Tiredness told, says Trapattoni

Coach Giovanni Trapattoni said Italy were "spectacular and entertaining" on Friday before attributing Sweden's late comeback to "tiredness" rather than a lack of ambition.

Late equaliser
Italy dominated the first half and deservedly went in at half-time a goal ahead, Antonio Cassano justifying his selection as Francesco Totti's replacement with a headed opener. However, once Cassano, Gennaro Gattuso and Alessandro Del Piero had been substituted for Stefano Fiore, Giuseppe Favalli and Mauro Camoranesi, Sweden began to assert control, prompting Zlatan Ibrahimovic's 85th-minute equaliser. 
 
'Increasingly dangerous'
"We tried to win the game throughout and put pressure on them all over the pitch," said Trapattoni. "Then Sweden started to push forward and we were too tired to keep on attacking. Del Piero and Cassano had played a great game but I decided to take them off to try and cover the flanks where Sweden were looking increasingly dangerous.

'Several opportunities'
"Maybe Cassano still had some fuel in the tank but I felt Fiore could retain possession better as well as providing a goal threat. We played at an extremely high tempo in the first half that's why we were tired at the end of the game. However, I think we're in good physical condition because we managed to create several scoring opportunities in the second half. I also think their goal was lucky."

Zanetti doubtful
The swapping of Gattuso for left-back Favalli provoked consternation in the Italian press, forcing Trapattoni to say: "Gattuso had cramp and Favalli was the only option. I couldn't change him for another midfielder as Cristiano Zanetti, the only one I had available, was not fit to play after slightly tearing a muscle before the game. I'm not sure he'll be fit to play against Bulgaria."

Gattuso defence
Gattuso, who along with captain Fabio Cannavaro will be suspended for the Bulgaria fixture after collecting a second booking at the Estádio do Dragão, said: "We dominated for 75 minutes. It's normal to be tired at the end of the game so it's not fair to blame Trapattoni for not winning - no one would have if it ended 1-0. We were just unlucky."

Quarter-finals
Even a win against the crestfallen Bulgarians may not be enough to see Italy through to the quarter-finals as Sweden and Denmark each have two points more with one game to play. Yet Trapattoni was confident the Scandinavians would not play for the 2-2 draw which would see the Azzurri eliminated regardless of their result in Guimarães. "Both countries have a great sporting ethic and I hope they'll attempt to beat each other like neighbours normally do," he said.