Euro 2012 qualifying: Faroe Islands 0 Italy 1

2 September 2011 23:16

Italy were unconvincing as they moved to within a win of Euro 2012 qualification, with a 1-0 victory over the Faroe Islands in Torshavn.

Antonio Cassano's 11th-minute goal proved enough for Cesare Prandelli's side to take another great leap towards the Euro finals in Poland and Ukraine next summer, but it was far from plain sailing for the 1968 champions.

The four-time World Cup winners kept an unchanged side from that which beat Spain in a friendly in Bari last month, but had plenty of trouble breaking down the stubborn minnows, who largely looked to sit tight and hit them on the break.

Cassano scored when he raced onto Andrea Pirlo’s chipped pass to chest down and somehow smuggle the ball past Islands goalkeeper Rene Torgard before tapping home into an empty net.

A second goal looked on the cards when Cassano combined well with Domenico Criscito down the left, and the Zenit St. Petersburg full-back was only thwarted by a late block as he charged towards the six-yard box.

It was the Faroes who came closest next though as first Joan Edmundsson’s deflected effort just cleared the bar, before Suni Olsen’s excellent low drive came back off the foot of the far post with Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Buffon seemingly beaten.

Long-range efforts from Daniele De Rossi either side of half-time kept Torgard honest, as the Italians continued to boss possession without punishing their hosts.

The arrival of Giampaolo Pazzini for the underwhelming Giuseppe Rossi did little to change Italy’s fortunes, and Christian Holst almost made them pay when he got in behind Giorgio Chiellini from Hjalgrim Elttor’s superb cross but his effort bounced back off Buffon’s bar.

The victory, however narrow, means that a victory for the Azzurri against Slovenia in Florence on Tuesday will be enough for them to qualify for the finals with two games to spare.

For Brian Kerr’s side, the performance will provide another boost of morale in a qualifying campaign which has exceeded expectations, despite their destiny to finish propping up Group C.

Euro 2012 qualifying preview: Faroe Islands v Italy

1 September 2011 12:00

Italy travel to the Faroe Islands in Euro 2012 qualifying on Friday, with coach Cesare Prandelli bemoaning the strike in Serie A.

An industrial dispute between the Italian players' association and the league has seen the first week of the domestic campaign postponed, meaning many of Prandelli's squad are yet to make a competitive appearance this season.

Italy top Group C of qualifying by five points from Slovenia with a game in hand over the second-placed side.

Nevertheless, they will be keen to maintain momentum by collecting three points in the match at the Torsvollor Stadium.

And Prandelli is hoping his squad's lack of sharpness does not prove damaging to their chances.

"Everyone thinks that a win is in the bag, but in reality it depends on how we address the match," Prandelli said.

"The lack of matches worries me."

"I'd be even more worried if we had to face a big team such as France."

While Prandelli frets, veteran Andrea Pirlo has talked up the team's ability.

The midfielder, who joined Juventus from AC Milan in the off season, likened Italy under Prandelli to the Milan side he played in during the reign of Carlo Ancelotti.

"We are a good side who try to play the ball at all times," Pirlo said.

"Our quality, especially in midfield, allows us to entertain the fans with a fast-paced and attacking style."

"Barcelona are the ultimate right now, as they are unbeatable and wonderful to watch."

"In my view, though, our characteristics are closer to Ancelotti's Milan than the Spaniards."

"I feel in good shape now too and am happy to be a part of this new project."