Italy still have a long way to go, says Vieri

CHRISTIAN VIERI played down Italy’s chances of lifting the World Cup despite a promising victory over Ecuador in their opening match. Vieri scored both goals in the first half as the Azzurri proved why they are regarded as one of the tournament favourites.

‘‘This is just the first step on a difficult road and we still have a long way to go,’’ said the Inter Milan striker.

‘‘We have just won one game and if you want to lift the World Cup you have to win seven matches. That should make it obvious that there is still a lot for us to do.’’

The 28-year-old Australian-born forward has struggled with hamstring and ankle injuries over the past year, as well as a serious knee ligament problem, but against Ecuador he showed why Inter shelled out £32 million for him three years ago.

‘‘I want to give my goals to the doctors of the national team,’’ he said. ‘‘They have helped me to get back to fitness and that meant I was able to score those two goals in the World Cup.’’

Bidding for a record-equalling fourth crown, the Azzurri went ahead in the seventh minute with Vieri adding his second 20 minutes later to seal the win against the World Cup debutantes.

His double strike, which added to the five goals he scored at France 98, left coach Giovanni Trapattoni full of praise for the hitman’s overall game.

‘‘Vieri is a very generous player for others in the Italian team,’’ said Trapattoni. ‘‘All of them benefit from the way he plays. He can keep the ball, but is also always looking at lining up other players.’’

Vieri combined with Francesco Totti for the first goal, with the Roma captain crossing low from the right for his strike partner to side-foot the ball into the top corner from 13 yards.

Ecuador coach Hernan Dario Gomez admitted his side were caught off-guard in the early exchanges as Italy came out fighting.

‘‘We paid the price for the first few minutes when we were not ready,’’ he said.

Vieri had his third clear chance of the match in the 24th minute, only to mistime his effort at the far post from Gianluca Zambrotta’s cross and put the ball high and wide.

However, he was not to be denied three minutes later as he raced clear of the Ecuador defence from Luigi Di Biagio’s long ball to score at the second attempt after Cevallos half-saved his first shot.

As the tempo settled down and the game played out its time, Ecuador almost grabbed a consolation in the final minute, only for Buffon to deny Delgado with a fine reflex save from the 12-yard shot.

ITALY: Buffon, Panucci, Nesta, Cannavaro, Maldini, Zambrotta, Doni (Di Livio 64), Di Biagio (Gattuso 69), Tommasi, Totti (Del Piero 73), Vieri.

ECUADOR: Cevallos, De la Cruz, Hurtado, Guerron, Poroso, Obregon, Mendez, Edwin Tenorio (Marlon Ayovi 59), Chala (Ascensio 85), Aguinaga (Carlos Tenorio 45), Delgado.