Italy coach Marcello Lippi was pleased with the performance of his new recruits after his side beat Finland 1-0 in a friendly international.
“I’ve got two objectives: to qualify for the next World Cup as well as creating and developing a squad,” he said.
“This evening has told us that there are another six to eight players that can easily integrate in our group,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday.
Lippi rested several of his best-known internationals, including Roma captain Francesco Totti and Juventus pair of striker Alessandro Del Piero and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Palermo duo of Andrea Barzagli and Cristian Zaccardo linked up with Messina’s Alessandro Parisi. Udinese’s Stefano Mauri started in midfield and all four were making their international debuts.
Another two uncapped players, Fiorentina defender Giorgio Chiellini and Brescia striker Andrea Caracciolo, came on in the second half.
“I reckon (Italy under-21 coach Claudio) Gentile can forget about using Chiellini for a while,” joked Lippi, as he singled out the 20-year-old for special praise.
“Seriously, though, we’ve got valid alternatives for every position on the pitch.
“This Italy squad can transmit to the other one a huge desire to win, like they demonstrated here. They will get other chances to play.”
