Courtesy: UEFA.com


Minicucci steels Italy for 'toughest group'

Wednesday 3 December 2008

by Francesco Corda from Rome

Italy may have scored 25 goals without reply in their three UEFA European Under-21 Futsal Tournament qualifying wins, but coach Paolo Minicucci is clear that next week's finals will not be so easy.

Different experience
Former Italian international Minicucci has led the Azzurrini since 2001 and his record made it no surprise that they have reached the first U21 finals starting on Monday in St Petersburg. However, despite the comfortable qualifying wins against France, Turkey and Moldova, Minicucci is braced for an altogether different experience when they face Slovenia, Croatia and hosts Russia in Group A for two semi-final places.

Tough group
"We are in the most difficult group," Minicucci told uefa.com. "Slovenia are doing very well and we face them in the first game, the most difficult because in my opinion it's almost like a final. It can determine the failure of a whole campaign or give the right boost. Croatia are a team we have played against, and they are growing exponentially. Then we face the hosts: if qualification is to be decided in the last game against Russia, it is another final. It is a difficult route."

Preparations
Although Minicucci has not had too much time with his squad since qualifying in April, last month he took them to the Netherlands where they won 3-1 and drew 2-2 against their fellow finalists. The coach is looking forward to a long spell together with his players in Russia. "Every time that we have had the opportunity to be together for more than ten days, we have progressed very well," he said. "Certainly, to have the opportunity to spend at least 15 days together and work on the fundamentals of futsal – such as dead-balls, defence and possession – is a strong benefit."

Stars
Gabriel Lima is the Azzurrini player to watch, not only for the five goals he scored in qualification. "Futsal is a team game, but a team game relies also on the skills of individuals," Minicucci continued. "Gabriel is inclined to hold the reins, to dictate the pace. But I can guarantee that every man has specific characteristics and if he brings them on to the pitch, he can make the difference. I want to add that we have been fortunate enough with the three goalkeepers, they are essential in this discipline. [Gabriel] Miraglia, [Leandro] Garcia Pereira and [Antonino] Martino give great security."

Boost
Having led the U21 side for some years, Minicucci is delighted that there is finally a major tournament at this level. "The European event represents the realisation of a dream of which we Italians, along with the Russians, have been certainly the forerunners," the coach said. "It is the conclusion of a journey and the beginning of another more important one."








Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com