Trap opts for Pirlo
Thursday 17 June, 2004
Andrea Pirlo is set to start for Italy against Sweden on Friday following the suspension of Francesco Totti.
Indications from today’s training session suggested that the Azzurri will shelve their 4-2-3-1 formation in favour of a 4-3-1-2.
The defence should remain unchanged with Buffon in goal, guarded by Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro and Zambrotta.
Milan’s Pirlo may be used as a deep playmaker, flanked by Cristiano Zanetti on the left and Gennaro Gattuso on the right.
Antonio Cassano, who replaces Totti, will play behind Christian Vieri and Alex Del Piero – the latter being used as a second striker rather than a left winger.
The Azzurri really need to win tomorrow night after only drawing 0-0 with Denmark in their first match. Sweden beat Bulgaria 5-0.
http://www.channel4.com/sport/football_italia/jun17k.html