Saturday, June 17, 2006

Lippi wary of winless USA threat

Italy coach Marcello Lippi insists he is not underestimating the USA despite seeing them soundly beaten by the Czech Republic in their opening match.
"I was expecting a closer match because the USA have made giant strides in the last five years," Lippi said. "They reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup four years ago and came here full of confidence. If we hadn't defeated Ghana then it would be very, very difficult against the USA. Now it is just difficult."
Italy are unbeaten in their last 19 matches and have never lost to the USA, beating them five times and drawing twice. Midfielder Andrea Pirlo does not intend on changing those statistics in Kaiserslautern and is remaining wary of Bruce Arena's men.
"We won't be underestimating the United States because they have to win against us or they're out," said Pirlo. "They were well beaten by the Czechs in their first match, but that will only make them more determined to get the three points."
Posted by Samvit :: 11:33 AM :: 0 comments

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