Cannavaro caps Italy celebrations

Italy may have booked their place at UEFA EURO 2008™ with Saturday's 2-1 win in Scotland, but last night's 3-1 victory against the Faroe Islands in Modena – which confirmed Roberto Donadoni's side as winners of qualifying Group B – was particularly special for Fabio Cannavaro. The Azzurri captain made his 113th international appearance, overtaking Dino Zoff to move second in the all-time Italian caps' list.

'Really something'
"Overtaking a legend like Zoff is really something for me," said the Real Madrid CF defender after surpassing the appearances' total of one of his predecessors as a FIFA World Cup-winning captain. "I'm honoured to have worn the Azzurri shirt 113 times." Cannavaro, 34, is now behind only record-holder Paolo Maldini, who won 126 caps, and is optimistic there are more good times ahead, adding: "The fans love this team. We won the World Cup and within 18 months we have qualified for the [UEFA] European Championship – the public appreciate this and realise what we have achieved. Roberto Donadoni has done a great job and we all support him."

'Remember it forever'
Three other players had special reason to celebrate in Modena: Raffaele Palladino made his Italy debut; Luca Toni scored Italy's second goal in his home town; and Giorgio Chiellini got the third, his first for the Azzurri. "I don't score that often," said the Juventus defender. "This time I scored a great goal, my first for Italy, and I will remember it forever. Now my aim is to make the squad for Austria and Switzerland. I don't mind if I play as centre-back or full-back, I just want to be there. I know I still have to improve but I will try my best to convince Donadoni."