'Italy under pressure'

ByEurosport

Published 12/06/2006 at 08:51 GMT

Ghana captain Samuel Kuffour says all the pressure will be on Italy when the two sides meet in Hannover on Monday. The Italians are the favourites to top Group E, but Kuffour insists his side have nothing to lose when they take on the triple World Cup win

"Italy are one of the biggest teams in the competition," said the 29-year-old. "For us, we have nothing to lose.

"The squad are all very happy and we will try to do our best and play a great game against Italy.

And Kuffour added that a successful run in Germany would help the game in Africa.

Africa Cup of Nations

Ghana and Ivory Coast staring at early exits after collapsing in final group games

22/01/2024 at 23:56

"It is a dream for every player to get through to the next stage," he said. "It would be good for Africa, for me, my family and Ghana."

Ghana captain Stephen Appiah insists that no result can be taken for granted at a World Cup, citing Cameroon's shock defeat of Argentina in 1990 and Senegal's sensational victory over then holders France in 2002.

FOOTBALL 2006 Egypt 2006 Ghana Appiah

Image credit: Imago

"In modern football the names don't mean anything," he said. "Think of Cameroon and Argentina, Senegal and France."

GATTUSO OUT

Italy coach Marcello Lippi will be without midfielder Gennaro Gattuso and full-back Gianluca Zambrotta, who are both sidelined with thigh injuries.

And centre-back Alessandro Nesta is doubtful with a muscle injury, while Francesco Totti is unlikely to play 90 minutes after just recovering from an ankle problem.

FOOTBALL Francesco Totti Italia

Image credit: Imago

Massimo Oddo is expected to start ahead of Cristian Zaccardo at right-back, while Lippi is likely to opt for Simone Perrotta to take Gattuso's place in midfield.

Italian captain Fabio Cannavaro is well aware of the threat that World Cup debutants Ghana possess.

"Ghana are an excellent team with a very strong midfield. They move the ball around quickly and they will try to unsettle us, but we are prepared for that."

Prediction: Italy 3-2 Ghana

Africa Cup of Nations

Kudus strikes twice and Salah limps off as Ghana and Egypt share spoils in classic

18/01/2024 at 22:49

Euro Qualifying

Italy secure point to reach Euro 2024 as Ukraine head for play-offs

20/11/2023 at 22:35

Euro Qualifying

Chiesa double boosts Italy's qualification hopes with big win over North Macedonia

17/11/2023 at 22:37