Donadoni: Azzurri facing ‘difficult’ clashes

ITALY coach Roberto Donadoni believes that none of the Azzurri’s opponents in qualifying for the 2010 World Cup have a great football tradition.

Donadoni, whose team will be defending the World Cup won under his predecessor Marcello Lippi when qualification commences after Euro 2008, saw the champions placed alongside the Republic of Ireland, Bulgaria, Georgia, Cyprus and Montenegro in yesterday’s draw.

Donadoni said: “Bulgaria, Ireland, Georgia and Montenegro are nations that don’t have a great football tradition but they are still difficult teams.”