Post by QPR Report on Feb 10, 2009 14:09:50 GMT
As we did Man Ut a month or two ago. That's sacred turf, they're touching (also shouldn't be chopped up any further) - On the other hand, it definitely is quite prestigeous to have them there!
QPR Official Site - WORLD CUP WINNERS IN W12
Posted on: Tue 10 Feb 2009
Marcelo Lippi's World Cup winning Italy squad were put through their paces at Loftus Road this morning, ahead of the Azzurri's international friendly against Brazil tonight (Tuesday).
A squad including star quartet Gianluigi Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluca Zambrotta and Luca Toni amongst others, underwent a light one hour training session in W12, with QPR Holdings Ltd Chairman Flavio Briatore and R's Manager Paulo Sousa amongst the interested spectators.
Lippi's men lock horns with Brazil at the Emirates Stadium this evening, in what is sure to be a mouth-watering clash between two of the World's top footballing nations.
Goal.com Italy's Trident Unveiled In Training At QPR
There are a few more clues about tonight's Italian starting 11, after the Azzurri's final training session...
- As Italy prepared for tonight’s friendly against Brazil, there were questions as to what kind of team Marcello Lippi would field; now it looks like those questions have been answered.
- Their last training session took place at Loftus Road, home of Championship side Queens Park Rangers, and according to Italian news agency ANSA, saw a front three getting ready for the match.
- After some general exercises and drills of set plays, Lippi separated the side into two teams and played a trident up front. The starting forward line looks like it will be formed by Mauro Camoranesi on the right, Antonio Di Natale on the left and Luca Toni through the middle.
- This would also give the Azzurri the option of having some extra midfield cover when Brazil attack.
- The Selecao have formidable skill and speed on the wings, and so it remains to be seen if this set-up will provide enough help for full-backs Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso.
- There had been calls to see Giuseppe Rossi given a start, but he may have to wait until the second half for his chance.
- With a back four of Zambrotta, captain Fabio Cannavaro, Nicola Legrottaglie and Grosso almost certain, there seems to be only one starting jersey whose occupant.remains unknown.
- While Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Pirlo are certainly two of the three midfielders, the other one could be Riccardo Montolivo; but it remains a mystery for now.
- Simone Finaldi, Goal.com