Spain 0-0 Italy (4-2 pen)

Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2008 after a dour goalless draw in Vienna.



Marcos Senna came closest in normal time when Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon fumbled his shot on to a post.

Spain keeper Iker Casillas was the hero in the shoot-out, saving from Daniele de Rossi and Antonio di Natale.

Daniel Guiza saw his spot-kick saved by Buffon, but Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas slid home the crucial penalty to set up a last four clash with Russia.

The game never touched the heights and penalties was an almost inevitable outcome given the approach of both sides.

There will now be an intriguing backdrop to the semi-final in Vienna on Thursday, with Spain having beaten Russia - admittedly minus the inspirational Andrei Arshavin - 4-1 in a group game earlier in the competition.

And it was a change of fortune for the Spanish, who have gone out of three major championships on 22 June, the World Cups of 1986 and 2002 and Euro '96 - all in the quarter-finals on penalties.

The opening 45 minutes was a cautious affair, with chances - and quality - at a premium. David Villa, predictably, was the first player to pose a serious threat with a low drive drive from long range that was comfortably held by Italy keeper Buffon.

Fernando Torres had been kept quiet by some trademark Italian defending, but he escaped the shackles after 31 minutes to help set up a chance for David Silva, who curled a shot only inches wide from 25 yards.

Spain tried to break the stalemate by making a double substitution on the hour, sending on Fabregas and Santi Cazorla for Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

But it was an Italian substitute, Mauro Camoranesi, who almost made the breakthrough seconds later when he ended a chaotic goalmouth scramble with a shot that was blocked by the legs of Spanish keeper Casillas.

It had been a frustrating evening for the much-vaunted Spanish strike force of Torres and Villa - and the latter was booked for diving by referee Herbert Fandel after 71 minutes when he tumbled under challenge from Giorgio Chiellini.

Italy keeper Buffon suffered an anxious moment with 11 minutes left when he was forced to punch away a long-range free-kick from Senna.

He had an even bigger scare seconds later when he fumbled a routine shot from Senna, and was relieved to see the ball bounce back into his arms off an upright.

Torres had been disappointing, but it was still a surprise to see him hauled off again by Spain coach Luis Aragones with six minutes left and replaced by Guiza.

Spain had the first chance of extra time, with Silva sweeping an effort just wide with Buffon beaten.

Italy's response saw swift as Casillas turned over a header from Di Natale and Luca Toni headed just over the top.

The stalemate was soon resumed, although Cazorla shot across the face of goal with seconds left as the last chance of avoiding penalties was wasted.

Villa and Fabio Grosso exchanged successful penalties and Cazorla scored for Spain before Casillas saved brilliantly from De Rossi.

Senna and Camoranesi scored, but when Buffon saved from Guiza Italy were back in contention - only for Casillas to repeat his heroics to stop Di Natali's spot-kick.

Fabregas, on as substitute, was left to settle the affair and calmly beat Buffon to spark wild Spanish celebrations.


Spain: Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Marchena, Puyol, Capdevila, Iniesta (Santi Cazorla 59), Senna, Xavi (Fabregas 59), Silva, Villa, Torres (Guiza 85).
Subs Not Used: Palop, Albiol, Fernando Navarro, Alonso, Sergio Garcia, Arbeloa, Juanito, De la Red, Reina.

Booked: Iniesta, Villa, Santi Cazorla.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Aquilani (Del Piero 108), De Rossi, Ambrosini, Perrotta (Camoranesi 58), Toni, Cassano (Di Natale 75).
Subs Not Used: Amelia, Gamberini, Borriello, Quagliarella, Materazzi, De Sanctis.

Booked: Ambrosini.

Att: 48,000

Ref: Herbert Fandel (Germany).

from: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/

Italy 0-0 Spain (aet)
Penalty shootout
Spain 4 Italy 2
David Villa scored Fabio Grosso scored
Santi Cazorla scored Daniele De Rossi saved
Marcos Senna scored Mauro Camoranesi scored
Daniel Guiza saved Antonio Di Natale saved
Cesc Fabregas scored

Spain vs Italy Prediction

The final Quarter Final EURO 2008 match gets underway, Sunday June 22, with Italy vs Spain in Vienna`s, Ernst HappelStadion. For Spain it is an opportunity to make the last four for the first time since 1984 while Italy are bidding for their second semi-final berth in three EURO tournaments. Oddsmakers at SBGglobal.com have Spain as +140 favs over Italy who are listed as +200 underdogs. Get your Italy vs Spain: EURO 2008 Quarter Finals Prediction in now at SBGglobal.com

Spain finished on top of Group D standings with a 3W-0D-0L record after beating Russia 4-1, Sweden 2-1 and Greece 2-1. They had eight goals for and three goals against. David Villa (4), Daniel Güiza, Fernando Torres, Cesc Fábregas and Rubén de la Red are the goal scorers for the Spanish. In recent international tournaments they’ve been less than spectacular, but now Spain are right on track to head all the way. Spain must not let Italy’s slow start fool them. A lot of times they have have struggled to get through the group stages but once they get into the quarter-finals or semi-finals they put out their best and it was quite similar in the (2006) World Cup, so we will have to be quite cautious about that,' midfielder Xabi Alonso said. Spain overcame four-times world champions Italy 1-0 in a friendly in March, they have never beaten the Azzurri at a major tournament outside the Olympic Games. “The psychological aspect is an important part of our work,” added Aragones. “I don't think what has happened in the past will weigh on the players.” Spain have confidence in their game after they went down 0-1 to Greece and came back with two goals to solidify the Quarter Final birth. “The fact we went a goal down, then fought back and won the game says a lot about this team,” said midfielder Ruben de la Red. “We all know we've now got the definitive test coming up and Italy are very difficult to play against but we've got a lot of confidence. “The statistics say they are the favourites as they have always beaten us but we are the form side and if we carry on playing the way we have done and stay firm at the back then we can win.”

Italy finished second in Group C standings with a 1W-1D-1L record after losing 0-3 to Netherlands, drawing 1-1 against Romania and beating France 2-0. They scored three goals for and four goals against. Christian Panucci, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi are the lone goal scorers for the Italians. The 2006 World Cup Champs came into EURO 2008 as heavy favorites to make the final, but judging by their performance through their Group matches they might be heading home after their match against Spain. Some injuries may play a big part in this match. Italy's veteran defender Christian Panucci feels fit and ready to play his fourth successive game after he suffered a slight knee problem in Group play and centre back Andrea Barzagli is out of the tournament after undergoing successful knee surgery. Cannavaro's replacement Alessandro Gamberini has only two caps for the world champions and is inexperienced on the big stage. The Italians have great success scoring at big tournaments and their defense has always been inpregnantable. This EURO has been one of their worst outings having only won one game and drawing to Romania. They’ve shown that they can play with their backs against the wall, and guess what, their backs are against the wall.

Head to Head: 27 matches played
Italy lead 9-8
10 matches ended in a draw
Italy scored 36 goals
Spain scored 28 goals

from: http://www.point-spreads.com/

Italy 2-0 France

Ten years’ ago this month, France were World Champions. Two years’ ago, France almost became World Champions once again. But after this defeat against an Italian side that is finally showing some promise, and to refer to Domenech’s much-discussed star-gazing, France is in the midst of a supernova.

Not only is this supernova illustrated by France’s early departure, but also in the players that signify this so-called golden era. Thierry Henry is worryingly short of any threat compared to his Arsenal days; Nicolas Anelka was an irrelevance, coming on as a substitute when Domenech ran out of ideas; Lilian Thuram refused to play because of a supposed bout of nerves; and William Gallas was ineffective and reverting to his volatile state, at one point on the verge of tears.

France’s challenge effectively ended after eight minutes when Franck Ribery, the man who is constantly referred to as the next Zidane — the link between the golden-era and the new, uncertain one — went off with an injured Achilles. The pain etched on his face was likely mimicked by every French man.

Within twenty minutes, Luca Toni could have single-handedly embarrassed the French; instead, it was more the opposite. Opportunities provided by Simone Perrotta and Andrea Pirlo on several occasions weren’t taken, and Toni’s indifferent form will be a real worry for Roberto Donadoni. Toni is in danger of becoming Italy’s equivalent to Andrew Cole: lethal at domestic level, unconvincing at international level.

Still, Toni’s persistence managed to come through after twenty-five minutes thanks to some French assistance in the form of Eric Abidal. After three attempts in getting the ball, Abidal brings Toni down in the penalty area, and France are a goal and a man down thanks to a superior Andrea Pirlo penalty. It was all either side deserved.

The unfortunate Samir Nasri, a transfer target for Arsene Wenger and brought on to replace the injured Ribery, was then taken off after a mere fifteen minutes in a desperate attempt from Domenech to bring some stability to his unstable back four. Yet it also shows how at odds the French were as a whole — needing a win, yet bringing off a talented, attacking player.

Karim Benzema was the stand out player for the French and when going forward, gave a still uncertain Italian defence something to handle. Benzema drew players towards him and left gaps that Henry seldom exploited; and when the French came out for the second half, he spurred the side on which almost caught the lackadaisical Italians who defended dangerously deep on several occasions.

Benzema’s efforts, however, would prove insignificant when on sixty-two minutes, Henry made his only noteworthy contribution. A Daniele de Rossi free-kick deflected goalward off Henry’s flailing left-foot, leaving Gregory Coupet with no chance.

It was only after de Rossi’s strike that Domenech decided to switch to three attackers and eventually bring on Anelka — the lack of any verve or enthusiasm, Benzema aside, was stunning. Indeed, Benzema almost gave the French some hope with a finely struck curling effort that required the best from Gianluigi Buffon.

The Italians’ tournament may have finally begun, and it would be foolish to dismiss them. But with Gennardo Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo suspended for their quarter-final against a ruthless Spanish side, they’re up against it. Even so, these are the Italians.

For France, who reportedly have Didier Deschamps waiting to take over from Domenech, they have a huge black hole to fill (enough of the astronomy terms now…).

from: thesightisinend.wordpress.com/2008

Italy 1-1 Romania

Italy 1-1 Romania: Italy clinging on after Mutu's hit-and-miss show

ITALY 1
Panucci (56)
ROMANIA 1
Mutu (55)
ITALY live to fight another day at the European Championships thanks to a late penalty save from goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon against Romania.

Fiorentina striker Adrian Mutu had put the Romanians in front in the 57th minute only for Christian Panucci to equalise straight away for the world champions, who suffered a 3-0 humiliation to Holland in their opening Group C game.

Panucci then brought Daniel Niculae down five minutes from time to concede the penalty, but Mutu's effort from the spot was saved by Buffon.

The result means that Italy must now win their last game against France on Tuesday to stand any chance of progressing.

Italy did feel hard done by the officials, especially after Norwegian referee Tom Henning ruled out Luca Toni's goal on the stroke of half-time for offside.

"I don't usually speak about referees," said Donadoni. "But today's refereeing was not of high quality.

"Let's just say the referee did not have the best of days."

The draw has left Italy needing to win their final game against France to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Donadoni, who made wholesale changes to his side following their 3-0 loss to Holland in their opener, was impressed with his team's improved performance. "I think my players interpreted the game well, with a lot of determination," he said.

"Romania are a difficult team and I think my players merit praise for what they have done today.

"Considering what we have done in terms of chances and the determination we have shown on the pitch, I think Italy have been superior to Romania."

Donadoni praised Gianluca Zambrotta, despite the full-back's blunder – a back header towards Buffon that was intercepted by Mutu – which led to Romania's opener.

"Despite that incident, Zambrotta played a great game," said Donadoni. "He has shown a lot of quality and commitment."

Donadoni made five changes to the starting line-up but it failed to inspire the Azzurri, who are still winless after two games.

Fabio Grosso, Giorgio Chiellini, Simone Perrotta, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Del Piero all started.

Among those omitted were World Cup winners Marco Materazzi and Gennaro Gattuso, who looked sluggish in Berne on Monday.

The Italians, severely criticised after their flat display against the Dutch, showed a sense of urgency from the start and almost broke the deadlock in the eighth minute. Del Piero's close-range header from Perrotta's cross went just wide of the near post.

In the 15th minute, Romania should have gone in front but Mutu's left-footed strike from the edge of the area was parried away by Buffon.

At the other end, Toni latched onto Grosso's cross but his header went high over the bar. Buffon was then forced to fully stretch to clear Gabriel Tamas' free-kick towards the far post.

Italy almost fell behind in the 19th minute, with Cristian Chivu's free-kick deflected by Panucci but rebounding off the far post, with Buffon already beaten. Romania were forced to make their first substitution midway through the first half with Dica replacing the injured Mirel Radoi.

Italy showed more determination and twice had the opportunity to take the lead but both Del Piero and Toni headed wide.

Romania goalkeeper Bogdan Lobont made a one-handed save to deny Toni's header from Del Piero's corner having previously anticipated Giorgio Chiellini inside the box. Disaster soon struck for Italy after the break. Gianluca Zambrotta's back header towards Buffon was intercepted by a determined Mutu, who fired past the goalkeeper. It did not take long for Donadoni's men to hit back.

Chiellini latched onto Del Piero's corner and headed towards the far post where an unmarked Panucci fired into the back of the net.

The goal inspired the Italians, who surged forward more aggressively but failed to find the finishing touch.

In the 73rd minute, Grosso made a vital tackle on substitute Banel Nicolita as he threatened to break clear.

At the other end, Lobont made a spectacular save from De Rossi's flying header. Italy continued to surge forward but their efforts to clinch their first win on Swiss soil proved no avail.

And they have Buffon to thank for keeping their Euro 2008 hopes alive, after he kept out Mutu's late penalty with an agile save which saw the ball rebound off hand and foot before heading out for a corner.

Romania coach Victor Piturca also believed Italy were fortunate to clinch a point. "Italy had a lucky escape," he said. "Maybe Mutu was a little bit overwhelmed by Buffon being a top-class goalkeeper.

"But these things happen and it will not be the first time nor the last time that a player has his spot-kick saved. I am actually more angry about how we conceded Italy's equaliser than about Mutu's penalty kick."

Piturca was nevertheless satisfied with the result, which sees his team remain unbeaten in the tournament having held France to a goalless draw on Monday.

"This is a good result for the Romanian team," he said. "We have played against the world champions and against the World Cup runners-up and we have two points.

"We still have chances to qualify."

Romania take on Holland in their final group game on Tuesday without midfielder Mirei Radoi.

Radoi was substituted in the 25th minute after colliding in the air with an Italian player. "Apparently he will need to undergo eye surgery and he has a broken nose too. He will not be able to play the next game," said Piturca.

Italy: Buffon, Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso, Camoranesi (Ambrosini 85), Pirlo, De Rossi, Del Piero (Quagliarella 77), Perrotta (Cassano 58), Toni. Subs not used: Amelia, De Sanctis, Gamberini, Barzagli, Gattuso, Di Natale, Borriello, Aquilani, Materazzi. Booked: Pirlo, De Rossi.

Romania: Lobont, Contra, Tamas, Goian, Rat, Radoi (Dica 25), Petre (Nicolita 59), Codrea, Chivu, Mutu (Cocis 88), Daniel Niculae. Subs not used: Popa, Stancioiu, Marica, Sapunaru, Ghionea, Moti, Marius Niculae, Cristea, Radu. Booked: Mutu, Chivu, Goian.

from: http://sport.scotsman.com/sport/

"Total Football" Belanda hancurkan Italia

Kemenangan 3-0 yang diraih Belanda atas italia pada laga group c, di Stadion De Suisse, Swiss Selasa dini hari WIB, merupakan hasil terbesar sejak puataran euro 2008 ini dimulai sabtu. Istimewanya lagi Belanda berhasil menumbangkan team juara Piala Dunia 2006 tersebtu dengan angka telak, padahal sejak Piala Dunia 1978 Belanda tidak pernah menang dari Italia.

Mengawali pertandingan, Belanda langsung menggebrak dengan permainan cepat dan lugas. Formasi 4-2-3-1 terbukti efektif menembus pertahanan Italia, sekaligus meredakan gebrakan Luca Toni dan antonio Di Natale.

Sebaliknya Italia seperti terlambat mengantisipasi permainan Belanda. Formasi 4-3-3 yang diterapkan pelatih Roberto Donadoni tidak efektif, karena menggunakan tiga gelandang bertahan, yakni Andrea Pirlo, gattuso, dan Ambrosini. dengan formasi tersebut , lini Italia cenderung bermain sangat hati-hati dan lambat.

Italia dikejutkan oleh gol Ruud van Nistelrooy pada menit ke-26. Tertinggal 0-1, italia mulai meningkatkan serangan, tetapi bukan gol yang diperoleh tetapi malah kecolongan gol ke-2 belanda yang disarangkan Wesley Sneijder.

Belanda semakin berjaya setelah gol dari Van Bronckhorst, memanfaatkan serangan balik yang cepat, sebenarnya Italia memiliki sejumlah peluang emas, salah satunya persis terjadi sebelum gol ke-3 Belanda terjadi yaitu melalui tendangan bebas, namun semua peluang tersebut dapat dimentahkan oleh kiper MU, Edwin Van Der sar yang memang bermain baik malam itu.

"Ini adalah laga terburuk sejak kami kalah 0-3 dari Swedia 12 tahun lalu." sesal kiper Italia, Gianluigi Buffon. Sedang di kubu Belanda, pelatih Belanda Marco Van basten mengaku merasa puas melihat skema "total football" yang dimainkan dengan dengan  sempurna oleh pemain-pemainnya.

Pada laga lain, Perancis bermain imbang tanpa gol melawan Rumania. Pelatih Perancis Raymond domenech mengaku, absennya Thierry Henry dan Patrick Vieira mengurangi daya gedor dan kreatifitas lini tengah. Sedang pelatih Rumania Victor Piturca mengaku kecewa dengan hasil akhir tanpa gol.