Azzurri on right track, says thrilled Lippi

MARCELLO LIPPI has saluted his players for their “exceptional” performance at Lansdowne Road, especially the manner in which they slotted into a new “trident” attack system.

“Ireland fought hard and could’ve equalised at the end, but we had six or seven goal scoring opportunities and inevitably fell off the pace after an hour,” Lippi said yesterday.

“I am satisfied with the progress of the team and how they are working in precarious fitness conditions. We’re on the right track and the first half performance was exceptional.”

Alberto Gilardino scored the second goal after Andrea Pirlo’s opener and partnered his new Milan teammate Christian Vieri upfront.

“There is rivalry with Vieri, but only a healthy one,” said the ex-Parma star. “We tried to combine passes and it’s a shame he didn’t score, as he really deserved to. I’m getting closer to my form and was lucky to score on the second attempt, as the goalkeeper did well to narrow the angle.”

There is also competition for places at international level, as Francesco Totti, Antonio Cassano, Luca Toni and Filippo Inzaghi will also challenge.

“Italy have a huge selection of strikers to pick from and they are all of great quality, so Lippi has a task to choose between them.”

Alessandro Del Piero made his international comeback after almost a year and set up Gilardino for his strike.

“Del Piero was important and gave me a great assist for the goal, often causing Ireland problems in a deeper position.

“The trident attack requires help from the entire squad, but both Lippi and Carlo Ancelotti have their ideas and don’t need advice from me. There were five Milan players here and it’s definitely a great achievement for the club and pleasing for us,” he said.

Flavio Roma stepped in for Gianluigi Buffon and could be forced to do the same in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Scotland, as the Juve man is out for three months with a shoulder injury.

“I am relaxed and know my own strengths,” said the Monaco keeper.

“If I am here as Buffon’s understudy then there must be a reason. Nonetheless, it was tough, as before this I had only really played one and a half games against less testing opposition, but it went well.”