Azzurri: Toni hat-trick in test Sunday 4 September, 2005
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Luca Toni took centre stage as Italy beat the Motherwell youth team 7-1 in tonight’s friendly test and could earn a starting spot in Belarus.
Marcello Lippi fielded a 4-4-2 system with the players who did not take part in all 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-1 draw in Scotland.
Alessandro Del Piero was placed out wide on the right side of midfield, supporting Toni and Alberto Gilardino.
Fiorentina hitman Toni was the star of the show with a hat-trick, while Cagliari winger Mauro Esposito and Gilardino netted a brace each. Del Piero completed the scoreline from the penalty spot, while 17-year-old Gormley was on target for Motherwell.
It’s possible that this system will be used for Wednesday’s trip to Belarus, although Francesco Totti would most likely feature upfront.
“We can now feel Norway breathing down our necks and must win in Belarus,” noted Fabio Grosso, who scored the equaliser against Scotland.
It will be a decisive encounter, as Norway’s 3-2 victory over Slovenia has cut Italy’s lead at the top of Group Five to just two points.
“I don’t know if I’ll play on Wednesday, as Lippi hasn’t told us anything yet,” added Del Piero. “I can assure you that I’ve always felt happy in the Italy squad, even when I didn’t play, so any decision will be accepted without problems. Nonetheless, I hope my time has come.”
Italy: De Sanctis; Mesto, Materazzi, Barzagli, Grosso; Esposito, Barone, Camoranesi, Del Piero; Gilardino, Toni
you can say everything about Del Piero but u gotta admite that he is a great pro