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| Lippi plots return to glory |
Tuesday 2 September, 2008 |
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Marcello Lippi is hoping to lead Italy to World Cup glory once again in South Africa but first he must negotiate qualification.
The world champions begin their 2010 qualification road with a trip to Cyprus on Saturday before hosting Georgia on Wednesday.
And Lippi's first friendly of his second reign, which ended in a 2-2 draw with Austria, confirmed that there is work to do if he is to restore the Azzurri to glory.
“After the first week of the championship there is some fatigue and so I gave the players some rest yesterday,” Lippi told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Today has also been dedicated to recovery but tomorrow we will begin work with intensity.
“Alberto Aquilani has a pain in his heel and is working without a ball and Legrottaglie is doing less strenuous exercises.
“But everyone will be available tomorrow. I expect to play different sides in the two games and so there are lots of solutions.”
Italy are expected to dispose of minnows Cyprus, but Lippi is taking nothing for granted.
“The more we think it will be easy, the more difficult it will be,” the veteran tactician explained.
“This is the first game on the road to repeating Berlin. I didn't just come back to win but to rebuild a winning foundation.
“However, we will remember that we have the world champions' logo on our shirts and we will be united and full of intent.”
There have been murmurings about Lippi's decision to leave Antonio Cassano, Mario Balotelli, Massimo Ambrosini and Marco Materazzi out of his squad.
“I have nothing against the people who didn't make it,” Lippi said. “For one thing I would have called Riccardo Montolivo and Giuseppe Rossi if they were available.
“I respect Ambrosini as a player and a professional but I have to make my decisions.
“As for Marco, he is still suffering from an injury and I would rather call Fabio Cannavaro and not take any risks.
“I am also watching Mario Balotelli because he is a promising youngster. I like him a lot and I think he'll become an important player.”
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