Italy – D. Albertini: “Norway is a better team when it comes to headers”

Comments made in MARSEILLE

Paolo MALDINI, captain (3):

“The Norwegian players are very athletic… very strong, and overall taller than us. We also have some big players, but we play differently to them. It will be hard to find any openings against NORWAY. I think CANNAVARO (4) will be set down to mark Tore André FLO (9).

The difference between NORWAY in 1998 and in 1994 is that they have a different style of play, but the same goes for ITALY. Since I’ve joined the team with Viccini, then with Sacchi and now MALDINI, our game has evolved. There’s a better attack. For me, Christian VIERI (21) is the best.”

“My sinusitis was a problem that came about in the plane. It’s not a major problem, and I reassured the coach, Cesare MALDINI straight away.”

“NORWAY is a better team when it comes to headers. We’re going to have to try to win the battle in the midfield, and recover a maximum number of balls. Professional players should systematically be confident. This concentration is in fact the most important thing to have in a World Cup, and you have to maintain it!”