03/10/2001

INZAGHI AIMING FOR REPEAT PERFORMANCE

Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi is hoping he can repeat the two goals he scored against Hungary in March when the two sides meet for the vital World Cup qualifier in Parma on Saturday.

Inzaghi's double gave Italy a precious away point in World Cup qualifying group eight and they now sit top with victory over the Hungarians at the weekend enough to clinch them automatic passage to Japan and South Korea next summer.

Looking back on the 2-2 draw in Budapest, Inzaghi said: “I hope to repeat that match, to score a double again. Not only to enjoy the goals but to give a crucial contribution to qualification.

“This is a crucial point and we can't miss our aim. We must reach the target of two years of work.

“Hungary have nothing to gain or to lose and that makes the match more difficult for us. We must keep total concentration. This is a match we must win using our brain more than legs and heart.”

He added that the absence of Christian Vieri and Alessandro Nesta through injury should not affect his side's chances. “They are two strong and crucial players,” he said. “But we have good replacements able to substitute them.”

Meanwhile Hungary coach Imre Gellei suggested the fact that his team are unable to qualify could prove to be a positive point.

He said: “My footballers can play without any psychological burden. If each of them can produce the maximum of their abilities, then we won't have to be ashamed regardless of the end result.

"I expect a close game. We can disturb the play of the Italians with strict defending and by narrowing down the field of play. That is the method that earned a draw for the Lithuanians in Budapest and that is what we should also apply."

[Onefootball.com]