Defences on guard at France 98

FIFA and a global armchair audience might be hoping for goals galore, but Italy coach Cesare Maldini reckons that France 98 could turn out to be the defenders World Cup. FIFA stopped short of enlarging the goalposts, but their new rules on tackles from behind are clearly designed to increase the number of scoring chances, as well as protect the tendons of people like Ronaldo. But just as Formula One teams always find a way round new rules to slow their cars down, so Maldini reckons that France may not be such a goal feast. Asked what the key issue in this World Cup is going to be, the 66-year-old veteran had no doubts: "The tackle", he said. "At Italia 90, it was the lack of flowing football, at USA 94 it was the searing heat, which affected everyone. This time, I think were all going to have to cope with the new rule. "Want to know what I think? That a lot of people are going to change the way they play to suit it. "I could be wrong, but I think quite a few teams are going to make a small sacrifice up front, just so they can be a bit better covered at the back, and run fewer risks. Well see."  Maldinis own team would have few problems adapting to a waiting game. Italys stumbling route to the finals had more to do with their ability to hold the defensive line, than to overwhelm their opponents with an avalanche of goals at the other end. The "Squadra Azzurra"  who have thrilled previous World Cups with the exploits of Roberto Baggio, Salvatore "Toto"  Schillaci and Paolo Rossi managed a miserable 13 goals in 10 games. However, they only conceded two. Though successful, its a record which Maldini remains sensitive about. "Well play the finals like we did the qualifying," he said. "Because in life, you have to defend first and attack afterwards. But dont say that Im defensive-minded. "Italy play with two strikers, plus support, like a lot of other countries. But on the other hand," he conceded, "if you want me to say that I am not underestimating any of our opponents, then that is certainly true."  Italy start their campaign against Chile in Bordeaux on June 11, followed by further Group B ties with Cameroon and Austria. "The only thing that Im concerned about is the initial impact, the first match is always the most difficult,"  said Maldini. Predecessor Arrigo Sacchi discovered that to his cost in the United States, when Italy opened with a humbling 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland. And Maldini is cautious about the job ahead in France, where the main opposition will come from Chile, tipped to join Italy in the second round. "Chile have (Marcelo) Salas, and he really is a very good player. He could become one of the stars of the tournament, " Maldini predicted. "And theyve also got (Ivan) Zamorano. Thats a good team."

© - AFP - 1998