06/06/2002

INZAGHI READY TO MAKE HIS MARK

Italy striker Filippo Inzaghi is delighted to have beaten off the challenge of Alessandro del Piero to claim his place alongside Christian Vieri for Saturday's clash with Croatia.

"Now that I am 100 per cent, the time has come to show I can make the difference," he said after recovering from a knee injury. "I suffered not playing against Ecuador, but Giovanni Trapattoni has always had faith in me," he added.

Inzaghi is particularly excited by the prospect of playing alongside his old friend Vieri, scorer of both goals in the 2-0 win over Ecuador, and is looking forward to feeding off Francesco Totti's passes from midfield.

"Francesco is the ideal player for me," he said. "His vision is a great help to his strikers.

"Vieri is the favourite to finish as top scorer in the tournament," he added. "He has already scored twice. He is the player who has impressed me the most.

"His first goal against Ecuador and the one of Marc Wilmots scored against Japan are the best I've seen so far.

"I'm also happy that Christian wants me in the team. But Trapattoni's choice means more than our friendship. I know I am selfish in front of goal, but I promise that if we are awarded a penalty, I will let Christian take it."

Trapattoni's only concern ahead of the Croatia clash concerns defensive midfielder Luigi di Biagio, who is carrying a slight hamstring strain.

In the unlikely event that the Internazionale man fails to recover in time, he will be replaced by AC Milan's Gennaro Gattuso

[Onefootball.com]