WCQ: Italy vs. Scotland, Belarus (24 Viewers)
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Lippi has selection doubts
Tuesday 6 September, 2005
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has conceded that the loss of Alex Del Piero may result in a tactical rethink for the Belarus game.
The Juventus captain pulled out of the World Cup qualifier earlier today with a thigh problem, leaving Lippi to ponder his options.
"I’m very disappointed for Alex who was looking in good form over the past few days," the Coach commented.
"Will we still play with a trident attack in his absence? Alex has certain characteristics and I will now evaluate a few other solutions.
"We could do some different things than we did in Glasgow. I’ll only decide on the team once the final training session is over."
Del Piero was being tipped to start in a three-man attack consisting of himself, Francesco Totti and a target man between Alberto Gilardino or Luca Toni.
The Azzurri drew 1-1 in Scotland on Saturday but that disappointing display will result in changes.
"I am forced into two as Daniele De Rossi and Gianluca Zambrotta are suspended," added the former Juventus Coach. "I already had a couple more changes in my mind before.
"In order to be mathematically certain of qualification, we need seven points and I don’t care where they come from.
"All I can assure ahead of Wednesday is that we will start the match with the intention of winning, as we did against Scotland."
Meanwhile, Alberto Gilardino insists that his relationship with Lippi is still good despite his shock omission from the side at the weekend.
"I am fortunate to have a good dialogue with the Coach which allows us to go forward in the right manner," said the Milan striker.
"We have spoken and I didn’t criticise his decision. We have a relationship made up of mutual respect.
"I have trained well and there are no problems. I am at the total disposal of the Coach."
Football Italia
Tuesday 6 September, 2005
Italy boss Marcello Lippi has conceded that the loss of Alex Del Piero may result in a tactical rethink for the Belarus game.
The Juventus captain pulled out of the World Cup qualifier earlier today with a thigh problem, leaving Lippi to ponder his options.
"I’m very disappointed for Alex who was looking in good form over the past few days," the Coach commented.
"Will we still play with a trident attack in his absence? Alex has certain characteristics and I will now evaluate a few other solutions.
"We could do some different things than we did in Glasgow. I’ll only decide on the team once the final training session is over."
Del Piero was being tipped to start in a three-man attack consisting of himself, Francesco Totti and a target man between Alberto Gilardino or Luca Toni.
The Azzurri drew 1-1 in Scotland on Saturday but that disappointing display will result in changes.
"I am forced into two as Daniele De Rossi and Gianluca Zambrotta are suspended," added the former Juventus Coach. "I already had a couple more changes in my mind before.
"In order to be mathematically certain of qualification, we need seven points and I don’t care where they come from.
"All I can assure ahead of Wednesday is that we will start the match with the intention of winning, as we did against Scotland."
Meanwhile, Alberto Gilardino insists that his relationship with Lippi is still good despite his shock omission from the side at the weekend.
"I am fortunate to have a good dialogue with the Coach which allows us to go forward in the right manner," said the Milan striker.
"We have spoken and I didn’t criticise his decision. We have a relationship made up of mutual respect.
"I have trained well and there are no problems. I am at the total disposal of the Coach."
Football Italia
