| The Azzurri began their World Cup adventure against tournament debutantes Ecuador in Sapporo and it was a confident display that will make them one of the favourites for the title.
Giovanni Trapattoni opted to field a more covered 4-4-2 formation with Francesco Totti as support striker to Christian Vieri, but the introduction of Cristiano Doni in midfield assured the Azzurri of more creative flair.
The main danger man had been pinpointed as full-back Ulises De la Cruz, who currently plays for Scottish club side Hibernian.
After just four minutes Fabio Cannavaro was knocked to the ground by a punch to the head, but the referee did not see the incident as a free kick was floated into the box.
Vieri ran onto an excellent Totti through ball, but the goalkeeper bravely came out to block. Moments later the two combined again and this time the Inter striker rifled a powerful effort into the roof of the net.
Italy could not have asked for a better start and that early goal boosted their confidence further. So much so that Totti attempted to score the goal of the tournament - a magnificent dipping effort from 20 metres that was punched out with some difficulty.
Vieri had another good scoring opportunity, but at full stretch he failed to make solid contact with Gianluca Zambrotta's centre. Soon after the giant hitman used all his strength to muscle off a defender and slide the ball under the 'keeper.
Ecuador gradually grew and provided problems down Italy's left flank covered by Doni and Paolo Maldini. From that side an Edison Mendez deflected effort struck the sidenetting.
But the real chances always fell to Italy with another dipping Totti effort that took two attempts to get under control.
After the break the South Americans took more control in midfield, but it was a sterile posession as Gianluigi Buffon remained largely untroubled.
Instead Damiano Tommasi forced Jose Cevallos to tip his effort over and on the resulting corner Doni clipped the crossbar. Vieri had another powerful shot parried as the Azzurri made the most of the new lighter Fevernova ball.
Atalanta midfielder Doni was clearly not yet match fit and was replaced by veteran Angelo Di Livio, while midfielder battler Gennaro Gattuso took over from Gigi Di Biagio.
The on-form Alessandro Del Piero was also called upon to replace Totti, who began to tire during his first professional match in two months. The Juventus man had little influence as the game had already all but ended.
Ecuador's only real shot on goal came in the final minute when the defence thought that Agustin Delgado was offside, but Buffon made a crucial reaction save.
|
