FRANCE 98 – Italy-Austria – A. Del Piero: “We achieved our objective in winning the match and finishing first”

Christian VIERI (21):

“I have scored four goals in three matches. Today’s goal was important because it gave us some breathing space right at the start of the second half. I am not looking to be the top scorer. The main thing is that the team qualifies. We suffered in the second half, but that’s normal. The whole team contributed to the win. We haven’t always played well but we have done what we set out to do despite the pressure.” 

Roberto BAGGIO (18):

“I got my goal thanks to Filippo INZAGHI (19) who played a great through-ball. I was pleased to have come on during the match and to have scored. I hope that all the forwards will get the chance to play as each one has a lot of potential, like the rest of the team.”

Filippo INZAGHI (19):

“I was very happy to have made a decisive final ball to Roberto BAGGIO (18). He was in a better position than me. I did not score today but I hope to next time.”

Alessandro DEL PIERO (10):

“It was an intense and difficult match. We expected this and it was difficult to qualify. I am sorry for Alessandro NESTA (6), he was really unlucky. Despite everything I am satisfied because we had some good patches during this match especially in defence; we were able to counter-attack. We achieved our objective in winning the match and finishing first. I am happy with my own performance and am not at all envious of Christian VIERI (21) being the leading scorer. I was delighted with both his and Roberto BAGGIO’s (18) goal. What is important is that we are all pulling together.”

Giuseppe BERGOMI (2):

“Among our potential opponents I think that SCOTLAND (Group A) is a solid and well organised team. They no longer play a stereotyped game as they used to a few years ago. They are a dangerous team and have played well in the first round, especially against BRAZIL (Group A). I had expected the NORWAY team to be stronger. I’ve been rather disappointed with them, even if they are still dangerous with their long-ball game. Maybe the MOROCCO team is the easiest to play.”