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Italy play Azerbaijan in Baku on Saturday to open their qualification campaign for Euro 2004. It hasn't been an easy time for La Nazionale, including the recent friendly against Slovenia, Trapattoni's team have lost three of their last four games. Considering Italy's standing in the world game, losses to Croatia, South Korea and Slovenia fall way short of the expectations placed upon the shoulders of those fortunate enough to wear the blue of Italy.
Three points on Saturday will get Italy off to a good start in an easy looking group. The other teams are Yugoslavia, Finland and Wales. A draw, or an unthinkable defeat, would make qualification a lot more difficult and the games against Yugoslavia would be made that much more difficult.
The squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Buffon. He has a slight bicep injury and may be replaced by Pelizzoli.
Toldo. Will play if Buffon is injured.
Defenders:
Cannavaro. Recent Inter signing and Italian captain. Best defender in the world.
Nesta. Recent Milan signing. Second best defender in the world.
Panucci. The Roma player will be keen to atone for his error against South Korea.
Iuliano. Steady Juventus giant.
Materazzi. Lucky to be in the squad.
Adani. Saved by Inter from Fiorentina. Still to convince me.
Oddo. New Lazio player, definitely one for the bench.
Midfielders:
Di Biagio. Missed badly during the World Cup. Italy's "metronome".
Tommasi. Workhorse and certain starter.
Coco. Doesn't impress me at all, on the bench.
Gattuso. Excellent defensive midfielder with Milan and Italy.
Ambrosini. Still to fulfil his potential, this would be a good time to start.
Doni. Terrible player, don't know how he gets a game for Atalanta.
Zauri. Here for the experience.
Pirlo. Great young player. Would like to see him play but the Inzaghi-Vieri-Del Piero triumvirate may prevent a start.
Forwards:
Del Piero. The fantasista now Baggio has gone.
Inzaghi. Just don't like this player!
Vieri. Outstanding talent.
Montella. Goalscorer extraordinaire.
Di Vaio. Recent Juve signing, fast with an eye for goal.
Missing from the squad are Maldini (retired), Pessotto, Zanetti and Totti (all injured) and Brighi (back to the U21s). I can see Trapattoni playing a 3-4-3 and think Italy will win this one with something to spare. September is traditionally a poor month for gli azzurri though, let's hope three points are safely banked.
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