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Platitudes from Platini
29/06/2006: Italy's defence has been described as the best at this summer's World Cup finals by France and Juventus legend Michel Platini.
The Azzurri have only conceded one goal in four games during their march to the quarter-finals of the tournament where they will face Ukraine for a place in the last-four on Friday evening.
Only Brazil have managed the same feat, but Platini feels Italy's defence, marshalled superbly by keeper Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro, has played a bigger role for their side due to the strikers failing to do the business at the other end of the field.
Platini told Gazzetta dello Sport: "In the first match against Ghana, I liked the whole of Italy, but they struggled against tighter sides.
"But Italy have a really good defence. Buffon and Cannavaro have been sensational."
Despite his praise Platini, who is now vice-president of Uefa, does not believe the Italians have the capability of winning the tournament outright.
He added: "I think the team that will win the World Cup will come from the matches involving Germany and Argentina or Brazil versus France.
"France won't be the most beautiful side in the competition, but they remain a difficult team to beat."
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Comments on: Platitudes from Platini
29/06/2006: I think at this level, anyone can win this tournament. To say that the Italians are not is purely ignorant. They may or may not, but the truth is, they have not put it all together yet. And if they do, coupled together with the amazing defence, they have shot.
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