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Italy rule out big changes for Sweden game

Keith Weir in Lisbon | June 15, 2004 21:18 IST

Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni has ruled out big changes to his team for their next Euro 2004 game against Sweden and said they would not adopt a cavalier approach.

The Italians laboured to a 0-0 draw with Denmark in their opening Group C game on Monday, while the counter-attacking Swedes thrashed Bulgaria 5-0 to lead the group and build up a strong goal difference.

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Trapattoni said Italy would play into Sweden's hands if they were too attacking on Friday in an effort to make up lost ground in what looks to be a tight group.

"We want to win, but we don't want to end up like Bulgaria," he said, singling out Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as a particular danger.

Trapattoni said he might make one or two changes to his team, but would not alter the tactics that helped Italy qualify for the finals.

"In the next 48-72 hours we will look at how individual players are and think about how Sweden will play," he added.

Juventus forward Alessandro del Piero could be left out of the starting lineup. Del Piero was replaced by the younger Antonio Cassano in the second half against the Danes.


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