Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 |
| Sport | ||
|
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary | Sport
-
Football
Italy should be arriving in Asia with the not-so-hidden agenda of winning the World Cup for a record equalling fourth time. And as it makes its 15th appearance, its fans should be thanking their stars that their side has been blessed with a lucky draw. With holder France, Argentina and Brazil grouped together in the same-half of the draw, Italy, in fact, will be forced to meet one of these teams only in the final. Though known as slow starters, the league should not pose too many problems for the Italians who are paired with Croatia, Mexico and Ecuador in Group G. The same should be the case in the second round and the quarterfinals, before their possible meeting with Portugal in the semifinals. While Croatia, which sprang many a surprise in France 98 before finishing third, has hit a trough in recent months, the Italian cruise could be much easier than expected. A possible meeting against France in the final could also give the Italians a fair chance to redeem some of the prestige that they lost while losing out to the World champion in the title round of Euro 2000. Giovanni Trapattoni does seem to have the right men for this job, what with his final squad being an excellent blend of youth and experience. But whether the sorry spectacle of the Italians losing their way in the last three World Cups on penalties is still in the minds of these players seems to be a pertinent question. The Azzuris would be landing in Asia with as much strength in their attack as everywhere else in the team. This is very unusual for Italy as it had always relied exclusively on a rock solid defence, a hardworking midfield and only one potential match-winning striker in its previous World Cups. But the man who could really make a difference should be the talented Francesco Totti (see picture), who has remained Trapattoni's tactical weapon ever since the latter took over from Dino Zoff as the team boss. Totti is the jewel of the team and it is for him that Trapattoni has woven together the 3-4-1-2 system in which the side is now comfortable playing. The defence, having the likes of Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Nesta and Fabio Cannavaro, would also be expected to contribute if the expectations are to blossom in Asia. In goal, it should be Gianluigi Buffon who seems to have Trapattoni's confidence though in Francesco Toldo, he has a tough rival within the squad.In the midfield, Trapattoni could be fielding Francesco Coco in the left, Luigi di Biagio and Damiano Tommasi in the middle and Gianluca Zambrotta in the right after leaving Totti to work his way ahead in the role of an additional creator, just behind the two strikers — Christian Vieri and Filippo Inzaghi. In Vincenzo Montella, the Italian coach seems to have a sound striker and a secret weapon but whether he would use this AS Roma player as a first-choice striker remains to be seen. The presence of Alessandro del Piero must be noted too but he again is likely to be used only a utility player in the event of Totti coming a cropper. A balanced side on paper with a very interesting group of players, Italy could indeed win it all if all its players coalesce under the magic wand of Trapattoni. Indeed, there is nothing wrong in believing in this Italian squad, if one remembers how the World Cup ended in Spain twenty years ago. — A. Vinod
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail
News:
Front Page |
National |
Southern States |
Other States |
International |
Opinion |
Business |
Sport |
Miscellaneous |
|
|
|
The Hindu Group: Home | About Us | Copyright | Archives | Contacts | Subscription Group Sites: The Hindu | Business Line | The Sportstar | Frontline | Home |
Copyright © 2002, The
Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of
this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of
The Hindu
|