Marcello Lippi considers cutting Andrea Pirlo against Bulgaria and is happy to ride his luck again. “It’s the most important match, even an own goal will do.”
Italy squeezed past Georgia thanks to two Kakha Kaladze own goals on Saturday, but it was by no means an impressive performance.
“This game will be decisive and can give us a great chance of qualifying,” said the Coach ahead of Wednesday’s clash in Turin, kick-off 19.55 UK time.
“It is the most important match in a long time for everyone, not just me since returning to the Nazionale bench.”
Lippi adopted the 4-4-2 in Georgia, but today tested out a 4-3-3 in training with Simone Pepe, Alberto Gilardino and Vincenzo Iaquinta upfront.
Daniele De Rossi’s ban has expired, but Pirlo was left out of the side in the game between ranks.
“He was hot,” explained the tactician. “Will he play against Bulgaria? It depends if it is hot again tomorrow. I have not yet decided who will feature, it also depends on the little injury niggles of various players.
“The choice of the strikers is part of the plan and the necessity to rotate the squad. Criticism is good when it is constructive, but we ignore the statements that are just trying to stir up controversy.
“We have more quality than the critics claim, both in terms of technique and character.”
The main problem has been upfront, as Italy have fired blanks for four consecutive games if we note that both in Georgia were own goals.
“We do not feel the desperate need for a goal, it will arrive along with good football,” continued Lippi.
“I don’t care who scores, it could even be [goalkeeper Gigi] Buffon with a header. If it means winning, I would happily take a lucky ricochet or another own goal.”
Bulgaria are in third place with 11 points from seven games and could challenge the Republic of Ireland for the play-off spot.
“[Dimitar] Berbatov plays for a big club and his quality is clear at Manchester United. He has real technique, knows how to score and create goals too. It took all our defence to stop him the last time we met.
“Bulgaria are a good side, are unbeaten so far in qualifying and will now try with all their strength to finish second in the group.
“We respect them, as the more you respect your opponents, the fewer difficulties you’ll encounter. Bulgaria have always played in the same way and have the added bonus of a fit-again [Valeri] Bojinov. I’m convinced they’ll play their brand of football without necessarily pouring forward.”
There are eight Juventus players in the Italy squad with five expected to start – Buffon, Fabio Cannavaro, Giorgio Chiellini, Fabio Grosso and Iaquinta.
“It is my first time in Turin with the Azzurri and I hope to leave behind a good impression,” said the former Bianconeri boss.
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