Ostfildern, Aug 19: Germany's coach Rudi Voeller said he was looking forward to facing Italy on Wednesday night, despite having a squad depleted by injuries. He said "Its a fact: playing against Italy is always something special. The players playing on Wednesday have to feel that its something special playing against an absolute world-class team in a sold out stadium", Voeller told reporters in Ostfildern, outside Stuttgart on Monday (August 18). "So obviously we will act accordingly", Voeller added. Asked about the players currently suffering from various injuries, Voeller said his team would have to accept the present situation. "This is the situation and we have to try and make the best out of it: the players really are injured and will be missing the two important qualifying games", Voeller said. "Thats why this is a test against the Italians -- actually its not really a test but rather a classic, a highlight for each player in the national team, as I have told the players this morning". He added that Hertha Berlin's Fredi Bobic had a slight thigh problem and Sebastien Kehl of Borussia Dortmund missed training on Sunday after hurting his hip, but all injuries were not serious and shouldn't affect his selection.


Bureau Report