SOCCER: BIG SUCCESS OF ITALIAN NATIONAL TEAM

It looked all set to be a Trapattoni type match - dug into the trenches I mean. A patched-up Italy, due to numerous injuries, pitted against Romania, the first opponent along the national team’s road to the 2002 World Championships. A lousy pitch and a cold evening to go with it. All we needed was to play in Transilvania and the nightmarish picture would have been complete.
Anyway, a couple of goals scored by Filippo Inzaghi at the start of the match were enough to put our opponents out of action and knock the wind out of their sails. The Italy auspicated by the numerous home-made general managers who sit in their millions in front of the TV, suggesting move after move, had appeared. Reactive, combative, never making a mistake and blocking every initiative of its opponents - a team that stung like the cold of Bucarest. It’s too early to say, but the impression is that, quite apart from individual performances, the blue squad could have a lot to give in the future, considering the atmosphere Trapattoni has created in a very short time. Without delving too deep into comparisons with previous general managers, it would seem that the encounter of the most successful coach of Italian soccer with the national squad has met with the general consent of everyone.
Even Bearzot, before the victory at the world championships, had had to pass through the Caudine Forks of soccer critics. After him came Vicini - too soft, then Sacchi - too severe, then Maldini - too remissive, then Zoff - too calm. The most surprising thing is, as already occurred at club level, Trapattoni has managed, with his charisma, to smooth out all difficulties. Trap has gone from training Juventus to Inter to Fiorentina. A clash of deep-rooted animosity between fans that would make even the best diplomat go pale. Trap went through it like a sailing boat on a windy day, without ever going off course, despite the gusty weather. And now that he is in charge of the national team, things do not appear to have changed. So far the obstacles in his way do not seem capable of preventing him from reaching the first goal of his “reign” - qualification for Japan/Korea 2002.
That will be the most convincing test, the degree examination for a coach who has been successful everywhere and is now wagering on the goal of outstanding importance - the world championships. We do not have to hide ourselves. Apart from the usual controversy about too many foreign players and about a centre field of not extraordinary quality, our potential is enormous. We have a very strong defence and attack and any weaknesses in other parts of the field can be easily overcome with just a little effort and team spirit. Trapattoni is teaching his lads this.
And if we take a look at the latest winners of the world championships, like France in 1998, Brazil in 1994 or worse still, Germany at Italy 90, we cannot fail to notice how similar events are often decided and the balance shifted by episodes linked to the feats of individuals. Hands up anyone in Italy at the moment who does not think that by fielding a trio like Nesta, Cannavaro and Maldini in front of Buffon and choosing up front between Vieri, Inzaghi, Del Piero, Totti and Montella, we could well do without a Zidane in mid field?. The European final, even though lost, must nonetheless teach us something....