15/05/2002

WE HAVE NO WEAKNESSES, INSISTS INZAGHI


AC Milan striker Filippo Inzaghi believes Italy only need a "little luck" to win the World Cup.

"We have no weaknesses and only need a bit more fortune than before. Don't forget that Italy have been knocked out of the last three World Cups on penalties," he said.

"There is perfect harmony between all of us, which is the right atmosphere to have when preparing for such a difficult competition.

"I'm sure we'll rest up and recover our strength and I think this time could be the right time, the right World Cup. We have a squad of excellent players who work well together."

Italy were losing finalists in Euro 2000, where their game was based on stubborn defence. Yet this time around, Giovanni Trapattoni's strong suit is his attacking players.

"It's true, there are so many of us and are all good forwards," said Inzaghi. "Trap has an embarrassingly wide choice to pick from. But I'm sure that in such an intense and difficult competition everybody will get their chance."

Inzaghi looks set to get more of a chance than most, after being handed the coveted No 9 shirt on Wednesday.

The jersey is particularly treasured by Italian strikers, as it was worn by Paolo Rossi in the 1982 World Cup victory in Spain. Inzaghi believes he has been preferred because of his freshness after missing much of the season through injury.

"This number has always been a lucky mascot during my career and I'm really happy to have it on my shirt in Japan too. As for why, my long break with injury has perhaps left me a little less tired. When it comes to the crucial games I may have more energy."

The other player to be favoured by his squad number was Roma captain Francesco Totti, who was given the No 10 shirt ahead of Juventus golden boy Alessandro del Piero.

Italy squad numbers:

Goalkeepers: 1 Buffon, 22 Toldo, 12 Abbiati.

Defenders: 2 Panucci, 3 Maldini, 5 Cannavaro, 13 Nesta, 15 Iuliano, 23 Materazzi

Midfielders: 4 Coco, 6 Zanetti, 8 Gattuso, 10 Totti, 11 Doni, 14 Di Biagio, 16 Di Livio, 17 Tommasi, 19 Zambrotta

Forwards: 7 Del Piero, 9 Indaghi, 18 Delvecchio, 20 Montella, 21 Vieri

[Onefootball.com]