Italians playing for World Cup places

ROME: Italy's fringe players will be given the chance to stake a claim for a place in coach Marcello Lippi's World Cup squad in South Africa next year when they host Sweden in Cervia on Wednesday.

While Lippi picked a largely first choice formation for Saturday's 0-0 draw with the Netherlands in Pescara, he has vowed to ring the changes for this one and give players an opportunity to force their way into his plans.

"There will be many changes. Now is the time to have a look at other players," he said.