Tona eyes upset for Germany

Italy's defensive lynchpin Elisabetta Tona told uefa.com she is fed up with hearing that Germany are bound to beat Italy in Friday's UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2009™ quarter-finals and reckons the Azzurre can defy the form book.

True grit
The ASD Sassari Torres player is bracing herself for a demanding game against the European and world champions at Lahti Stadium, but refuses to believe the Azzurre have no chance of reaching their first semi-final at a UEFA European Women's Championship since 1997. "We know it will be tough, they're like a battleship," Tona said of the holders. "No matter how many trophies they've won they still want more, but we are not going to play thinking we will lose or hoping to get a draw, that's for sure. We must have the right belief, grit and determination."

Right start
The right approach on Friday will be particularly important for an Italy side who have failed to find their best form at the start of matches in Finland, but who have always improved and found the right tempo – notably going a goal down against ten-player England before winning 2-1. They are only too well aware that, against Germany, any slow start or minor error is likely to be punished by Silvia Neid's team. "We have to play at our best from the very first minute, we must close down all the spaces and not leave them a single inch free on the pitch ," Tona said. "We know they will start at full speed and we have to do the same."

Goal threat
Tona is not only a key player in Italy's defence but can also be dangerous up front, as the 25-year-old proved during qualifying by scoring three times against Hungary and more recently here in Finland by playing a part in the opening goal during the 2-0 victory over Russia. Her first shot on target was only just stopped on the line by midfielder Ekaterina Sochneva, while her header drew a fantastic block from goalkeeper Elvira Todua – only for Melania Gabbiadini to find the net with the rebound.

Heart and soul
Though many believe Italy will simply be easy prey on Germany's way to a fifth consecutive continental title, Tona, who played at UEFA WOMEN'S EURO 2005™, is convinced that Neid's team will have a battle on their hands. "Everybody thinks it's like a mission impossible, but nothing is impossible. We will try hard until the last minute of the game, we will give everything we have," Tona insisted. "We will fight with our heart and soul, and whatever else it takes to have a good game and to win. You never play to lose."