Marcello Lippi has hinted that Daniele Bonera could replace the injured Gianluca Zambrotta in the World Cup.
With the Juventus full-back out of action for possibly the first two games due to a thigh strain, Lippi has tested out Massimo Oddo and Cristian Zaccardo at right-back and Fabio Grosso on the left, without a great deal of success.
“Bonera will also be at the Coverciano training ground on Monday, seeing as Zambrotta’s condition isn’t good. We’ll know more after Tuesday’s tests and will make a decision by June 11.”
The Azzurri open their campaign against Ghana on June 12. Their other Group E opponents are USA and the Czech Republic.
It’s an important decision, as Parma defender Bonera is not in the official World Cup squad, so if he were to be included, it would mean the end of Zambrotta’s tournament.
Bonera would be a valuable alternative at the back, as he can play in central defence, right or left positions.
Zambrotta isn’t Lippi’s only concern, as Alessandro Nesta limped off during the 0-0 draw with Ukraine suffering from a recurring thigh problem.
“He had a twinge in the same muscle that gave him trouble last week and I hope he’ll be back in shape soon. After the tournament kicks off, there’ll be a game every five days, so it’s not easy to recover.”
The performances against Switzerland and Ukraine this week disappointed the media in Italy, but Lippi maintains it was important to extend their 18-match unbeaten run.
“I like to underline how much these lads don’t want to lose. When you’re not 100 per cent fit, it’s possible you’ll struggle, as we did in the second half. This is when you bring out your character, which I’m glad to say this side has in abundance.”
There are question marks over several of the players, although the Coach continued to defend them against criticism.
“I liked the way Alessandro Del Piero played, and we all know Francesco Totti is improving with each passing day. With Massimo Oddo at right-back we were able to get more crosses in than against Switzerland, which is helpful when you’ve got Luca Toni and Alberto Gilardino upfront.”
The high point of the evening appeared to be the improved form of Andrea Pirlo, who has been struggling badly for several months at Milan and international level.
“Pirlo was better, yes, but I liked all the lads. We couldn’t score hatfuls of goals against opponents who will also be taking part in the World Cup. It’s a gradual process at this stage, as it would be a mistake to be at our peak on June 12. If we want to go all the way to the Final, the squad has to hit its best form halfway through the competition.”
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