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00:00The team today includes a crop of talented players who missed out on the 1994 World Cup after a row with the previous coach.
00:06But never mind the KGB, what about the KKK?
00:10Andrei Kanchelskis, number 8, Koli Varnov, number 9, who plays in Italy for Foggia,
00:16and also Karpin, number 6, three very dangerous attackers, David Pleat.
00:20Yes, well, we've had some fun and games guessing the Russians' starting shape.
00:23What we do know is that Kanchelskis will run fast and aggressively at the outstanding defender Maldini.
00:30And indeed, talking of Paolo Maldini, the Italian defence does look very experienced.
00:37Arrigo Saki's line-up, democratic really, three players from European champions Juventus,
00:43three from Italian champions Milan, three from Parma and two from Lazio.
00:47One of them being Casaraghi there, number 18, who has been preferred to Ravanelli.
00:53It's certainly a fascinating game, this one, because we don't know that much about the Russians.
00:57What we do know about the Italians is they're really highly fancied,
01:01and of course all the players are playing in Italy.
01:05Well, sir, I wanted to have the Russians in the heat, so away we go.
01:09Russia playing in all white from left to right, and the Italians in familiar blue.
01:14Costa-Kurta goes straight across to make the first challenge of the match.
01:18Experienced defender.
01:19This is Kolivanov playing it to Kanchelskis, and it's quite interesting, the Russian formation,
01:27because Valery Carpine, the number six, who's normally a midfield player,
01:31in fact, a John Toshak, who signed in for Real Sociedad, is here today.
01:34But this is Italy on the attack with Casaraghi.
01:36Oh, he's scored!
01:40An amazing start by the Italians.
01:44Casaraghi, from a dreadful defensive error, has put them in front after four minutes.
01:50Well, what on earth were the Russians doing there?
01:56They presented Italy with the lead, and what a start, too, for Casaraghi.
02:02The clearance went straight to the Italians.
02:04The two central defenders couldn't get to him, and the goalkeeper was left standing.
02:09That was a superb shot.
02:11The first opportunity that Casaraghi's had, and he hit it clean and true,
02:14but wasn't it crass defending?
02:16Absolutely shocking there.
02:19All over the place.
02:20So, a flying start for Italy.
02:29Here's Kanchelskis.
02:32The goalkeeper seemed rooted to the spot as well, didn't he?
02:34Chertisov, he didn't even get a dive at it.
02:40This is Kovtun.
02:47Well, the crowd, which is principally Italian, of course,
02:49far more of their supporters here than Russians.
02:52It was Albertini, I think, who pulled the Russian shirt, as I said, on the run-through.
02:57This is Kolivanov.
03:04Good effort.
03:06First real sign of danger from the Russians.
03:10Igor Kolivanov with the shot.
03:11But he's playing today without his normal attacking partner, Kiriakov, who the Russians chose to leave out.
03:19I'm not going.
03:30I'm not going.
03:32Carpine.
03:34Good block by Apolloni.
03:36But there might be a chance on here for the Zobita.
03:38That is.
03:39Cymbal are coming in.
03:51And they've equalised.
03:53With 20 minutes gone.
03:57And they really caught the Italians out here.
04:00There seems some hesitation as though they were anticipating a whistle, maybe, for Kolivanov being in an offside position
04:11as that ball got threaded through.
04:14There we see Carpine turn the shot.
04:16When it comes to Cymbal, it seems a moment of complete hesitation, particularly by Costa-Curta, he seemed to stop and wait.
04:25Well, Cymbal, who's playing effectively as the left wing-back, isn't he?
04:28Got himself into a very good position.
04:30But look at the finish here.
04:31He's squeezed that inside the near post of Peruzzi.
04:41Well, this is now some match.
04:43Italy 1, Russia 1.
04:44And the Russians showing that strength of character that's seen them through a long, unbeaten run.
04:50And Cymbal, he's scored his fourth goal there for his country.
04:53Ukrainian by birth.
04:55Decided to play for Russia when the Soviet Union was split up.
04:58And indeed played for Spartak Moscow earlier this season against Blackburn.
05:02They'll remember him.
05:03And I certainly remember him today here at Anfield.
05:12Whoops.
05:13Houdini and Kanchelskis.
05:19That was in by Tetradza.
05:29Actively participating.
05:30Then he's not committing an offence.
05:34So, here comes Casaraghi for the Italians.
05:42This is Del Piero with the cross.
05:44Oh, and a advancing header by Zola.
05:46He's just looking a little bit short for me in getting numbers into the box when the balls are wide.
05:54We see that again.
05:56You'll see there's only two defenders and little Zola comes in front of a knocker, I think it is, when that ball is crossed.
06:01So many tournaments, the referees have been allowing the wall to pinch yards.
06:09And we haven't seen too much originality from free kicks yet, but we might hear.
06:15Mostovoy standing by the ball.
06:17Kanchelskis has moved away.
06:18And Kolivanov looks to be lining up for a shot.
06:21And he did.
06:27And it was some way wide.
06:36Kolivanov, who, as you said, plays for Fogia.
06:38So, all the Italian players will know him, although the Russian coach was telling me that quite a few of his players who are with clubs in West Europe do find themselves left on the substitutes bench quite a lot in league games.
06:51Again, confidently delivered.
06:53And now look at the runners up front, three of them.
06:56Radimov lets it run on wisely to Kanchelskis.
07:00Kanchelskis!
07:08Good break.
07:11And some fast, incisive play by Kanchelskis.
07:14That's his trademark.
07:18Hooked it a little bit.
07:21One apiece.
07:24Little flick there from Karpin.
07:25This is a knocker.
07:26Karpin again.
07:31And that's the way it is.
07:33And a first half that draws generous applause from the crowd at Liverpool.
07:36Kassaragi, who took advantage in the fourth minute of an error.
07:42And then Cimbala, who did come forward with Cimbal's crashing to equalise after the Russian goalkeeper had played a version of Russian roulette to put his side behind.
07:52So, he'll be happy that they've got back on terms.
07:57First half of some merit, which suggests it's a game that's going to stay lively and interesting.
08:02Italy won.
08:03Russia won.
08:04Meantime, Bushmanov is off for the Russian team.
08:10And we have number 18, Janowski, taking his place.
08:15Janowski is only 21, plays for the champions, Vladi Kavkaz, the team that played Liverpool here in last season's UEFA Cup.
08:22So, a change on both sides at the start of the second half.
08:25And ball gives Italy the free kick.
08:30And here's Apolloni.
08:33One assumes Donadoni on the ball here will just slot into his normal midfield position.
08:38So, the bright future battalion football now in the shape of Del Piero, not on the field.
08:48Here's Muzzi.
08:49Oh, and Kassaragi!
08:51Kassaragi!
08:51Good move.
08:56And Kassaragi glances to one side because that was close.
09:01Muzzi, the right back, is the provider here.
09:03Kassaragi makes a terrific run.
09:05There are six, five white shirts in there and he gets the flick.
09:08Yeah, it was an instinctive action by Kassaragi.
09:11I don't really know what else he could have done.
09:12It came slightly behind him.
09:14Good fastball by Muzzi.
09:17Could have been a lovely, lovely goal.
09:19Clever touch.
09:27Albertini's there.
09:28Zola's there.
09:35Albertini!
09:36Oh, it's come back off to Etiasov and been scrambled away for a corner.
09:41Albertini with the shot, low down, but Churchesov, well, came back off him.
09:52Still down, up there in the Italian half, but in the meantime, play goes on with Muzzi.
09:58Gives it straight to Cimbala.
10:01Muzzi gets it back from him.
10:03Now D'Olivio.
10:05Inside to Zola.
10:07Oh, and a touch.
10:08Kassaragi!
10:112-1 to Italy.
10:17Kassaragi's got them both.
10:22Seven minutes gone in the second half and the Italians are in the lead for the second time.
10:29The same scorer, but what a good move here.
10:31Zola is in space.
10:33Tucks it inside.
10:35Kassaragi takes it first time.
10:37Good finish.
10:38Marvellous movement by the striker.
10:41And hit first time.
10:43So early.
10:45Didn't give, I think it was Kovtang, the chance to get in the tackle.
10:47So there's him coming across.
10:49Shot the first time.
10:50I think it was Tetranci, the right back.
10:52Hard and low.
10:53Lovely little run.
10:55Well, there was so much speculation in the Italian press about who would play up front before this match.
11:00Some of them wanted Ravanelli, others wanted Chiesa, but Sacchi went for Kassaragi of Lazio, and my goodness, has his faith been repaid?
11:102-1.
11:11And a fair reflection of the way the Italians came out and dominated the start of the second half.
11:20Here's Kanchelskis for Russia.
11:33Donadoni.
11:34I haven't got time to check it, David, but I've got a feeling that there's more experience on the pitch in the Italian team now than in the Russian team.
11:43The Russians have got one or two very young players, including the substitute who came on.
11:47The Italian number of caps and things really strengthened by the appearance of Donadoni as well.
11:52Yeah, that's quite right.
11:53And also with the Russians, they definitely put a knocker deeper behind the two marking players at the back.
11:59And the Yanovsky's come on and Canton, I just wonder if they're going to be as effective as they were in the first period.
12:07I think what the Russians will certainly think about doing is bringing on Kiryakov, the striker who we thought we'd see from the start,
12:14because they're now obviously back in a losing position.
12:20And it's the Italian supporters, unsurprisingly, who you can hear singing.
12:26Kovtun.
12:28Yanovsky.
12:29I'm also wondering, is this the first time I've had three goals in a match in the Euro 96 so far?
12:49Here's Mostovoy.
12:50I wouldn't even so rule the Russians out just yet.
12:54Not when Cimbala's making ground on the left like this.
12:57Kolivanov in the centre.
12:58And this is going to come to Mostovoy!
13:04Mighty close.
13:11Right on the hour.
13:13Alexander Mostovoy with the volley.
13:15Super volley.
13:17The way he let the ball drop to its lowest point before hitting it.
13:19He knew he had a little bit of time.
13:21But look at his shape, perfect shape, that would have been one of the best goals of the tournament so far, if not the best.
13:29Oh, to try to join to the attack here.
13:36Handball, handball, Kolivanov.
13:38A clever little one, too, that.
13:47And you just wonder there if that does justify booking because, you know, he's seeking to gain an advantage.
13:54Here's Zola, he's gone away from a run-go, just can settle it.
13:58Oh, what a good save by Cechasov.
14:01He's atoned to some degree there for his earlier moments of horror.
14:06But Zola is the player foiled and really a knock-go couldn't catch him.
14:13He got absolutely clear and fairly central, but Cechasov made the save.
14:19This time Zola's gone to join him.
14:21Well, Zola scored some wonderful goals from free kicks.
14:24And he has got the 10 yards.
14:34There he is.
14:40Well, he's got the kind of face that once seen is not forgotten, Zola, hasn't he?
14:46He's also got a propensity, as you say, to curl these.
14:54This is Ravinelli now in a more familiar position.
15:01Zola's had his shirt pulled back.
15:03But Ravinelli is in here.
15:04Oh, dear, oh, dear.
15:09You could have guessed from that that he'd just come on.
15:18Really not yet in touch with the game, Ravinelli.
15:20But what an opportunity presented to him by Zola.
15:23Here's Mostrovoi.
15:33Dobrovolski, the number 14, with a rush of to hold on.
15:36Has hardly got into the game yet.
15:38And there's a foul by Maldini.
15:47Italy pull, 10 players back.
15:50To protect the lead.
15:53His eyes blinded by the sun there.
15:54Here's Mostrovoi.
15:56Oh, the possibility here is Dobrovolski.
16:00Well, Mostrovoi hold his head because it was a good pass from him.
16:04But Dobrovolski, who was brought on precisely to try and force that sort of opportunity,
16:12Dobrovolski, shoots well over the bar.
16:15Well, his third touch didn't match the quality of his first two touches.
16:18Lovely control and shimmy.
16:20Made his angle.
16:22But drifted the ball badly wide.
16:24Referee's whistle to his mouth.
16:34Italy leading still by two goals to one.
16:38And they force the ball down to Fusere.
16:40Ravinelli is in the centre.
16:42The only Italian who is at the moment.
16:43And he can't do very much with that.
16:47But don't forget, time-wasting is also very much on the referees' minds these days.
16:52So there will be just a few more seconds.
16:56Not that the players have done much of that today.
16:57But the substitutions and so on mean that the watch gets stopped.
17:02Here's Maldini.
17:03Ravinelli.
17:04Ravinelli.
17:04Good interception by Fusere.
17:17This is Zola.
17:18Fusere again.
17:18Ravinelli to his left.
17:19He can finish it here for sure.
17:21And he allowed the ball to run away from him.
17:24And Tretraga got a foot in.
17:26Oh, Tretraga's quick.
17:28Ravinelli.
17:29Another chance.
17:30Could have had two.
17:31Could have been Ravinelli two.
17:32Kassiragi two.
17:34But that would have been harsh on the Russians.
17:39Well, as you're watching that again, the final whistle is gone.
17:42There won't be time to take the corner that Tretraga thought he'd conceded.
17:46Italy have taken three points from their opening fixture.
17:51And as they congratulate one another,
17:55the 35,000 people inside Anfield rise and applaud.
17:59A game that was absolutely compelling to watch.
18:06It started well when Kassiragi put them in front.
18:10It got better when the Russians equalised through Cimbala.
18:14And then, in the second half, Kassiragi restored Italy's lead.
18:21And after that, it just went from one end to the other.
18:25Chances went begging.
18:27There was some spirited football.
18:30And the final score, Italy two, Russia one.
18:34Well, the Italians will be back here on Friday to take on the Czech Republic.
18:42That's how the group stands at the moment.
18:43The big two, Germany and Italy, start with a win.
18:46But, well, do you think the Russians were somewhat unlucky?
18:49They played delightful football.
18:50No, they weren't unlucky.
18:52They lost two goals.
18:53They could have lost six.
18:54Too many.
18:55They gave away too many chances.
18:57I mean, they played delightful football right throughout the game.
19:00But if you're going to concede two
19:02and the Italians have another four good chances,
19:04then you can forget it.
19:05What did you feel the Italians changed around in the second half?
19:08Of course, the substitution from Del Piero with Donadoni was vital.
19:13You forecasted, I think.
19:15That's what he's telling you.
19:16Yeah, it was vital because the shape was not right
19:20and Donadoni does exactly what the team needs at the moment.
19:24And maybe, you know, you have less talent,
19:27but you have a player who does what you want.
19:29And that was good, didn't it?
19:30It was also nice to see that the Italians scored
19:33always in the beginning of every half.
19:37First 15 minutes, just one chance, one goal.
19:40They could finish the game earlier, but, you know,
19:43they had good chances, but they didn't.
19:44But I think this was still now the best game I've seen
19:48in this championship.
19:49Nice game to watch.
19:50And it would be a pity for me
19:52if Russia would not qualify.
19:55Yeah, I would endorse that.
19:56But the problem they've got is,
19:57who do they play on Sunday?
19:58They play the Germans.
19:59You know, it's tough.
20:01But they have to.
20:02At least it's going to be a good game.
20:03They needed a point here today.
20:04I'd like them to go further as well.
20:06Let's look at...
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