ENGLAND v ITALY: Paolo predicts extra time as fans gear up for game (From Swindon Advertiser)
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ENGLAND v ITALY: Paolo predicts extra time as fans gear up for game
9:40am Saturday 23rd June 2012 in News By Scott D'Arcy
Lydia Coniglio, Enzo Coniglio, Lisa Pullieri and Jamie Longshaw of Mario’s restaurant
FOOTBALL fans from both England and Italy will be hoping their teams can say arrivederci to one another when they meet in the last eight of Euro 2012 tomorrow.
Anticipation for the game is hotting up with the town’s large Italian contingent hoping they can sweep the Three Lions aside, while England fans will pack the pubs to see if Roy Hodgson’s men can go further than many expected.
The two national sides meet at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev at 7.45pm tomorrow in the last quarter-final and it is expected to be a close affair.
Hundreds are expected to turn out at MECA as the concert venue continues to host its pizza and pint deal for Italians only, while the Steam Railway and other pubs across the town will be painted red and white.
Swindon Town boss Paolo Di Canio, who will be in Italy for the game, turned pundit yesterday to predict a close encounter between the two nations.
He said: “In my opinion England have done a good job so far although they have had a bit of luck.
“Although anything is possible, I don’t see a game where one team will win two or three nil and go through easily. It’s hot and it has been a long season for the players.
“There are some high-tempo moments but after a long season it’s hard to run, press together and counter-attack in numbers for 95 minutes at the top level. I think it will be a balanced game and in my opinion there is a big possibility that the game will go to extra time.”
And the banter has already started flying between staff at Italian restaurant Mario’s in Old Town.
Enzo Coniglio, owner of Mario’s restaurant in Old Town, said: “I think it is going to be very close because the teams are quite equal.
“It could go either way but I will still be a winner.”
Fratello’s waiter Vincenzo de Lure boldly predicted an Italian win.
He said: “I think Italy will win one or two nil.
“But for me if England win then I will be happy and I would want them to win the whole tournament.”
Yesterday, scores of angry England fans bombarded the MECA Facebook page outraged the venue was only allowing Italians in to watch the match.
Comments(9)
RichardR1
says...
11:39am Sat 23 Jun 12
montgomery burns
says...
10:07pm Sat 23 Jun 12
tucker81
says...
2:28am Sun 24 Jun 12
roberto5
says...
3:45pm Sun 24 Jun 12
tucker81 wrote:Clearly you haven't watched any of the Italy matches. Italy are currently the only team to not of lost against Spain, there games against Spain, Croatia, and Ireland were impressive, and tonight will down England 2-1. Forza Azzurri
Italy are on poor form, as are England. Hodgson's choices are baffling; Rooney is clearly unfit, poor Andy must be very upset at being bumped off for a fat idiot scouser, and a young lad who soils himself when within twenty yards of an oppising player. Send Rooney and Young to the bench.
Robh
says...
10:56pm Sun 24 Jun 12
2 matches with Rooney 1 goal.
Nothing more to be said.
umpcah
says...
8:16am Mon 25 Jun 12
Robh wrote:Except that the quality of the opposition got better and better ?
2 matches without Rooney 4 goals.
2 matches with Rooney 1 goal.
Nothing more to be said.
Cyanide
says...
1:08pm Mon 25 Jun 12
MrAngry
says...
8:50pm Mon 25 Jun 12
Robh wrote:1 win and a draw without Rooney.
2 matches without Rooney 4 goals.
2 matches with Rooney 1 goal.
Nothing more to be said.
1 win and a draw with Rooney.
mallorca says...
11:30am Sat 23 Jun 12
Still as GREAVSIE used to say IT'S A FUNNY OLD GAME.
Will be in local Italian/Spanish Bistro to morrow.
However our Big game is tonight
Good luck to England