Euro 2008: Italy learn their fate

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Italy face an uphill task to qualify for Euro 2008 after being drawn in Group B along with France and Ukraine.

With only the top two sides from each Division going through, Italy will have to be at their best, especially as they will also face tricky ties against Scotland, Lithuania, Georgia and the Faroe Islands.

The Azzurri will know their main rivals well though given the French influence at Italian champions Juventus.

David Trezeguet, Patrick Vieira, Jonathan Zebina and Lilian Thuram are all Les Bleus stars set to appear at the World Cup this summer.

Ukraine’s danger man will undoubtedly be Milan and former European Footballer of the Year, Andriy Shevchenko.

The latter’s teammate at the San Siro, Kakha Kaladze, should also appear in the qualifiers for Georgia.

Lippi will be well aware of Scotland’s capability too after collecting a win and a draw against the British outfit in the last World Cup qualifiers.

The 2008 European Championships will take place in Austria and Switzerland, with both sides automatically qualifying as hosts.


Group A

Portugal
Poland
Serbia-Montenegro
Belgium
Finland
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Kazakhstan


Group B

France
Italy
Ukraine
Scotland
Lithuania
Georgia
Faroe Islands


Group C

Greece
Turkey
Norway
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Hungary
Moldova
Malta

Group D

Czech Republic
Germany
Slovakia
Rep Ireland
Wales
Cyprus
San Marino

Group E

England
Croatia
Russia
Israel
Estonia
Macedonia
Andorra

Group F

Sweden
Spain
Denmark
Latvia
Iceland
Northern Ireland
Liechtenstein

Group G

Holland
Romania
Bulgaria
Slovenia
Albania
Belarus
Luxembourg

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Coach Marcello Lippi remained phlegmatic about Italy’s tricky Euro 2008 draw that took place in Switzerland today. "I’m just thinking about the World Cup," he said.

Italy were drawn in the same group as France, Ukraine and Scotland when the teams that will play for a place in the next European Championships in two years time were announced in Montreux on Friday.

However, Lippi insisted that his thoughts were focused on the World Cup in Germany rather than the Euros in Switzerland and Austria.

"The draw is a tough one. There are teams like France and Ukraine, while Scotland are a side on the up," he admitted. "But frankly I think that at the moment all of our mental energy needs to be focused on June.

"It’s impossible to even consider not separating the two competitions," he added. "I repeat, we are concentrating on the World Cup, because we are facing opponents worthy of great respect."

Lippi’s comments will doubtless raise concerns over his future as national team Coach.

The former Inter and Juventus tactician’s contract expires after the summer tournament and, while the Italian FA have expressed a willingness for him to stay in charge of the Azzurri, Lippi has yet to agree to any new deal.

The Viareggio-based Italy boss added that he has been watching Ghana’s performances in the African Cup of Nations with close interest.

The Black Stars will be Italy’s first opponents at the World Cup, but Lippi suggested that their recent defeat to Nigeria is a poor yardstick by which to measure a side currently missing key players.

"They are playing without three major elements such as Michael Essien, Sulley Ali Muntari and Asamoah Gyan," he explained.

"They have even changed their normal formation, so while it is helpful to watch them, it is only indicative up to a point."