Donadoni enlighted with win
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Italy's Euro qualifying campaign is back on-track after last night's 2-0 defeat of Ukraine.
Massimo Oddo broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after 71 minutes and Luca Toni made it 2-0 11 minutes from time to hand the Azzurri the three points against Ukraine - and give Donadoni his first win in charge.
It wasn't achieved without several nervy moments as Ukraine - even without star striker Andriy Shevchenko, who had a virus - posed the hosts several problems at the Stadio Olimpico.
"It was the game we expected - tough and against a side that didn't do us any favours. We also had quite a few players missing," said Italy coach Roberto Donadoni afterwards.
"The lads always believed in this result and I have to praise everyone, from those who played 90 minutes to the ones in the stands.
"We fought for every ball and knew how to soak up pressure, even though Ukraine were only really dangerous from distance and with set-pieces. That's because we closed them down and never allowed them to get near the goal."
There were still jeers before kick-off with Donadoni's name booed by a section of the fans.
"I didn't hear those, all I heard was supporters cheering on Italy," insisted the former Livorno boss. "Perhaps nobody believed so many people would turn up to the match. We hope to earn our place in the fans' hearts with some good performances. What has happened in the past counts for nothing now, we have a duty to do well for ourselves and for the crowd."
Donadoni had only managed one draw and two defeats in his Azzurri career up until this victory and stuck with his favoured 4-3-3 system.
"I was impressed by the fact we didn't let ourselves panic in attempts to score early on, as that can lead to confusion. It's a sign of great maturity in the squad. The three strikers were all good, especially considering Vincenzo Iaquinta was playing in a role he is unaccustomed to."
The result puts Italy in third place in Group B on four points, level with Lithuania. Scotland are the surprise leaders with a 100 per cent record after three games, followed by France on six points.
"I saw a great team spirit today and the squad has character. Our path to Euro 2008 is a difficult one, but France lost in Scotland today, proving it's a tough Group. We have to pick up points wherever we can."
Massimo Oddo broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after 71 minutes and Luca Toni made it 2-0 11 minutes from time to hand the Azzurri the three points against Ukraine - and give Donadoni his first win in charge.
It wasn't achieved without several nervy moments as Ukraine - even without star striker Andriy Shevchenko, who had a virus - posed the hosts several problems at the Stadio Olimpico.
"It was the game we expected - tough and against a side that didn't do us any favours. We also had quite a few players missing," said Italy coach Roberto Donadoni afterwards.
"The lads always believed in this result and I have to praise everyone, from those who played 90 minutes to the ones in the stands.
"We fought for every ball and knew how to soak up pressure, even though Ukraine were only really dangerous from distance and with set-pieces. That's because we closed them down and never allowed them to get near the goal."
There were still jeers before kick-off with Donadoni's name booed by a section of the fans.
"I didn't hear those, all I heard was supporters cheering on Italy," insisted the former Livorno boss. "Perhaps nobody believed so many people would turn up to the match. We hope to earn our place in the fans' hearts with some good performances. What has happened in the past counts for nothing now, we have a duty to do well for ourselves and for the crowd."
Donadoni had only managed one draw and two defeats in his Azzurri career up until this victory and stuck with his favoured 4-3-3 system.
"I was impressed by the fact we didn't let ourselves panic in attempts to score early on, as that can lead to confusion. It's a sign of great maturity in the squad. The three strikers were all good, especially considering Vincenzo Iaquinta was playing in a role he is unaccustomed to."
The result puts Italy in third place in Group B on four points, level with Lithuania. Scotland are the surprise leaders with a 100 per cent record after three games, followed by France on six points.
"I saw a great team spirit today and the squad has character. Our path to Euro 2008 is a difficult one, but France lost in Scotland today, proving it's a tough Group. We have to pick up points wherever we can."
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