[Olympics] Casiraghi's Chinese remedy

Pierluigi Casiraghi has explained why Italy had to readjust their training regime ahead of the Beijing Olympics.

"We are lowering the intensity of our strength training so we can focus on pace," explained the Azzurrini boss.

"We hope the heat and humidity remains on this relatively acceptable level, as it will allow us to finish our preparation and be ready in the best condition for our August 7 debut against Honduras."


The team of Under-23 players - plus over-age addition Tommaso Rocchi - recently began training in the Qinhuangdao camp.

"Our first impressions are good in terms of both the general condition of the squad and the camp. We are settling in well and beginning to acclimatise to this new environment."

Italy are the dark horses for the Olympic gold medal behind star-studded Brazil and Argentina, who have made full use of their three over-age player quota by bringing along the likes of Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

"The weather so far has enabled us to continue our training programme from the Coverciano stint. Physically the lads are in good shape and have for the most part shaken off the jet-lag," concluded Casiraghi.

"From now on we will engage in more tactical work than physical."

Source: C4 Football Italia