Marchetti happy to step into the breach as Italy bid to blitz All Whites

ITALY goalkeeper Federico Marchetti is excited about the opportunity to fill in for injured veteran Gianluigi Buffon tomorrow against New Zealand.

Buffon has a herniated disc and had to leave Italy’s opening game against Paraguay, and Marchetti came on as a substitute to help the Azzurri claim a 1-1 draw.

“I am convinced I can play a good game on Sunday,” said Marchetti, the goalkeeper of Serie A side Cagliari.

“The other night against Paraguay, I knew that Gigi (Buffon) had a problem and hence I was mentally ready to replace him.”

Buffon has been one of the best goalkeepers in the world for several years and Marchetti admits they have contrasting styles.

“Buffon and I are different,” he said. “He is faster and more reactive. I am more muscular and explosive. I believe to have courage and awareness of your talent are the basis to have success.”

The 27-year-old made his senior debut last year and this is his first international tournament.

“I feel the confidence of my team-mates,” he said. “Buffon just told me to show what I’m capable of doing. He trusts me.

“I plan to enjoy Sunday’s game, I am calm and ready to help the national team.”

Meanwhile, Marchetti says the Jabulani ball that is being used at the World Cup is just as difficult to control for the goalkeepers as it is for the other players.

“It’s the worst ball in the past few international tournaments, according to Buffon and (Italy’s third goalkeeper) Morgan De Sanctis,” he said.

“The trajectory is unpredictable. The ball seems to travel faster than usual and it makes it more awkward.”

Marchetti expects a stern test against New Zealand, who drew against Slovakia in their opening game.

“New Zealand are a physical side,” he said. “They are strong in aerial play. What would happen if we lose? I’m not thinking about that, I just think about winning.”

After a mediocre start to the defence of their World Cup title, Italy coach Marcello Lippi has hit out at his strikers’ dismal form. The Italy manager, whose team have struggled to score in recent matches, take on New Zealand tomorrow.

The defending champions opened their Group F campaign on Monday with a 1-1 draw with Paraguay. Italy went a goal down and were struggling to get into the game before an error by Paraguay goalkeeper, Justo Villar, allowed midfielder Daniele De Rossi to grab the equaliser.

Alberto Gilardino started up front on his own against the South Americans, with Vincenzo Iaquinta and Simone Pepe on the wings, while Antonio Di Natale came on as a substitute. But in training, Lippi has given the players a fierce tongue-lashing.

“If you don’t ever attack the area, you’re never going to score,” Lippi blasted. “When your team-mate has the ball you can’t wait around watching him. You’ve got to keep attacking or you’re never going to score.”

De Rossi said: “We have forwards who have scored a lot of goals but let’s not forget we won the last World Cup without a Paolo Rossi and nobody complained.”