Pepe’s Italy goal-rush boost

(GSM) – Italy midfielder Simone Pepe has said that he can help bolster his side’s attacking prowess ahead of their next World Cup challenge.

The Azzurri, who got their Group F campaign off to a stuttering start as they came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Paraguay, will be up for a massive shake-up in the team by coach Marcello Lippi.

The manager has hinted he will switch formations from a 4-2-3-1 to a more potent 4-4-2 for their Sunday showdown against minnows New Zealand.

The lack of firepower has led to questions over the omission of the likes of Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Filippo Inzaghi and Luca Toni from the Italians’ final 23-man squad, meanwhile the absence of a household name in attack has also come under scrutiny.

Andrea Pirlo’s untimely injury has also added to Lippi’s problems, with the Milan stalwart not expected back until his team’s final group encounter against Slovakia on 24th June.

But Udinese star Pepe harbours no doubts about the ability of Lippi’s front men, and he backed his team-mates to find the net as Italy set about defending their crown.

The 26-year-old said: “We do have very strong forwards but what counts is to have a group that works together, maybe that’s more important than having a really top player.

“With Totti we are talking about a champion, an absolute champion but let’s not talk about who is missing. There are players of quality here.

“I’ve learnt to cut inside and have more shots. Being on the left or the right for me doesn’t change anything.

“I must improve with my finishing, I must be more incisive.”

Daniele De Rossi came to Italy’s rescue in Monday’s stalemate against the Paraguayans with a 63rd minute leveller but the attention will now focus on whether Giampaolo Pazzini, Fabio Quagliarella, Antonio Di Natale, Vincenzo Iaquinta and Alberto Gilardino can find goalscoring form.

Di Natale came off the bench in the Cape Town clash and, despite being unable to find a winner, Pepe reckons his Udinese team-mate can provide his country’s creative spark.

He added: “He has often been decisive even for Italy. I’ve seen him do impossible things.”