The Italian national coach has been impressed with the commitment shown by Antonio Cassano; and has voiced his concerns over further injuries in Nazionale side.
USA defeated http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Italy-c2926 1-0 in an international friendly at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday, February 29. This was the American side’s first ever win over Gli Azzurri.
The recent defeat has made it two losses in the last two matches for the Italian senior team. Their previous defeat came at the hands of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Uruguay-c3035 which was also in a friendly match. Under Cesare Prandelli,
Italy have witnessed four defeats, and all of them have come in friendly matches.
http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Antonio-Cassano-c6302 was not available for selection in the friendly against the USA, as he is recovering from a heart surgery he underwent four months ago. The Italian is recovering well and has started light
training.
The AC Milan striker joined the squad before their match against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/America-c38390, and Prandelli has lauded the striker’s commitment in his attempts to return to the team for the European Championship.
"Antonio came to see us and he passed on to us all his excitement. He wants to be ready for the Euros, he is very determined. The three months left for the Euros may or may not be enough."
Prandelli is concerned that the intense battle for the Scudetto might lead to injuries to his key personnel before the Euro 2012. He remarked:
"I have only one concern: that such a close title race will see some of my players sustain injuries,"
Furthermore, he is hoping that the animosity the players have shown in the Serie A will not transfer to the Azzurri senior team. He also feels that the players are more prepared for such competitions, both
physically and mentally.
The Italian boss commented:
“I do not believe that such an intense tug-of-war for the Scudetto will cause problems in the national team. I know the players and I know that in situations like this, they will have a full tank, come June."
Italy are pitted against the World and European Champions, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Spain-c3011, in the group stages of Euro 2012, and will be hoping for a strong display in the Euro 2012.
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