Lippi gives line-up hint in Italy training

Italy coach Marcello Lippi gave a hint as to his starting team for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier in Montenegro by separating 11 players from his squad on Wednesday to work alone.

The ‘team’ comprised Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, centre-backs Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini, full-backs Gianluca Zambrotta and Fabio Grosso, midfielders Andrea Pirlo, Daniele De Rossi and Angelo Palombo and forwards Vincenzo Iaquinta and Udinese pair Antonio Di Natale and Fabio Quagliarella.

If that is indeed Lippi’s first choice team it means he will be adopting a 4-3-3 formation with Quagliarella and Di Natale flanking Iaquinta up front.

Zambrotta left the training session early after hurting his knee but Italian doctors said it was not serious.

Italy currently top qualifying group eight ahead of the Republic of Ireland, who they meet in Bari next Wednesday.

Montenegro are fourth in the six-team group but have yet to win a match.