Italy forward Di Natale injures knee in a 2-0 win over Montenegro

Everything went well in the game against Montenegro except that Italy forward Di Natale injuring his knee."I guess you can say the most disappointing thing about this evening is the injury to Di Natale, he has a terrible feeling in his knee,"said Lippi. "We started well with attention to detail and good concentration and then we had this gift with the handball. Other than this gift we didn't do much else in the first hal"The recovery time will vary depending on a decision that will be taken in the next few days," national team doctor Enrico Castellacci said. "The doctors will have to decide whether to use conservative therapy or operate." Di Natale is expected to be out for 6-8 months with the injury.

Written By Andrew Di Pardo

Italy Ties 1-1 with the Republic Of Ireland

Italy Came out hard scoring the first goal of the game by Vincenzo Iaquinta of Italy.But a late equalizer from Robbie Keane of Ireland gave the Republic of Ireland a 1-1 draw."I dont think there is such a big gap between Italy and Ireland, they are only two points behind us in the group and have done really well up until now,"Italy coach Marcello Lippi said."I dont think there is such a big gap between Italy and Ireland, they are only two points behind us in the group and have done really well up until now. They are a very strong team with athletic players, physical players but also skilful players."

Written By Andrew Di Pardo