| Bernardo Corradi looks set to start against Finland after scoring in the 2-0 friendly test with Northern Ireland.
Giovanni Trapattoni tested out some fringe players in this friendly game with Northern Ireland. The match was organised in Campobasso to raise funds for the community affected by the earthquake on October 31 2002.
The main Juventus and Milan players were rested after their Champions' League expolits, as were Francesco Totti and the unfit Christian Vieri. Inter midfielder Cristian Zanetti pulled out at the last minute following an ankle injury during training and is also at risk for the upcoming Euro 2004 qualifier in Finland.
Trap tried out the 4-2-3-1 formation that has been so successful in recent months. Lazio's Stefano Fiore was also given a rare start in midfield after several years in the wilderness.
The first real shot on goal came after ten minutes, when Fabio Grosso's taut free kick was turned wide with some difficulty by Hughes.
Bernardo Corradi thought he had opened the scoring from another excellent Grosso centre, but his header just brushed the outside of the post.
The Lazio hitman eventually got his effort on target soon after, sweeping home a low drive from Oddo's cross. Corradi has now scored two goals in four Azzurri appearances and is the hot favourite to replace the injured Vieri against Finland on June 11.
Moments later Maik Taylor was called to make a splendid one-handed save on Fiore's fierce piledriver from 20 metres.
Trapattoni made changes to rest probable starters for Helsinki, introducing Matteo Ferrari and Marco Delvecchio in place of Fabio Cannavaro and goalscorer Corradi.
The Azzurri doubled their lead on 66 minutes with a classic counter-attack. Substitute Antonio Di Natale threaded through with the outside of his right foot for Delvecchio and the Roma man outpaced his markers to slide the ball past Carrol.
Delvecchio was unlucky not to grab a second soon after, as his looping header on Oddo's cross was just off target.
Northern Ireland proved dangerous 15 minutes from time with a Jones free header on a corner kick, but Francesco Toldo reacted well.
A scuffle broke out towards the end following a very late McCartney tackle on Oddo. The Portuguese referee booked the Irishman and tried to calm the situation down.
Empoli wide man Di Natale has struggled with knee injuries all season, but was on fine form tonight and his powerful drive was well saved.
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