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With a galaxy of stars, great strength in depth
and an astute coach it seems inconceivable that
Italy will not be serious contenders for the crown.
Despite their tendency to do things the hard way
Group C should hold few fears for a squad with talents
as brilliant as Buffon, Nesta and Totti.
Giovanni Trapattoni's's major headache is how to
fit all that talent into his 4-4-2 formation when
it seems to be crying out for a flowing 3-4-3. Totti
seems likely to be given a free attacking role so
Trap may resort to fielding a pair of defensively-minded
central midfielders and leave out the wonderful
Andrea Pirlo.
Defensive security comes as standard in front of
the world's best goalkeeper, with the wonderfully
versatile Gianluca Zambrotta set to add attacking
verve from full back.
Psychological solidity is just as important for
a country whose sides often exude toughness only
to crumble when the heat is on. If Italy remain
tactically and mentally sound, their 22-year wait
for international glory could come to an end in
July.
Prediction: Group winners, should be in
the final reckoning.
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