Trapattoni - confident of progress (Allsport).
TRAPATTONI GLAD TO FACE SOUTH KOREA
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Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni respects hosts
South Korea but believes the Azzurri can make it to the quarter-finals.
"It is a squad that we can beat with a little bit of malice and craftiness,"
said Trapattoni to the Italian press after learning that South Korea had
beaten Portugual 1-0.
South Korea will face Italy in the second round on Tuesday in Daejeon.
"It is a squad full of life, rich in enthusiasm, packed with young players,"
continued the 63-year-old.
However, South Korea will be no walk-overs. They have drawn with the United
States and beaten Poland and Portugal and they will have the added advantage of
massive home support.
On the other hand, the Azzurri beat Ecuador 2-0, lost to Croatia 2-1 and drew
with Mexico 1-1.
"As we have seen today there are no easy matches, it is a very even World
Cup," said Trapattoni.
Trapattoni does believe, however, that Portugal might have been more difficult
opponents because of the big-name stars like Luis Figo in their squad.
But he added: "The squad that we wanted to avoid was Portugal because they
have a good manager and good players."
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