Barzagli defends Italy record in attacking tournament
Posted Sunday, June 24, 2012 by YAHOO Sport
Italy centreback Andrea Barzagli has spoken up for his team's defensive record in a tournament he described as particularly attacking.
When the Azzurri won the World Cup in Germany in 2006 they conceded only two goals in seven games, one from a penalty and the other an own goal.
They conceded the same number of goals in their three group games leading to the Italian press lamenting the loss of their traditional strength.
But Juventus centre-back Barzagli, who was part of the Italy squad that triumphed in Berlin six years ago, insists it is unfair to criticise the current back four.
"That was another tournament, in this Euro there have been many goals in all the games," he said.
"I haven't seen any team that's unbeatable in defence, all the teams are playing to score.
"There's been a lot of attacking quality so it's not a case of us having difficulties.
"We've done well to concede only two goals in three games.
"And now it's normal that the more we advance, the more we will face quality forwards so we'll have to be at 100 percent to stop them."
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