Trap experiments new Pirlo role
In all 17 Italy goals were scored in two separate mini friendly matches this afternoon, but the new 4-3-3 formation was a surprise to observers.
Giovanni Trapattoni took the opportunity to test out different tactical systems, using the 4-4-2 in the first game against local side Tamai and an ambitious 4-3-3 to face the Under-17 Italy squad.
The opening encounter mainly involved the ‘reserve’ players and concluded with a rotund 10-0 scoreline. Bernardo Corradi and Marco Di Vaio were the stars with a hat-trick apiece, while Roma’s Antonio Cassano confirmed his fine form with a brace and three assists. The other scorers were Mauro Camoranesi and an Andrea Pirlo penalty.
Pirlo was also in the second outfit that beat the Under-17 squad 7-0 later that afternoon in another 80-minute encounter.
This was a particularly intriguing test, as Trap fielded an experimental 4-3-3 system with Pirlo in a deep midfield role, allowing Francesco Totti and Alessandro Del Piero to move closer to Christian Vieri upfront.
Although Vieri hit the headlines with four goals, three of which were set up by Totti, the crowd was impressed by Del Piero’s contribution. The Juventus captain scored a magnificent strike before thumping the woodwork twice. Totti and Simone Perrotta were also on target.
The only players who didn’t take part in either of these games were Stefano Fiore, Christian Panucci and Gianluigi Buffon, as they are struggling with minor fitness worries.
One man took part in all 140 minutes of football was Lazio fullback Massimo Oddo.
Italy 10-0 Tamai
Scorers: Corradi (3), Di Vaio (3), Cassano (2), Camoranesi (1), Pirlo (1, pen)
Italy: Peruzzi; Oddo, Ferrari, Materazzi, Favalli; Camoranesi, Gattuso, Pirlo, Di Vaio; Corradi, Cassano
Italy 7-0 Italy U-17
Scorers: Vieri (4), Del Piero (1), Totti (1), Perrotta (1)
Italy: Toldo; Oddo, Nesta, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Perrotta, Zanetti, Camoranesi (Pirlo 35); Totti, Del Piero, Vieri
Buy on AliExpress.com
