Soccer: Italy suffer World Cup setback with loss to Czechs

PRAGUE - Italy suffered a setback to their World Cup preparations with a 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic in a warm-up on Saturday.

A goal in the 25th minute from Liverpool's Vladimir Smicer sealed the victory for the Czech Republic, who failed to qualify for the World Cup after losing out in their qualifying group playoffs to Belgium -- 2-1 victors over defending champions France in Paris on Saturday.

Italy were without playmaker Francesco Totti, whose absence was notable, particularly in the first half.

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni made wholesale changes to the team for the second half, bringing in forwards Vincenzo Montella and Alessandro Del Piero, with Damiano Tommasi replacing Cristiano Zanetti in midfield.

Despite a measured improvement in the Italian side, the Czechs too became more dangerous and only a brave instinctive save from Francesco Toldo stopped Karel Poborsky scoring when one on one with the keeper.

Italy have been drawn with Ecuador, Croatia and Mexico in Group G at the finals in South Korea and Japan, beginning May 31.

- REUTERS

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