|
SAPPORO, Japan (AP) -- Italy -- famed for luring opponents into its Venus Fly Trap of a defense -- will play attacking soccer in its opening match against Ecuador, coach Giovanni Trapattoni said Sunday on the eve of the team's World Cup opener. Amid jitters and an ache to get on with it, the Italian squad held an evening practice Sunday at the futuristic Sapporo Dome, where they face their first test Monday night. The players tried to seem cool as they spoke to reporters after practice, but even the 63-year-old coach felt the excitement. "It's very calm around here, but the tension's building. I'll tell you, I feel ready," he said. "It's clear that we can't wait on Ecuador, because their characteristic is to try to impose their game. We've got to make sure we aren't too exposed. "And absolutely, we must attack." AS Roma forward Francesco Totti asked what sort of Italy would appear on Monday, he said: "On the attack." The 25-year-old Totti may be young but he's relied on for glorious goal-making touches. The world will be watching him, but Totti tried not to sound too nervous. "Sure, you have butterflies in your stomach, but even that passes," he said. "Joy -- that's all I feel. It's my first World Cup." For 33-year-old veteran defender Paolo Maldini, it's his fourth World Cup championship. At this point, there's nothing you can do but hang on till the opening whistle, he said. "The first match is always a difficult one," Maldini said. "We're prepared. We've done everything we can. Now we have to wait till tomorrow." Maldini is at the heart of Italy's defense, arguably the strongest in the world. Italy is used to tough defenses, and can certainly boast one now. During qualifying, the team allowed three goals in eight games _ in six matches they held their opponents scoreless. Traditionally, Italy has exploited its tough back line with the aim of coming back with the counterattack. This year's Italy isn't just defense, though. Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri, who scored five goals in five games at the last Cup, will be up front next to Totti. And that's not all of the Italian attack. Alessandro Del Piero of Juventus, Filippo Inzaghi of AC Milan and AS Roma's Vincenzo Montella -- all with remarkable goal records -- are expected to start on the bench, but any one could be available to strengthen the attack. Also, left midfielder Cristiano Doni, who has had little experience with the national team, is also expected to push up. Doni has appeared strong in Italy's training, and will serve as a setup man on the left. Doni hadn't expected to start, but Trapattoni switched around the squad in recent weeks. And that -- along with a brief injury to Inzaghi -- gave Doni his chance. The clearly excited midfielder said Sunday that he didn't know if he'd get a wink of sleep tonight. "I'll tell you that tomorrow," he laughed. Italy is a team that has won the World Cup three times; Ecuador has never before made it to the finals. But the Italians are cautious not to sound too cocky. Vieri said: "We have to respect Ecuador, and we have to give this match all our concentration." "All teams are finding it hard to win so far," Vieri said. "Tough matches with few chances. In this World Cup, it's really hard." Trapattoni confirmed his expected starting lineup Sunday, saying he would go with a classic 4-4-2 setup. The probable lineup: goalie Gianluigi Buffon; defenders Christian Panucci, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro and Maldini; midfielders Gianluca Zambrotta, Damiano Tommasi, Luigi Di Biagio and Doni; and forwards Totti and Vieri. Italy's next Group G match is June 8 against Croatia. It faces Mexico on June 13. (tr-kg)
|
