Italy- D. Baggio: "The match against Cameroon will be decisive"

16.06.98 00h20 CET

Comments from SENLIS (north of PARIS) after the closed ITALY (Group B) training session on the afternoon of Monday 15 June

 The ITALY team training session took place today behind closed doors at the Parc des Sports at Senlis (north of PARIS) at 17h00. A press conference was laid on at 18h30, at which five players were present: Dino BAGGIO (11), VIERI (9) MORIERO (17), NESTA (6) and the captain, Paolo MALDINI (3).

Paolo MALDINI (3), captain:

"Against CHILE, our defence left very little space for the Chilean strikers, but they nevertheless scored two goals. NESTA and CANNAVARO (4), despite having their critics, remain in favour with the Italian coach. We have a lot of respect for the team from Cameroon (match no. 20, Wednesday 17 June in MONTPELLIER at 21h00), which includes players who are both physical and skilful. If we need to change our tactics, we will do so as the match progresses. Our coach won't hesitate to make changes, as he has shown in the past."

 

Francesco MORIERO (17):

"Today's training session was a rather relaxed affair. It allowed each player to gauge what shape he was in. This is important because each team must play at full throttle. I'm not a first team choice. I've often come off the bench for my club side (Inter Milan) where we have a number of great players. However, it's a wonderful experience being part of the Italian World Cup squad."

 

Alessandro NESTA (6):

"There are no easy teams in this World Cup. Cameroon are a very good side; we've already met them, in 1986 (1-1). We watched them this afternoon on video: they're very strong physically, and have got an excellent goal keeper in Jacques SONGO'O (1)."

 

Dino BAGGIO (11):

"Our draw against CHILE wasn't a bad result: they're a very good team made up of talented players. The game against CAMEROON will be decisive, as we need the three points to qualify for the second round. If we don't, I think I'll be taking a few a few months' holiday before going home!"