Italy won't be worried by atmosphere, says Lippi
4/7/2006 15:24
Italy coach Marcello Lippi said yesterday his team will not be intimidated
in a stadium packed with home fans for the World Cup semifinal against
Germany.
"We're up against a strong, young, enthusiastic and well-prepared
side who will have the stadium all for them," said Lippi as he looked ahead to
Tuesday's match.
"But most of my players have experience of that kind of game
and they won't be affected by the atmosphere," he added.
Germany have never
lost in 14 games in Dortmund, winning 13 and drawing one, but Lippi said that
record did not worry him.
"I've won in Dortmund twice as well," said the
coach, referring to success in the Champions League with Juventus against
Borussia Dortmund, "I hope I can enjoy a third win".
Lippi said he did not
feel Italy, who has conceded just one goal en route to the last four, started
the game as favorite.
"There are lots of factors but on balance I think it
looks 50-50 to me. We said before the quarter-finals, if you get to the semis
anything can happen and so now we will see," he added.
"We are neither
favourites nor underdogs -- we are just a team who want to win," said the Italy
coach.
The Italians beat Germany 4-1 in a friendly in March but Lippi said
nothing should be read into that result.
"I said at the time it would be a
mistake if anyone thought there was that sort of difference between the sides.
That night everything went well for us and went badly for them," he
said.
"They took the blow well, it wasn't easy but they regrouped and went on
to win the enthusiasm of an entire country -- we have done pretty much the
same," added Lippi.
|
