Preview: Faroe Islands v. Italy Euro 2012 Qualifier

August 31st, 2011 | by: elaine | Comments Off

Our boys are traveling to the islands this weekend for a Euro 2012 Qualifier. Which islands, you might ask? The Faroe Islands, of course. Still don’t know where they’re going? Maybe a quick little quiz will help you… (Don’t worry, it’s multiple choice)

The Faroe Islands are:

a) 111th in the FIFA rankings

b) home to the Viking Metal band Tyr

c) located between Iceland and Norway

d) at the bottom of Euro 2012 qualifying group C with 4 points

e) all of the above

If you guessed e, all of the above, then you are either good at guessing or you know more about Friday’s opponent than you originally let on. While tiny countries like this may seem like an easy 3 points, never underestimate that Viking spirit. Prandelli and the boys should travel there with respect and play hard, at least until we’re up by 5 again. Then they can relax a little if they want.

We all joke about these tiny countries, for them, a single victory in qualifying can sometimes be as big as a larger country making it to the Euro semifinals or something. They are not deluded into thinking they will even qualify, and yet they show up for every match and field their best 11 and play the game with sincerity and conviction. But sometimes, they surprise. Like in June, when this little-team-that-could beat Estonia 2-0 at home. No, I don’t think they are planning a big win this Friday. But it’s safe to say they are not the same team they were when they came to our house last year when we beat them 5-0, either. I think that in their house, they are playing for respect, and we would be wise to give it to them, but that’s all. We want those 3 points for ourselves, thank you very much for your Viking hospitality.

Defender Einar Hansen and midfielder Símun Samuelsen are returning from injury, while midfielder Pól Jóhannus Justinussen is returning from suspension. And just to put things in perspective, this will be the first game played in Torshavn using artificial lighting.

Callups:

Keepers: Jákup Mikkelsen (ÍF Fuglafjørdur), René Tórgard (EB/Streymur)

Defenders: Atli Gregersen (Víkingur), Einar Hansen (NSÍ Runavík), Jónas Tór Næs (Valur Reykjavík), Jóhan Davidsen (Aarhus Fremad), Rógvi Baldvinsson (Ålgård FK), Viljormur Davidsen (FC Fyn).

Midfielders: Fródi Benjaminsen (HB Tórshavn), Símun Samuelsen (HB Tórshavn), Daniel Udsen (EB/Streymur), Bogi Løkin (ÍF Fuglafjørdur), Súni Olsen (B36 Tórshavn), Atli Danielsen (B36 Tórshavn), Hjalgrím Elttør (KÍ Klaksvík), Pól Jóhannus Justinussen (Valur Reykjavík), Christian Lamhauge Holst (Silkeborg IF).

Forwards: Jóan Edmundsson (Newcastle United FC), Arnbjørn Hansen (EB/Streymur), Christian Mouritsen (Valur Reykjavík).

Coming off of the win against Spain, and preparing for what should definitely be a more challenging match vs. Slovenia on Tuesday, it seems natural to let our guard down, field a B team and score a goal or two on Friday and hold them for the rest of the match. Which is exactly what a fool might do in this circumstance. We do not need to risk humiliating ourselves after a great win. Remember Ireland? If we want to get the respect of the world back, we want to be contenders for Euros next year, then we need to play like champions, every game. That’s not to say that Prandelli can’t toss out a couple of players who might normally sit on the bench. But I think it is crucial for the growth of the team to take this one seriously and play hard, never for a second giving up the chance for 3 more points and the chance to solidify as a team and develop that winning mentality. With Serie A on strike, a win could boost the morale of a nation in addition to maintaining top spot in Group C.

The big news, of course is the inclusion of Gilardino again. With Viviano out long-term, De Sanctis is back as Buffon’s #2. Davide Astori gets his first cap in some time as well.

Callups:

Keepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Morgan De Sanctis (Napoli), Salvatore Sirigu (PSG)

Defenders: Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus) Mattia Cassani (Fiorentina), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Domenico Criscito (Zenit), Christian Maggio (Napoli), Andrea Ranocchia (Inter)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Milan), Daniele DeRossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Riccardo Montolivo (Fiorentina), Thiago Motta (Inter), Antonio Nocerino (Palermo), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus)

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Man City), Antonio Cassano (Milan), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina), Sebastian Giovinco (Parma), Giampaolo Pazzini (Inter), Giuseppe Rossi (Villareal)

The match is being played in the Faroe Islands and begins at 20:45 CET on Friday, September 2nd.

In the USA, it is being broadcast on RAI International/RAI 1. Please check your local listings.

Apologies, once again, we are unable to provide a live blog here for this match. Please feel free to post any good feeds you find as well as comments and updates throughout the match in the comments section so everyone can enjoy. Thanks!

Elaine makes guest appearances on Twitter. Don’t miss them. Follow her @ItaliaWCB