Trap tests Del Piero as Trequartista

September 3, 2002
Channel4.co.uk

Alex Del Piero may play behind the front two in Italy’s Euro 2004 qualifier in Azerbaijan, according to Giovanni Trapattoni’s tests.

This position was tried before but the Juventus man always confirmed his firm opposition to playing as a Trequartista.

The absence of the injured Francesco Totti – and a similar deeper role used at Juventus this season – could have changed his mind.

Trap tried out a 4-3-1-2 system in a game between ranks at the Coverciano training ground. It ended 2-2 with Christian Vieri and Filippo Inzaghi netting for the first-teamers and a Vincenzo Montella brace for the substitutes.

The clues to the team that will take on Azerbaijan on Saturday evening were there to see as a Christian Panucci, Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro and Francesco Coco made up the four-man defence.

Damiano Tommasi, Gigi Di Biagio and Gennaro Gattuso were in midfield behind Del Piero and front two Vieri and Inzaghi.

It’s reported that the disappointing World Cup performances, backed by the 1-0 friendly defeat to Slovenia, prompted a group of dissident players to protest at the negative tactics being employed.

The Italian press claims the group of rebels is led by Vieri, Toldo, Del Piero and Montella.
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