Trapattoni has respect for Ecuador (Allsport)
DON'T FALL INTO TRAPP - ITALY BOSS
By Jason Hughes, PA International, Sapporo
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni has compared opening World Cup opponents
Ecuador to the Azzurri side that reached the final of the World Cup at USA 94.
Although the South Americans are playing in their first World Cup, they
qualified by finishing second behind Argentina and ahead of Brazil.
"It is vital that my players are concentrated from the start against Ecuador
because they are a very dangerous side, very fast," he said, singling out Hibs
defender Ulises de la Cruz as their dangerman
"They remind me a lot of an Arrigo Sacchi side in the way they play, the
tactics they use and the way they get forward."
Sacchi's side were beaten in the 1994 final on penalties by Brazil, with
Roberto Baggio missing the vital spot-kick.
Trapattoni claims his side, one of the World Cup favourites, will be using the
group games just to fine tune their fitness and form.
The 63-year-old admits some of his players are still not 100% on the eve of
their World Cup opener in Sapporo.
"In the first part of the tournament, it is important that my players find
their best form and fitness," he said.
"Not everyone can play for 90 minutes. Although their condition is good, it
is not 100%.
Trapattoni has decided to pair Christian Vieri, who scored five goals at
France 98, with Roma captain Francesco Totti in attack.
However the Inter Milan man claims he is not bothered whether he wins the
Golden Boot in Japan and Korea after missing out by one goal to Davor Suker of
Croatia four years ago.
"I don't really care," said the Inter Milan striker. "The further Italy go
in the World Cup the better. If I score goals I am happy if I don't score it is
not a problem."
The last time Italy won the World Cup in 1982, they were inspired by Paolo
Rossi's goals.
This time, the Italians are hoping it is the Australian-born forward who can
provide the firepower.
Vieri said: "Rossi scored six goals and Italy won the World Cup but we see
that 50 times a year on television.
"That was 20 years ago, we're here now and we will see what we can do. But I
don't think I can emulate Paolo Rossi, it is very difficult."
Captain Paolo Maldini, playing in his last World Cup, is hoping that Ecuador
will not provide the shock that Senegal handed out to France.
"I think our preparations have gone well but I don't know, we will see
tomorrow night," said the AC Milan defender.
"I don't know if we will win the World Cup but we will have a chance to do
it.
"However, we don't know a lot about Ecuador and I hope they will not be a
surprise for us."
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