Posts tagged "World Cup"

Italy looking to extend lead in Slovenia

Italy travels to Slovenia for a 2012 European Championship qualifier Friday with the knowledge that a victory could open up a six-point lead in its group. However, the Azzurri have not forgotten past troubles in Slovenia, where Italy lost its only qualifier before winning the 2006 World Cup. Italy leads Group C with 10 points from four matches, three ahead of Slovenia and four in front of Estonia.

Italy coach sticking with new conduct code

Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is sticking with his code of conduct “at all costs,” even though it has resulted in the exclusions of Daniele De Rossi and Mario Balotelli for Friday’s European Championship qualifier in Slovenia. When he replaced Marcello Lippi after Italy’s first-round elimination from the World Cup, Prandelli instituted new rules whereby national team players are…