National A

Italy ends 2009 with a win. Lippi: “Now we must wait for the draw”

Cesena 18/11/2009

A goal scored by Giorgio Chiellini on 28’ of the first half decided the friendly match between Italy and Sweden. A well-deserved win that anticipates the next appointment for the National team scheduled on December 4th with the draws for the groups in South Africa. The National team that played in Cesena is a young team, but with a lot of enthusiasm and cheered on by the fans in the stadium.
For the first time, the National team was on the field without any World Cup champions for this friendly match that ended 2009 for the Azzurri. An important test, like the previous match, above all after Lippi had said that there were still five or six spots left on the team to play for. For many, above all for young players like Candreva, confirmed after his performance in the match against The Netherlands, for Pazzini, who said he is hoping to win a spot in South Africa, this is an occasion to take advantage of. The national team on the field with Marchetti, Maggio, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Criscito, Marchionni, Biondini, Montolivo, Candreva, Pazzini, Di Natale, promoted captain. Buffon, Cannavaro, Zambrotta and Pirlo were not on the field after returning home after the match last Saturday in Pescara. Sweden has the first chance to score, after finishing third in their group standings and not qualifying for the upcoming World Cup, but on 1’, Marchetti saves. The two occasions for Italy: on8’, a header by Chiellini after an assist by Di Natale, then on 20’ Biondini takes a shot.
A lively match with Di Natale taking care of the younger players in this experimental Italy. Totò has plenty of plays but a header by Chiellini puts Italy ahead after a corner kick from the right, on 28’. Not many goal plays, but the Italian team in a younger edition is fluid on the field. p In the second half, many substitutions: Maggio, Biondini and Candreva out for Cassani, Giuseppe Rossi and Galoppa. On 9’, Marchetti once again saves and again on 43’ after a free kick by Sweden. The Italian goalkeeper is very good saving on free kicks and corners by Sweden and towards the end of the match on a header by Sweden.
Lippi had this to say at the end of the match: “A good match with offensive plays by both sides. In spite of the numerous substitutions, the players responded very well, with enthusiasm, determination and character. Now we have to wait for the draw on December 4th to see what we can expect in South Africa”.