Trapattoni springs surprise on Swedes

There were plenty of surprises when Italy coach Giovanni Trapattoni named his team for their Group C clash against Sweden.

Monday’s goalless draw against Denmark in their Euro 2004 opener coupled with the three-match suspension handed to key playmaker Francesco Totti forced the veteran coach to reconsider his regular 4-2-3-1 system.

The Italians adopted a more conservative 4-4-2 formation with AC Milan’s Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso playing in midfield while Roma’s Antonio Cassano was chosen to partner Christian Vieri up front, with Alessandro Del Piero in support.

Sweden kept virtually the same line-up that beat Bulgaria 5-0 in their first game with the only absence being that of injured defender Teddy Lucic.

As expected, Christian Wilhemsson deputised for Lucic at right-back with his place in midfield being covered by Halmstads BK’s Mikael Nilsson.

Denmark’s win against Bulgaria in the other Group C clash placed more pressure on the Azzurri to go for victory at the Estadio do Dragao for a defeat would see Sweden as the first team in the tournament to qualify to the quarter final stages.