the coach makes. I just want to do my utmost for the national team, and I’m ready to do here what I have done for Juventus this season.”

Italy have been grouped with Croatia, the Republic of Ireland and Spain in Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/giaccherini-eager-to-fire-for-italy/95836/

Lippi offers advice to Italy successors

Marcello Lippi has drawn parallels between Italy’s scandal-hit preparation for Euro 2012 and the lead-in to their 2006 World Cup triumph.

Italy’s build-up for the UEFA tournament in Poland and Ukraine has been disrupted by the Scommessopoli probe into alleged match-fixing, while Italian football was also rocked by the Calciopoli corruption scandal six years ago.

Lippi, who coached Italy to FIFA World Cup glory in Germany six years ago, sees plenty of similarities between the circumstances, and has advised head coach Cesare Prandelli and his men to try and keep their cool.

“The current situation reminds me a bit of what happened in 2006. The only advice I can give Prandelli and the players is to stay calm and try to focus on Euro 2012,” Lippi stated to TG1.

“I still remember that the week at Coverciano (the Italy national team training base) ahead of the 2006 World Cup wasn’t easy for us either.

“However, I think that they will be able to focus on playing football, training and the Euros again as soon as they take off for Poland.”

Italy start Euro 2012 with a Group C match against holders Spain on June 10, before taking on Croatia four days later, and Republic of Ireland on June 18.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/lippi-offers-advice-to-italy-successors/95826/

Kjaer to cut Wolfsburg ties

Roma’s Simon Kjaer has stressed that he has no intention of returning to Wolfsburg this off-season once his loan spell in Italy ends.

The Denmark international joined the Serie A side on a one-year loan deal at the start of the 2011-12 campaign after a difficult time with the Bundesliga outfit, and he has insisted that he does not want to work with coach Felix Magath again.

“I am not going to call Mr. Magath. I will never player under Magath again,” Kjaer told Kicker.

“At the moment, I am concentrating on the European Championship and then we will see. It goes without saying, though, that I will not be returning to Wolfsburg.”

The 23-year-old has a contract with the Wolfsburg until the end of the 2013-14 season, but it seems unlikely that he will see out that agreement following his latest comments.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/kjaer-to-cut-wolfsburg-ties/95582/

Abete rejects suspension calls World Soccer Shop

FIGC president Giancarlo Abete has rejected the idea that football in Italy should be suspended in a order to weed out match-fixing.

Abete: Suspending football 'not a solution'

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti said on Tuesday that professional football in the country could benefit from a break of "two to three years" after the latest developments in an ongoing match-fixing investigation hit the headlines earlier this week.

Nineteen people, among them Lazio captain Stefano Mauri, were arrested on Monday and many others are due to be questioned by prosecutors, but Abete does not feel the way to clean up football is to issue a blanket ban.

"I understand and share Monti's bitterness. It is the bitterness felt when values are lost," Abete said on his federation's website, figc.it. "In a delicate moment for a country, we need to avoid the risk of generalisation and demonising.

"I am in agreement that those that have done something wrong must pay, but to stop the leagues would mean to damage football.

"It would hinder those that are working in an honest way, which is the majority of our system as well as the loss of thousands of jobs. It's not a solution.

"The match-fixing and betting scandal is a very ugly chapter in our football.

"Several people have been accused of illegal acts that should be sanctioned at all levels should they be found guilty.

"However, Italian football is made of 1.4million registered members, of over 700,000 games a year, of thousands of honest professionals and in order to respect them, we must avoid the risk of generalising."

Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon has thrown his support behind Abete, insisting that the Prime Minister's comments should not be put into action.

Buffon was a member of the Juventus side that was stripped of two league titles and relegated to Serie B in 2006 in a match-fixing probe that found the Turin giants guilty of influencing referees.

"Monti is a capable person," Buffon said in a press conference in Italy's headquarters in Coverciano, Florence. "But I think the best answer has come from our federal president Abete."

Buffon added: "The players that earn a lot are only those that play for the top clubs and not the others. There are many players - the majority - that once their career is over they will have to find a job, reinvent themselves.

"But the question is whether you have certain values within you. I don't think I would have ever done those things even if I played in a smaller club because my family has taught me certain values.

"The situation in which our football is today has surprised me. I never thought it could go as far as it has. But if there was to be a break in football, 80 or 85% of the honest players would be penalised."

This week's operation was part of an investigation called "Last Bet", which is focused on 33 games played over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Earlier this month, the FIGC released the names of 22 clubs along with 61 individuals that have been reported to the football authorities in connection with a match-fixing ring and betting investigation.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17459/abete_rejects_suspension_calls

Kuyt attracting Euro interest World Soccer Shop

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt claims there are clubs in England, Germany, Spain and Italy interested in signing him this summer.

Kuyt: Set to leave Liverpool

Kuyt, 31, has a year to run on his Anfield contract, but seems destined to leave after a season in which he found first-team starts limited.

"There are many clubs who are interested," he told NUsport in Holland.

"Not only from England, also from Germany, Spain and Italy."

One club he has ruled out, however, are former side Feyenoord who would not be able to afford his wages.

"I have had several conversations with Feyenoord but we were unable to agree," he added.

"I did not want on my conscience that Feyenoord would have financial problems because of my salary.

"There were too many doubts on both sides. I've thought about it, but it is not the time to return. "

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17449/kuyt_attracting_euro_interest

Prandelli unfazed by difficult preparation

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has played down talk of his country’s match-fixing scandal ahead of Euro 2012 being a case of history repeating.

Italy’s preparations for the 2006 World Cup in Germany were infamously disrupted by the Calciopoli scandal, but Marcello Lippi nonetheless led them to triumph.

Now, with Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine set to begin on June 8, Italy have been beset by the Scommessopoli probe.

Domenico Criscito was dropped from Italy’s squad for the European Championship earlier this week due to his alleged role in the scandal, while Leonardo Bonucci is also under investigation, but Prandelli is hopeful his squad will not be distracted by recent events.

“The comparisons to 2006 seem like a cliche to me. The situation’s different now,” Prandelli said at a press conference.

“They always say that Italy become more united in difficult situations, and I hope that is the case now, too. However, I don’t believe in the theory that we can only perform under pressure.

“We should be giving our best in a calm atmosphere as well. The important thing now is to show the people that we are determined to clean up football.”

Italy have been paired with Croatia, Republic of Ireland and champions Spain at Euro 2012 and start the tournament against the title holders on June 10.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-unfazed-by-difficult-preparation/95505/

Prandelli stands by Bonucci

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has named Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad despite his links to the Serie A match-fixing scandal.

Earlier this week, Prandelli dropped Domenico Criscito due to the Zenit St Petersburg defender having his apartment searched as part of a match-fixing investigation in Italy.

But while it has emerged that Bonucci will also be questioned as part of the investigation, Prandelli has decided to keep the Juventus defender in his final 23-man squad.

“As far as Bonucci is concerned, we know nothing about the news that is passing on at the moment, so we are relatively serene about it,” Prandelli said during his squad announcement on Tueseday.

“Obviously we need to wait, but I talked with the guy a moment ago and he knows nothing”.

Prandelli claimed that he left Criscito out of the squad for the player’s own good.

He believes Criscito would not have been able to handle the pressure at the European Championships as the match-fixing scandal continued in Italy.

“From the human point of view we were good at remaining close and making Criscito feel our support, but we’re working to get ready for a very important sport event and we need confidence and serenity,” Prandelli said.

Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro also miss out from Prandelli’s initial extended squad.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-stands-by-bonucci/95475/

Italian PM wants league suspension World Soccer Shop

Italy's Prime Minister Mario Monti says domestic football in Italy needs a break of "two to three years" to let match-fixing to be cleansed.

Monti: Wants football suspended

A second match-fixing scandal in the six years is currently gripping Italy, with the latest stage of a probe carried out by Cremona prosecutors on Monday resulting in the arrests of 19 people, among them Lazio captain Stefano Mauri.

Also among those under investigation is Italy international Domenico Criscito, who was considered a certainty to make the Azzurri's Euro 2012 squad but was dropped on Monday.

"We must reflect and evaluate if it would not be useful to have a total suspension of the game for two to three years," Monti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"This is not a government proposal, but it is something that I, who have been for many years a football fan, feel inside me.

"It is particularly sad when a world such as sport that should be an expression of high values, proves to appear a concentration of the most reprehensible aspects such as disloyalty, illegality and falseness."

Yesterday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet", which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Earlier this month, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) released a comprehensive 48-page list naming 22 clubs along with 61 individuals that have been reported to the football authorities in connection with a match-fixing ring and betting investigation.

The latest inquiry is a big blow to football in Italy, which had gradually been recovering from the scandal that rocked the nation six years ago.

In 2006, a match-fixing probe led to Juventus being stripped of two titles and relegation to Serie B after they were found guilty of influencing referees.

"There is bitterness and sadness for what has happened," FIGC president Giancarlo Abete said. "It is totally unacceptable.

"This latest situation makes us reflect because there have been certain elements that have managed to enter the sporting system.

"Everyone will nevertheless have the possibility to defend themselves in the legal and sporting trials."

A trial carried out by a sporting tribunal will begin on Thursday and Lega Serie A president Maurizio Beretta hopes the process will not drag on.

"We hope it will be fast and that drastic punishments are handed out to those individuals that have stained a world that should focus on credibility and transparency," Beretta said.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17387/italian_pm_wants_league_suspension

Bonucci selection under fire World Soccer Shop

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has defended his decision to include Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci in his Euro 2012 squad.

Bonucci: Retained in squad

Bonucci is expected to face questioning in the latest match-fixing investigation to hit the country with prosecutors interested in his time as a Bari player in the 2009-10 campaign.

However, he is not under any formal investigation at this stage and has denied any wrongdoing.

Italy omitted Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito from the squad on Monday after he was handed an official notification by the police at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, of being under investigation.

"The most annoying thing is that some people have linked Bonucci's issue with that of Criscito," Prandelli said to Italian TV station Rai.

"I reiterate that Bonucci has not received any type of notification from the prosecutors' office.

"This is why he will come with us to the European Championship."

The tournament will be played in Poland and Ukraine.

In 2006, a match-fixing scandal was a dark cloud over the Azzurri and Juventus were eventually relegated and stripped of two league titles after being found guilty of influencing referees.

Even so, the Italians won the World Cup in Germany.

"We want to play, to win and to come out clean," Prandelli said. "The similarities with that of 2006 are there but they say in the difficult times the group unites.

"I hope that will be the case but I don't believe in the theory that says that Italians only emerge in times of crisis.

"We also rise in times of calmness.

"Now the important thing is to make people understand our intention and that is to clean up football."

The country of Italy, meanwhile, has been rocked by an earthquake in the northern region of Emilia Romagna on Tuesday morning.

At least 10 people are known to have died in the 5.8 magnitude quake - the second to take place in the space of nine days in the same region.

Italy's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma that was due to be played on Tuesday night has been called off.

The Azzurri will face Russia in Zurich in a friendly on Friday.

Inter Milan defender Andrea Ranocchia and Siena striker Mattia Destro will not be travelling to Switzerland as they were dropped from the squad on Tuesday after Prandelli announced his final 23-man roster.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17375/bonucci_selection_under_fire

Conte denies match-fixing slurs

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has reiterated that he was unaware of any match-fixing while he was at Siena.

It has been alleged that the former Italy international was aware of a plot to arrange the outcome of a crucial Serie B clash with Novara on April 30, 2011 and the 42-year-old’s house was searched on Monday as part of a police investigation into ‘Scommessopoli’.

However, Conte said that he has nothing to hide from the Cremona public prosecutor leading the corruption enquiry and insists that there was nothing untoward about Siena’s return to the top flight last summer.

“My history as a football player and coach speaks for itself: you can ask my team-mates, my players and my opponents,” he stated during a press conference on Monday.

“But for all my honesty and integrity, I have been attacked with sticks.

“Last year with Siena we secured a promotion with sacrifices and hard work. It was an extraordinary year and I reiterate my non-involvement and that of my guys.

“Why did I not hear from the Cremona prosecutor before being investigated?”

It has also been reported Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci is also under suspicion in relation to a game between his former club, Bari, and Udinese during the 2009-10 Serie A season.

However, Juve president Andrea Agnelli is adamant that neither Conte nor Bonucci have done anything wrong.

“This is a worrying picture for the world of football, which we are following with apprehension and bitterness, but Antonio Conte is not part of it,” he said.

“His role from what we are reading is nearly insignificant and then, we also know the man and his values of integrity and honesty.

“Juventus as a club, and I personally, are on the side of Antonio Conte and Leonardo Bonucci, who we have learned is to be investigated.

“We hope that Leo will have a great European Championship. Antonio is, and will be, our coach, who will guide us into the Champions League.”

Earlier this month, Conte led Juve to their first official title since 2003 in his first season in charge of the Bianconeri.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/conte-denies-match-fixing-slurs/95414/

Criscito protests his innocence World Soccer Shop

Domenico Criscito says he has done nothing wrong after being dropped by Italy as a result of the latest match-fixing scandal to hit the nation.

Criscito: Dropped from Italy squad

On Monday, police questioned the Zenit St Petersburg defender at the Azzurri's training headquarters in Coverciano, Florence, after Criscito's name surfaced in an investigation carried out by prosecutors in Cremona.

Italy then dropped Criscito, who was a certainty for the Euro 2012 squad, from the team.

"To do these (match-fixing) things, it is not something I would do," Criscito told RTL radio station. "Fortunately, I don't need money, 20, 30 or 40,000 euros, whatever it was, but I don't need money.

"I do a job that I've always dreamed of doing since I was young and I would not

mess it up for stupid acts.

"It hurts that this has happened before the (Euro 2012) list, but I'm sure that I will come out stronger."

Prosecutors have alleged the 25-year-old Criscito acted unlawfully while he was a Genoa player.

He was on the books of the Genoa outfit from 2008 until 2011 before moving to Zenit.

"Criscito is ready to explain anything that may have caused him to be under the spotlight," Criscito's agent Andrea D'Amico said today.

"Our legal team is working in order for the magistrates to listen to him as soon as possible.

"Our only wish is for everything to be cleared as soon as possible."

Earlier on Monday, Lazio captain Stefano Mauri and former Genoa midfielder Omar Milanetto were arrested in the probe over allegations of "criminal association and sporting fraud".

Officers also searched more than 31 homes in Italy and abroad, including those of coaches and players of clubs in Serie A, Serie B and lower divisions.

Monday's operation is part of an investigation called "Last Bet" carried out by prosecutors in Cremona which focuses on 33 games over the past two seasons, the majority of which were in Serie B.

Italy football federation president Giancarlo Abete is disappointed with the latest events.

The country was already rocked by a match-fixing scandal in 2006, the year they won the World Cup.

"It is a bitter day," Abete said to Gazzetta dello Sport. "In these conditions, it is better for Criscito to defend himself.

"This episode brings further sadness but Italy is focusing on the European championship."

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has not spoken on Monday.

He will announce his final squad for the European Championships on Tuesday ahead of the Azzurri's friendly against Luxembourg in Parma.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17323/criscito_protests_his_innocence

´Innocent´ Criscito hits back

Italy’s Domenico Criscito has vowed to clear his name after being implicated in the ‘Scommessopoli’ match-fixing scandal.

Police issued the defender with a warrant from the public prosecutor of Cremona to search his room at the Azzurri’s training base at Coverciano on Monday and he was subsequently withdrawn from Cesare Prandelli’s provisional squad for Euro 2012.

There is reportedly some suspicion surrounding the outcome of a game involving Criscito’s former club Genoa and Lazio, and photographs have emerged of the left-back meeting fans with fellow defender Giuseppe Sculli, who has also been implicated in the affair.

However, Criscito insists that there was nothing untoward about the gathering and has promised to prove his innocence at the earliest opportunity.

“I want to be heard in Cremona as soon as possible in order to clarify everything,” he told Il Corriere dello Sport.

“I have not got anything to do with this story. I was only speaking with Genoa supporters.”

Meanwhile, the player’s representative, Andrea D’Amico, is adamant that his client is not guilty of any wrongdoing.

“They (Sculli and Criscito) just went to a meeting with the fans after a derby loss,” the agent told Sky Sport Italia.

“He’s calm, even if surprised by all of this. But he’s an honest guy and a warrant is a tool for the protection of suspects, not a judgment of conviction. Too often this is forgotten in Italy.”

Meanwhile, Italian football federation (FIGC) vice-president Demetrio Albertini has given his backing to the Zenit defender.

“He was sorry for the repercussions on the national team and on the dressing room,” the former Italy midfielder told reporters after announcing that Criscito would not be travelling to Euro 2012.

“He explained some things to me, and I believe his version and in his innocence.”

Criscito, who has been capped 19 times by his country, joined Zenit from Genoa in 2011.geona

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/%c2%b4innocent%c2%b4-criscito-hits-back/95408/

Azzurri try to focus on friendly World Soccer Shop

Italy host Luxembourg in a Euro 2012 warm-up friendly match in Parma on Tuesday night with the country gripped by a new match-fixing scandal.

Albertini: Addresses press on Monday

Police showed up at Italy's training ground in Coverciano on Monday morning to question Zenit St Petersburg defender Domenico Criscito, who is under investigation for alleged match-fixing and sport fraud.

In mid-afternoon, the former Genoa star was among six players to be cut by Italy.

"These are things that we would not like to have had to go through," Italy football federation vice-president Demetrio Albertini said. "You can understand the bitterness in the changing room.

"The players were shocked by what has happened.

"Criscito has received a lot of support from his national team-mates considering the terrible time he is going through."

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

Italy won the 2006 World Cup in Germany despite the huge distraction of a match-fixing scandal.

"I am not worried about the European Championship," Albertini 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.

"I know the players will be able to manage situation as this one."

Coach Cesare Prandelli, who will name his final Euro 2012 squad on Tuesday, is set to hand AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano a place in the starting XI against Luxembourg at the Ennio Tardini stadium.

Cassano will lead Italy's attack alongside Manchester City forward Mario Balotelli.

Balotelli has returned to the squad after being left out of a friendly against the United States in February as punishment for a four-game suspension for violent conduct while on club duty.

Rivals Luxembourg travel to Italy looking to pick up where they left off in their 2-1 friendly triumph over FYR Macedonia back in February.

Elvesberg striker Maurice Deville, who struck twice in that game, will make his third appearance for his country.

Luc Holtz is set to hand midfielder Rene Peters his 87th cap to equal Carlo Weis' record of most appearances for the national team.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17313/azzurri_try_to_focus_on_friendly

Prandelli reduces squad by seven

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli has cut seven players from his provisional Euro 2012 squad ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Luxembourg.

It had been announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Monday that Zenit left-back Domenico Criscito would not be travelling to Poland and Ukraine after his room had been searched by police that morning as part of the investigation into the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal.

Prandelli subsequently confirmed Criscito’s defensive colleagues Davide Astori and Salvatore Bocchetti had also been axed, though for football reasons.

Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano has also missed out, with Prandelli naming Morgan De Sanctis and Salvatore Sirigu to provide cover for captain Gianluigi Buffon.

In midfield, Atalanta duo Luca Cigarini and Ezequiel Schelotto have both been axed, as has Pescara starlet Marco Verratti, whose inclusion in the provisional panel had been something of a surprise.

Prandelli has not dropped any strikers, seemingly increasing the likelihood that he will retain all six of the forwards he named in his original 32-strong list when he announces his final squad on Tuesday.

Italy’s 25-man squad: Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain).

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (AC Milan), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini (all Juventus), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Angelo Ogbonna (Torino), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter).

Midfielders: Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Alessandro Diamanti (Bologna), Emanuele Giaccherini, Claudio Marchisio (both Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Antonio Nocerino (AC Milan), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus).

Strikers: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Fabio Borini (Roma), Antonio Cassano (AC Milan), Mattia Destro (Siena), Antonio Di Natale (Udinese), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/prandelli-reduces-squad-by-seven/95403/

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