Italy have extended their lead with five points after defeating Estonia 3-0 on Friday at the Stadio Alberto Braglia. Rossi and Cassano brought a comfortable two-goal lead in the first half, while Pazzini made it 3-0 in the second part. Estonia, by contrast, have gone four points behind the second place as Tarmo Ruutli’s side were unable to score at least a consolation. Italy had a great start, missing couple of good chances within five minutes. The hosts won a corner on the left in the 14th minute, which was headed wide by Aquilani who should have tested the keeper harder. Rossi got his first chance in he 19th minute after beating his mark and shooting a dangerous strike straight at the same Pareiko who made a sensational save in what could have been an early opener.
Foto Source: mysoccerwebsite.com
The first goal came one minute later, though. Rossi was picked in good position to fire a superb shot home, from a very tight angle. The same striker then hit the post so the scoreboard remained unchanged at least for the moment. Foure minutes before the half time, Cassano doubled the lead after beating his mark and denying Pereiko into the far post. As for the second part, it started with a yellow card. Estonia were the first to get cautioned by the referee after Vunk made some damages around him. Italy then won a free-kick Pirlo hit dangerously, but as far as the keeper who made the save at the death. The 67th minute found Cesare Prandelli making it 3-0 to the Italians. Montolivo fed the newly-introduced with a smart pass, while the striker did the rest from inside the box.
The game finished 3-0 as Italy are nearing the Euro 2012 finals. Prandelli looked pretty nervous before the game, taking into account that Italy would chase three of the most precious points this term. “It is the most difficult match I have had since taking over. It is a decisive game against Estonia. I want a squad that will give their all because this game is fundamental to qualifying, and traditionally we haven’t always played our best in June and September.”
Italy have proved though they remain the main favorites for the leading position, given the fact they have won five of six games and drew just one. The Azzuri have also gone five points adrift of their main followers Slovenia compared to which Prandelli’s side have one game in hand. Estonia lie fourth in the group C with seven points won in six games. Serbia, another main favorite for the finals, are third with eight points and one game in hand, while Northern Ireland and Faroe Islands lie bottom of the table with six and one point respectively.
Italy – Buffon; Ballzaretti, Chiellini, Ranocchia, Maggio; Pirlo, Marchisio, Montolivo, Aquilanil Rossi, Cassano. Reserves: A. Gilardino, A. Gamberini, M. Cassani, A. Nocerina, S. Giovinco, E. Viviano, G. Pazzini.
Estonia – Pareiko; Jaager, Rahn, Piiroka, Teniste; Vunk, Klavan, Puri, Kink, Kruglov; Zenjov. Reserves: S. Mosnikov, J. Ahjupera, G. Kams, A. Stepanov, A. Barengrub, K. Saag, P. Londak.
