Italy rookies to tackle Bafana
2007-10-15 14:02
Siena - Italy will open the door to their most talented rookies on Wednesday as they welcome South Africa in Siena for a friendly with the hosts of the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
However, the world champions won't be thinking of defending the title won in Germany a year ago, but rather on the upcoming visit to Scotland which, mid-November, will decide whether they qualify for Euro 2008.
With two games to go, the Azzurri are one place behind the 24-point Scots, who on Wednesday visit Georgia while France, on 22, still hope to clinch one of two qualifying berths as they welcome Lithuania.
After a relatively easy 2-0 home win over Georgia at the weekend, Roberto Donadoni said that Italy "are in second place, and it's not a bad position. Let's hope to improve it or at least hold on to it."
The game with South Africa marks the return after a year-long absence of striker Alberto Gilardino, who will be the only World Cup winner alongside defender Cristian Zaccardo and midfielder Daniele De Rossi.
"I don't mind that it is a friendly," the AC Milan striker said.
"What interests me is that I am back with the Azzurri and this makes me happy."
Gilardino, 25, has had a dismal start to the season, but boosted his confidence thanks to a brace in a 5-1 drubbing of Lazio on October 7 and has more reasons to look forward to a bright future.
"(My wife) expecting a baby brought me great tranquillity," he said.
"I am living a beautiful sensation, as if everything is about to start again. I feel that my best is still to come."
His likely striking mate is Cristiano Lucarelli, back in Italy from his new Ukrainian team Shaktar Donetsk, with a chance open also for Torino's Alessandro Rosina.
Golden ball winner Fabio Cannavaro, who was suspended for the game with Georgia, takes a rest as Donadoni called up from Napoli his brother Paolo, himself a defender, but eight years younger than the 34-year-old world champion.
Other new caps besides Cannavaro are Udinese defender Andrea Dossena and midfielder Antonio Nocerino, of Juventus.
Star goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is also rested, leaving room for Marco Amelia of Livorno and Roma's Gianluca Curci.
- SAPA