Saturday, 9 August 2008

[Olympics] Casiraghi keeps his cool

Italy Olympic coach Pierluigi Casiraghi warns his men not to assume they're in the next round ahead of Sunday's clash with South Korea.

Confidence is sky high following the 3-0 win over Honduras that put them top of their group and they take on the Koreans at 1245 UK time (+1hr for Italy/CET).

"Above all, I am afraid of excessive euphoria," said the tactician in Qinhuangdao.


"We must not lose our concentration after the good opening performance. A victory against South Korea would be crucial."

All three points would only mathematically secure Italy's place in the Olympic quarter-finals if Cameroon do not beat Honduras.

The Africans are joint second with South Korea following their 1-1 draw earlier in the week.

It is very important to top the group, as that should allow the Azzurri to avoid Brazil in the next phase of the competition.

Tommaso Rocchi is fit again after missing the debut with a calf problem and is expected to replace Robert Acquafresca of Cagliari.

"Tommaso really helped me, as when I missed a goal early on, he encouraged me from the bench," revealed Acquafresca.

"He provided great moral support and thanks to that I was able to get back my confidence during the game."

Marco Motta is also pushing for a spot at right-back in place of Lazio talent Christian De Silvestri. There are concerns over Claudio Marchisio, as the midfielder felt a twinge in his right calf during training.

Italy (probable): Viviano, De Silvestri, Bocchetti, Criscito, De Ceglie, Montolivo, Cigarini, Nocerino, Giovinco, Rossi, Rocchi.

[TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW]

Source: C4 Football Italia

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