Italians delay appeal decision
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Article summary
Italy will wait until after the Sweden game to decide whether to appeal against Francesco Totti's three-match ban.
Article body
Carraro reaction
Italy held an impromptu press conference after their training session at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto on Thursday where FIGC president Franco Carraro gave his reaction to the ban and whether they intend to appeal against the decision.
'Big mistake'
Carraro said: "Francesco knows he has made a big mistake and we apologise for what has happened. The federation has until midnight tomorrow [Friday] to decide whether or not to appeal, but as yet we have made no decision."
Changes afoot
Coach Giovanni Trapattoni, meanwhile, conceded that he was contemplating a number of changes in the wake of Totti's suspension, but hopes the incident will act as a motivating factor for his players against Sweden.
Italian apology
"The team are totally behind Francesco," said Trapattoni. "We have apologised for what happened and hopefully this will stimulate the players into producing a match-winning performance against Sweden."
Cassano indication
During the training session, Totti's AS Roma team-mate Antonio Cassano played alongside Christian Vieri and Alessandro Del Piero in attack, giving an indication as to how the Azzurri will line up against the group leaders.
More changes
There could be more changes in midfield with AC Milan duo Andrea Pirlo and Gennaro Gattuso set to replace Simone Perrotta and Mauro Camoranesi. Italy drew 0-0 against Denmark in their first game on Monday while Sweden beat Bulgaria 5-0 to top the section.
