Del Piero fights disappointment

Del Piero fights disappointment
Monday 9 June, 2008

Alessandro Del Piero is struggling to gain an optimistic view of Italy’s European Championship campaign.

“It was a negative night for us in every sense. We have already begun to analyse what happened with a cool head and many of us held up our hands to admit we made mistakes,” said the Juventus star in the wake of a 3-0 thrashing by Holland.

“It is a difficult situation, but we have to take the positives and look to the future with optimism, even if that is tough to do right now.

“We feel very bitter and disappointed, but with an underlying sense of optimism that looks forward to the next games.”

There was anger within the Azzurri camp after the opening goal. Ruud Van Nistelrooy was in an offside position, but the goal was awarded due to a curious interpretation of the rules.

Christian Panucci was off the field of play and still considered active, but the regulations clearly state that is not the case if the player is down injured.

“The fourth official immediately explained the situation, but we saw Panucci was on the floor and so it was natural to protest against the decision. He told us Panucci was considered to be in an active position.”

Del Piero came off the bench and immediately impressed, going close with two good scoring opportunities.

“I don’t know if I’ll start against Romania. There will be criticism against Roberto Donadoni, but we are all in the same boat and take full responsibility for defeats and victories in the same way,” he insisted.

“Now we have to focus as soon as possible on the next game, as it is only by taking it one step at a time that we can get out of this hole.

“We made many mistakes and haven’t got much time, so we have to give our heart and soul in the upcoming matches.”

They take on Romania on Friday, who already have one point under their belts after holding France to a goalless draw.

It’s going to be difficult for Italy to emerge unscathed from the Group of Death after this start.

“Italy tend to give their best in the most hopeless of scenarios, so we’d like that trend to be confirmed.”

*channel4

masuknya Alex dini hari td (vs Belanda) membawa perubahan yg baik, sayang dia tidak diturunkan dr awal, meskipun hasilnya lom tentu juga akan berubah,
gw kira Donadodol patut memberikan kesempatan dia bermain dr awal saat melawan Rumania!