World NewsToni Looking to Put Disappointment Behind Him |
FLORENCE, September 4 (World Cup qualifiers) - Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is hoping to channel the disappointment of Italy'sEuro 2008 campaign into a winning start in Saturday's World Cup qualifying opener against Cyprus in Larnaca.
Toni went into this summer's European Championships full off confidence after an impressive debut season in the German Bundesliga but he failed to score in the tournament.The Azzurri were eliminated by Spain on penalties in the quarter-finals and the former Fiorentina star is now trying to use that setback as motivation to do well in qualifying.
"That experience has really strengthened me, now we must start the tournament in the right way," he said.
"Now I am beginning a new season and I want to score so many goals for club and country.
"Only one result is acceptable. You will see an Italy that will battle like the defending world champions that we are."
Toni was disappointed with his Euro 2008 performances, yet he never felt responsibility for what happened after his team's early exit from the tournament in Austria and Switzerland.
"After the Euros, I went to the sea on holiday in the hope of not seeing anyone. It caused me the biggest bitterness of my career even though bad luck played a part in it."
Roberto Donadoni was not offered the chance to continue as Italy coach, paving the way for the return of Italy's World Cup-winning boss Marcelo Lippi, but Toni denied that he played a part in this.
"I don't believe that my mistakes have cost Donadoni his job," Toni said.
With Lippi at the helm, Toni insists he is not the only one eager for Saturday's game in Cyprus to kick off.
He continued: "Lippi is as fired-up as he was four years ago.
"He has the same determination and feels a responsibility. He wants to prove he is still a great coach."
Copyright (c) 2008 Press Association
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