Italy Vs Spain Highlights Video
UEFA EURO 2008 QUARTER FINAL

Date: Sun 22nd June
Kick off: 19:45 BST
Venue: Ernst Happel Stadion, Vienna
Euro 2008 Quarter Final Highlights Online


Italy Vs Spain - Euro 2008 Quarter Final

Italy Vs Spain Highlights

Italy Vs Spain Highlights (Full Match)



Italy Vs Spain Penalty Shootout

ITALY

Buffon: 8 – Confirmed his status as the best goalkeeper in the world with a simply magnificent fingertip save from Benzema.

Zambrotta: 7.5 – Bombed up and down the right flank, particularly in the first half. Back to something near his best following his mistake against Romania.

Panucci: 6.5 – A calming influence in defence. Offered some tactical organisation in the absence of Cannavaro. Almost scored with a header too.

Chiellini: 6.5 – Another committed display from Chiellini, who showed his typical leadership qualities. Made one mistake in letting Henry through but he was not made to pay.

Grosso: 7 – Not as impressive as in his first two games, but still did very well, and almost scored when his free kick crashed off the post.

Gattuso: 7 – Surprisingly good in the first half, he was simply more up for the game than the French. Tired as the match wore on. Booked and will miss the quarter final against Spain.

Pirlo: 8 – Simply on another planet in the first half. Scored the penalty, dictated the play, and one through ball to Perrotta was pure genius. Also got booked and will be a big miss against Spain.

De Rossi: 9 – An absolute colossus in the centre of midfield. This was the De Rossi who was the best player in Serie A last season. Scored a fortuitous goal, but he deserved this luck. A beast.

Perrotta: 6 – A little off the pace, but once again he provided some much needed balance to the Italian midfield.

Cassano: 7 – Drifted in an out of the game, but had his moments, including one stunning back heeled through ball to Zambrotta. Will need to bring some more effectiveness into his game, even if he is clearly a better choice than Del Piero.

Toni: 6.5 – Held the ball up well, and won the penalty, but he could have had a double hat-trick tonight so awful was his finishing. I have never seen a striker scuff so many shots in one game. Looked exhausted at the end - could the long season have taken its toll?

Substitutes

Ambrosini: 6 – Slightly bemusing decision by Donadoni to bring him on for Pirlo, but it seemed to work in quelling France's strong start to the second half.

Camoranesi: 6 – Never really got into the game during his limited time on the field, although he had one shot deflected wide.

Aquilani: N/A – No time to make an impact.


FRANCE

Coupet: 8 – Has been criticised this tournament but tonight he was superb, helping to keep the score down with a brilliant tip onto the post from Grosso, and another save onto the woodwork from Toni in injury time.

Clerc: 6 – Not too bad defensively, and did not disgrace himself against Cassano. Provided nothing going forward though.

Abidal: 4 – Shocking decision by Domenech to play him at centre back. The game was lost when he gave away a penalty and got himself sent off. I wonder what Philippe Mexes must be thinking sitting on his settee in Rome.

Gallas: 5 – Struggled to cope with Toni’s strength, and was only let off by the striker’s dreadful finishing. A bad example to his team-mates also. How he is captain of Arsenal I do not know.

Evra: 5.5 – Certainly not the same outstanding player for country that he is for his club. Seemed disinterested at times. Was he playing for his manager?

Makelele: 5.5 – One of the greatest holding midfielders of all time, but at the age of 35 his time is now up. It is time to pass over the baton.

Toulalan: 7.5 – Excellent. Did virtually everything in midfield for France, and created the team’s best chance for Henry. One of the few French players who was really up for the game.

Ribery: N/A – Started brightly before picking up what looked a serious injury after just eight minutes. His departure was a massive blow.

Govou: 4 – Virtually anonymous. Govou shouldn’t have even made the French squad, let alone the team. Simply a disgrace that David Trezeguet was left at home.

Henry: 6.5 – Tried his best, and caused the Italians some problems at times. However he missed a fine chance to equalise at 0-1, and had the misfortune of deflecting De Rossi’s free kick into his own net.

Benzema: 7 – A bright spark up-front for France. Always looked the most likely player to score, and would have hit the back of the net if it wasn’t for a world class save from Buffon.

Substitutes

Nasri: N/A – Replaced the injured Ribery but only lasted 16 minutes before he was withdrawn for Boumsong following Abidal’s sending off.

Boumsong: 6 – Had a nervy first five minutes after coming on, but in truth he didn’t do too bad given the circumstances.

Anelka: 6 –Made no impact on the game following his late introduction.

Italy Vs France Highlights and Video Euro 2008 on June 17, 2008.

Italy Vs France Highlights Euro 2008:

Stage: Group C

Venue: Letzigrund Stadium

Date: June 17, 2008

Kick-Off Time: 19.45 (UK Time)


Italy Vs France Starting Eleven:-

Italy Starting Lineup:-

Coach: Roberto Donadoni
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Buffon
Defence: Zambrotta, Panucci, Chiellini, Grosso
Midfield: Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi, Camoranise, Perotta
Forwards: Cassano, Luca Toni

France Starting Lineup:-

Coach: Raymond Domenech
Goalkeeper: Gregory Coupet
Defence: Willy Sagnol, Thuram, William Gallas, Evra
Midfield: Viera, Makelele, Ribery, Malouda
Forwards: Henry, Govou


Italy Vs France 2-0 Highlights and Video Euro 2008

ROMANIA

Labont 9 – A series of stunning saves to deny the Italians. The stops from Toni and De Rossi headers were world class.

Contra 6.5 – Sound down the right flank, even if he was left exposed in the first half to Grosso’s forward thrusts.

Tamas 8 – Outstanding. A rock in defence. Also good in possession, and went close with a long range free kick.

Goian 7 – Continued his solid partnership with Tamas, as the pair impressed for the second game running.

Rat 6.5 – Did really well going forward, but was caused a few problems defensively by Camoranesi in the first half.

Petre 4.5 – Very poor. Torn apart by Grosso, and also missed a fine chance at 1-1 to put his side back ahead.

Chivu 7 – A class act once again in the middle of the park. Took control in the second half after Perrotta went off the field. Hit post with a deflected free kick.

Radoi 6 – Made a steady start to the game until he was substituted after just 20 minutes due to a facial injury.

Codrea 6 – Lots of quantity in midfield but not too much quality. Made one goal saving tackle on Perrotta.

Mutu 7.5 – A quiet first half, but outstanding after the break. Put Romania ahead, created a one-on-one chance for Petre, but unfortunately missed a penalty. However it wasn’t really a miss, it was a wonder-save from Buffon.

Niculae 6 – Busy and industrious throughout although he maybe should have been more involved.

Subs

Dica 6.5 - Replaced Radoi early on, and largely did well. Inventive, intricate and tricky in possession.

Nicolita 6 - Did much better than the player he replaced, and contributed to Romania's sound final third to the game.

Cocis N/A - Brought on to run down the clock.


ITALY

Buffon 9 – His penalty save was worth this rating alone, a stop that will go down as one of the great saves in European Championships history.

Zambrotta 5 – Shocking mistake for Mutu’s goal, and struggled at times to get the better of Rat.

Panucci 7.5 – Excellent at the back. Organised the defence, and scored Italy’s equaliser. Conceded the penalty, but it was a very poor decision by the referee, and that is being kind and diplomatic.

Chiellini 6.5 – Won everything in the air, and formed a decent partnership with Panucci. Created his partner’s goal with header towards the far post.

Grosso 8 – Outstanding again, particularly in the first half when he bombarded forward at will, and whipped in some great crosses.

De Rossi 6 – Slightly disappointing, but still much better than the players he replaced Ambrosini and Gattuso. Would have scored with a header if it wasn’t for a magnificent Lobont save.

Pirlo 6.5 – Kept Italy ticking in the middle of the park, but did not find any killer passes. His set-pieces were generally poor.

Perrotta 6.5 – Nothing eye-catching but he was crucial to Italy’s balance, which was the key to Italy’s fine first half. Donadoni blundered again by taking him off, thus completely unbalancing the side.

Camoranesi 7.5 – Italy’s best final-third player, he was involved in everything in the first half. Tired after the break.

Del Piero 5 – A massive disappointment. Missed an excellent early chance, and then never made an impact, leading to his eventual substitution.

Toni 7 – All that was missing from his performance was a goal, and in truth he did find the back of the net but was denied by a simply shocking decision from the linesman. Could have had a hat-trick today. Unlucky.

Subs

Cassano 7 – A bright spark after coming on, but Donadoni replaced him for the wrong player, meaning he was playing in an unbalanced team. Once again Donadoni got it all wrong.

Quagliarella 6 – Did not get enough touched to make an impact in the game.

Ambrosini N/A – Only played a few minutes at the end.

Italy VS Romania Group C match - Friday 13 th June 2008

The world champion Italy shared heir points with Romania as they had a draw of 1-1 with Romania.After a goalless first half two goals game in an interval of just 1 minute in second half. Adrian Mutu scored for Romania in the 55 th minute but Cristian Panucci returned the goal in 56 th minute. Also the goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon saved a penalty from Mutu in 81 st minute.


Main moments of the match

1st goal in 55 th minute : ITALY 0 ROMANIA 1 - Mutu pounces on Zambrotta's weak header to slot the ball home.

2nd goal in 56 th minute : ITALY 1 ROMANIA 1 - Panucci scrambles the ball home after Giorgio Chiellini heads the ball across the goal.

Penalty save in 81 minute : Buffon brilliantly saves a Mutu penalty, awarded after Daniel Niculae went down under a challenge by Panucci.

Video Highlights of Italy Vs Romania in Euro 2008


1-1 Italy vs. Romania Highlights - MyVideo

HOLLAND

Van der Sar 8.5 – Had little to do in the first half but proved his worth after the break, with a simply world class stop from Pirlo’s free kick. Also saved a one-on-one from Grosso.

Boulahrouz 7 – Has barely played in two years, but was a big surprise tonight. Coped well with Di Natale’s pace down the Italian left.

Mathijsen 6.5 – Relatively solid at the heart of the Dutch defence. Organised those around him.

Ooijer 6.5 – Most would have tipped him to be crucified by Toni, but the Blackburn veteran coped well with the prolific forward.

Van Bronckhorst 9 – Absolutely outstanding. Completely neutralised Camoranesi defensively, while he headed off the line before providing a superb cross-field pass in the build-up to the second goal. Also scored Holland’s third to crown a superb display. Man-of-the-match.

De Jong 7 – Took charge of the midfield in the first half, and kept his discipline in front of the back four despite heavy second half Italian pressure.

Engelaar 7 – Similar assessment for De Jong. He may not look like a footballer but the Goliath-sized midfielder was a physical presence in the middle-of-the-park.

Sneijder 8 – Outstanding was the Real Madrid man. His shot set-up Van Nistelrooy’s goal, while he scored the brilliant second goal, which at present is the goal of the tournament.

Van der Vaart 8 – Surely set to join a European giant after this performance. Skilful, creative, and a delightful array of passes, including one that put Van Nistelrooy clean through at 2-0.

Kuyt 8 – Battled hard as usual, and had the final assist on both the second and third Dutch goals. A real pain in the backside for any defender.

Van Nistelrooy 7.5 – Terrorised Barzagli and Materazzi. Scored Holland’s opener, although I will leave it up to you to decide if it was offside. Also could have had two others, squandering one-on-one chances.

Substitutes

Van Persie 6 – Looked reasonably sharp on his injury comeback and went close with one effort.

Heitinga 6 – Shored up the defence in the closing stages.

Afellay 6 – Almost grabbed a fourth with a vicious long-range shot.


ITALY

Buffon 6 – Partly to blame for first goal after a poor punch. Made one outstanding save from van Nistelrooy at 0-2. Did not communicate with his defenders as much as he should have.

Panucci 5.5 – Below par. Questionable whether he has the pace to play at right back in an international tournament. Did better when switched to the centre.

Barzagli 4 – Has never impressed without Cannavaro to hold his hand and this was proved tonight after a shocking performance. Certainly not the next in a long-line of great Italian defenders judged on this.

Materazzi 3.5 – Confirmed his dreadful club season with a stinker of a game. Second to every ball, positionally all over the place, and no help at all to Barzagli. If it was up to me, he would never play for Italy again.

Zambrotta 6 – The best of a bad bunch, although improved greatly as the game went on, going on one excellent run in the second half down the left.

Gattuso 6 – Battled as usual in midfield, and slowly took charge as the game wore on, but as proven for Milan this season his levels have quite clearly dropped from the World Cup two years ago.

Pirlo 7 – Unsurprisingly Italy’s best midfielder. Brilliant through-ball to put Grosso through on goal, while he would have scored with a magnificent free-kick, had it not been for Van der Sar’s miraculous save.

Ambrosini 5 – Baffling decision by Donadoni to start him ahead of De Rossi, and he clearly was not in the same league as Sneijder and Van der Vaart. Missed a chance late on.

Camoranesi 4 – Anonymous on the right hand side of the trident. Quite why Donadoni waited until the 75th minute to take him off is another mystery.

Di Natale 6 – Far from Italy’s worst player. Di Natale worked hard, and had a few efforts, including one sweet volley that would have gone in had it not been straight at Van der Sar.

Toni 5 – Another disappointment. Looked strangely tired after a long campaign. Missed one glorious one-on-one opportunity.

Substitutes

Grosso 8 – Donadoni's worst decision was not starting Grosso, who caused havoc down the left after coming on. Could and should have scored when alone with Van der Sar.

Del Piero 7 – Excellent after coming on. Looked really sharp, was inventive, and had two fine efforts at goal. Must start the next game.

Cassano 7 – Scandalously only offered 15 minutes at the end, but did more with virtually his first touch of the ball than Camoranesi did for 75 minutes before him. A magnificent chipped pass to put Toni through. Also must start along with Del Piero against Romania.

Holland midfielder Wesley Sneijder believes Italy are 'terrified' of facing the Oranje in their opening Group C game at Euro 2008 on Monday.

The 23-year-old insists his side are feeling no fear ahead of the European Championships, and have no reason to be scared of world champions Italy or the other much-fancied team in Group C, France.


'We can have them,' he told Sportweek magazine. 'We must not make the opponent too big.

'That is a Dutch thing. Look at the Italians, they are also afraid of us, be sure of that. They are terrified.

'The same goes for the French. I know for sure that they need to be prepared.'

The Real Madrid man also believes that the tournament's games are likely to be very close and may even be decided by luck.

'The differences are really small,' he said. 'Many duels are decided on minor details, sometimes even only with a lot of luck.

'You see that in the Champions League too. I think the top countries are very close. Everyone is tactical, technical and physically strong. We are one of the better teams, so we do have a chance.'

The inspirational defender suffered ligament damage during the Azzurri's first training session in Austria on Tuesday, and as a result was forced to withdraw from Euro 2008.

Cannavaro has since been replaced by Fiorentina’s Alessandro Gamberini, however the skipper has agreed to stay on in Austria and Switzerland to support the team.

This morning the 34-year-old underwent a successful operation in Vienna, lasting just half an hour.

Azzurri doctor Andrea Ferretti revealed that Cannavaro had sustained: “a complete tear of the anterior peroneal-astrological ligament and a partial tear of the peroneal-calcaneal ligament.”

Cannavaro is expected to be back in action in just a couple of months, so he will be fit and ready in time for the 2008/09 club season with Real Madrid.

The stopper is still in hospital, and he has been visited by members of the Italian Football Federation, including director Gianluigi Riva. When Cannavaro is discharged from hospital he will join up with the rest of the Italy squad to lend his support.

Who Will Be Italy Captain? Buffon Or Del Piero?

The debate has started in Italy over who will replace Fabio Cannavaro as the new captain of Italy, and it appears to be a straight race between Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero.


Cannavaro’s heartbreaking training ground injury yesterday which has ruled him out of Euro 2008 has not only left a massive gap at the heart of the defence, it has also deprived the Azzurri of their captain and leader.

The two favourites to be named as the new captain are Buffon and Del Piero, who are the two highest appearance makers in the squad, the former winning 82 caps, and the latter 86.

The fact that Del Piero is not a first team regular, and won’t start against Holland in Italy’s first game of the tournament on Monday, means that Buffon will probably win the nod.

The 30-year-old has captained the Azzurri once before, during a 2-0 Euro 2008 qualifying win over Georgia last October, a game that Cannavaro missed due to suspension.

Other outsiders to be named as skipper are Christian Panucci, Gianluca Zambrotta and Milan duo Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso, however Donadoni is likely to opt for the leadership qualities of Buffon.

Totti: Italy Not The Same Without Canna

Roma talisman Francesco Totti believes that Italy have been dealt a massive blow following Fabio Cannavaro’s injury.


The Real Madrid stopper was felled by a Giorgio Chiellini lunge which has ruled him out of the European Championship.

Cannavaro and Azzurri admirers world-wide have been left devastated by this latest blow and Totti insists that La Nazionale is not the same without ‘Captain Canna’.

“Italy have lost an important point of reference with Cannavaro’s injury,” said Er Pupone.

“La Nazionale has lost a great player and a great professional. He is an important point of referral for the whole team.

“I would like to send my best wishes to Cannavaro and I am sure that we will see him on the pitch again very soon.”

The player is believed to have ruptured ankle ligaments and he is likely to undergo surgery.

It’s not what Italy wanted as they prepare to go for glory in Austria and Switzerland but this should be a motivation for the team to go on and win it for Il Capitano.

Meanwhile Totti himself is still under-going rehabilitation for his knee ligament injury which he suffered against Livorno earlier this season and he is making steady progress.

VIENNA, June 2 (Reuters) - Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro looks likely to miss Euro 2008 after suffering an ankle injury on Monday, Italian media reported.

The defender was taken to hospital after colliding with Giorgio Chiellini in Italy's first training session in Austria.

'(Cannavaro) has damage to ligaments in his left ankle,' Vienna hospital doctor Franz Maria Kainberger told ANSA news agency. 'It is possible Cannavaro will have to be operated on.'

An Italian football federation spokesman said it was too early to assess the damage.

However, Cannavaro told reporters: 'I'm going home.'

The world champions flew into their base south of Vienna earlier on Monday.

Italy face the Netherlands in their first Group C match in Berne on June 9 before playing Romania and France.

Ranieri: France Will Win Euro 2008

The former Chelsea tinkerman didn't mention the Azzurri, perhaps afraid he might jinx the team's chances.

He is, however, confident that Raymond Domenech's Bleus side as well as Portugal and Spain have every chance of winning the tournament come June 29.

"All the indications seem to point towards France for me," Ranieri told Corriere Dello Sport.

"Even without Trezeguet, who should have gone, France have a side full of players who are able to turn any game around in their favour.

"Then there is Portugal with Ronaldo. After last time, they would want to try and win it and they will try and find the balance between solid and spectacular football.

"I am also curious to see what happens with Spain. They have not got Raul but they have all the most promising youngsters."

Ranieri was left baffled with Trezeguet's exclusion from the France squad after the Juve hit-man had a great campaign in Serie A this term.

France will play Italy in the final group C fixture on June 17 and it could potentially be a decisive game for the Azzurri.

Buffon has already gone on recored as saying that this year's edition of the Azzurri are as good, if not better, than the squad that conquered the world two years ago.

Now, he is determined to see the people of Italy dancing in the streets again by bringing the European Cup home.

“Obviously it is an objective,” said the Juve keeper.

“We live for that and it is part of my job.

“As a kid I admired the players who made history in Italian football, with their club or with La Nazionale.

“Leaving a trace would be a satisfaction for me, my sons, nephews, and for all who will have my name in the future.

“If it is a good memory for them, I will be proud when I have passed away.

“What I like most in football is the joy transmitted after a save, a goal or a win.

“The important thing is not to win a World Cup or a Euro but that the fans invade the places and the streets from the morning to the evening.

“You find the most beautiful in winning in the eyes of the ones who are celebrating it.”

Italy kick-off their tournament on June 9th against Holland.