Trap has Vieri doubt
Tuesday 22 June, 2004
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni admits that Christian Vieri may be out of tonight’s game against Bulgaria.
The striker had his left knee heavily strapped on Monday and the problem could keep him sidelined for the Group C clash.
"He is in a little pain but we’ll see how he is on the day," said Trap. "I’ll speak with him and the medics before making a decision."
The Azzurri must win the game if they have any hope of qualifying for the last eight but the Coach has more problems.
Francesco Totti, Gennaro Gattuso and Fabio Cannavaro are suspended, while Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta missed training yesterday.
"That was a precautionary step for Perrotta. I’m convinced that he will be fine," continued the tactician.
"Zanetti’s situation will be more clear by lunchtime. However, I have alternatives for everyone in this squad."
Italy have yet to win at the tournament, making Tuesday’s game crucial to their hopes of staying in the competition.
"I will speak to every player individually because nobody can have any doubts whatsoever," added Trap.
"I want the conviction that we showed against Sweden which will hopefully see us play with the same brilliance."
Much of the pre-match talk has revolved around the possibility that Denmark and Sweden could draw 2-2, a result that would eliminate the Azzurri.
"We can’t think about that game even if anything is possible. The sporting values of those two nations make me think that it will be an honest game."
Trap was then asked whether he realised that the tie against Bulgaria could be his last as Italy boss. "I’ve not even reflected on that," he answered.
So how will Italy play tonight given the absences? "We could mirror the 4-3-3 which we used against Sweden or vary it slightly," concluded Trap.
Italy probable: Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Materazzi, Zambrotta; Fiore, Pirlo, Perrotta; Cassano, Del Piero; Vieri (Corradi)
Tuesday 22 June, 2004
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni admits that Christian Vieri may be out of tonight’s game against Bulgaria.
The striker had his left knee heavily strapped on Monday and the problem could keep him sidelined for the Group C clash.
"He is in a little pain but we’ll see how he is on the day," said Trap. "I’ll speak with him and the medics before making a decision."
The Azzurri must win the game if they have any hope of qualifying for the last eight but the Coach has more problems.
Francesco Totti, Gennaro Gattuso and Fabio Cannavaro are suspended, while Cristiano Zanetti and Simone Perrotta missed training yesterday.
"That was a precautionary step for Perrotta. I’m convinced that he will be fine," continued the tactician.
"Zanetti’s situation will be more clear by lunchtime. However, I have alternatives for everyone in this squad."
Italy have yet to win at the tournament, making Tuesday’s game crucial to their hopes of staying in the competition.
"I will speak to every player individually because nobody can have any doubts whatsoever," added Trap.
"I want the conviction that we showed against Sweden which will hopefully see us play with the same brilliance."
Much of the pre-match talk has revolved around the possibility that Denmark and Sweden could draw 2-2, a result that would eliminate the Azzurri.
"We can’t think about that game even if anything is possible. The sporting values of those two nations make me think that it will be an honest game."
Trap was then asked whether he realised that the tie against Bulgaria could be his last as Italy boss. "I’ve not even reflected on that," he answered.
So how will Italy play tonight given the absences? "We could mirror the 4-3-3 which we used against Sweden or vary it slightly," concluded Trap.
Italy probable: Buffon; Panucci, Nesta, Materazzi, Zambrotta; Fiore, Pirlo, Perrotta; Cassano, Del Piero; Vieri (Corradi)
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