Lippi dreams of World Cup final with Capello
Marcello Lippi says he hopes his Italy side meet England in this year's World Cup final so he can see how fellow Italian Fabio Capello would cope with the conflicting emotions.
"Dreaming a little, like I did last time, I'd like a beautiful final between Italy and England," Lippi, who led the Azzurri to World Cup glory in 2006, told reporters.
"I'd like to see how Fabio Capello would react when the Italian national anthem is played. I'd really like that."
Lippi praised the job Capello has done as England manager, transforming a side that failed to qualify for Euro 2008 into credible contenders for victory in South Africa.
"It's normal to expect positive results from a team trained by Capello," he said.
"He's contributed with his personality, his charisma and ability to creating a team that look extremely solid. Naturally, qualifying is one thing, the World Cup finals are another."
Lippi said he had already decided on most of the players he will take to South Africa.
"In my head I already have about 70 percent of the squad, 16 or 17 sure players," he said. "There are about six places available to complete the squad."
Before the World Cup, which starts on June 11, Italy will play Cameroon in Monte Carlo on March 3 and Switzerland in Geneva on June 5, the Italian Football Federation confirmed on Thursday.
The federation said it was also trying to arrange a warm-up game against Mexico for June 3.
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Joe Bugelli
Feb 5th 2010, 18:17
The Maltese , England football fans always made me laugh. When they should be comparing their World Cup record with that of Uganda, Malaysia, Hong Kong , Guatemala etc they talk about Italy. On the other hand the British know that they can never compare their country's national side with giants like Brasil, Italy etc. They also know that this time round they can do better, ONLY because they have a certain Mr Capello and other fellow Italians who are at the helm of the ENGLAND team : Messrs Keating and Bell below wrote it, English friends of mine often tell me whilst British sport journalists often declare it. In the meantime Maltese England fans keep living in denial. Peccato !!!!
david vella
Feb 5th 2010, 18:14
I think players nowadays especially in England, are overly paid so there's not much interest left on their international duties!AS an england fan I agree with Chris Waddle who few years ago commented "We're just a quarter final team". Ok they might bow out on the penalty lottery, but just can't make the match their own in 90mins! Hate to say have to admire the italians who despite playing weakly at times always seem to leave their mark.
Dominic Chircop
Feb 5th 2010, 18:04
England will win the World Cup. They will win through a header from Terry.
R. Gauci
Feb 5th 2010, 16:19
"England will surely emerge the winners if the two teams had to meet." - Owen Falzon
What makes you so sure? Don't forget that the last time England have beaten Italy in a competitive match was back in 1977, probably you weren't even born. It's not luck my friend but class, they know how to take the best out from their players when it counts. Don't forget also that Italy where eliminated undeservedly from three World Cups in a row on penalties and lost a European Cup Final in the 93rd minute (the the golden goal on extra time) not to mention the infamous refereeing by Mr Byron Moreno in the South Korea - Italy match 8 years ago. That's for luck!! Then luck always favours the brave a bit, at club level it seems this is always on the English side, the Champions League finals of 1999 and 2005 are clear proof of what I'm saying.
Carlo Brincau
Feb 5th 2010, 15:40
@ Owen Falzon....
typical Maltese England fan.... always with this luck.... I think you are refering to Korea/Japan edition ux?
The facts say 4 World Cups won....
As for the current form, England for sure will perform in this tournament, obviously this does not mean winning the cup ... an England in semis would be already a great achievment by Cappello and co...
As for Italy.. surely not favourites, however they have no pressure of winning this time, which could play in their favor... once again an Italy in the semis would be like winning the cup once again...
Andrea B. Pace
Feb 5th 2010, 15:20
@ Owen Falzon - le siehbi, ghalfejn dejjem izzeffnu fin-nofs il-luck. Mil-1970 sa' llum
( jigifieri 10 edizzjonijiet ) it-Taljani xebghu jaslu fil-Kompetizzjoni tat-Tazza tad-Dinja ma l-ahhar erba' ( apparti li rebhuha darbtejn ). Possibbli dejjem luck ? Ghaliex tibqghu ittambru l-istess ! Accettaw li tajbin u serji. Jippreparaw ghall-avveniment b'mod professjonali. L-Inglizi, li tant inti thobb dan jammettuh. U fil-fatt b'hekk ingaggaw lil Capello u coaches ohra Taljani. Fl-ahharnett ha nikkwotalek x'jghidu l-Inglizu " fortune only favours the BRAVE ". Ghalhekk it-Taljani ikunu ukoll iffurtunati, ghax BRAVISSIMI !
V Saliba
Feb 5th 2010, 14:36
The interesting local rivalry between the two sets of supporters is already intensifying on facebook, letalone if they were to reach the final!! LOL
English: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=253933992258
Italians: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=257736277121
Owen Falzon
Feb 5th 2010, 13:50
Although Italy are always huge contenders with their usual luck at these tournaments, I think their present squad is not good enough this time round.I don't think Lippi's dreams will ever materialise. If they do, I'm sure Capello will be a professional and hide away his personal emotions. England will surely emerge the winners if the two teams had to meet.
Aldo Buttigieg
Feb 5th 2010, 13:18
See not only Sir (King) Alex Ferguson plays mind games, now the famous Italian Mr. Lippi is doing so! Hope for a splendid World Cup for both nations.
Andrew Keating
Feb 5th 2010, 13:17
@ William Bell - I agree with you. If it's not going to be my country England , I do not mind being ITALY'S 5 th Cup. Like you, I adore their country ( I go there twice a year ), their food, their culture and their Espresso. They sure know how to enjoy life. I have a lot of friends in the Lazio and Toscana regions. What a gift !
Chris Grech
Feb 5th 2010, 12:32
@William H. Bell
what if all maltese had your attitudes towards football!!
as an italian supporter - i wish that they win the WC... but England have a good team and one of the best coaches - so better not be on their way to the final :):)
Stefan Sacco
Feb 5th 2010, 12:21
Dal Holm mhu qed joghgobni xejn jien !!! Kemm jiflah il bniedem ???
Andrea B. Pace
Feb 5th 2010, 12:01
With ITALIANS Capello & Co, Zola, Mancini, Di Matteo, Ancelotti ( and more in the future ) all teaching real football to the English sides ( mhux daqqa u fuq ) it is becoming possible that one day England will win the World Cup.
William H. Bell
Feb 5th 2010, 11:43
Lippi can afford to have such dreams. Although I'm very proud with my country, I am already very satisfied that England have qualified for the finals. ITALY are such a strong squad when real football counts. On the other hand, I do not mind at all that when my country does not make it to the final stages ( order of the day ), ITALY obtain further successes. I love their country, their people, their food, their culture etc etc.
R. Gauci
Feb 5th 2010, 11:09
Lippi's dream would mean street riots all over Malta come July.
A Vella
Feb 5th 2010, 10:46
Dear Lippi, I cannot imagine what will happen in little Malta if England and Italy met in the final - I think we would rather be spared from such eventuality.
A Zahra
Feb 5th 2010, 10:37
Lets Hope not !!!! Most definitely will realise why.
Mark Said
Feb 5th 2010, 10:18
Lippi's World Cup Final dream is equally mine! I wonder what Lippi's reaction would be were England to emerge as winners! His reaction would surely be more interestingly curious than Capello's reaction to the playing of the Italian national anthem!