Roberto Donadoni will make his competitive debut as Azzurri Coach against Lithuania at the Stadio San Paolo in Napoli.

It is a ground that holds unpleasant memories for the ex-Livorno boss, who took over from Marcello Lippi this week, as Donadoni – along with Aldo Serena – missed a spot kick in the World Cup Italia ’90 shoot-out defeat against Argentina there.

The pressure will be on the new boss to make a confident start but he will have his work cut out to live up to the glory of his predecessor, especially given the number of players in the World Cup winning squad who are approaching international retirement.

While the Lithuania clash is Donadoni’s first Euro 2008 qualifier, his first challenge in the Azzurri hot seat comes against Croatia in a friendly on August 16.

Tensions will run high as Italy meet World Cup Final opponents France in the qualification for Euro 2008. Ukraine, Scotland, Georgia and the Faroe Islands complete a tough group.


Football Italia

France and Ukraine again!!!!!!!!

That will be interesting

Not an easy group for the Azzurri.

Good look for them.