1/12/22 Italian Federation (Figc) has revealed Italy best line-up ever
Dino Zoff, Claudio Gentile, Paolo Maldini, Marco Tardelli, Alessandro Nesta, Franco Baresi, Bruno Conti, Valentino Mazzola, Paolo Rossi, Gianni Rivera and Roberto Baggio.
Three players are still on action. Five of them won 1982 World Cup.
Lione 08/06/1997 Stadio Gerland ITALIA 3 - 3 BRASILE
Gianluca Pagliuca Christian Panucci Alessandro Costacurta Fabio Cannavaro Paolo Maldini Attilio Lombardo Dino Baggio Demetrio Albertini Roberto Di Matteo Christian Vieri Alessandro Del Piero
Del Piero 6', Aldair 23' (autogoal), Lombardo 35' (autogoal), Del Piero 61' (rigore), Ronaldo 72', Romario 84'
Football legend Pele believes that Italy will face Brazil in the 2002 World Cup Final. Despite heavily criticising Selecao boss Luiz Felipe Scolari after the South American’s only just automatically qualified for the tournament, Pele thinks a repeat of the 1994 tournament is on the cards.
"Brazil will play Italy even if Portugal or Spain could make it to the Final," he said.
Pele then went to great length to plot Brazil’s path to glory. "We should top Group C and then play Belgium or Russia in the next round.
"After that we will face champions France before facing Argentina or England in the semi-finals.
"This is what I believe even if a lot can change in the five months between now and the start of the tournament."
Italia (4-4-2): Toldo 9, Cannavaro 8, Nesta 8.5, Iuliano 6.5, Maldini 7, Zambrotta 5, Albertini 6.5 (32' st Pessotto 6.5), Di Biagio 7.5, Fiore 6.5 (37' st Totti 6.5), Del Piero 5.5, Inzaghi 5.5 (22' st Delvecchio 6) (1 Abbiati, 22 Antonioli, 2 Ferrara, 6 Negro, 7 Di LIvio, 16 Ambrosini, 9 Montella). Allenatore: Zoff 7.
Olanda (4-2-3-1): Van Der Sar 6.5, Bosvelt 6, Stam 5.5, F.De Boer 4.5, Van Bronckhorst 5.5, Cocu 5.5 (5' pts Winter 6), Davids 7.5, Overmars 6.5, Bergkamp 6 (41' st Seedorf 6), Zenden 6.5 (32' st Van Vossen 5), Kluivert 5. (18 De Goey, 22 Westerveld, 2 Reiziger, 13 Konterman, 16 R.De Boer, 17 Van Hooijdonk). All.: Rijkaard 6.
Italia Olanda Di Biagio gol 1-0 F. De Boer parato 1-0 Pessotto gol 2-0 Stam fuori 2-0 Totti gol 3-0 Kluivert gol 3-1 Maldini parato 3-1 Bosvelt parato 3-1
The Italian Football Federation have confirmed that Italy’s friendly against America on February 13 will be played in Catania.
The Stadio Cibali was selected as the venue by acting President Gianni Petrucci last month and new Chief Franco Carraro has now backed the choice.
Situated on the East Coast of Sicily, the game will provide the perfect test for Coach Giovanni Trapattoni to try out a few new players with the World Cup Finals now less than six months away.
The Italy boss has already admitted that in his mind there are only a handful of places left for the final 23-man squad which will travel to Japan and Korea.
Paolo Maldini has confirmed that he will retire from international football after the 2002 World Cup Finals.
The Milan man made an initial statement in October and reiterated that it was still his intention to quit playing for Italy.
"I have the desire of leaving the Azzurri shirt in June," he said. "I think it is right to leave while you’re still at the top. It would be great to cap off my career with a World Cup winners medal."
Maldini has won a record 121 caps for his country so far and is widely considered as one of the best defenders the world has ever seen.
He made his debut for the national side in March 1988 when boss Azeglio Vicini gave him his chance at the tender age of 19.
Paolo Maldini has admitted that he wants to win the World Cup even if it meant beating Paraguay who are to be Coached by his father Cesare.
"It’s my dream to win the tournament with the Azzurri," said the Milan man. "I’ve not thought too much about how I would feel if I had to play my father’s Paraguay in the tournament. But it certainly would be a strange feeling."
Paolo is currently out of action after damaging knee ligaments in the 1-1 draw at Atalanta just before Christmas. He’s set to return in late February – early March.
Cesare Maldini accepted to Coach Paraguay for the next six months after he agreed terms with the South American outfit over the festive period.
Francesco Toldo is hoping to oust Gianluigi Buffon as Italy’s first choice goalkeeper in time for next summer’s World Cup Finals. Toldo has made an impressive start to his Inter career following a £17m move from Fiorentina in August. Meanwhile Buffon has started shakily at Juventus after a record-breaking £32m summer switch from Parma. So far Giovanni Trapattoni has kept faith with Buffon but Toldo believes he can dislodge the Carrera-born stopper just as he did before Euro 2000.
Buffon missed the European Championships because of a hand injury sustained in a warm-up game against Norway. That gave Toldo an extended run in the side with the lanky stopper emerging as one of the players of the tournament. But when Buffon returned new Coach Trapattoni placed his faith in the Parma man.
"The Euro defeat against France still hurts," says Toldo. "But that delusion will drive us on to great things in the summer. I was very disappointed to lose my place having done so well but I think my form this season could convince Trap to give me a chance. After all he knows me well from Fiorentina."
Toldo’s immediate task is to help Inter maintain their position at the top of Serie A. "We have learnt a lot in the opening months of the season. At home the defeats against Milan and Chievo have identified that we need to be stronger at the San Siro. But I believe we can win the League as we are improving week after week."
The Padua-born keeper has settled in well to life in Milan. "When I joined Inter I stated that this will be my last club," said the 30-year-old. "After five months here this is still the case. Now I just want to win as much as possible."
Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted he is keeping a close eye on Perugia youngster Fabio Gatti. The Umbrian midfielder has caught the attention of Italy’s biggest clubs this term after replacing Fabio Liverani who left for Lazio earlier this season. And despite not always being assured first team football, the 19-year-old has sufficiently impressed the national team boss.
"He’s lightweight but has amazing spirit and temperament that reminds me of Giuseppe Furino," said Trap. The latter was a midfield workhorse for Juventus in the 1970s.
"He’s a player that looks to impose himself on games. It will be interesting to see how far this youngster can go."
Gatti – nicknamed ‘Gattino’ which translates as kitten - joined Perugia at the age of 11 from Passignanese, a local team that Gatti’s father Franco was President of at the time. Having turned 19 last February, Coach Serse Cosmi decided to let the cat out of the bag and give him his first team debut on May 20 when he was pitted against Brescia.
He’s currently a regular squad member at Under-21 level after impressing in the 2-0 defeat by Hungary last October. He’s reputedly worth around £8m on the transfer market. Juventus, Milan and Inter have all expressed an interest.
Under-21 international Fabio Gatti has said he was "immensely satisfied" after he was praised by full national team boss Giovanni Trapattoni on Monday.
Trap revealed that the 20-year-old midfielder reminded him of Giuseppe Furino who starred for Juventus in the 1970s and retired from the game in 1984.
"To hear that I’m similar to a player that appeared for so long with Juve and won so much is obviously great," said Gatti.
"It’s an honour for me and it will help me to continue working hard as I have always when it has come down to football."
The midfielder added: "It’s good that people at the very top of this sport seem to have faith in me. But I’m keeping my feet firmly on the ground. I know that I have only recently just hit the Serie A stage.
"Every day I must put in more effort than before so that my boss at Perugia Serse Cosmi can count on me when needed."
Bologna boss Francesco Guidolin believes that his midfielder Matteo Brighi is good enough to be part of the current national team.
The Under-21 international, on loan at the Rossoblu from Juventus, has been in outstanding form this season and his Coach has complete faith in his ability.
"If I was Giovanni Trapattoni then I would be keeping a close eye on Brighi," he said. "I don’t see that many players in the national squad that are that much better than him."
National boss Trap has admitted in recent days that he is keeping track of a number of Azzurrini members with Daniele Bonera and Marco Marchionni possible candidates for the 2002 World Cup squad.
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has admitted that he’s keeping a close eye on Torino’s in-form Antonino Asta.
The Granata captain put in another splendid display this weekend as his club came from behind to defeat Verona 5-1.
"There are few players like Asta around at this moment in time," said the Azzurri Coach.
"It’s obvious that I’m keeping my eye on him – something that I’ve been doing for some time."
Asta, who plays on the right hand side of midfield, could become a valuable addition to the squad and could be good competition for Juventus’ Gianluca Zambrotta - who is almost guaranteed a place in the side due to a lack of alternatives.
However, Asta also faces a challenge from Parma’s Under-21 international Marco Marchionni who has also been linked with a full national call.
Damiano Tommasi says he’s confident of being part of the Italian World Cup squad despite his alternating form so far this season.
The central midfielder was the revelation of the last campaign as he almost single handedly took charge of the Roma midfield as they marched to Scudetto glory.
However, the international has struggled to live up to the performances of the last campaign which saw him become a regular Azzurri first team member under Coach Giovanni Trapattoni.
"I don’t think that my inconsistent form could affect my chances of a call-up," he said. "I’ll just keep working hard to remain the player that everyone is aware of. If that happens then the national team will arrive."
Tommasi, signed from Verona and well known for his charity work, has faced stiff opposition from Francisco Lima and Marcos Assuncao in the Giallorossi midfield so far this term.
Japan vs. Italy 1-1 Going to Japan is always a great experience... sure it's been quite hard, but I think that this match -- considering the World Cup is getting near -- was very useful. The Japanese audience gave us a very warm welcome, and even at the stadium -- even if we were playing against their home team -- the audience clapped us and supported us in an almost incredible way. In Japan, football is still considered as a feast, a meeting time, and this is what, beyond the result, the real meaning of the match was to everybody. My congratulations go to the Japanese team, which has grown a lot in the past few years, and it can now boast excellent players in terms both of personality and technical ability. My only regret is having been all along tormented by a bothersome cold, to which the long flight didn't do any well. Now, we are leaving for Italy, after the past tiring but intense 43 hours. The World Cup is getting nearer and nearer and therefore... SAYONARA!
Gianluigi Buffon believes that his past performances for the Azzurri should be enough to guarantee him the No 1 shirt at the 2002 World Cup Finals.
The Juventus player, signed from Parma in the summer for £32m, faces stiff opposition from Inter’s Francesco Toldo but is confident he can see off the former Viola star.
"I’m relaxed about the Finals," he told Football Italia. "I’ve always done well with the national team.
"But I’m not thinking too much about the Azzurri side now. The best time to start thinking and concentrating on the tournament is when we get there and start preparing."
Buffon is the current first choice for Giovanni Trapattoni even if Toldo was fantastic during Euro 2000 when the ex-Parma man had to pull out of the squad through injury.
Turning to Juventus, the club seem to have finally found their feet after a mediocre period saw them lag behind the early leaders. But Buffon was always confident that things would improve.
"To be honest our slow start was expected. I know it is a bit of a cliché but when a host of new players arrive at a club it does take time to gel."
He also believes the inclusion of Ciro Ferrara and Antonio Conte has had a massive effect on the side.
"Those two players along with Alessandro Del Piero are the veterans of this side. They know everything about this club. They bring experience and calmness to other players."
On his own form, Buffon is confident that he – like Juventus – will continue to improve. "I was criticised for a few mistakes earlier this term but I usually only find my best form around February-March time."
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni says he’s pleased with the draw that his side have been handed for the European Championships.
The Azzurri will face Yugoslavia, Finland, Wales and Azerbaijan as they look to secure themselves a Finals place in the Portuguese 2004 European Championship.
"It’s a balanced group in which we’ve avoided being selected with the danger sides like England, Holland, Denmark or Bulgaria," said Trap.
"The only danger for us now is if we don’t finish top and have to go through the play-offs.
"Yugoslavia are our main opponents and we are all aware of their tradition in the world game. They are also a nation that continually produces interesting and talented youngsters.
"Finland also shouldn’t be underestimated because they are a physically very strong side. It will be important for us to play them when we are in the peak of our form.
"Wales are a good team. As for Azerbaijan, I confess that I don’t know too much about them."
Trap also commented on Group 3 which consists of Czech Republic, Holland, Austria, Belarus and Moldova. "It’s definitely the toughest," he said.
The 10 group winners will qualify for the Finals along with hosts Portugal. The 10 runners-up will be involved in five play-offs in order to establish the remaining finalists.
The tournament will take place between June 12 and July 14, 2004. The qualifying games will be played between September 2002 and October 2003.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Christian Manfredini had said he is proud to have caught the eye of Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni but won’t comment on a proposed national call-up until it happens.
The Chievo midfielder is set to picked with Torino’s Antonino Asta for February’s friendly against USA. But the Ivory Coast-born star isn’t getting too excited at the moment.
"It’s great that I’ve made an impression on Trapattoni and obviously it would be brilliant to play for the Azzurri," he said.
"However, let’s not get carried away. I’ve not been called into the squad yet."
Trapattoni recently admitted that he was set to make a number of experiments in the next few months as he looks to formulate his final 23-man squad for Korea and Japan.
The tactician said: "I can confirm that I will try out some new players before the Finals. A lot of people have said that Manfredini deserves a call-up and I agree.
"Torino captain Asta is also having a great season and he’ll be a new name for Italy’s next international match. I also expect to give Manfredini a chance."
The latter was born in Africa but has Italian citizenship after he moved to the peninsula at the age of two.
He learnt his trade in the Juventus youth ranks before moving on to Genoa and Chievo.
Antonino Asta has admitted that he believes he could get an international call-up but only because his profession forces him to think that way.
The Torino winger has been hotly tipped to be selected in the Azzurri squad which will face America in a friendly on February 13.
And the Italian was in great form again on Saturday in the 0-0 draw with Inter and national boss Giovanni Trapattoni saw it all from the San Siro stands.
"Whoever is in my profession always hopes and believes that one day they might be able to represent their national side," Asta said.
"After all we are playing football everyday of our lives. The objective of my club is to survive in Serie A.
"Mine is to keep on improving in the hope that my dream of playing for La Nazionale will be realised."
Asta, now 31-years-old, is also being tracked by a variety of clubs both at home and abroad after talks to extend his contract at the Delle Alpi have hit problems.
Meanwhile, Trapattoni is set to unveil his squad for the USA game next Saturday. Chievo’s Christian Manfredini is also a candidate to win his first call-up.
Reports from Italy are suggesting that Roberto Baggio has undergone knee surgery today which could have effectively ended his season and World Cup hopes.
Tests were carried out on the former Juventus legend on Monday where it is believed that doctors performed surgery on damaged ligaments in his left knee.
Baggio picked up the injury last Thursday when his studs seemed to get caught in the Tardini turf during the 2-0 defeat by Parma in the Coppa Italia.
Should the reports be confirmed then it is feared that the 35-year-old could be out between three and seven months.
If that is the case then his season and World Cup ambitions would be over. Baggio had also hinted that this could be his final season in football earlier this term.
According to reports Cristiano Zanetti will be one of the players called up for Italy’s friendly against USA.
The Inter midfielder had already featured for the Azzurri before an injury ruled him out for several months.
The former Under-21 international had impressed with title winners Roma last season and has proved consistent at the San Siro.
The predictable returns of Atalanta breakthrough star Cristiano Doni and Nerazzurri defender Marco Materazzi are confirmed for Wednesday’s pre-World Cup warm-up.
Giovanni Trapattoni is also expected to bring youngster Christian Manfredini and veteran Antonino Asta in for their international debuts.
Ivory Coast-born Manfredini has been one of the most impressive elements of Chievo’s fairy tale team this season. It is claimed the 26-year-old already has a pre-contract agreement to join Roma in the summer.
31-year-old Asta has been a tireless asset to Torino in the last few months. Contract negotiations have stalled and the winger may be moving to a big club – thought to be Milan or Inter – at the end of this season.
Roma - (09 Febbraio 2002 17:03) Il centravanti del Chievo Massimo Marazzina e il centrocampista del Torino Antonino Asta sono le novit・azzurre di Giovanni Trapattoni per l'amichevole di mercoled・prossimo a Catania con gli Stati Uniti. Tra gli assenti i centrocampisti Demetrio Albertini e Gigi di Biagio. (Spr)
Roma - (09 Febbraio 2002 17:03) Il centravanti del Chievo Massimo Marazzina e il centrocampista del Torino Antonino Asta sono le novit・azzurre di Giovanni Trapattoni per l'amichevole di mercoled・prossimo a Catania con gli Stati Uniti. Tra gli assenti i centrocampisti Demetrio Albertini e Gigi di Biagio. Secondo previsione ci sono i rientri di Vieri, Materazzi e Bonera mentre il ct ha parlato con Nesta, che torner・in campo domani, ed ・ stato deciso di soprassedere alla convocazione per un'amichevole. Questi i 22 convocati azzurri Buffon (Juve), Toldo (Inter), Cannavaro (Parma), Materazzi (Inter), Iuliano (Juve), Negro (Lazio), Bonera (Brescia), Pessotto (Juve), Coco (Barcellona), Di Livio (Fiorentina), Asta (Torino), Zambrotta (Juve), Zanetti (Inter), Tommasi (Roma), Tacchinardi (Juve), Gattuso (MIlan), Totti (Roma), Doni (Atalanta), Del Piero (Juve), Di Vaio (Parma), Vieri (Inter), Marazzina (Chievo).
Gli azzurri dovranno trovarsi a Coverciano luned・alle 12, alle 13.30 ci sar・conferenza-stampa e alle 15.30 l'allenamento a porte aperte. (Spr)
Antonino Asta and Chievo striker Massimo Marazzina are among the new faces for Wednesday’s friendly against the USA.
The Torino winger (pictured) was already rumoured to be making his international debut after Coach Giovanni Trapattoni poured praise on the 31-year-old.
However, of all the Chievo stars Marazzina was not the one tipped for a call-up. Teammate Christian Manfredini was thought to be a certainty to receive his first Azzurri cap after a string of fine performances for the Flying Donkeys.
But the 26-year-old, originally from the Ivory Coast, is once again forced to watch this Italian performance on his television set.
This friendly will be an opportunity to experiment with new faces, particularly in midfield. Veterans Demetrio Albertini and Gigi Di Biagio have been left at home for this encounter.
Atalanta’s Cristiano Doni returns to the fray following his spectacular debut in Japan – in which he scored the equaliser – while Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti is also back in the line-up after injury.
This match at Catania’s Cibali Stadium will be held under strict security for the USA’s trip to Sicily. The local police chief Achille Dello Russo warned of “exceptional security measures in the wake of the international climate since September 11.”
Metal detectors and two rings of checks will surround the Stadium and doors will be open from 5pm, although the kick-off is not due until 8.30pm.
The police also warned “people should not bring bags or rucksacks to the match as they will be confiscated.”
Plastic bottles shall also be banned, as drinks will be sold inside the arena.
The full list of players called up for Wednesday’s match against the USA is:
Asta e Marazzina sono le due novita' per l'amichevole di mercoledi' contro gli Usa
Roma, 9 febbraio Il centrocampista del Torino, Antonio Asta, e l'attaccante del Chievo, Massimo Marazzina, sono le novit・azzurre di Giovanni Trapattoni per l'amichevole di mercoled・sera a Catania contro gli Usa. Nell'elenco dei ventidue non figurano i centrocampisti Albertini e Di Biagio. Per quanto riguarda Nesta, che rientra domani, il ct.ha preferito soprassedere. Questi i convocati:
Portiori: Buffon, Toldo; Difensori: Cannavaro, Materazzi, Iuliano, Negro, Bonera; Centrocampisti: Pessotto, Coco, Di Livio, Asta, Zambrotta, Zanetti, Tommasi, Tacchinardi, Gattuso; Attaccanti: Totti, Doni, Del Piero,Di Vaio, Vieri e Marazzina.
Per l'occasione la Questura di Catania ha predisposto misure di sicurezza rigidissime. Attorno allo stadio sar・realizzata una doppia cintura di forze dell'ordine per impedire l'accesso al "Cibali" a chi non disporr・del biglietto, ma anche i titolari del tagliando verranno perquisiti con metal detectors. Strettamente sorvegliati anche i giocatori USA che arriveranno a Catania domani. La squadra statunitens e allogger・in un albergo sulla costa jonica a pochi chilometri dal capoluogo.
@ ジャンルイジ・ブッフォン A フランチェスコ・ココ B パオロ・マルディーニ C アレッシオ・タッキナルディ D ファビオ・カンナバーロ E アレッサンドロ・ネスタ F ジャンルカ・ザンブロッタ G ダミアーノ・トンマージ H クリスチャン・ヴィエリ I フランチェスコ・トッティ J フィリッポ・インザーギ K フランチェスコ・トルド L マルコ・マテラッツィ M マルク・イウリアーノ N ダニエレ・ボネーラ O アンジェロ・ディ・リービオ P ジェンナロ・ガットゥーゾ Q アレッサンドロ・デル・ピエーロ R クリスチアーノ・ザネッティ S ルイジ・ディ・ビアッジョ 21 マルコ・デルベッキオ 22 クリスチャン・アッビアーティ 23 クリスチアーノ・ドニ
@ ジャンルイジ・ブッフォン A フランチェスコ・ココ B パオロ・マルディーニ C アレッシオ・タッキナルディ D ファビオ・カンナバーロ E アレッサンドロ・ネスタ F ジャンルカ・ザンブロッタ G ダミアーノ・トンマージ H クリスチャン・ヴィエリ I フランチェスコ・トッティ J フィリッポ・インザーギ K フランチェスコ・トルド L マルコ・マテラッツィ M マルク・イウリアーノ N ダニエレ・ボネーラ O アンジェロ・ディ・リービオ P ジェンナロ・ガットゥーゾ Q アレッサンドロ・デル・ピエーロ R クリスチアーノ・ザネッティ S ルイジ・ディ・ビアッジョ 21 マルコ・デルベッキオ 22 クリスチャン・アッビアーティ 23 クリスチアーノ・ドニ
Italy boss Giovanni Trapattoni has dropped some substantial hints as to which players will form his 23-man World Cup squad.
The Azzurri Coach revealed his thoughts to the Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday in which he even highlighted which players were certain to go to the Orient if they stay free from injury.
The former Juventus maestro again confirmed that the three goalkeepers would be Gigi Buffon (Juventus), Francesco Toldo (Inter) and Christian Abbiati of Milan.
With respect to the defenders he will take, Trap revealed that as many as six men were almost certain to go. "I would say that Alessandro Nesta, Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, Marco Materazzi and Roma’s Christian Panucci are sure to be selected. And then there is Juventus’ Mark Iuliano."
He also admitted that Brescia’s Under-21 international Daniele Bonera was in with a realistic chance, along with Juve’s Gianluca Pessotto and Lazio full-back Giuseppe Pancaro.
It is in the midfield where places are seemingly up for grabs. Damiano Tommasi (Roma), Cristiano Doni (Atalanta), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus) and Milan’s Gennaro Gattuso are all certainties at this stage.
However, the likes of Stefano Fiore, Demetrio Albertini, Alessio Tacchinardi, Francesco Coco, Angelo Di Livio, Cristiano Zanetti, Gigi Di Biagio and Fabio Liverani all still have points to prove.
In attack, Parma’s Marco Di Vaio seems set to be left at home if injuries don’t strike. "In attack I think Christian Vieri, Pippo Inzaghi, Marco Delvecchio, Francesco Totti and Alex Del Piero look pretty certain," the Coach added.
"Di Vaio is an interesting player who can turn things around but he is not as powerful as Delvecchio and not as agile as Vincenzo Montella." The latter, currently on fire for Roma, seems to have won the last striker spot.
Italy’s World Cup preparations continue next week when they travel to Leeds to play England. Before games against Uruguay and the Czech Republic.
Inghilterra-Italia, tornano Albertini e Montella L'amichevole di lusso in programma mercoled・prossimo a Leeds
ROMA - Assente nelle due ultime convocazioni torna in azzurro Demetrio Albertini per l'amichevole di lusso che la nazionale italiana giocher・ mercoled・prossimo a Leeds contro l'Inghilterra. Sospinto dai quattro gol nel derby, ci sar・anche Vincenzo Montella. Giovanni Trapattoni ha convocato per questo importante test 22 giocatori: Buffon, Toldo, Nesta, Materazzi, Cannavaro, Iuliano, Panucci, Adani, Pessotto, Coco, Di Livio, Zambrotta, Tommasi, Zanetti, Albertini, Di Biagio, Gattuso, Doni, Totti, Delvecchio, Montella e Vieri.(ANSA).
Vincenzo Montella is among the new faces that Giovanni Trapattoni has called for Italy’s friendly trip to Elland Road.
The Roma hitman has been out of action for several months with a serious knee injury, but the four goals in two Serie A games show that he is on top form.
Filippo Inzaghi is also back in action, but the Milan star has been left at home for the time being.
Rossoneri teammate Demetrio Albertini makes an important return to the Azzurri squad. Newspapers had suggested the veteran midfielder would not be a part of the 2002 World Cup team.
The following 22 players will travel to Leeds for Wednesday’s match against Sven Goran Eriksson’s England:
L'Italia ・in vantaggio 8-7 (6 i pareggi) nei 21 confronti diretti con l'Inghilterra, prossima avversaria degli azzurri mercoled・27 in amichevole a Leeds. Ecco il dettaglio dei confronti con l'Inghilterra:
13-5-1933 Italia-Inghilterra 1-1 Roma Amichevole 14-11-1934 Inghilterra-Italia 3-2 Londra Amichevole 13-5-1939 Italia-Inghilterra 2-2 Milano Amichevole 16-5-1948 Italia-Inghilterra 0-4 Torino Amichevole 30-11-1949 Inghilterra-Italia 2-0 Londra Amichevole 18-5-1952 Italia-Inghilterra 1-1 Firenze Amichevole 6-5-1959 Inghilterra-Italia 2-2 Londra Amichevole 24-5-1961 Italia-Inghilterra 2-3 Roma Amichevole 14-6-1973 Italia-Inghilterra 2-0 Torino Amichevole 14-11-1973 Inghilterra-Italia 0-1 Londra Amichevole 28-5-1976 Inghilterra-Italia 3-2 New York Torneo Bicentenario 17-11-1976 Italia-Inghilterra 2-0 Roma Qual. Mondiali 16-11-1977 Inghilterra-Italia 2-0 Londra Qual. Mondiali 15-6-1980 Italia-Inghilterra 1-0 Torino Europei 6-6-1985 Italia-Inghilterra 2-1 Citt・del Messico Amichevole 15-11-1989 Inghilterra-Italia 0-0 Londra Amichevole 7-7-1990 Italia-Inghilterra 2-1 Bari Mondiali 12-2-1997 Inghilterra-Italia 0-1 Londra Qual. Mondiali 4-6-1997 Inghilterra-Italia 2-0 Nantes Torneo di Francia 11-10-1997 Italia-Inghilterra 0-0 Roma Qual. Mondiali 15-11-2000 Italia-Inghilterra 1-0 Torino Amichevole
Inghilterra (4-4-2) : Martyn 6 (1' st James 5.5); Mills 6.5 (1' st p. Neville 6), Southgate 6 (1' st King 6), Campbell 6.5 (1' st Ehiogu 5.5), Bridge 6 (43' st g. Neville s.v.); Beckham 6 (1' st j. Cole 6.5), Butt 7 (1' st Hargreaves 6), Lampard 5.5 (1' st Murphy 5.5), Sinclair 6 (26' st Sheringham s.v.), Heskey 6 (1' st Fowler 6.5), Owen 5.5 (1' st Vassell 6). (22 Wright terzo portiere). all. Eriksson 6. Italia (4-4-1-1): Buffon 6.5, Cannavaro 6.5, Nesta 5.5 (38' st Adani s.v.), Materazzi 6.5 (12' st Iuliano s.v.), Panucci 6.5 (30' st Coco s.v.), Zambrotta 6, Zanetti 6.5 (12' st Gattuso s.v.), Di Biagio 6.5 (12' st Albertini s.v.), Doni 6.5 (30' st Tommasi s.v.), Totti 6 (1' st Montella 7), Delvecchio 5.5 (30' st Maccarone 6.5). (12 Toldo, 13 Pessotto, 21 Di Livio). all. Trapattoni. 6.5