Italy v Ecuador: team news
Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni showed his respect for Ecuador by changing his formation to counter any attacking threat from the South Americans down the wings.
Trapattoni, who has singled out Hibs’ marauding full-back Ulises De La Cruz as a dangerman, played with four defenders instead of the usual three for their opening Group G clash.
Former Chelsea player Christian Panucci was drafted in at right-back with Fabio Cannavaro, Alessandro Nesta and captain Paolo Maldini completing the backline for one of the pre-tournament favourites.
Trapattoni also opted for Francesco Totti up front to partner Christian Vieri, who hit five goals at France 98 to finish one behind top scorer Davor Suker of Croatia.
However if that combination does not work, the 63-year-old coach can call on the enormous attacking talents of Alessandro Del Piero, Filippo Inzaghi, Marco Delvecchio or Vincenzo Montella, who are all on the bench.
Ecuador, who qualified for their first World Cup by finishing second behind Argentina and ahead of Brazil, can call on their own potent striker in Agustin Delgado.
The Southampton player finished joint top scorer in South American qualifying with Argentina’s Hernan Crespo, and he is set be employed as a lone striker tonight.
Meanwhile, as the rain poured down on Sapporo for a second consecutive day, the players were kept dry, and the pitch in pristine condition, inside the futuristic Dome.
