[Euro 2008] Azzurri to stick with trusted trident

Italy will start the friendly against Belgium with their usual three-pronged attack, coach Roberto Donadoni said, although changes in formation are possible after experiments in training.

Friday's match in Florence is Donadoni's last chance to hone his tactics ahead of next month's Euro 2008 tournament in Austria and Switzerland.

"We will start off with the trident even if we decide upon the actual lineup in training tomorrow morning," Donadoni said in a press conference.

Luca Toni is expected to be the lone frontman with Alessandro Del Piero and Antonio Cassano, both recalled to the squad after long absences, pushing for a start in the wide berths ahead of the Udinese duo of Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella.

"Cassano and Del Piero are in good condition and this makes me happy. We will try to let everyone play a little," Donadoni said.

The trident was not always effective in the qualification campaign and Donadoni has talked at length about the need to be flexible. The media have been speculating that the coach experimented with three at the back in yesterday's training sessions at Coverciano and today at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.

Earlier, the World champions were addressed by the Italian referees' (AIA) chief and former top official Pierluigi Collina, who told them to especially avoid dangerous tackles, simulation and insulting the referee next month.

Source: Reuters