Totti is very confident (Allsport).
TOTTI 'COMPLETELY OPTIMISTIC'
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Francesco Totti does not seem to have learnt the lesson that it is unwise to
make bold predictions at this World Cup full of shocks.
The Italy striker has confidently declared they will overcome South Korea to
book passage into the quarter-finals.
This is the same Italian side which needed a late equaliser to draw with
Mexico, and threw away their match against Croatia despite leading with 17
minutes remaining.
And that is not taking into account surprises like the first-round exits of
defending champions France, highly-fancied Argentina and Euro 2000
semi-finalists Portugal.
But the Roma captain is positive the Azzurri will not go the way of the
illustrious trio.
"Korea will give us a tough game," he said, "but I am completely optimistic
that we will reach the quarter-finals.
"They defend very well an in an enterprising Dutch style, which is a
reflection on their coach, but I am confident we will win."
It is a fair judgement on paper, as the two sides are poles apart on and off
the pitch.
While the pin-up Italians earn millions and enjoy superstar status from their
life in Serie A, only two of the Koreans play outside of the infant leagues of
the Far East.
"They have good players and a great collective spirit, but we are technically
superior," added the £40million-rated Totti.
The Italians play week in, week out in for the likes of Juventus and AC Milan,
while Monday's opponents turn out for Suwon Bluewings and Ulsan Hyundai among
others.
And it is the experience of playing in the intimidating atmospheres of Milan's
San Siro or the Delle Alpi in Turin which means the Italians will not be put off
by the 41,000 'Red Devils' screaming their team on in Daejeon Stadium.
"We are not worried about the noise and the crowd," said Totti.
"What you have to remember is that in Italy we play many Serie A matches in
an atmosphere like this and under a lot or pressure."
However, Italy do have selection problems in defence to occupy coach Giovanni
Trapattoni.
Parma's Fabio Cannavaro is suspended, while fellow centre-back Alessandro
Nesta is seriously doubtful with a persistent foot injury.
The Lazio defender missed training for a second successive day on Sunday, and will
not train on Monday either.
Former Everton defender Marco Materazzi is likely to be thrown into the fray,
although he was widely criticised by the Italian press for his performance after
replacing Nesta early in the Croatian defeat.
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