Italy Away - 1st April 2009

[Newryrep]

Any sign of white smoke on this or when exactly white smoke is expected - are the Italian FA having a meeting anytime soon ie this side of Xmas ?.

[gspain]

No sign. They have to decide by Jan 4th. Delaney was interviewed over the weekend and said he didn't know either. He had heard whispers of Florence. The FAI don't have to be consulted of course.

[NeilMcD]

John Delaney in phone tapping scandal.:)

[Sligo Hornet]

No sign. They have to decide by Jan 4th. Delaney was interviewed over the weekend and said he didn't know either. He had heard whispers of Florence. The FAI don't have to be consulted of course.

Nothing from Dougal or Zeberdee I assume?

http://i35.tinypic.com/zu59g2.jpg

[stiffler]

Do the Italians normally leave it this long to name the venue?

The suspense is killing me :P

[aidz1]

Given the experiences of these qualifiers so far, this game will definetly not be on in rome.

Dublin-Tbilisi-Montenegro-Dublin.6 flights booked : 1 used, 2 additional flights and a 20 hr boat journey was required to be booked.
Dublin-Sofia-Dublin: 4 flights booked, 4 more had to be booked because of czech air pull out from dublin.
Have Dublin-Rome-Dublin : 4 flights booked, no doubt rome wont be the chosen one.

if we do qualify for S.A., prepare for more flight booking chaos!!! :D

[Newryrep]

Given the experiences of these qualifiers so far, this game will definetly not be on in rome.

Dublin-Tbilisi-Montenegro-Dublin.6 flights booked : 1 used, 2 additional flights and a 20 hr boat journey was required to be booked.
Dublin-Sofia-Dublin: 4 flights booked, 4 more had to be booked because of czech air pull out from dublin.
Have Dublin-Rome-Dublin : 4 flights booked, no doubt rome wont be the chosen one.

if we do qualify for S.A., prepare for more flight booking chaos!!! :D

Aidz - did you ever get any money back from the Tbilisi flights ? I eventually got my full refund from Air Baltic last month after a bit more to and froing

I get the impression that the Italians are going to be ackward and go for somewhere out of the way like Bari. The south of Italy doesnt seem particualy well served especially if you are looking to do tue-thur

[Colie]

Aidz - did you ever get any money back from the Tbilisi flights ? I eventually got my full refund from Air Baltic last month after a bit more to and froing How Aidz? They told me they'd give me nought.

[Newryrep]

How Aidz? They told me they'd give me nought.

Colie it was a bit complicated but in short

Air Baltic originally changed the return flight from Riga to Dublin from a Fri afternoon to a Sat morn which didnt suit so we got a refund as we were going home by another route (via Berlin)

Months later the russians invaded which made the rest of the flights useless with the game on in Mainz. After a bit of toing and froing we were offered a full refund because they had changed their flight months before - didnt really understand their logic but after they confirmed the offer of a full refund we bit their hand off.

Should of been refunded 2 months ago, they kept telling me that they had refunded me in Jul but they only made the offer late Aug. I think Green Tribe got some money refunded on the Tbilisi legs with Air Baltic - check the old thread

[gspain]

I got a full refund in the end too with some help from GT (owe you a beer in Italy). I booked with expedia - out with Air Baltic and back with Czech Airlines. Czech were great (going to miss them) but it took a few calls and follow ups. I got called in Montenegro to be told I was getting the refund but didn't get it until a few weeks ago after more followups.

[aidz1]

Aidz - did you ever get any money back from the Tbilisi flights ? I eventually got my full refund from Air Baltic last month after a bit more to and froing

I get the impression that the Italians are going to be ackward and go for somewhere out of the way like Bari. The south of Italy doesnt seem particualy well served especially if you are looking to do tue-thur

We got a full refund for the flights in and out of tbilisi which was good as it was over €300 each.
We claimed our tax back on other flights (riga-tahlinn-dubrovnik etc). Was little but better in our pockets for the sake of an email.

[elroy]

I get the impression that the Italians are going to be ackward and go for somewhere out of the way like Bari. The south of Italy doesnt seem particualy well served especially if you are looking to do tue-thur

As far as I understand and I thought this was confirmed, the game will be played in one of four cities, Genoa, Milan, Florence or Rome.

[eaststand85]

Don't think it's been mentioned yet on this thread (searched and couldn't see an posts) but I see Abbey Travel are offering a package deal on "a plane which can fly to any Italian airport with hotel rooms and guaranteed match tickets in Rome, Milan, Bari, Naples or Palermo." for €749-€799 ex airport taxes. I know it's on the steep side but can pay in instalments and would remove the uncertainty from trying to make arrangements. Does anyone know if they've successfully done something like this in a similar situation (late announcement of venue) previously and are they any good/can they be trusted?

[gspain]

As far as I understand and I thought this was confirmed, the game will be played in one of four cities, Genoa, Milan, Florence or Rome.

Only if you believe the people who said it was definitely Rome. You can throw Naples and Bari into that list btw too. Out of those 6 you probably do have the venue.

In reality I doubt if the Italian FA have given the venue too much thought. They have plenty of options and when they need to decide they will. It is a big call for many of us but unfortunately not too high on the priority list for them. If they decide on Rome then everyone will be happy and congratulate themselve son calling it correctly despite not having a clue. If they decide on elsewhere then it will all be the FAI's fault.

[aidz1]

With the way the economy has gone, a wednesday kick-off and the wait on tht italians to decide the venue, i reckon there'll be 4000 irish max at this game..

[Newryrep]

Don't think it's been mentioned yet on this thread (searched and couldn't see an posts) but I see Abbey Travel are offering a package deal on a plane which can fly to any Italian airport with hotel rooms and guaranteed match tickets in Rome, Milan, Bari, Naples or Palermo. for €749-€799 ex airport taxes. I know it's on the steep side but can pay in instalments and would remove the uncertainty from trying to make arrangements. Does anyone know if they've successfully done something like this in a similar situation (late announcement of venue) previously and are they any good/can they be trusted?

Vertical incline

more like, flights/train £250 max, hotel 2 nights £200 max, ticket £50 max and probably a lot less

[Green Tribe]

liking these offers of beers :D
I wouldn't trust the italians to name a half decent venue, it could be anywhere fummily enough. Not booking anything, waiting on the venue confirmation.

[mypost]

With the way the economy has gone, a wednesday kick-off and the wait on tht italians to decide the venue, i reckon there'll be 4000 irish max at this game..

More like 400 at the prices offered.

Nobody will shell out €750 for individual trips anymore, and it's time the travel companies acknowledged that, and cut their prices. :mad:

[redobit]

Ya would love to go but the prices are crazy!
Probably keep the few quid for our european games.

[NeilMcD]

Try Bologna very central and much cheaper and you can get to most Italian cities from there. If its down south not so great though.

[aidz1]

is milan the most feasible airport if the game was to be in genoa??

[Greenforever]

is milan the most feasible airport if the game was to be in genoa??


Motorway links Milan and GEnoa, about 100km from memory, We're flying into Milan Linate early morning, if you're on that flight we'll be hiring a bus to wherever. About 30 of us on flight.

[Saint07]

is milan the most feasible airport if the game was to be in genoa??

Time by train
Rome - Genoa 5hr 20min :eek:
Milan - Genoa 1hr 30min
Bologna - Genoa between 3-4 hrs
Pisa - Genoa about 2 hours

If it is genoa anybody who gambled on rome have a good trip ahead of them.
Ah i'm sure we'll have a laugh on the train, just bring plenty of booze

[Green Tribe]

i predict venue confirmation on the 5th January, when all the italians are finished guzzling wine and turkey

[Claret Murph]

i predict venue confirmation on the 5th January, when all the italians are finished guzzling wine and turkey

ERRRRRRR would that be 2009 or 2010 Green Tribe ????????

[gspain]

They have to do it 90 days before April 1st. That's roughly around Jan 1st. So we should be put out of our misery soon.

While it has obviously generated plenty of newsprint here the reality is that the Italians just haven't bothered to decide yet. However you could also believe that they picked Rome months ago. Travel Agents and journalists all reported it. Then they got cold feet when they realised that it could be anywhere. You then concoct a story that Michel Platini (UEFA president) decides that Rome is not a suitable venue for a FIFA World Cup game (nothing to do with him). However it will be perfectly safe a few weeks later to host a champions league final. However we all had a great time watching Ireland in Boston during the 1994 World Cup.

[gufct]

Italian F.A Holding final meeting of 2008 today.

[gspain]

Italian F.A Holding final meeting of 2008 today.


Thanks for that. Think we'll know shortly then. At long last.

[ps bohs]

Italian F.A Holding final meeting of 2008 today.

link?

[ps bohs]

http://www.figc.it/en/204/20150/2008/12/News.shtml

[lopez]

I can't see the Italians not playing at least a game in Milan. They've seem to have always played there in the last few campaigns against the second rated side or one with a large support. Who they see is more worthy - Bulgaria or us - remains to be seen. Otherwise it could be Palermo or Cagliari.

[Sligo Hornet]

I can't see the Italians not playing at least a game in Milan. They've seem to have always played there in the last few campaigns against the second rated side or one with a large support. Who they see is more worthy - Bulgaria or us - remains to be seen. Otherwise it could be Palermo or Cagliari.

Well that's cleared that up lopez......thanks!:D

[gspain]

I can't see the Italians not playing at least a game in Milan. They've seem to have always played there in the last few campaigns against the second rated side or one with a large support. Who they see is more worthy - Bulgaria or us - remains to be seen. Otherwise it could be Palermo or Cagliari.

They normally play a game each in Rome and Milan.

While I would love to go back to Sardinia and Sicily one day April 1st is not it. Either would be a logistical nightmare.

Clearly no announcement/decision from yesterday's meeting either. It looks like it will just be an executive decision then.

[lopez]

Well that's cleared that up lopez......thanks!I know. You could at least go down town Podgorica during the day safely, but that's not an option for Palermo. Still it might even be Catania, which I believe is the worst city in the EU for crime, poverty and violence, etc. According to its own Mayor, his city makes Limerick look like Monte Carlo. :D :D :o I'll grab my coat!

[Green Tribe]

ERRRRRRR would that be 2009 or 2010 Green Tribe ????????

Perhaps 2009 Sherlock :D

[Saint07]

http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/irish/naples-on-the-cards-1583051.html

Who knows if this is true. Wouldn't hold my breath.

[eaststand85]

Aer Lingus flights for €200 at the moment but have to say it doesn't sound like the most likely venue.

Flight Info. Departing Arriving Fare Seat Map

AER LINGUS EI450
non-stop Dublin
07:30 Tue 31 Mar 2009 Naples
11:45 Tue 31 Mar 2009 LowFare View Map

AER LINGUS EI451
non-stop Naples
12:40 Thu 02 Apr 2009 Dublin
15:10 Thu 02 Apr 2009 LowFare View Map



Price for this Journey Prices are shown in Euro

Passengers Fare p.p. Taxes & Charges Cost p.p. Total
1 Adult 130.98 56.21 187.19 187.19
Handling Fee 10.00 10.00
TOTAL EUR 197.19

[gspain]

Nothing on the Italian sites that I can find.

[lopez]

Nothing on the Italian sites that I can find.
Googled and this came up.

http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/napoli/?action=read&idnotizia=31286

However is this an Italian source quoting the herald?

[gspain]

That only got posted just before 2pm our time so it is probably a followup on the Herald or else they have the same source as the Herald. That is if you assume the Herald reporter's source wasn't the waiter in his local pizzeria last night.

I'm told the FAI did not leak the story to the Herald and don't know yet themselves.

Given how close we are to a decision it may be credible. However the Herald isn't exactly known for checking sources too closely.

While Napoli fans are very passionate in support of their club side there is a deep mistrust of the national team. They consider that there is a huge bias towards northern Italy. Furthermore I doubt if they heat in Naples on April 1st at 9pm will be that severe.

An online translation of the story is below

The first one could be the Saint Paul of Naples to accommodate Italy in the challenge against the Ireland di next Trapattoni Opens them. In voting by ballot there are also Florence and Genoa, but Lippi would prefer the partenopeo heat for one challenge key in sight of the qualification to World-wide 2010. Some days before they have been visionati also the systems of Castelvolturno where the National one would have to be trained for two days.

[Junior]

http://www.figc.it/en/204/20150/2008/12/News.shtml

we must come under 'miscellaneous' in the agenda;)

[Closed Account 2]

Napoli in March / April will not be significantly hot, it's a night time kick off anyway. It would be similar to say to the friendly we played at Fulham (vs Colombia) a few months ago...

I think it will be Napoli too, there were strong rumours of this a few weeks ago, and my friends who are from there said they had heard at least one match would be played in San Paolo or San Nicola...

[ArdeeBhoy]

It's out......Caligari....Only joking.

[Carlow Bhoy]

heard today that it is Bari, dont know how true that is yet.

[Greenforever]

heard today that it is Bari, dont know how true that is yet.

Nothing yet on venues for our game or the Montengro match 4 days earlier on the Italian FA website. If they have to give 90 days notice then the venue for the Montenegro match should have been announced by yesterday.

[lopez]

Nothing yet on venues for our game or the Montengro match 4 days earlier on the Italian FA website. If they have to give 90 days notice then the venue for the Montenegro match should have been announced by yesterday.If they have to tell us by the 5th, (which is the latest I've heard of), then thursday is the latest for the Montenegro game if its four days earlier. Could be the reason for current the silence. However if they have to name the Montenegro game on the 1st January, I'd would have thought it would have made sense they'd announce our game the same time.

[OneRedArmy]

heard today that it is Bari, dont know how true that is yet.Source?

[Carlow Bhoy]

I got a call from one of the guys that travels with us to say he heard it on the radio this morning.

[gspain]

If they have to tell us by the 5th, (which is the latest I've heard of), then thursday is the latest for the Montenegro game if its four days earlier. Could be the reason for current the silence. However if they have to name the Montenegro game on the 1st January, I'd would have thought it would have made sense they'd announce our game the same time.


Montenegro is an away game.

http://www.solobari.it/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=114810

would seem to indicate Bari too. However it is just a messageboard.

This looks more official

http://www.telenorba.it/home/news_det.php?nid=9075

Looks like Bari

[MariborKev]

Anyone jumped in and booked yet.

I'm really tempted to get in and get booking, as there are not many flights to Bari.