Italy - C. Maldini: "The players have been in the match since this evening"

26.06.98 20h14 CET

Comments made in MARSEILLE :

"In our team line-up, there are no problems with Fabio CANNAVERO (4). He will play as usual, and if there's a difficulty, we'll change him. As for Alessandro DEL PIERO (10), he'll play from the start of the match. In any case, we have to make do with what we have. We mustn't forget we've had a lot of injuries, before and during the World Cup.

Team spirit and atmosphere are good. The players have been "in the match" since this evening.

In defence, we will play as always with two central defenders.

The NORWAY team is very good, as was shown in the qualifying matches for the World Cup with a difference of 21 goals up and 2 down, as well as in its victory over BRAZIL.

I'm always optimistic and am not concerned about the refereeing.

Since the beginning of the competition, Christian VIERI (21), has lived up to our expectations. I have thought about the penalty shoot-outs in the event of a draw, but I haven't decided who will take them, except for DEL PIERO (10)"