Trap wants Azzurri future
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has hinted that he wants to remain in charge of the national side after Euro 2004.
The tactician had suggested last year that he would wave goodbye after the Portuguese Finals, when his contract expires, but he seemingly wants to stay on.
"I don’t really like talking about the future but I do like the colour blue," he said. "If it was up to me then I would sign a contract today. Unfortunately it isn’t."
Rumours are rife in Italy that Juventus boss Marcello Lippi is set to take over. Yet Trap seems to have warned him off.
"When I was his age I told myself that there was plenty of time for the national team," he added. "But if he wants the job…"
Trap was keener to pay more attention to the present, with an international friendly against Portugal set for Wednesday.
The tactician is without a host of first team players because of injury and he’s set to try out a number of new things.
One possibility is fielding the Milan pair of Rino Gattuso and Andrea Pirlo in midfield given that Inter’s Cristiano Zanetti is unavailable.
"I don’t know whether I will start with those two," he noted. "I’m not sure whether they will play at the same time. The only certainty is that they will get a game."
Trap was also asked whether he was concerned that his Euro plans could be spoilt by fitness problems.
"I’m not that worried," he explained. "We are keeping a close eye on everyone. Our medical team are being very alert."
There are fears that Francesco Totti, Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and Alex Del Piero may all struggle given their injury problems this season.
Meanwhile, the new Italy strip has been revealed today. The main differences from the old one is the collar and the tricolore shield that is now in the centre of the chest.