Italians headed for second course

Croatia, who lost 1-0 to Mexico in their opening game, need a result to keep alive their hopes of making progress in South Korea and Japan.

Despite an impressive display in their first outing, Italy will alter their personnel and formation against the Croats, putting out one of the most potent attacks in the game.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni has opted for an adventurous formation with the ‘terrible trio’ of Francesco Totti, Christian Vieri and Filippo Inzaghi in attack. Italy may be famed for their impressive defence, which has conceded just 10 goals in their last 20 World Cup finals games, but they now possess an attack which has equally impressive statistics. Vieri, who scored both goals against Ecuador, has claimed seven goals in six games in the finals after notching five goals in five during the World Cup in France four years ago.

Inzaghi scored seven goals in seven appearances during the Italians’ unbeaten qualification campaign. “We have forwards that all the world envy and we have to exploit that opportunity to create problems for Croatia,” said Trapattoni. Behind the goal-a-game strike pairing will be Francesco Totti, no mean marksman himself but far more effective in the role he will reclaim on Saturday — threading through the passes for others. “Totti is in very good shape and I prefer to take advantage of all his qualities,” said Trapattoni.

Inzaghi missed the opening Group G victory over Ecuador due to a knee injury picked up in a friendly match against Kashima Antlers and Totti partnered Vieri in attack. With the change, midfielder Cristiano Doni is expected to make way, with the versatile Christian Panucci moving to the left of midfield.