2006 FIFA World Cup Coverage

Italy isn't fazed by foe's home advantage

The World Cup semifinal takes place where Germany hasn't lost in 14 matches.

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published July 4, 2006

DORTMUND, Germany - Germany's players are not the only ones with good memories of Dortmund's imposing stadium.

"I've also won twice in this stadium. It's not like we're going to go in and throw our hands up," Italy coach Marcello Lippi said Monday about Germany's 14-game unbeaten streak in the facility formerly known as Westfalenstadion.

Italy takes on the host today in the World Cup semifinals at the English-style ground, which features sharply angled stands flush along the touchlines.

In his first season at Juventus, Lippi led his team to a 2-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of the 1995 UEFA Cup semifinals. A few months later, Juve played so well in a 3-1 win in the group phase of the European Champions League that the German fans stood and applauded at the final whistle.

"Germany is certainly a strong team, young, enthusiastic and well-prepared. And they're going to have the entire stadium supporting them. But for the most part players are not affected by these things," Lippi said.

Italy forward and Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero played in those games in Dortmund 11 years ago.

"I noticed that they've added some seats," Del Piero said. "It was already imposing back then. The field is good, the stadium is imposing and the stands are right on top of you. It's a great atmosphere. We're going to have to be really motivated."

The Italian federation was allotted 4,370 tickets for the game. The stadium seats 63,700.

Though most of the remaining seats are expected to be filled by Germany fans, thousands of Italian immigrants live in the area, and some are bound to find a way in.

The local Italian consulate issued a warning to Italian fans asking them to stay away from Dortmund if they don't have tickets.

Italy also is inspired by the number of people supporting the team back home. TV broadcasts of Italy's games are averaging 23-million viewers in the peninsula, out of a population of 58-million.

"That's the most pleasing thing, to see how enthusiastic people are, how they've gone out in the piazzas to celebrate," Lippi said. "This is the game of all games for Italians and Germans."

Two of the most memorable games in Italy's history were played against Germany, the 4-3 extra time win over West Germany in the 1970 semifinals and the 3-1 victory in the 1982 final, Italy's last major title.

"I remember that I watched it alone," Lippi said of the 1982 final. "That's how I like watching games, with a cigar."

Lippi responded seriously to German captain Michael Ballack's lighthearted claims that Germany "stands no chance" against Italy after the Azzurri won 4-1 in a friendly in March.

"We don't feel like we're the favorites or the underdogs," Lippi said. "We want to win the game, and that's all."

Germany beat Argentina in the quarterfinals on penalties. Italy has historically struggled in shootouts, but Lippi said he won't be worried if that's how today's game concludes.

"I've won a (European) Champions Cup on penalties and I've lost the Champions Cup on penalties," he said, recalling Juve's win over Ajax in 1996 and the loss to AC Milan in 2003. "If it happens here I think we've got great penalty kickers and a great goalkeeper."

WORLD CUP

Germany vs. Italy: 3 p.m., ESPN, Univision

[Last modified July 4, 2006, 01:17:28]