Strong foundations for World Cup bid - Maldini

Italy captain Paolo Maldini believes the Azzurri can again build their World Cup challenge on a solid defence, even though it was striker Christian Vieri who earned the plaudits in their 2-0 win over Ecuador.

The Inter Milan striker scored both goals in the first half as the Italians, renowned for their solid backline, opened their campaign with a stylish victory in Sapporo.