Soccer: Lippi opts to experiment with tactics

Around this time before the last World Cup Italy thrashed Germany in Florence, laying down a marker for what proved to be a triumphant tournament.

There was no such statement in Monte Carlo last week, with Marcello Lippi opting to experiment with tactics and personnel.

The 2006-winning coach said before the match injuries had undermined its validity.

"We go into this game wearing a mask, like in a carnival, because we have so many players absent," he said.

"But I am not worried, I will have time for that later. It could be the last opportunity to try new things." He described the draw as "very useful".

Among the players trialled were two debutants - defender Leonardo Bonucci from Bari and Cagliari striker Andrea Cossu, the latter being the more impressive. Lippi also fielded a 3-4-3 formation explaining, in a phrase few Premier League coaches are ever likely to feel able to use given most English players' need for the comfort blanket of a back-four: "There isn't much difference between a three-man defence and a four-man defence. Many teams change tactics during a game and we can also do that."

Ideally Lippi would have played Alessandro Nesta rather than Bonucci but the Milan defender ruled out returning from international retirement.

Francesco Totti is available, but is yet to be picked. Another 2006 veteran, Luca Toni, is also available.

- INDEPENDENT