SPORTS> All About the Players
|
SPORTS> All About the Players
|
|
Rossi sees spirit of '82 in Azzurri
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-06-05 09:25 Italy go into this year's finals in Germany, which kick off on Friday, on an unbeaten run of 18 matches and Rossi beleives that is testimony to the quality of Lippi's side. "Don't forget that this team hasn't lost for a year and a half. That shows they have some value. That doesn't happen by accident, there is quality in the squad. "I'm sure that Italy can have a great World Cup. Brazil are the only team that are a bit above the others then there are quite a few teams on a similar level to each other," he said. Lippi has no shortage of options up front but Rossi believes it is vital to have a completely fit Francesco Totti with the striker having only just returned after an ankle operation. "Luca Toni is very strong and has developed a lot in the past two years but he is not the only quality forward available. "There is (also) Alberto Gilardino, Filippo Inzaghi, Alessandro Del Piero, a lot of strong attackers, and we have to hope that Totti recovers fully, he is a key player." Italy face Ghana in their opening match on June 12 before playing the United States and Czech Republic in Group E.
|
