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World Cup countdown kicks off
(China Daily/Agencies)
Updated: 2006-03-01 06:14
Italy coach Marcello Lippi is relishing the opportunity to pit his wits
against the tournament hosts.
"They are a great team with a wonderful history, and as hosts of the World
Cup they are very ambitious," he said.
"For us it's one of the last real tests before we fly out to Germany, one
that we hope will build our confidence."
Lippi said he hoped the Italy fans would get behind his team at the Artemio
Franchi stadium, home of Serie A side Fiorentina.
"We are playing in Florence where the people are passionate about football
and a lot will depend on their support."
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann played down his side's chances of victory
against the Azzurri.
"Italy have quality in every position, and Lippi's squad is more mature and
more experienced than ours," said the 41-year-old, who took control of Germany
in July 2004.
"They have a team full of champions while we are a young side looking for its
identity, one that plays aggressive, attacking football."
England's match is the first time the squad has got together since it was
announced that Sven-Goran Eriksson would be stepping down as manager after the
tournament.
"The anticipation of the World Cup is building more and more with every week
now," midfielder Frank Lampard said. "As the season goes on, it becomes sharper
in your mind and you can't help but start to get excited about it."
Lampard is one of at least 18 players who are certain to make Eriksson's
final squad for the finals and time is running out for fringe players such as
Middlesbrough's Stewart Downing, who missed out on the squad for this friendly,
to squeeze in.
For those who are on England duty this week, it could be
make-or-break time for Charlton striker Darren Bent, who is giving Jermain Defoe
a run for his money in the battle to be named as Michael Owen's back-up.
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