Lippi experiments with Pippo
Pippo Inzaghi could start in a trident attack with Alberto Gilardino against the USA, but Marcello Lippi warns not to underestimate their opponents.
“We have to play with the same determination and character that we showed with Ghana,” said the Coach ahead of Saturday’s crunch match.
After their 3-0 defeat to the Czech Republic, the Americans must get a result or face an early exit from Group E.
Italy need the full points and as many goals as possible to challenge for the top qualifying spot – therefore avoiding Brazil in the second round.
“It would be a terrible mistake to underestimate the Americans,” continued Lippi. “It’s important to get a result here, not focus on how many goals we score. This isn’t going to be a walk in the park.”
Lippi confirmed that Gianluca Zambrotta is back to full fitness and available for selection after he recovered from a thigh strain that had forced him out of the 2-0 opening victory.
He experimented with a new line-up in training this afternoon, introducing Inzaghi for Luca Toni, supported by Francesco Totti and Milan teammate Alberto Gilardino.
That squad also included Cristian Zaccardo, Alessandro Nesta, Marco Materazzi and Zambrotta in defence with the same midfield of Simone Perrotta, Andrea Pirlo and Daniele De Rossi that proved so effective against Ghana.
The other team played a 4-3-3 system, one used several times during Lippi’s reign, that had Massimo Oddo, Andrea Barzagli, Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso at the back. Mauro Camoranesi, Simone Barone and the recovered Gennaro Gattuso – who is back in action sooner than expected from a thigh strain – supported the trident of Toni, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alessandro Del Piero.
channel4.com
:faq2: Alex, where are you ?