Lucescu: Mutu has something to prove to Italy and this is the moment to prove it

Vineri, 13 iunie 2008, 11:48 English | Top News

Romanian top football trainer Mircea Lucescu offered an interview to the Italian newspaper La Stampa, discussing the chances Romania has in the game against Italy, scheduled for tonight. Asked whether Romania is able to repeat the performance it made in 1983, when it won in front of Italy, and "squadra azzura" failed to qualify to the 1984 European Championship, Lucescu replied that the team is much more organized now.

"Unfortunately for us, Italy is better organized, focused on defense and with a higher capacity to resist. In 1983, in Italy, the result was 0:0 although Romania played 40 minutes without a man in the field", said Lucescu.

The trainer also said that Romania team coach Piturca was right to replace Mutu in the game against France: "It always is this way: the coach must consider the result. Mutu must understand. He goes through a rough time, he feels betrayed by Fiorentina, the team that offered a lot, and waits for a helping hand that never comes. He has something to prove to Italy and the moment is now", said Lucescu.

After the equal match between Romania and France, and also after Italy lost in the game against Holland (defeated by Romania in the qualifying games for Euro 2008), the confrontation on Friday between Italy and Romania is critical for both teams.