Juventus' Mirko Vucinic overjoyed with Montenegro's Euro 2012 play-off berth

The former Roma forward has spoken of his delight at seeing his country secure second place in Group G after their 2-2 draw at home to Fabio Capello's England on Friday night

Montenegro forward Mirko Vucinic has declared his pride after his nation earned a Euro 2012 play-off berth following their last-gasp 2-2 home draw against England on Friday evening.
 
The point picked up against the Group G winners combined with Switzerland's 2-0 loss to Wales means Montenegro will now contest a two-legged tie versus another runner-up, with the winner booking their place in next summer's tournament.

The Balkan nation are yet to qualify for a major tournament since declaring independence in 2006, but Vucinic is delighted with how far the team have come in a short period of time.

"I am incredibly happy and can barely contain my joy," the Juventus forward told Corriere dello Sport.

"What we achieved is amazing if we consider the draw. Don't forget we were in the fifth pot along with the other 'Cinderella' sides of European football and have now finished the group just behind England.

"We're incredibly proud, especially as the population of Montenegro is more or less that of a couple of the boroughs that form London alone. It's magnificent."

Montenegro end their Group G campaign with a trip to Switzerland on Tuesday.

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Juventus' Claudio Marchisio dreams of first Italy goal

 The midfielder, who bagged a brace against AC Milan last weekend, hopes to establish his place in his national side by opening his account in the forthcoming qualifying fixtures

Claudio Marchisio hopes to follow up his match-winning brace against AC Milan last weekend by opening his Italy account in the forthcoming Euro 2012 qualifiers against Serbia on Friday and Northern Ireland four days later.

The Juventus midfielder has been struggling for regular playing time in the qualification campaign for next year's tournament, but head coach Cesare Prandelli has revealed that Marchisio will start on Friday.

"I dream of scoring my first Italy goal," Marchisio admitted to Tuttosport.

"With [Andrea] Pirlo everything is easier [at Juventus], but to consecrate my place in the Azzurri would be like winning a trophy."

The 25-year-old has made 15 appearances for Italy's senior side so far, but has yet to find the net.

Italy have already secured their place in next summer's tournament in Poland and the Ukraine and sit top of the table in Group C with 22 points from eight matches.

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