Lippi opts for trident attack
Tuesday 28 February, 2006
Italy are expected to face Germany on Wednesday with an attacking trident containing Alex Del Piero, Alberto Gilardino and Luca Toni.
Despite the absence of the injured Francesco Totti, Tuesday’s training session seems to have underlined Marcello Lippi’s commitment to attack opponents.
There was a distinct possibility that Lippi would revert to a more cautious 4-4-2 system without Totti, but all the signs suggest that the Azzurri will line up with an elastic 4-3-3 formation in Florence.
Juventus captain Del Piero has been handed Totti’s shirt and he will be used as an offensive option on the left wing.
He seems almost certain to aid the attacking pair of Gilardino and Serie A top scorer Toni, especially as there are injury concerns regarding Christian Vieri.
The Monaco striker limped out of training this morning after twisting his ankle and is now a major doubt to feature against the World Cup hosts.
The midfield trio will probably consist of Andrea Pirlo, Mauro Camoranesi and Daniele De Rossi – the latter coming into the side in place of the injured Gennaro Gattuso.
Gigi Buffon returns in between the sticks after his injury problems and he’ll be guarded by Fabio Grosso, Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro.
The only uncertainty for Lippi at this stage seems to be who he will select at right-back for tomorrow’s test.
Although Massimo Oddo of Lazio has been recalled, Palermo youngster Cristian Zaccardo was handed a ‘first team bib’ in Tuesday’s practice match.
Italy probable: Buffon; Zaccardo, Cannavaro, Nesta, Grosso; Camoranesi, Pirlo, De Rossi; Gilardino, Toni, Del Piero.
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