Italy regained some of its World Cup swagger with a
2-0 win over Ukraine. Now, coach Roberto Donadoni will have to make
changes for the Azzurri's next European Championship qualifier in
Georgia on Wednesday.
Midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is suspended with two yellow cards and
several other players picked up minor injuries against Ukraine.
``We have to take account of our bangs and bruises and see who's
tired,'' Donadoni said Sunday, less than 24 hours after Massimo Oddo
and Luca Toni scored against Ukraine.
``There are things we need to improve on, but I liked the spirit
and approach we had. There was a bit of the spirit from the World
Cup,'' Donadoni added.
Midfielder Daniele De Rossi has a bruised ankle, striker Vincenzo
Iaquinta has a back ache and forward Filippo Inzaghi has a leg
muscle problem.
Simone Perrotta could return from suspension in midfield,
although he too has a minor problem _ with his ankle.
Mauro Camoranesi, who replaced Iaquinta in the second half
against Ukraine, seems sure to start Wednesday along with Andrea
Pirlo.
Other midfield options include untested Gennaro Delvecchio of
Sampdoria and Lazio's Stefano Mauri.
Donadoni also indicated Alessandro Nesta will replace Marco
Materazzi in central defence.
The attack should still revolve around Toni, who also earned the
penalty kick that Oddo converted for Italy's first goal Saturday.
Italy has four points in Group B, while Scotland leads the group
with nine points. Georgia, which lost to Germany 2-0 in a friendly
Saturday, has three points.
The victory over Ukraine was Italy's first since winning its
fourth World Cup in July.
Italy struggled in its opening two Euro 2008 qualifiers last
month _ a 1-1 draw with Lithuania and a 3-1 loss to France. The
Azzurri also lost to Croatia in a friendly in August in Donadoni's
debut.
``There is a post-World Cup effect. When you maintain that level
of concentration for a month and a half, it take a while to get it
back,'' Donadoni said. ``I played in a couple World Cups and I know
how tough it is.''
© The Canadian Press, 2007