Marcello Lippi is hoping that Inter Milan's Champions League triumph is a good omen for Italy ahead of the World Cup. Inter beat Bayern Munich 2-0 to win Europe's elite club competition on Saturday and become the first Italian side to win the Coppa Italia, Serie A title and Champions League in the same season. "The European football campaign has come to an end with the extraordinary victory of an Italian team," the Italy coach told reporters yesterday. "I hope this is auspicious for Italian football in view of the World Cup in South Africa.
"In the case of Inter, great champions have put their services for the good of the team and they have shown strength, unity and determination." Several players in Inter's squad will be at the World Cup; however none will be representing Italy. One player heading for South Africa who made a huge impression on Lippi and everyone else is Diego Milito. The Argentina forward scored the two goals in the final in Madrid.
"I am impressed by Milito," said the Italy coach. "He should be the first candidate to win the Golden Ball. This year he has done something extraordinary and has been always crucial." Elsewhere, Carlos Queiroz's injury problems are clearing at just the right time as his Portugal squad look to make good on their coach's promise that they are good enough to make the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Simao, Tiago and Paulo Ferreira resumed training yesterday ahead of tonight's friendly against Cape Verde, meaning all of the 24-man squad bar Pepe will be available. The Real Madrid centre-back is continuing to train alone as he recovers from ruptured knee ligaments. Hosts South Africa continue their build-up with a match against Bulgaria tonight while Australia and New Zealand face each other in Melbourne.
* Agencies