Italy – D. Baggio: “I'll have to cover Zinedine Zidane”

Statements made in Senlis (north of PARIS), 30 June:

Roberto DI MATTEO (16):

“This quarter-final match pits two teams on the top of their game against each other. The French have no weaknesses, they are strong technically and have great physical ability. Zinedine ZIDANE (10) is still the strongest player for FRANCE. But we’ll be up to the task. We just have to keep up our guard for ninety minutes. Both of our teams have the same type of game, so it doesn’t matter whether we face them in the quarter-finals or after. We just have to block all the French supporters out of our minds.”

Moreno TORRICELLI (8):

“FRANCE is favoured, but we think we’ll win. Let me remind you that this is the World Cup, and so naturally all of the teams are great. We’re confident, and we’ll do our best to win. Zinedine ZIDANE’S return puts a bit more pressure on us, because he’s the best player in the world. And I’m not the only one who thinks that. But we will contain him. It will be a great match, hard fought and close at the same time. We have to do what it takes to win. Right from the start, we need to make things go our way.”

Dino BAGGIO (11):

“This match is an important stepping stone toward the semi-finals. It’s also important mentally, because FRANCE is the strongest team in the World Cup. I’ll have to cover Zinedine ZIDANE. I’ll have to hold my ground, even if he is a great player. He’s quick and skilful, therefore difficult to control. It will be a tough match, both physically and mentally, but it will be good for what happens afterwards. Both teams have a lot of pressure on them, but they also have a lot of experience. We can contain that pressure and use it to win.”

Enrico CHIESA (20):

“I’m very disappointed that we have to play our next match against FRANCE. For me, it’s the Final before the event. Both teams know each other well, and both are capable of winning. Like many, I think that Zinedine ZIDANDE is the best player in the world. His return gives them an added advantage. But Lilian THURAM (15) is also the best defender in the world. I know him well because he plays with me in Parma in ITALY. His physical strength is impressive. Playing FRANCE in the most beautiful stadium in the country (Stade de France) with enthusiastic fans will be great, even if they’re cheering against us. There will be a lot of pressure, but it will motivate us even more.”