IMPORTANT ITALIAN BUSINESS: Francesco Totti didn't have time to watch Italy's next World Cup opponent before taking the field against Ghana. He was busy perfecting his new, shorter hairdo.

"Czech Republic-USA? No, I didn't see it. I was busy redoing my look," Totti said. "My personal barber came to the hotel."

Totti said he hadn't cut his hair so short since he was a teenager.

The AS Roma playmaker has lost weight since surgery on his left leg in February, and he said the new style suits his sleeker frame.

"I keep eating, but I can't manage to put on one gram," Totti said.

The Azzurri are usually known for their long locks, but there are several members of this year's team sporting short hair, such as Daniele De Rossi, Gianluca Zambrotta and Alessandro Del Piero.

Andrea Pirlo and Vincenzo Iaquinta, who scored the goals in Italy's 2-0 win, lead the long-haired group, while Argentine-born Mauro Camoranesi plays with a ponytail.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi joked with a photographer last week he would shear his silver locks if Italy wins its fourth World Cup.

HAVE A DRINK: Trinidad and Tobago's players will be able to throw quite a party back home if they beat England on Thursday.

Angostura Rum has promised to give its most historic barrels of rum to the players and coach if they can pull off the upset.

The rum has been maturing since Aug. 31, 2002, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of independence from Britain. The House of Angostura had earmarked the rum for a special occasion.

"The players are already heroes after their draw against Sweden, but they can elevate themselves to a god-like status amongst the Soca Warriors' fans if they get one over England," Angostura Rum marketing manager Nigel Bissoon said. "We hope the barrel bonus will act as an extra incentive for the players, as there are few Trinidadians that don't like a drop of rum and these casks hold the best in the world."

The 24 Angostura Rum casks, which each hold 65 gallons of undiluted spirit, are worth more than $183,000. But the players may want to wait a while before they open the casks -- they won't reach their optimum flavor for a few more years.