IRENE, South Africa (AP) — Italy coach Marcello Lippi insists he has clear ideas about his lineup, but his players are still guessing who will play when the 2006 World Cup champ opens its title defense against Paraguay.
Veteran defender Gianluca Zambrotta said Thursday that “we don’t know anything. He hasn’t told us yet.”
Zambrotta was the only player to start both of Italy’s pre-tournament friendlies — a 2-1 loss to Mexico and 1-1 draw with Switzerland. He seems to have secured a lineup spot, but he doesn’t know whether that will be at left or right back.
Besides Gianluigi Buffon in goal, captain Fabio Cannavaro in central defense and Alberto Gilardino at center forward, it’s possible that no other player knows what position he’ll be assigned.
